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Holy Roly Ice Cream
Master Critic Review
Holy Roly Ice Cream
7.7
Holy Roly Ice Cream on Melrose focuses on Thai-style rolled ice cream, pouring flavored bases onto a cold plate and rolling each order to order. Guests come for the theatrical prep, heavy toppings, and customizable combinations more than a grab-and-go scoop shop experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vanilla Oreo rolled ice cream, Strawberry Graham rolled ice cream, Ferrero Rocher-inspired rolled ice cream
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Made-to-order Thai-style rolled ice cream with theatrical cold-plate prep.
Who should go: Dessert fans who enjoy customizable toppings and watch-the-action prep.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the shop energy is highest.
What to order: Vanilla Oreo roll, Strawberry Graham combo, Ferrero Rocher-inspired roll.
Insider tip: Ask staff for off-menu topping combos if you’re indecisive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Melrose; expect limited availability during peak evenings. Side-street spots are usually the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual and photo-friendly; most guests come in everyday wear but lean trendy due to the Melrose location.
Noise level: Moderate — lively shop energy with music and machine noise, but still easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on crowd size; lines form when groups stop by after dinner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; prep starts as soon as you order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — all bases and most toppings are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — some fruit-forward combos can be made dairy-free; ask about available non-dairy bases.
Gluten-free options: Partially — certain bases and toppings are gluten-free, but cross-contact on the cold plate is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something playful and low-pressure — watching rolled ice cream being made is a fun built-in icebreaker. Less ideal if you want quiet conversation or a long linger.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Limited seating means you may stand or take your dessert to-go when the shop is busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — the theatrical rolling process and customizable toppings are great for kids ages 5+. No dedicated children’s area, but families come often.
Best For
Better for: Made-to-order customization, over-the-top toppings, and the entertainment factor you won’t get from traditional scoop shops.
Skip if: You want classic ice cream textures, quieter seating, or truly dairy-free vegan options with dedicated equipment.