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Happy Ice
Master Critic Review
Happy Ice
8.3
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Happy Ice is a Melrose walk-up shop serving vividly colored, dairy-free Philadelphia-style water ice that eats almost as creamy as soft serve. It’s a high-energy stop for families and foot traffic, with mix-and-match flavors and gelati layers that keep regulars working through the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Rocket water ice, Layered gelati with mango and strawberry, Sour apple and blue raspberry combo
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Dairy-free Philly-style water ice with bold, intensely flavored swirls.
Who should go: Families and sweet-tooth locals craving colorful, dairy-free frozen treats.
When to visit: Afternoons, warm evenings, and weekend strolls along Melrose Avenue.
What to order: Rainbow Rocket, a layered gelati, and any rotating seasonal flavor.
Insider tip: Order a gelati to add soft-serve-style creaminess over your favorite ice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Melrose and nearby side streets; meters can be competitive during peak shopping hours but typically open up after early evening.
Dress code: Anything casual works — most guests arrive in everyday streetwear or athleisure while walking the Melrose strip.
Noise level: Low to moderate outdoors, depending on foot traffic; conversations are easy but expect lively sidewalk energy.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes during warm weekend evenings when foot traffic spikes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-up counter moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — all water ice options are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — the water ice menu is entirely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Generally yes — water ice is gluten-free, but always confirm flavors on arrival as seasonal items may vary.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a light, low-pressure stop perfect for a stroll-and-treat date, especially if you’re walking Melrose. Just note it’s more playful than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-up counter with limited outdoor seating. Most guests grab their ice and continue walking.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — bright colors, sweet flavors, and outdoor seating make it an easy stop for families. No indoor seating, so plan for stroller-friendly sidewalk space.
Best For
Better for: Vegan-friendly frozen treats, vibrant colors, and mix-and-match flavors that feel more playful than traditional ice cream shops.
Skip if: You’re craving rich dairy-based ice cream or want a sit-down dessert experience with indoor seating.