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ZipPicks Awards

Best Ice Cream in Sawtelle Japantown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Penguin's Place Frozen Yogurt 7.7
South Los Angeles
A self-serve frozen yogurt counter on Westwood Blvd that keeps Westside families coming back with a rotating flavor lineup—red velvet and low-carb options hold down the specialty lanes while the topping bar does the heavy lifting. The strip-mall format keeps prices in budget-snack territory, and the pay-by-weight model lets you control exactly how much damage you do. It works best as a no-fuss neighborhood stop where the draw is variety and value, not atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes: Red Velvet Frozen Yogurt, Chocolate Chips Topping, Low Carb Frozen Yogurt
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Self-serve frozen yogurt shop on Westwood Blvd with a rotating selection of flavors and a loyal neighborhood following for its variety and value.
Who should go: Frozen yogurt fans and Westwood families on a budget
When to visit: Warm afternoons or post-dinner for a sweet wind-down
What to order: Sample the rotating flavors before committing, load up on toppings like chocolate chips, and ask about low carb options if that matters to you
Insider tip: Bring cash — and check the flavor board for creative house-named options that rotate regularly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free on-site lot shared with the strip mall—easy in, easy out, no meters or hunting required
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian-friendly—frozen yogurt, ice cream, pies, cakes, and waffles with no meat on the menu
Vegan options: Rotating non-dairy and vegan soft-serve flavors daily, including Dole Vegan options—ask which flavors are on tap that day
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual, no-frills frozen yogurt counter with no seating inside or outside. It's grab-and-go only, so there's nowhere to sit and have a conversation. It could work as a quick, low-pressure stop during a walking date in Westwood, but it's not a destination date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables or reservations - this is a walk-up counter-service shop. Staff serves your frozen yogurt (not self-serve). There's typically no line or wait. You order, get your cup, and go. Available on major delivery apps if you'd rather skip the trip.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - it's a frozen yogurt shop, so it's inherently kid-appropriate. They rotate 14 flavors daily including no-sugar-added and dairy-free options. The vibe is described as family-friendly with a neighborhood community feel. Just know there's no seating, so plan to eat in the car or nearby.
Is it good for groups? Not for seated groups - there's no indoor or outdoor seating at all. A group can order together at the counter, but you'll be eating standing in the parking lot or walking. They do sell frozen yogurt cakes and pies, which could work for group events elsewhere. Good parking in the shared lot makes the grab-and-go easy even with a crowd.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. No indoor seating either - this is strictly a to-go operation. Customers typically eat in the adjacent parking lot or take their orders with them. Free parking is available in the shared lot and nearby structure.
Best For
Better for: Budget-conscious families and after-dinner strolls—affordable prices, generous portions, and a no-frills counter where the staff actually remembers your order
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dessert experience with ambiance—this is a walk-up counter, not a café

Hours

Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 10pm