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Best Places For Ice Cream Sundaes In Los Angeles

ice cream sundae 610 header
(credit: istockphoto)

Like baseball, and apple pie, the ice cream sundae is an American staple that was created right here in the good ol' US of A in Ithaca, New York by John M. Scott, a local minister, back in 1892. Platt, who was co-owner of a pharmacy, would top dishes of ice cream with cherry syrup and a candied cherry and the two men named the creation "Cherry Sunday" in honor of the day it was invented. Strawberry and chocolate were soon to follow and become newsworthy as people couldn't get enough of the "Sunday" ice cream treat. Like many things, the ice cream sundae of yesteryear has only gotten better with time. From gourmet ice cream to exotic toppings, check out these top five places in Los Angeles for the best ice cream sundaes.

Ghirardelli Cherry_Sundae_Glass_35418
(credit: Ghirardelli)

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
6834 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 466-0399
www.ghirardelli.com

Ghirardelli Chocolate is known for one thing most of the time: great chocolate. But, did you know they also offer some of the best ice cream sundae's around Los Angeles? Stopping by their Hollywood & Highland location will reveal an almost overwhelming set of options to choose from if you love your ice cream sundae's. From their world famous hot fudge sundae with vanilla ice cream that is overflowing with their handmade hot fudge, whipped cream and almonds and a cherry, to the "Sea Salt Caramel Sundae," or their "Butterscotch Hot Fudge Sundae, the options are definitely plentiful and all out of this world. With friends? Go for "The Earthquake," which is a favorite that serves four. Eight scoops of ice cream along with fresh bananas, and eight delicious toppings come with this choice. Finished with whipped cream, chopped almonds, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, it's delicious. You can even put a few cherries on top!

Sweet Rose Creamery_Sundae
(Credit: Emily Hart Roth)

Sweet Rose Creamery
7565 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(310) 260-2663
www.sweetrosecreamery.com

With locations across Los Angeles, Sweet Rose Creamery has become known as one of the best and most dependable spots to go to for anything ice cream related in Los Angeles. And, with most of their locations open late, it's a great spot to visit after dinner or a movie. Whatever location you're nearest too, they offer a wide variety of options through their build-it-yourself sundae. Pick the type of ice cream you want, toppings, add a cherry, and you'll be in ice cream heaven!

Salt & Straw Brown Butter Blondie Sundae
(credit: Salt & Straw)

Salt & Straw
240 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 466-0485
www.saltandstraw.com

A transplant from Portland, Oregon, the Larchmont Village location for Salt & Straw is the company's first LA location and it's become a huge hit. With lines that form out the door, guests come from across the city to taste their delicious ice cream. With brilliant ice cream, Salt & Straw has become the new standard for which others are racing to try to compete with. The flavors here are as unique as they come, too. From seasonal favorites like sweet potato casserole with maple pecans, and salted caramel Thanksgiving turkey and spiced goat cheese pumpkin pie to buttered mashed potatoes and gravy, they also offer classic ones like their Arbequina Olive Oil, Honey Lavender, Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese, Freckled Woodblock Chocolate and even an avocado and strawberry sherbet. But, guests also come for sundaes, like their Brown Butter Blondie Sundae. With warmed, homemade blondie topped with a small scoop of Stumptown & Compartes Love Nuts ice cream and small scoop of Freckled Woodblock Chocolate, it's then topped with hot caramel sauce, whipped cream & a crushed pretzel streusel. You'd be crazy not to stop in to try it!

shaky alibi sundae
(credit: shaky alibi)

Shaky Alibi
7401 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 938-5282
www.shakyalibi.com

The sundaes here are quite different than some that you might expect. But, that's what makes it so great. Handcrafted and made to order, waffles the sundaes sit on are the key to the uniqueness here. Situated atop a traditional Liege Waffle (waffle coated with Belgium Pearl Sugar and dusted with powdered sugar), guests can add additional toppings like milk chocolate, bananas, fresh fruit, pecans, whipped cream, fruit preserves, speculoos and other spreads to make their sundae a truly one of a kind delicious dessert. Their "Waffle Sundae" is a traditional waffle served with your choice of ice cream and fresh whipped cream topped with caramel or chocolate drizzle if you want to go the more conservative route. It's equally just as great though!

Twohey's Restaurant sundae smores
(credit: Twohey's Restaurant)

Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 284-7387
www.twoheys.com

This traditional American eatery serves all types of comfort food, and when it's time for dessert, you'll definitely want to try one of their ice cream sundae's. Although they are not just an ice cream parlor, they know what they're doing when making their sundae's. Dating back to 1943, this Alhambra establishment still features their iconic neon sign. Inside, diners come back time and time again for their hot fudge sundae, with caramel, chocolate and chocolate sauce. Make sure to try Twohey's famous and award winning bittersweet milk chocolate or caramel hot fudge sundae, with fresh whipped cream. Other options include their deluxe sundaes, including flavors like strawberry, raspberry, pineapple, marshmallow, blueberry, apple, cherry, and more, which are topped with freshly whipped cream, roasted almonds and a cherry on top. You can also add toppings like sprinkles, brownies, cookies, chocolate chips, M&M's, Oreo cookie crumbles, jelly beans, gummy worms and more.

101 coffee shop sundae
(credit: Candace L./Yelp)

101 Coffee Shop
6145 Franklin Ave
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 467-1175
www.101coffeeshop.com

If you ask around L.A. insiders, they'll tell you that not only is the 101 Coffee Shop a must visit for late-night eats, but it also has one of the best sundae offerings around. The 101 Coffee Shop offers not one, but two sundae offerings, each unique and delicious. On the dessert side of the menu, you'll find their hot fudge sundae, with your typical vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce dripping and oozing all over the plate. But, look a little further on the menu and you'll find what everyone raves about: their waffle brownie sundae. Sitting on a chocolate waffle, vanilla ice cream is smothered with chocolate sauce. It's a must order and one that's worth making the trek for.

king kone ice cream sundae YELP
(credit: Liezl E./Yelp)

King Kone
Los Angeles, CA 90016
(323) 208-1403
www.kingkonela.com

There's just something about buying your ice cream from an ice cream truck that triggers summer memories of dropping everything you were doing at the sound of the slightly off-key jingle in the near distance only to chase it down to buy your favorite ice cream treat. Well, King Kone ice cream truck will make you feel like a kid again with delicious soft serve sundaes of chocolate, vanilla, caramel, strawberry and Oreo topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and, of course, a cherry on top. Check the website for where you can find the truck! Try the "Oreo Sundae" with delicious crumbled Oreos, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and an Oreo on top. Or, the "Cookie Sundae" is made with ice cream of your choice atop their truck baked chocolate chip cookie, along with cookie crumbs, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a cookie wedge. Regular sundaes made-to-order are also available, too. Choose your own ice cream and cover it in chocolate, strawberry, or caramel sauce along with whipped cream, peanuts and a cherry.

California Cliche sundae three twins
(credit: Three Twins Ice Cream)

Three Twins Ice Cream
2726 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 399-8946
www.threetwinsicecream.com

Santa Monica's Three Twins Ice Cream is a local chain serving a range of ice cream flavors made with organic ingredients. At this dessert heaven, you'll also find an option of terrific sundaes like their "California Cliche Sundae," consists of a choice of two ice cream scoops with pistachios, olive oil, sea salt, burnt caramel sauce and whipped cream.

Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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