Why Locals Love Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw, nestled on the vibrant Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Los Angeles, is not your average ice cream shop — it’s a true destination for adventurous dessert lovers seeking an extraordinary experience. This artisanal ice cream and dessert boutique brings a fresh and inventive twist to the frozen treat world, offering a kaleidoscope of flavors that are as imaginative as they are indulgent.
From the moment you step inside, you’re drawn into a creative atmosphere that perfectly complements the eclectic neighborhood vibe. Salt & Straw is a playground for the palate, where classic expectations are delightfully upended by flavors like pickled cucumber sorbet and their dangerously addictive olive oil ice cream. It’s clear from customer experiences that the shop’s commitment to bold, out-of-the-box flavor combinations is what sets it apart.
Many patrons, including Hassan Aldarbesti, have raved about the shop’s ability to consistently “exceed expectations,” highlighting how every scoop offers a unique taste adventure. Whether you’re savoring a quiet moment alone, sharing fun times with friends, or treating your kids to a special indulgence, Salt & Straw caters imaginatively to all. The quality shines through in every texture and taste — from crisp, fresh waffle cones that maintain their crunch to richly crafted ice cream that melts with luscious creaminess.
The store’s atmosphere is both casual and hip, making it a hotspot for the local crowd. Guillaume Bourcy captures this perfectly, painting a lively picture of patrons who oscillate between thoughtful flavor debates and casual tastings—half the room pretending not to be influencers while thoroughly enjoying the experience. This playful yet sophisticated energy gives Salt & Straw a niche all its own, where tradition meets creativity without ever tipping into gimmickry.
Alison Pouw’s praise for the staff’s friendliness and generosity with samples is also a testament to the welcoming environment. Their team’s enthusiasm ensures that every customer feels valued and well-guided through an exciting menu, encouraging you to take chances on unusual but harmonious flavor matches. Even first-timers like Eric Feazel report being immediately embraced by this thoughtful service, amplifying the joy of discovery with every bite.
While Salt & Straw is recognized for being a bit pricier than your average ice cream stop, as noted by F T, the elevated taste experience and innovative selections offer undeniable value. Just be mindful that parking in the bustling Abbot Kinney area can require some extra patience. Still, that minor inconvenience is quickly forgiven once you’ve indulged in their complex, artfully layered scoops.
For anyone craving a dessert break that is anything but ordinary in Los Angeles, Salt & Straw promises to be an ice cream sanctuary where curiosity and quality converge. It’s a place that invites you to not just eat ice cream but to savor an evolving story of flavor innovation that delights the senses and stirs the soul.
Location: 1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291
Phone: +1 310-310-8429
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Identifies as women-owned
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- In-store pick-up
- In-store shopping
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Seating
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Casual
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 21, 2026
Salt & Straw is an ice cream paradise that truly exceeds expectations. Their commitment to innovation shines through in every flavor, offering a unique and delightful experience with each scoop. Whether you're enjoying a moment of solitude, hanging out with friends, or treating the kids, Salt & Straw caters to all. The creativity and quality of their ice creams make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in extraordinary flavors. Highly recommended for a memorable and delicious treat!
- Mar 9, 2026
The vibe is pure Abbot Kinney: half the crowd is “just taste-testing” while pretending not to be influencers, and the other half is seriously debating which flavor best pairs with existential dread. Straw has carved out its niche with out-of-the-box flavors — think pickled cucumber sorbet (yes, really) or the olive oil classic, which is my personal favorite and dangerously addictive. Bonus points to the staff, who somehow stay cheerful while juggling 47 simultaneous requests for “just a tiny sample.” Parking? Forget it — this is Venice. Consider it part of your wellness routine.
- Mar 2, 2026
This place offers some very unique and unusual flavours—definitely not your typical vanilla-and-chocolate lineup. Some combinations were a bit out there, but it’s a fun spot if you’re into trying new things. The waffle cones were excellent—crispy, fresh, and held up well. It’s definitely on the pricier side, so be prepared to pay a bit more than usual for your scoop. Parking can be a challenge—street parking is limited, especially on the main road. You might have better luck on the smaller side streets nearby, but it can take a few laps. Not many sitting options, there is a little bench outside and a few stools inside. Worth a visit if you’re adventurous with flavors and don’t mind a bit of a hunt for parking!
- Jan 19, 2026
Love this spot — truly a standout for ice cream lovers. Their flavor combinations are creative without being gimmicky, and every scoop feels indulgent and high quality. It never disappoints, whether you’re getting a seasonal special or sticking with a classic. The staff is always upbeat and generous with samples, which makes it fun to try something new. A must-visit anytime you’re in LA and craving something sweet.
- Jan 7, 2026
I walked into Salt & Straw today for the first time. Having never been to any of their stores, I had no idea what to expect. There was a very helpful employee working behind the counter that greeted me, and offered me samples of anything I wanted. When I explained it was my first time and I asked what they were known for he graciously stopped what he was working on and proceeded to tell me about the flavors they are known for, along with some fan favorites, and their monthly special flavors. I opted for a waffle cone with Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. The ice cream was delicious! The freshly made waffle cone was crisp and tasty. I was pleasantly surprised by the great hospitality and the genuinely good ice cream. Although I am only in town for a few days I will definitely find some time to drop in again before I leave.
- Dec 31, 2025
Tried Salt & Straw and it totally lived up to the hype. The sea salt caramel ribbon is my favorite super rich, just the right amount of sweet and salty. So creamy and satisfying. They have a lot of interesting flavors, but I keep coming back to this one. Definitely worth a visit if you’re into good quality ice cream.
- Dec 23, 2025
Don't be scared off by the line. It's worth the wait and worth the calories! The scoops are generous so size down.
- Dec 8, 2025
Bianca is amazing! She warmly welcomed my family and me, shared great recommendations, and encouraged samples that made picking flavors fun and effortless. You can feel her passion and care immediately. Bianca truly made this visit memorable, and the store has such a refreshing, nostalgic vibe. Will definitely be back!
