McConnell's Fine Ice Creams

Only McConnell's Fine Ice Creams will do when you want the best-tasting, creamiest, made-from-scratch ice cream. Because, there's ice cream, and then there's ICE CREAM! 

The California-based chain has been scooping out dishes and cones since 1949 at the original creamery in Santa Barbara. Located in what would be dubbed the Old Dairy built in 1934, McConnell's used milk from local farmers to craft smooth, rich, and delicious ice cream.

As their ice cream became more popular in the 70s, the Old Dairy focused exclusively on making the tasty dessert. Modern technology was implemented at the facility in 2013 to ensure the velvety-smooth ice cream would continue to garner success.

While flavors come and go, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams remains true to its core philosophy: making ice cream from scratch with pasteurized local, grass-grazed milk and cream.

While we'll be highlighting The Funk Zone location, there is another Santa Barbara location on 728 State Street and shops up and down the Central Coast. Additionally, many grocery stores carry pints of ice cream, making it easy to grab your favorite when out and about. 

The flavors change with the seasons, and the offerings are mouthwatering! Sure, you'll find the traditional vanilla bean, but the combinations created by McConnell's are delicious masterpieces! We'll unveil some of these wonders in a bit!

Be sure to include McConnell's Fine Ice Creams on your Santa Barbara itinerary. Although it's so good, you may need to add multiple trips!

Vibe

No matter which scoop shop you visit, you will discover a contemporary atmosphere with decor tying back to McConnell's Fine Ice Cream's early days. 

McConnell's in The Funk Zone blends with the surrounding buildings, creating a unified look and feel. While this location is smaller than others, it's still jam-packed with sweet treats and a relaxing vibe. Plus, it’s close to landmarks like East Beach and Coronado Butterfly Preserve, making it perfect after a day of exploration.

The stained concrete floor, open ceiling, dangling lights, and exposed ductwork give the shop an industrial look. Signage dotting the wall with information on flavors and history connects patrons to the ice cream shop's rich past. 

Several contemporary stools and seats are downstairs, while the stairs leading to the loft reveal more tables. However, most guests grab their cones and continue exploring the shopping area.

The laid-back yet lively setting of McConnell's Fine Ice Creams ensures some of the best ice cream and will be a quintessential part of any Santa Barbara vacation.

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams: Menu & Drinks

Before exploring the delicious flavors, let's recap the four qualities that make McConnell's Fine Ice Creams so delicious and long-lasting. 

First, they make all their ice cream from scratch. While many "made from scratch" companies cut corners to gain more market share, McConnell's refuses to do so. This is also one reason they don't franchise: to manage the quality of their ice cream and shops. 

Second, they partner with sustainable farmers and growers, some of which are multi-generational, which ties into the third reason: ingredients. You can rest assured that each batch of ice cream includes the finest and freshest ingredients.

Lastly, there's "No crap added" (their words, not ours!) So, say goodbye to fillers, preservatives, and stabilizers. 

Now, let's explore the tantalizing flavors at McConnell's Fine Ice Creams!

The Chocolate with Polar Bear Claws is a favorite, and don't worry—no polar bears were harmed! The base of this ice cream is Dutchman's Chocolate laced with See's Polar Bear Claw, which features roasted peanuts, buttery caramel, and white chocolate.

You can't beat the organic Strawberries and shortbread Cookies flavor for the ultimate strawberry ice cream! This top pick features juicy, plucked-at-perfection Santa Barbara strawberries cooked to a jammy consistency and laced into vanilla ice cream. Add the house-backed shortbread cookie crumbles, and you have a one-of-a-kind treat! 

And those are but a few of the highlights you can expect at McConnell's Fine Ice Creams on your Central Coast vacation. So, when your gang sings, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" you know where to go.