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Marianne's is AMAZING. Every flavor is absolutely delicious and so full of, well ... FLAVOR!
It makes me sad that I don't live in Santa Cruz anymore because I'm missing out on some of the best ice cream in the world :( Luckily for me, the Molly Stones and Faletti Food by my house carry Marianne's Ice Cream and ice cream specialty treats!
I'm a fan of Brownie Fudge Chocolate, Cookie Dough, and the peppermint!!
A must stop in Santa Cruz!
Oh my f-in god...the 10-20 ice cream...getting licked off my spoon by my former girlfriend....ughhhhhh, makes me tingly inside.
Makes me wish I could magically transport a quart of that ice cream to my side right now, not so much the girlfriend, but anyways...
I never really went into the Ocean St. location that much because we lived closer to Ferrell's donut shop on Mission St. and they have Marianne's there!
I loved the old wooden signs for all the magnificent flavors they make at Marianne's, I always wondered what they did with them when they stopped producing a certain flavor.
I love ice cream. I miss Marianne's. Go there when you visit Santa Cruz! I'm commanding you!
We all scream for ice cream!
This greatest lil ice cream spot on the busy santa cruz street where any and every ice cream one could want. What else is there to know?
BTW This place was on the market....
I would have loved to have bought it but then there'd be no ice cream for anyone else.
hell yeah
;D
So you thought that 31 flavors was a lot? Wait until you step foot into Marianne's. Different flavors cover the wall and you need at least 5 minutes and several samples to finally narrow down to what you want. No one makes ice cream like Marianne's.
If you are ever near Santa Cruz, make a stop here. You will not regret it and I guarantee you will be back for more.
OM nom nom.
Simply delicious ice cream! My favorite is the 10/20. I have three words for you: caramel, fudge, oreos. Do you really need any more information?
Tiny parking lot at this place, but you can usually find a spot. It's not strange to find a medium-ish sized line here, though it moves quickly.
Definitely the best ice cream in Santa Cruz!
BEST ICE CREAM SHOP IN SANTA CRUZ!!!!!
enough said
Being that they have been open for what, 50 years? There may be a reason.
I have never been rushed by anyone behind the counter. In fact, it's rare that there is ever NOT a wait, allowing for some much needed though about what flavor I want.
Lately Ive been getting Mexican Chocolate and Pumpkin. Both are just incredible. The quality of the ice cream is always good, but there is some variation in consistency between flavors; Im sure this has more to do with whats inside more than anything.
It's mostly staffed by who seem like local kids and reminds me of the mom and pop ice cream shops back east that I grew up with. The prices are very fair for what you get and everything Ive eaten has been really good, even the Lavender ice cream which I was unsure about..
Best Ice cream ever. Try the northern oregon blackberry.
You might as well stop by if you're going to the beaches since it's along the way.... or before going back on Highway 17...
It's so cute and my friend was super excited saying "It's famous! We have to go! Look at the Yelp Reviews!" Hahaha.. And it was DEELICIOUS. I got Mud Pie and OMG, so good. Haha, just letting you know the double scoops are crazy huge and my friends ended up throwing half of it away 'cause they couldn't finish it :( But the price is awesome and so is the creamyyy taste.
I love how sort of old-fashioned it is with using number tickets and the atmosphere just screams "home-made classic icecream."
If I could only give one 5 star rating on Yelp, Marianne's would get it. This place, with it's disco cow wall paper, has been there through thick and thin.
The ice cream is delicious, don't let ANYONE tell you differently. Green Tea, Horchata, 10-20, Heaven, German Chocolate, Alice B. Toklas Fudge Brownie, Sorbet, Coffee Almond Fudge, just to name a few of the many.
I love that they never seem to have servers for very long, but while they are there they are nice and you get to know each a little every time.
Whatever happened to long haired hippie man boy? I heard he went to Europe, I bet he did well over there. He was my favorite.
Viva Marianne's! I hope he never sells it.
I went to Santa Cruz to visit UCSC and visited Marianne's. The ice cream is spectacular. I had a double scoop of lychee and cherry and they were very flavorful. The lychee flavor even had a big hunk of fruit in it. Typically this flavor consists of either just flavor or flavor and teeny bits of lychee. The cherry was interesting because it was purple but it was still great. I also tried the oatmeal raisin cookie dough and it was just like eating the cookie. I will make this a stop whenever I come through Santa Cruz.
FLAVA FLAVE!!! So many choices it hurts my head. I always come here after a g ol time at the beach. Right before you hop back on the 17, stop by Mariannes for some ice cream, shake, and warm experience.
Its normally pretty busy when we go so take a number and choose from their huge selection of different flavors. I normally get a single scoop of mint oreo which is just enough since I dont have a big sweet tooth. They also have one of the better waffle cones so dont mess around with the cup or sugar cones if you know whats good for you.
Place is about a million years old and you feel like youre sitting in some grandmas kitchen but that makes it feel more like some good homemade ice cream. Always a well $4 spent in Santa Cruz.
This is a cute place and totally convenient, since it's either on your way to Santa Cruz beach or on your way home from it, smack right on Ocean St. and blocks away from I-17.
For $4.95 I got two scoops of cantaloupe and blackberry (a recommended pairing of the kid behind the counter). WOW! They both are now instant faves!!! Creamy goodness, reminiscent of Asian flavors you'd find at Mitchell's, Polly Ann or Magnolia's in SF.
This will be my new pit-stop, en route to Santa Cruz!!!
Dude, dudette. Four stars for an ice cream parlor means THIS PLACE IS BOMB. The flavor selections are fantabulous. I love trying new things, so this place is perfect for me. I always want to drop by here when I'm in Santa Cruz. If you come here, don't order the ordinary vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. BE DARING and try a flavor that might even fancy your taste buds. DO IT DO IT. You can cheat a little and sample it first...but that doesn't make you daring anymore.
The times I've been here, I haven't had to wait too long. Good thing because I WANT MY ICE CREAM as soon as I step outta the car. Man I sound like an eager beaver, excuse me if this place puts a smile on my face.
Don't shoot me. I'll give it to them for ultra creamy, but it's just not sweet enough for me. If it's going to be indulgent, then it better be cavity worthy. I tried the fresh banana, Mexican chocolate, and ended with the tried and true cookie dough. I saw they carry it also at Milk Pail in Mountain View. Maybe my taste buds are off this week and need more convincing.
Yummy Ice Cream, the old fashion vanilla is a favorite of Floyd's who is 87 and visiting from Iowa!
The servings are generous!
Totally worth a visit!
Ice Cream flavor is awesome!!!!!!!! I wish the Mexican chocolate had more cinnamon!!!!! I love banana nut especially with chocolate swirl!!!!!!!!!!
This was a spontaneous surprise my bf says all ice cream is the same "Ice Cream is Ice Cream" ummmmm no I don't think so buddy ...I convinced him by telling him I needed to Yelp it and since I don't eat ice cream he would have to try it....and plus its on me! Convinced " chi ching!" homie came out with two scoops hahahah " ice cream is ice cream" he told me the flavors ( listed above) and i was like interesting! Yummers so good the Mexican chocolate was super fantastic one lick wouldn't hurt!!!!!! I told him no more no way too addicting man and then he said no wait taste this " alrighty then" i said. I took a taste and OMG I ate the whole scoop it was Banana ( I LOVE BANANA ICE CREAM) with walnuts ( I LOVE BANANA NUT ICE CREAM ) and chocolate swirl o my hollie mollie man it was fuckin good !!!!!!
I ate the whole dam scoop!!!!!!
I never consider a trip to Santa Cruz complete until I've had a scoop from Marianne's. None of these stars are for ambiance - the place is old, smells a little like sour milk, and is a bit cramped in the front. Oh, but the ice cream! Love the huge variety of flavors from the classics to the super decadent to the unusual (like lavender, pandan, and cantaloupe!). Everything I've had is creamy, delicious, and served with a :). Glad this place isn't convenient for me to get to or else I'd be packing on the lbs!
This ice cream parlor is only a couple of blocks from our hotel. They have a small shared parking lot for about 1/2 doz. cars. Clearly a local place where Santa Cruzers convene for ice cream. The place looks like it hasn't been remodeled since the day it opened. Just like those old time places you see on the road up to Tahoe. There's a small area to sit and enjoy your ice cream or some of the homemade pies (they didn't look that appetizing at the end of the day).
I couldn't believe if you wanted a pint of their ice cream, they scoop it up into one of those square paper take-out boxes you get at Chinese restaurants! The flavors are posted up on the walls, just like they do at Polly Ann's in SF. I tried their macadamia, it was OK. The nuts were sort of soggy and the ice cream was really soft. I still prefer Polly Ann's and Bi-Rite's will take this place hands down in an ice cream eating contest.
The men who work in the store just sort of stare at you when you walk in, guess they can sniff out the tourists. The woman who helped us was a bit more friendly.
Tons of great flavors and you can tell this stuff is rich. I actually had to pound on my chest a couple times cause I think I had a heart attack from eating it. It was probably due to how good it was rather than the nutrition factors. Parking is kind of rough there, especially on hot days or at night.
Went to Marianne's this past weekend, and had the best vanilla malt. I even had a choice between two different flavors of vanilla! I chose vanilla bean, which was the most vanilla-y. They used the perfect amount of malt, too.
Can't wait to go back to try the chocolate malts next.
I love this place! The servings are very generous for its price. The waffle cones are so good as well.
Best ice cream in Santa Cruz!
Yesterday I ran the Santa Cruz Wharf to Wharf and then had the strongest hankerin' for a strawberry ice cream milk shake. We went to Marianne's and I combined Strawberries n' Cream, with 50-50 (Orange and Cream) with marshmellow topping in a shake. Well, it was exactly what I was looking for. I could now hop on Highway 17 and make it home with something so sweet and flavorful to drink on my way home.
Thanks Marianne's for always having whatever I need.
Bonus points for even having something that my dairy-sensitive fiance could eat, a frozen, chocolate-dipped banana coated in crushed almonds. Yumy!
One of my favorite ice cream shops ever. I have been to a few places with as high quality, but nowhere near the amount of flavors as Marianne's, and some places (I'm talking to you BR) that have flavor selection but not quite the richness. I wanted to just sit and taste-test all of the obscure flavors today, but there was a line so I had to control myself.
I finally brought myself to order the Licorice flavor, and if you like black licorice you will like it. I was worried it might be too much, but it was not too intense. I also tasted the Lavendar flavor because I couldn't even imagine how they could make a tasty ice cream out of something that's more of a scent, but they did it well. So well, that I would order it next time.
The Mandarin Orange is absolutley classic and the Mexican Chocolate is good as well (though I agree that I would like a tad more cinnamon in it). I'm going to have to make a list of flavors to try in the future: Cantaloup, Lychee, etc. I am glad that they sell it in Mollie Stones near my home in the Bay Area, but the flavor selection is never what it is in the shoppe. Watch out on summer days though, it can get PACKED and the parking is difficult.
This place overwhelms me, I can usually pick out an ice cream flavor without a problem, but Marianne's has too many choices.
I tried a whole bunch of flavors, but fell in love with the banana and macapuno (young coconut).
I forgot a spoon, so I went back to the cashier to get one.
Her: You need a spoon?
Me: *GASP* How did you know?!
Her: I've seen that look before.
Serbelle had a cup of bubblegum ice cream, that led me to wonder:
"When you eat bubblegum ice cream, do you spit out the gumballs or just chew and swallow?"
Serbelle obviously swallows.
I SCREAM! YOU SCREAM!! I SMACK DA CRAZY FOO' WHO DON'T LIKE MARIANNE'S!!!
Ok, so I've only been up here a couple of times while I was visiting my oh-so-favorite cousin in Santa Cruz. And I have to say, this place is very good. Just try one scoop (which you'll find is quite big) - and you'll understand the yumminess of Marianne's!
I have always been a chocolate ice cream fan - my family says that's what makes me so dark and handsome. However, this place got me to like and try some of the other types of ice cream. All the ice cream here is good.
You better go get some Marianne's. Don't make me hunt you down.
This isn't the fanciest ice cream place in the world, but the quality of the ice cream is still pretty good, and the assortment and variety of flavors is extremely impressive. I can always find something to match the mood I'm in.
Whenever I'm in Santa Cruz, Marianne's is a nice treat for a warm day.
Ice cream here is solid, not the best ice cream I had, but for the price and selection, I will keep going back.
There are about 40 different types of ice cream to choose from; the service is fast, even thought there are tons of people on a hot day, you take a number, and everything will go smoothly.
The place itself is small and cute, just like a good old ice cream parlor, but there are about six tables that you can sit and enjoy your milk shakes, but when it is packed, you got take your ice cream and take a walk outside, which is not the most pleasant neighborhood.
Thank god for ice cream!
Man I love this place Sam (owner) is the man!!! Many many times have we taken over this place and SAM has hooked us up with special Sundaya compromised of about 20 scoops of ice cream or something close to it.
WE then proceed to race to finish all of our portions with no spoons only hands with pots of hot water near by. Sam will know who we are. Thank you for all the years of supporting our fun event.
the ice cream the many many flavors of ice cream are delicious. I have to say I am not a fan of the black licorice but I guess someone out there is. If you are in Santa Cruz make a stop off to Marianne's you will not be disappointed.
IF YOU WANT something CLOSE to what we have him make you can try the epic center but that is nothing close to our special Sunday muhahahaha!!!!
Fact: Marianne's serves up some good, cream, sugar, and FAT.
Fact: I love Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream, the creamier, the better.
Fact. Heat waves require Ice Cream or something cold and icy.
When a gazillion flavors are knocking at your door and there is money burning a hole in your pocket, what's an ice cream addict to do? As my favorite shirt says, I DO have Ice Cream social issues, especially in those places where the serving is good. Picture a tiny little cone overflowing with Mexican Chocolate. It's enough to make me drive far, far away. I think my body prefers it this way...because if not I would be a round tub of El Salvadoran Chocolate.
Tragically for me, Zanotto's stocks it carries a variety of flavors: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I see heat wave days to come. help me.
Pardon me while I wipe the drool from my chin.
So many choices, so much butterfat...
I swear to god, I think I once ate an entire quart of 50/50 in one sitting.
There's something about REAL ice cream that makes me completely forget about counting calories and eating out of a bowl like a civilized person. Just give me a quart and a big-ol' spoon and I'm going to do some damage.
I don't make it over the hill as often as I should, but right now I've got Strawberry Cheesecake, Root Beer Swirl and a couple of others involving coffee and/or toffee in my freezer. Thank goodness for Gene's Fine Foods! They must have 20 different flavors in their freezer!
The actual shop in SC is almost too much for me. Too many flavors!!! The entire wall is covered in flavors!!! And the service is excellent! Of course with ice cream like that, they could be totally surly and I wouldn't care.
Go get some right now. I insist.
Probably the best ice cream I've had since Toscanini's in Boston and Fosselman's in LA. This place has some crazy unique flavors, which makes deciding which one to get nearly impossible. 10-20! No, I am not referring to car oil, but the delicious combination of caramel ice cream with fudge and oreos. I got the Koffee Krunch, which was pretty good, especially if you like coffee ice cream normally. I had so much of a coffee after taste in my mouth afterwards, that I wanted more!
The decor is amusing. It's like 80s meets little kiddie dentist office. There is an old skool fridge and TV on one side of the room, and the interior trim is painted this fire-engine red color. The walls are covered with wallpaper containing cows wearing sunglasses and looking clownish. Can't say it's not an interesting place to sit and enjoy your ice cream though! Only downsides: it's a cash only place (but they do have an ATM) and you can only get two flavors if you get the double jr. size, not the single size ($2.90). However, there are so many unique flavors to choose from, that I'll definitely have to stop by when I'm in the area again!
This is now a must-do every time I visit Santa Cruz. Last time we hit this place coming home from the beach it was packed, but totally worth the wait. It moves pretty quickly and their numbers serving system works pretty well, I thought.
Anyway, I have never had a bad flavor here, and they will let you taste whatever you're interested in. The waffle cones are great, and I've never had anything else but the milkshake a fellow patron ordered looked pretty amazing.
I really like "Heaven" and "2 A.M. Truffle" :)
The best homemade ice cream.
The ice cream is very creamy and they always have most original and unique flavors that you can not get anywhere else.
I never leave a visit to Santa Cruz without having some ice cream from here.
GO HERE!
Also, just an FYI - the parking lot is very tiny and the inside is pretty small. Make sure to pull a number before you stand in line.
Best Ice Cream Ever! That's all you need to know.
In all seriousness, I love Marianne's ice cream. The Horchata ice cream has to be one of the most original and best flavors they offer and I get a scoop every time I go. Their waitstaff is also very patient with me, because even though I know I'm getting a double jr cone with horchata and oatmeal raisin cookie dough ice cream, I still have to try at least 5 flavors before I put in my real order.
So worth the 40 min drive from Monterey just for an ice cream cone =)
I think the business was recently sold and they changed a lot of their recipes. Not the same anymore. Before the change They had the best ice cream I had ever tasted, now it's more like Safeway brand or something...sad.
I'd just like to note the fact that today, I waited in line for a good 30 minutes for a cup of ice cream. Turns out that when its hot, the tourists like to flock to SC, and hit up Marianne's on the drive home. But it doesn't matter. I had my small cup of 10-20; my little cup of joy, love, and sweet sweet seductive magic.
You ask me, was it worth it?
I say, worth it all the way to the very last bite. It can't get any better than watching the tides rise in the evening with a cup of ice cream and a really good friend.
This is about whenI realized that I actually go to school in an amazing place, but instead I lock myself indoors being the nerd engineer I am.
Holy crap. This place was not made for indecisive people like me. The first thing I noticed when i… Read more »
Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum!!!
This is a real old school ice cream shop without all the latest craze snobby necessities. Screw FroYo and overrated Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt Company. This place is the real deal and you know it the moment you step in. They have a HUGE selection of ice cream I've never even heard of before.
- dirt cheap prices
- ginormous selection of flavors
- generous portions
- quick and friendly service
Parking is garbage and the wait can be long but it's definitely worth it. The Santa Cruz crowd is also interesting so enjoy the people watching.
My order was a double sugar cone
First scoop - Horchata: this tasted just like the best Horchata I've ever had
Second scoop - Bubble Gum: Yummy....one of my fav's as a kid and it brings back many fond memories. Delicious.
There was an insane amount of flavors to choose from it's hard to make up your mind. Lychee, Mexican Chocolate, Pumpkin and it goes on and on.
The only reason they didn't' get 5 stars from me is because though they carry tons of flavors...they don't carry Cotton Candy. But..the gal told me that's a flavor they are considering adding. I'll be back when they do!
Stop and head for this Santa Cruz landmark. You won't be disappointed!
We all scream for ice cream!!
Well... **I** scream for Marianne's Ice Cream!!!
This place is FABULOUS. And it's right next to the end of Highway 17. Such a nice welcome and goodbye as you head to and from Santa Cruz. =)
This place kicks Baskin Robbins BUTT!!! There are tons of flavors to choose from. All homemade! No franchises here! Definitely a Mom & Pop stop. The flavors are very creative. They've got lychee, pumkin, horchata and even LAVENDER! I haven't been disappointed by anything I've had here. =)
And the portions are AWESOME. One scoop is HUGE. Fills up the whole cup and then some. And you won't be emptying your wallet for it either! You definitely get more than your money's worth here!
You MUST stop here if you're visiting Santa Cruz. There's nothing better to top your day with than a big heaping scoop of Marianne's ice cream! YUM.
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Category: Candy Stores
Capitola, CA
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Santa Cruz, CA
Category: Desserts
Santa Cruz, CA
Category: Bakeries
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