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Pepper Tree Frosty
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Fast Food, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
270 S Santa Fe Ave(at Park Ave)
Vista, CA 92084
Neighborhood: Vista
(760) 726-0732
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
78 reviews for Pepper Tree Frosty
Review Highlights
"All I can say is SOFT SERVE PERFECTION."
(in 9 reviews)
"I love their ice cream, huge banana splits and great prices."
(in 3 reviews)
"...a Vista local and have been going here since I was a kid."
(in 3 reviews)
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77 reviews in English
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Review from Tania D.
Vista, CA
9/30/2011
This is hands down the best place for ice cream in San Diego and I'm so lucky that it is only a 5 minute drive from me or else I have no idea where I would get my ice cream! Everything I have ever gotten from here has been so delicious!! Whether I'm in the mood for a medium soft serve swirl cone or a banana split, it is ALWAYS so good! My boyfriend gets the Boston shake and says it is the best thing ever!
Obviously WAY better than Sonics, support your local businesses! -
Review from Devin S.
San Diego, CA
12/21/2011
Ice cream?...I'd have better cones if I let my milk curdle in the fridge, froze it, and served it on a stale tortilla....and their dipped soft serve?.....more like dopey soft service with extra napkins to soak tears of frustration after watching them try to count change for a $20.....cuz that'll take 20 minutes....
The iconic "Buns of Steel" fitness video was released in 1987 which is apparently the inspiration and expiration date of their hamburger buns which are both hard, flavorless, and will also make you look bad in a leotard do to the lack of any legitmate nutritional content. They would be more appropriately used soaking up oil spots in the driveway.
Now add lettuce, tomato, and a piping hot patty of "go F!@ yourself" that I could only imagine being served in a Siberian slave camp and you've got yourself one hell of a gastronomical nightmare. Now say hello to your new fruit diet and primal scream therapy class cuz that's what you'll be on for the next two weeks to rid your body and soul of this mind bogglingly terrible experience.
Your welcome in advance for my wisdom,.....Cheerio -
Review from Andrew N.
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is more for their food and not desserts.
We did get a chocolate dipped soft serve cone. It was good, but not amazing like everyone else made this place to be. They do have shakes and malts which might be better. Unsure If I will give this place another try. I can go to frozen yogurt place and get much more for 3 bucks.
Anyways, we got a hamburger, a patty melt, zucchini strips, and the jalapeño cheese fries.
1. hamburger tasted like a McDonalds one.
2. patty melt wasn't even toasted/melted on a flat top. It was two peices of rye bread with 2 small round patties. Had to toss some of the bread because there was no meat. No melted cheese. Really a terrible patty melt.
3. the jalapeño cheese fries were what tasted like old fries with just nacho cheese. We were given 5 dices of jalapeño for the whole fries. Really stingy. If I wanted more, extra 30 cents.
4. the only good thing, the friend zucchini, but my gf didn't really like them, so that puts it at a okay.
Pass on the food. Its not even okay, some is as good as McDonalds, most is worst.
if you're hungry, go to sonics. If you want ice cream that looks like there is some sort of following. Possibly because its been around so long. Go here if you're local. Definitely not worth going out of your way from. -
Review from Gena L.
Carlsbad, CA
2/8/2012
I love this little dive place that has been around forever. Awesome milkshakes!
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Review from April R.
Oceanside, CA
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gotta love the Pepper Tree! Great food at really cheap prices. Very large selection of ice cream and shakes.
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Review from Angela K.
8/26/2011
This place is the definition of nostalgic childhood experience for me!
I grew up alternating between choc dipped strawberry cone and butterscotch dipped choc/vanilla swirl cone.
A few years ago I was being indecisive.. I'm a chocoholic for sure but I was really craving the strawberry ice cream but the butterscotch topping (they are just both out of this world good!) so I was compulsive and just went for it.. Large Butterscotch dipped Strawberry cone.
All I can say is SOFT SERVE PERFECTION!!!! I regularly get strange looks for this order.. but I could care less because I would happily eat this every single day!!!!!!!
You have to have a sweet tooth bc the strawberry is the sweetest of the soft serve flavors and the butterscotch is definitely sugary sweet!
I keep wanting to try the newer cherry dip flavor but I can't bring myself to order anything but this since that day.. (actually one time I requested chocolate AND butterscotch atop strawberry ice cream which was super tasty but they had to do it it a cup, no double dipping :( and I like experience of the cone better)
soo soooo soooo yummy...
very street shack dive-y atmosphere though.. which I don't mind at all. Perfect late night snack or cool treat on a sunny san diego day! Flashbacks of happy memories making coming out to the vista rod run all day in the hot sun as a child worthwhile.
One of the places I miss most in SD.. and where I come at least once every time I visit! -
Review from Kiyono A.
Carlsbad, CA
9/17/2011
I was house sitting in Oceanside this weekend, and I happened to remember being taken to Pepper Tree years ago on a date, and I had to bring my current bf to this neighborhood gem.
I went with a basic cheeseburger and vanilla dipped in chocolate cone, and I felt like I was a little kid again. Yes, the soft serve melts pretty fast, but it's tasty and fun!
The bf LOVED the jalapeno cheese fries because he has some sort of weird fetish with processed nacho cheese. And he inhaled the hot fudge brownie sundae like his last name was Dyson.
Can't wait to go back! -
Review from Nika T.
5/6/2011
Soooo I've only been here a few times now...
Gotta say: The chocolate soft serve is *the* best I've ever had. It is so rich. So creamy. So chocolaty!
The strawberry? Off day? I donno. It was hardly a step above vanilla in the vanilla twisty I got.
Vanilla... ooh... hate to say this. McDonalds is more vanilla-y. *cringe* Really hated to say that. Sorry Peppertree. Maybe it will rock next time.
The lines can be kind of slow. Service seemed apathetic the times I went but it was accurate. Kind of a mixed bunch of people there... so if you're the nervous type--- park where it is well lit. Saw someone getting arrested there the last time I visited. But the first time I visited there were a bunch of boyscouts so... yeah. Maybe to be avoided late late night if you're on your own.
There are no seats and no indoor service. It's a take out with a window thing only. Prices are reasonable and they have some grill stuff on the menu too according to their website. (The grill orders are actually on the left side of the building.)
I'll definitely go back whenever I want chocolate ice cream and I'm looking forward to trying more things on the menu!
Update: So I said I was looking forward to trying more things on the menu and wow. I was missing out. The fries are delicious!!!!!! And service was stellar. The side window thing was a little confusing but just cause it was our first time. You know how it is when you are an Ordering Virgin. We got burgers which were similar to In n Out except cooked more well done. But similar with the sauce, toppings and meat to bun ratio and price. Another reviewer suggests going to Sonic instead but personally, I wouldn't. Sonic is cold and over greasy half the time in my experience. Maybe it's all about timing?
In any case we'll try it again and look forward to the fries another time. Want to try the fried Zucchini for sure and maybe more of the grilly stuff. Update: Tried the zucchini and it was delicious! I also tried their nacho cheese sauce, very a-la taco bell but that was kind of my hope so yay! My onion rings were really tasty too.
I talked to one of the owners today about something that concerned me and I was received really politely and they said they'd be happy to have me come in and talk to them any time if I had any feedback. I appreciated the open-door type of policy and I think my concerns were addressed nicely.Listed in: My Neighborhood, Top Restaurants
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Review from Stephanie S.
San Clemente, CA
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had high hopes when we drove up to this shack that it would be good. It wasn't.
Look, my standards are not terribly high. I want ice cream, and I want it to taste good. This stuff was Blue Freakin' Bunny with some sort of industrial strength sauce on it. I can get that at the grocery store for a lot cheaper.
I lived in St. Louis for 13 years, and they had much better ice cream shacks there. Yes, I am actually admitting there was something in MISSOURI that was better than I've found in CALIFORNIA. All the ice cream shacks in Missouri make their own frozen custard and toppings, and it's delicious. Even the bad ones were better than this place.
Raise your standards, California. This place is three stars at best. -
Review from Hanna D.
5/23/2011
Simple, delicious food.
Fantastic prices.
Excellent service.
How can you beat that?!
I love this place. When I'm feeling lazy or when the boyfriend wants a good chili cheese burger, we go here. The food is fast food, but quality and not mass cooked. Everything is cooked individually and to perfection.
After getting a burger, hit the ice cream side of the building! AMAZING shakes and smoothies! You can get every combination of flavors imaginable.
The service is absolutely fantastic. The employees are always welcoming and friendly. They offer prompt service and excellent attitudes.
A great local spot for good food! I'd much rather support them then Sonic! -
Review from Sally L.
Fremont, CA
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is based on their food and service, not ice cream treats!
My husband and I were in the area and decided to go to Pepper Tree Frosty for lunch because of all the great reviews. We were very happy with our decision! My husband ordered the carne asada fries and, holy guacamole (pun intended), it was DELICIOUS. I ordered the cheeseburger, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The cheeseburger tasted EXACTLY like a McDonald's cheeseburger. I seriously thought they went to the nearest McDonald's and bought their burgers in bulk. I thought I was nuts so I asked my husband for a second opinion and he agreed.
While we were waiting for our food, it was pretty cool to see the newspaper articles featuring them and I liked that they have a lot of history.
Also, I am a ketchup fiend and they are very stingy with their ketchup packets. They only gave me 3 little packets, and when I ran out of ketchup, I went to the window to ask for more and the lady only gave me ONE!
I will definitely come back here, but I won't be ordering their cheeseburger anymore. I will probably start bringing my own ketchup bottle too. -
Review from Tammy B.
Vista, CA
2/8/2011
I can't help going back for the strawberry chocolate dipped cone! I've been going to Pepper Tree for years. I thought I was the only one with the issue of the magical melting cone. What the?
TURN UP THE COLD ON THE MACHINE!
I will still go because of the nostagia and it's the only place that serves my favorite combo dipped cone. -
Review from SubPrimeTime T.
Escondido, CA
8/31/2010 17 Check-ins Here
I can only imagine the gut wrenching pain the owners of Pepper Tree felt when they first heard Sonic was moving in next door.
The good news is that they have survived and they still makes great
frozen treats.
The menu is daunting. The kids were easy as they still enjoy the simplicity of a soft serve cone.. I on the other hand spent too much time figuring out which milkshake flavor to go with.. Ugh, when in doubt always go with what you know.. I got the Mocha shake. This was the sweetest dessert I've had in a long long time.. Man, I just wanted to take a nap after consuming a third of it.
- Could used more cover on the patio..
- Dipped cones are messy! Watch out.Listed in: Viva La Vista
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Review from Erin E.
Vista, CA
6/26/2011
Amazing. Do not waste your time going to Sonics down the street. Pepper Tree is what it's all about.
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Review from Trever F.
Vista, CA
8/5/2011
Hands down some of the best ice cream and milkshakes. Come here to fill that evil urge for sweet and creamy. On the side is where they sell fast food for the cheap. Want a cheeseburger forget mickey D's and treat yourself to a pepper tree burger and oh so much more. All the locals flock here every night must be something right.
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Review from Pamela V.
Pasadena, CA
8/17/2011
Ice Cream Parlor--Love chocolate dipped soft serve, especially when the ice cream is 2 flavors swirled. My brother raves about the cherry slush. But I want to try the butterscotch dip flavor next time.
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Review from Robert H.
Oceanside, CA
11/24/2010
I really want to love Peppertree Frosty because it has been around since I was little, but there are so many things keeping me away.
2-stars for their melting treats and 1-sympathy star for still being in business all of this time.
Peppertree Frosty has a variety of ice cream choices at a decent price, but the ice cream is only partially frozen and melts VERY fast. Your sundae will turn into a milk shake in under 5 minutes.
I have been there dozens of times over the years and have consistently run into the same issues. I would have thought that since it has been serving San Diego residents for over 55 years that they would make some improvements over time, though this is not the case.
The building looks like it has never been reconditioned and the wood seating area outside is dirty and falling apart. This makes it really hard to enjoy your food and not worry about getting your clothes dirty.
All-in-all this place is a staple for Vista residents and San Diego history. It's a shame to think that without a reality check soon, they may no longer be serving up sugar delight. -
Review from tiyanna c.
San Diego, CA
8/10/2011
Came here on a suggestion from my sister who found it on the net. It was around 9pm when we finally took the death grip my husband had on the controllers for COD! We thought we weren't going to make it but they have summer hours!! Extended an extra 30 mins. (10:30pm m-th 11pm fri-sun).
there is a Sonics about a block down before u hit this joint. 2 ppl were setting there. We pulled up at 9:30 and there was a huge group of ppl in line!
There's a big ass board with a plethora of flavors. There was 7 of us in the group,, first timers so... Yeah we took a good 10 mins to decide. They were out of brownies, butter scotch and macadamia. Its only Tuesday... O_O
I had the chocolate banana which was so freakin' hella good!Real chunks of banana, thick, creamy shakes (which I believe what they are mainly known by). My niece had the chocolate cherry & that one was just a goodddd! My sister had the strawberry cheesecake! OMG!! Just go get them!! Must order. Cups are huge so be prepared to be full about half way!! Worth the money!! -
Review from Jeremy W.
Alhambra, CA
2/18/2009
I wanted to give them 5 stars. I really do. In fact, I was actually hell bent on doing so while I was in my car on my way back to work because that's where I took my first few sips of their butterscotch malt. After my first small sip (since it was so thick) i thought "mmm...that's GOOD." When I had my second sip a few seconds later, I literally said out loud (when no one else was in my car) "HOLY SHIT THAT'S GOOD!" That about sums up what I think of that malt.
Where they really REALLY fell short was the food. The burger and onion rings. The burger was about as big as I expected it to be so they lose nothing there, but it just wasn't very good. It would be if they manage to get some better beef. Everything else about the burger is good enough, but the beef is no good. The onion rings were also no good. First, it was a tiny order. Second, the breading was falling apart and I couldn't chew through some pieces of onion. You know, that bite of onion ring that refuses to separate from the rest of the ring so you're basically forced to pull the entire onion out of its breaded shell so what you're then left with is not onion ring but fried breading ring? Yea, you know what I'm talking about.Listed in: SD fast food
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Review from Robert A.
National City, CA
3/31/2010
This place is located right down the street from my tax preparer so I just had to check it out.The building reminds me of an old school burger stand like I used to see years back before everything became so commercialized and chain oriented.
Upon my first visit there,I was thrown for a loop because unlike most places you have two seperate windows for ordering: 1 for food and 1 for desserts.I placed an order for a double hamburger with cheese and french fries.It took a while to recieve my order but my food was hot and fresh.The burger was small and looked just like a McDonalds Big Mac! Even had the special sauce like McDonalds.The burger was tasty but I was expecting something more substantial and more old school.The beef patties were as thin as the thickness of a dime.The fries were very good.
It was time to sample dessert.I sampled a milkshake and it was thick,creamy and delicious! I tried a sundae on a return visit and it didnt dissapoint!
The verdict:Would I dine at Pepper Tree again? Yes!!! It was an overall positive experience and I really love the nastalgic vibe that I get from this place. -
Review from Cody L.
Vista, CA
11/23/2009
It doesn't get much more Vista (read better) than Pepper Tree.
I'm only writing this review because some butthole decided it'd be a good idea to put in a Sonic right next to the 'Tree. If you're a Sonic fan and you're reading this now, let me tell you, Sonic blows man. What are you doing in Vista eating at a Sonic anyway?
Anybody who has grown up in Vista will tell you that Pepper Tree Frosty rules, and you know what? They're probably right. So do yourself a favor, listen to them and go see for yourself. Order anything. I bet it'll kick ass. -
Review from Fumi M.
Encinitas, CA
12/4/2007
To my knowledge, Pepper Tree in Vista is the one and only old-fashioned neighborhood ice cream parlor left in North County, and they serve up the best ice cream and ice cream treats! Ice cream, dipped cones, sundaes, floats, malts, etc... you name it they will make it for you the old fashioned way.
This is how it usually goes down for me..... First I order my sliders(5 little burgers for 5 bucks), plate of chili cheese fries at the burger shop attached to the back of the ice-cream shop. Then I patiently wait while I sipping on delicious root beer float. THE BEST.
Go support this last of the Mohican, ice cream shop in Vista. What a good America is made of. -
Review from Jay S.
Vista, CA
4/14/2010
5 stars for tradition. I grew up in North County and this is a Vista landmark. I don't think I've ever gotten anything other than the vanilla/chocolate swirl dipped in chocolate. It's honestly not the best ice cream in the world... definitely at least average or... well... above average I guess. There's just a certain mystique about the place.
I am assuming the name came from the big pepper tree that used to be out near the patio area. I think they chopped it down but left the trunk so that's kinda sad.
Otherwise, thank you pepper tree for all the memories, smiles, and wonder of childhood. I look forward to bringing my kids here one day. -
Review from Martha M.
Vista, CA
6/23/2011
I love pepper tree and have been going there since I was a little girl. I love their ice cream, huge banana splits and great prices.
However their customer service is poor. My husband and I went there on a Friday night and the high school kids that work there at that time were horrible. First, when I told the girl that she mistakenly put nuts on my banana split, she rolled her eyes and ignored me. Then, her friends came up to the window and apparently stated thats she was going to give them whatever they wanted and continued to ignore us. It wasn't until another server came up and aplogized and made me a new one. Customer service is what makes a place like this worth going to. I think management needs to take a look at who they hire a bit more closely because they are ruining the great reputation that they have. -
Review from Andy H.
11/7/2009 7 Check-ins Here
Man, talk about a classic ice cream stand. It's been here since I was a lil tyke. This place is great and what should be considered a true gem of what may seem like a rough section of Vista. I will forever be a fan of the peppertree even though I am lactose intolerant. I'll suffer for a chocolate dipped cone.
I don't think anything else needs to be said about this place. I hope the new sonic just built near this place doesn't kill the peppertree. It'd be a true shame to lose such an iconic place that has been in Vista for a longtime. -
Review from Dan G.
Austin, TX
1/13/2009
Wonderful little burger / shake joint. This is the kind of food that everyone should have at least once in their life. The burgers are pretty good, shakes are amazing. Completely surprising - their Carne Asada burrito is actually very good! My wife got the Hot Brownie Sundae shake and holy bejesus, was it good. Actually tasted like a brownie Sundae! This is a blast to go to with a group of people because everyone has fun getting different food and shakes and comparing. It's also fun to go here for a lunch break during work so everyone can kick back and relax.
One of the most charming things about it is that food order and drink order are at different windows, and if you want to pay for food with a card they write the value down on a piece of paper and send you to the front. One of the very rare true "food joints" still around, so get out there and try it!Listed in: The Upper Deck of places to…, Best o' the Best SD
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Review from Jodi M.
Vista, CA
5/18/2011
Love this place. I'm a Vista local and have been going here since I was a kid. They have it all shakes, sundaes, shake/sundae combos, soft serve...mmmmmm. Highly recommend!!!
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Review from Felicia G.
San Marcos, CA
2/2/2009
Holy Toledo!! There is nothing like a pepper tree treat and it doesn't even compare to your normal dairy queen or baskin robbins. This place is the holy grail of sweet cold treats!!!
Whenever my hubby and I are in Oceanside we hop on over to Vista for a pepper tree boston shake or a sundae shake. We have even been known to go on a drive from Murrieta when we just need that special treat! I suggest if you are ever in the North County area of San Diego its a must to try a treat from Pepper Tree they also have food which I cant comment on because we only go for the sweets but I'm sure they are good too!!! -
Review from Steven M.
4/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Wow....visited this location not too long ago and it was as good as I remembered it being back in 1983 when I used to go there.
Love the ice cream.....
A must stop, great place to bring the kids, walk up window for cones.
Fun. -
Review from Thom H.
Vista, CA
4/19/2011
I have been coming here since the mid 50's, when there were Pepper trees & you could walk down to the creek. It is always the best. I recently drove by there late at night when it was cold and there was a line of 5 or so people. A line for ice cream when it is in the high 40's. Go figure. I love the place.
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Review from Stephanie B.
Arlington, TX
11/3/2009
Grew up going to Peppertree, even remember walking over for class trips during middle school! My old school isn't there anymore but luckily Peppertree is! Went back for the first time in over a decade last night and enjoyed a hot fudge brownie sundae. It was very big and tasty. I shared it with my grandmother. The brownie was moist and chewy (like a real brownie should be)! The fudge was rich and hot!
Please, don't waste your money eating at that new Sonic down the street. We have had them in Texas for years and they don't even hold a candle to Peppertree. Keep it local! -
Review from Matt M.
Vista, San Diego, CA
5/30/2011
If this was for the ice cream only, I would give them six stars. This is some of the best soft serve ice cream that you will find anywhere! The food is nothing special though.
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Review from debbie m.
Oceanside, CA
9/6/2010
I've lived in Vista for 15 years and have never been to Peppertree Frosty. I went because I saw there writeup in the reader for the BEST hamburger in North County.
Outdoor eating is always enjoyable. I am going back for the hot fuger sundae and frozen banana. -
Review from kari m.
Oceanside, CA
6/8/2008
Umm umm,
ice cream is the best invention EVER!!! -
Review from William B.
Oceanside, CA
3/7/2010
Great neighborhood ice cream stand, with a decor that gives you a flashback of the mid 20th century American life, which should be no surprise, as it's been here that long.
Best milk shakes anywhere with a huge variety to choose from, with peanut butter/chocolate being my favorite and one I get time and time again. Ice cream cones, sundaes and malts are all very good and this place is always a consideration whenever we are in central Vista.
Not as fond of the burger/fry half of it on the side as it's pretty ordinary, at times very oily. While it always takes a while to complete an order, it does tell you, in a good way, that they aren't keeping food under a lamp like a chain fast food joint.
They do classic car shows around the stand too at different times of the year which are fun to see.
The girls inside who making the ice cream treats always seem enthusiastic about their job and are very good with answering questions about the stand's many ice cream offerings. -
Review from Steve R.
4/12/2007
This location looks like an older Dairy Queen with walk-up service only and a few limited tables only. Not good for large groups but plenty of parking to the E & W sides and in the back of the store. Located in an older part of Vista off Santa Fe Ave.
I've only had your basic ice cream cone here though they do serve other ice cream styles and fast food type items.
The soft-serve ice cream is excellent, especially the twist (half chocolate, half vanilla).
I used to go here all the time when I lived in the North County.
For ice cream, it can't be beat. On warm summer nights, like most ice cream shacks, it will be crowded.
Four stars only because they seem to have weird operating hours from what I remember (like being closed certain days of the week or not opening on Mondays or something). Conveniently close to the new downtown Vista Village Center (Vista Village Dr at S Santa Fe Ave). -
Review from Amanda R.
Long Beach, CA
8/30/2009
Funnily enough today was my 1st time at Pepper Tree Frosty. I say funny enough because I graduated from Vista High School where everyone was life long Pepper Tree fans. One of my close friends even worked at Pepper Tree and still no go!
But tonight sitting in the triple digit heat they finally got me. My Mom (lives in Vista) goes to this place often. I caught a ride with her and was surprised to see a huge line at 9pm at night. I guess they stay open until 10pm. I got the Root Beer Float and it was delicious. They also have something called a "Freeze" which is basically a float with your choice of soda but blended together. I'm giving them 4 stars for their ice cream not the food. I've heard it's not that good. -
Review from Jeff U.
Vista, CA
3/21/2011
I've been hitting up Pepper Tree since I was a baby in 1969. ( 5 stars is for their ice cream only) Although the food is so-so at best, the ice cream and shakes have been consistently delicious for my 42 years and counting!! My wife like the chocolate peanut butter shakes with a little extra pb. I like em too as well as the mint chocolate chip shakes, root beer freezes and the butterscotch shakes and ,malts. When I was a kid I liked the soft serve dipped in chocolate/butterscotch and now my kiddoz dig it too. If you're craving something cold sweet and naughty-head to Pepper tree in Vista!
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Review from Brandy P.
Vista, CA
3/16/2010
If you are ever in North County this is a must visit place. Pepper Tree is that place you bring an out of towner if you want to show them a local hideaway.
Pepper Tree has been around forever, it's a walk up ice cream stand where you can pick up a burger and fries as well. They have two walk up windows, one for nothing but the ice cream and shakes and another for the rest of the food.
You're not going to get a huge $6 burger here the burgers are small but they are ohhh so good and priced well for their size. The main reason to visit Pepper Tree however is the ice cream/shakes. The chocolate shake is the best around.
So walk up grab a shake and sit out in the sun and just enjoy. -
Review from Christine L.
San Diego, CA
6/7/2011
We went out of our way to try the popular shakes at Pepper Tree since we had out of town guests. It was a Saturday evening and we arrived at 9:50pm. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, the girl inside saw us and turned the "OPEN" sign over to "CLOSED". She then pointed at it as if to make sure we knew they were "CLOSED". We walked toward the shop just to double check because it wasn't 10pm yet and she once again looked at us to wave us away. I glanced at my watch as we approached and saw that it was 8 minutes until closing. I noticed a worker inside cleaning and thought to myself, if they want to leave early, they should change the close time to 9:30pm. In my opinion, if a shop is advertised to close at 10pm, they should take customers up until that time. What a disappointment. I won't be coming back and I definitely won't be recommending this place to friends or family. Who knows, they may go out of their way and be turned away, just like us. I don't care how good their food or shakes are, customer service is WAY more important.
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