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Bennett's Ice Cream
Master Critic Review
Bennett's Ice Cream
8.3
Scooping house-made ice cream at the Original Farmers Market since 1946, Bennett’s is a classic counter known for old-school sundaes, floats, and boozy sorbets. Locals and visitors line up for dense, flavorful scoops that taste straight out of a mid-century soda fountain.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cabernet Sauvignon sorbet, Hot fudge sundae, Frozen banana
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Decades-old scoop counter serving house-made ice cream and classic sundaes.
Who should go: Fans of old-school sundaes and classic frozen treats.
When to visit: Late afternoon or evening when lines are shorter.
What to order: Cabernet Sauvignon sorbet, hot fudge sundae, frozen banana.
Insider tip: Order your sundae in a chilled metal dish for slower melt.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking garages at The Grove and the Original Farmers Market offer the easiest access; the surface lot fills quickly on weekends. Limited street parking on Fairfax and 3rd is competitive during peak shopping hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—anything from shorts to jeans fits in with the Farmers Market crowd.
Noise level: Moderate; outdoor seating and foot traffic create steady background noise but conversations remain easy.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for scoops or sundaes; lines move steadily even during peak Farmers Market rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond a short queue of 3–5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — all ice cream and sorbet offerings are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — sorbets (including the boozy Cabernet Sauvignon) provide dairy-free options, but no dedicated vegan ice creams.
Gluten-free options: Some flavors may be gluten-free, but toppings and cones vary; request a cup and confirm ingredients if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a charming, low-pressure setting with nostalgic soda-fountain vibes. Ideal for a casual walk-around date at the Farmers Market.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Seating is first-come, but the Farmers Market has plenty of communal tables nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are common, lines move quickly, and the surrounding Farmers Market provides stroller-friendly seating and plenty of space.
Best For
Better for: Classic sundaes, dense house-made scoops, and nostalgic soda-fountain energy you won’t find at newer boutique shops.
Skip if: You want modern experimental flavors, vegan ice cream variety, or a sit-down dessert café experience.