The Penny Ice Creamery | Downtown Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA • ★ 4.6 (1876 Google reviews)
The Story
Step inside The Penny Ice Creamery, and the scent of sweet, handcrafted delights fills the air, a warm welcome in its rustic, cozy parlor. Folks gather here for scoops of their ever-changing, organically made ice cream, each flavor a delightful surprise reflecting the season's best. It's a genuine taste of old-fashioned charm, where every spoonful feels like a treasured memory being made in the heart of Santa Cruz.
From the Counter
Recent Google reviews
Erin Joo
★ 4 • 2 months ago
the menu is constantly rotating & they often have lots of unconventional flavours. it’s also nice that they focus on local ingredients. the marshmallow topping wasn’t what i was expecting so i was a little disappointed- texturally it was lighter & more similar to meringue than the sticky gooey fluff that i’m used to. the scoops that received were massive & we almost couldn’t finish. the waffle cone is also so buttery & delicious. worth a try but it is definitely pricier than other nearby options.
Json “J-Gante” Salas
★ 4 • 2 months ago
Menu changes daily, so be selective, your favorite might be gone the bect day. Delicious house-made creamery! Gets very crowded on days where the sun is hot and flavors are in! Everything is delicious with a friendly staff to assist with your selection!
Manit Dassani
★ 2 • 5 months ago
TLDR: I don’t remember the last time I had a $9.25 ice cream and I don’t remember the last time I threw away ice cream too before this! Tried this as this was “popular” in the area. It only had 9 flavors and I chose the one that I thought I’d like the best, bitter caramel and I got the toasted marshmallow topping as it’s what this place is known for. Toasted marshmallow topping was not bad, Ice cream was not good at all. Would not recommend.
Pattrick N.
★ 5 • 2 months ago
This place absolutely delivered a perfect outing. The welcome was bright and friendly from the moment we walked in, and the atmosphere felt like a true neighborhood gem. Everything we had was clearly made with care and tasted wonderfully fresh. The space itself has a lovely, relaxed charm that makes you want to linger. I left feeling completely satisfied and can’t wait to come back again. A genuine highlight in Santa Cruz.
