About
When your crew is singing “We all scream for ice cream,” make a beeline to the Arcata Scoop. Here, the smell of freshly baked waffle cones wafts out onto the sidewalk. Since 2005, this landmark has been making ice cream the old-fashioned way with organic milk, local produce, and just the right touch of imagination.
Owners Brian and Laura Ferguson have always wanted to create a real community place, and that spirit of quality and friendliness is evident in every single scoop.
Arcata Scoop has rapidly become more than just an ice cream shop. It's a place where families go to celebrate a soccer win, students go to have a quick bite during a study break, and visitors go to share their thoughts on the day's best flavor.It's all about simple ingredients, sustainable practices and supporting local farmers. It's a shop that just feels good to be infrom the first spoonful to the very last bite of your cone.
Vibe
Arcata Scoop from the outside looks bright and cheery, with all the bright signage and the window art, which suggests what a fun place it is inside. Once you're in the door, it's a very warm, light space with bright walls, a full chalkboard menu of all sorts of great flavors, and a case full of fresh ice cream. There's a good mixture of seating options availabletoo (small tables for couples, a large communal table for families and a few tables by the window which are ideal for people watching on a nice sunny day).
The atmosphere is absolutely lovely, full of the general happy chatter of kids, the laughter of friends sharing a sundae, and the constant hum of the ice cream maker in the background. The reviews are full of praise for the staff (they're all very friendly), the service (it's quick), and the overall community feel. It's a very special place.
Arcata Scoop: Menu & Drinks
Arcata Scoop is famous for its constantly rotating range of inventive flavors (Honey Lavender, Lemon Poppyseed, Chocolate Peanut Butter to name a few). The Salted Caramel is a real local favorite, served with a generous drizzle of their house-made caramel. They've got a number of great vegan options too, with some pretty inventive coconut- and fruit-based scoops that are just as creamy and good as the dairy ones.
Classic sundaes, root beer floats, and fresh-baked waffle cones complete the menu (all made with the same high-quality ingredients). Pints to go are also available, ideal for taking a taste of Arcata home with you or for sharing at a picnic in the plaza.
Whether you're an ice cream fanatic or just in the mood for something sweet, Arcata Scoop will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Local Tips
- Check the chalkboard for the daily specials.
- Vegan and dairy-free are clearly signposted.
- Ask for a sample to find the perfect scoop.
- Pints and quarts are available to take away.
