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Penguin's Frozen Yogurt
Master Critic Review
Penguin's Frozen Yogurt
7.9
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Penguin's Frozen Yogurt is an old-school Marina froyo shop where self-serve swirls, classic toppings, and occasional hard ice cream keep it in the rotation for casual dessert runs. Regulars like the friendly, neighborhood feel and the ability to build everything from simple cups to fully loaded banana splits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own frozen yogurt cup, Banana Split, Small yogurt with cotton candy or butter pecan
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Throwback froyo counter with friendly staff, big portions, and customizable toppings.
Who should go: Families and locals craving casual, build-your-own frozen yogurt
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings for post-beach or school treats
What to order: Self-serve yogurt with toppings, banana split, quart of yogurt to-go
Insider tip: Go light on the toppings first visit so you can taste the base flavors before building heavier sundaes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking along the Lincoln Boulevard strip with generally easy availability; street parking on nearby side streets is usually open except during peak summer evenings.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; beachwear, athleisure, and everyday clothes are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate; conversations are easy, with soft hum from families and blender noise at times.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; brief lines form but move quickly due to self-serve format.
Weekday lunch: No wait; light foot traffic mid-day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — all yogurt bases are vegetarian and toppings include fruit, candies, nuts, and syrups.
Vegan options: Limited — occasionally offers dairy-free sorbets or plant-based froyo options; toppings vary.
Gluten-free options: Some bases are gluten-free and many toppings qualify, but cross-contact is possible due to shared bins.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure first dates where you want something light, quick, and inexpensive. Not ideal if you’re aiming for a more polished or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations and seating is first-come, but most guests grab and go. Indoor seating is limited, so expect to stand or take your cup to the car during busier hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — it’s popular with families. Kids love the self-serve setup, and the topping variety makes it an easy treat after school or the beach.
Best For
Better for: Build-your-own customization, quick dessert runs, and budget-friendly portions compared to pricier gelato and ice cream shops nearby.
Skip if: You want artisanal gelato, dense premium ice cream, or a more curated dessert experience; head to spots like Bacio di Latte or Capri Gelato for higher-end craftsmanship.