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McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
Master Critic Review
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
8.5
This Santa Barbara creamery, churning since 1949, anchors a stall inside Grand Central Market with dense, ultra-creamy scoops and a mix of classic and seasonal flavors. Downtown workers and visitors line up for flavors like Turkish coffee and salted caramel before or after grazing the rest of the market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkish Coffee ice cream, Salted Caramel Chip, Boysenberry Rosé Milk Jam
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Heritage California creamery scooping rich, classic and seasonal flavors inside Grand Central Market.
Who should go: Downtown visitors wanting serious, old-school ice cream.
When to visit: Afternoons before peak dinner crowds and weekend lines.
What to order: Turkish Coffee, Salted Caramel Chip, rotating seasonal special.
Insider tip: Grab your cone then head to the Broadway-side steps for people-watching over the market.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Grand Central Market does not validate; nearby paid structures on Broadway and Hill run $6–$15, and metered street parking is limited and competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual—market stall setting where anything from office wear to weekend clothes fits in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak market hours; conversation is possible but expect constant foot traffic and ambient noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on crowds, especially during dessert rush after dinner.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or a short 3–5 minute line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most ice cream flavors are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 1–2 rotating dairy-free sorbet-style options, but not a full vegan lineup.
Gluten-free options: Some flavors are gluten-free; cones are not, but cups are safe. No dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and low-pressure—grabbing scoops and wandering the market can feel playful, though the noise level isn’t ideal for long conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations; seating is communal and first-come-first-served. Expect to hover briefly during busy times or enjoy your ice cream while walking the market.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love the flavors and open market space, though strollers can be tricky during peak crowds. Best earlier in the day for families.
Best For
Better for: Dense, ultra-creamy texture and nostalgic California creamery flavors served in the heart of downtown’s busiest market.
Skip if: You want extensive vegan options, a quiet dessert setting, or a dedicated indoor table—other downtown shops or sit-down dessert spots may suit those needs better.