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Diddy Riese Cookies
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Diddy Riese Cookies
8.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Sweet Treats Escapes
Quick Bites Champions
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Since 1983, this tiny counter-service bakery has anchored Westwood Village with made-from-scratch cookies, brownies, and custom ice cream sandwiches at student-friendly prices. Lines form nightly for hot cookies, nostalgic desserts, and one of the best value sweet stops near UCLA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Custom ice cream sandwich, Chocolate chip cookie, Double chocolate brownie
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic Westwood cookie-and-ice-cream shop known for ultra-affordable custom sandwiches.
Who should go: Students, dessert hunters, and visitors craving classic sweets.
When to visit: Early evening before peak lines or late-night post-movie runs.
What to order: Custom ice cream sandwich, chocolate chip cookies, fudgy brownie.
Insider tip: Bring cash or a small group order list to keep the line moving fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Westwood Village can be tight most evenings; the Broxton public garage (first 2 hours free with validation from many Village shops) is the most reliable option and a short walk away.
Dress code: Completely casual — think campus wear, gym clothes, or whatever you’re already in for a movie or study session.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a walk-up counter with outdoor sidewalk energy, but conversations are easy while waiting in line.
Weekend wait: 15–35 minutes depending on UCLA events and movie crowds; the line moves quickly even when long.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 5 minutes; often no line at all.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — almost all cookies and ice creams are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Very limited; selections change seasonally and may only include a sorbet or dairy-free option at times.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free cookies; cross-contamination is likely given the compact baking space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a fun, low-pressure stop for a casual first date, especially paired with a stroll through Westwood. Not ideal if you want a quiet sit-down environment, as it’s grab-and-go only.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no seating or reservation system; expect to grab your cookies and wander the Village or sit on nearby public benches.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely — families often stop by for cookies and ice cream sandwiches. The simple menu and quick service make it easy for all ages, though there’s no indoor seating or dedicated stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Best value-for-money desserts in Westwood, unbeatable for custom ice cream sandwiches and quick treats at student-friendly prices.
Skip if: You want artisanal pastries, gluten-free desserts, a quiet café atmosphere, or indoor seating — alternatives like nearby bakeries or gelato shops may suit those needs better.
Diddy Riese Cookies
8.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Sweet Treats Escapes
Quick Bites Champions
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Diddy Riese is a student-era landmark where custom ice cream sandwiches, scooped Dreyer’s ice cream, and warm cookies draw nightly lines in Westwood Village. The menu is simple, prices stay college-budget friendly, and the operation runs with assembly-line efficiency even at peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Custom ice cream sandwich (choose-your-own cookies and ice cream), Butter pecan ice cream sandwich, Walnut fudge brownie à la mode
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A single-location Westwood institution for ultra-affordable ice cream sandwiches.
Who should go: UCLA students, dessert hunters, nostalgic alumni, late-night snackers
When to visit: Evenings when Westwood Village is buzzing but before peak line
What to order: Custom ice cream sandwich, chocolate chip cookies, brownie sundae
Insider tip: Lines move fast—decide your cookie and ice cream combo before ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broxton, Gayley, and adjacent Village streets can be tight during evenings; the Broxton Public Parking Structure (1036 Broxton Ave) is the most reliable option with low-cost validated rates.
Dress code: Completely casual — shorts, hoodies, UCLA gear, anything goes.
Noise level: Low to moderate outdoors; most conversation comes from the line rather than inside since service is counter-only.
Weekend wait: 15–35 minutes depending on UCLA crowds and weather; late nights can stretch to 45 minutes during peak semester weeks.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 5 minutes; sometimes no line at all.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — nearly all cookies and standard ice cream flavors are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Very limited — no dedicated vegan ice cream; occasional sorbet-style options vary by day.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — no gluten-free cookies and no guaranteed GF prep; best for guests who can enjoy ice cream alone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a fun, low-pressure dessert stop with nostalgic energy. Ideal for casual dates, especially after dinner or a movie in Westwood Village.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations — it’s strictly grab-and-go. Most guests eat while walking or snag nearby public benches.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Kids love picking cookie-and-ice-cream combinations, and lines move fast enough to avoid meltdowns. No seating or high chairs, so stroller-friendly paths are recommended.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-affordable custom ice cream sandwiches, fast-moving lines, and a nostalgic Westwood Village treat that’s unmatched for price-to-delight ratio.
Skip if: You want artisanal ice cream, vegan options, or a sit-down dessert experience — nearby scoop shops and cafés will be better suited.