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Symphony (Green)
Massachusetts Ave (Orange)
Mon-Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Every time Im in boston, I stop at wheelers. Im not vegan and I love a good veggie burger. But I couldnt pass this up. Expensive yes, but thats what you get when you want to consumer a specialty item. The people that work there were very nice to me and were down to have a little chatt while I enjoyed my icy treat. With many different flovors it was cool to try and sample them all. always something different with wheelers they always amaze me when Im in boston.
A few of my friends even saw them at a show in Florida where they handed out free samples to people ready to take the plunge... :)
As a vegan who occasionally likes to indulge in a small container of that tempting vegan selection in the Whole Foods freezer, I am not impressed by Wheeler's.
I have yet to visit their physical location, but I've now tried them twice at the Boston Vegetarian Festival.
The dude himself seems hugely apathetic towards customers, as he stared on listening to his iPod while his female staff did all of the scooping and servicing.
And the ice cream? More icy than creamy.
I'll probably stop in if I'm ever in the area on a very hot summer's day, but it's nothing I'll go out of my way to experience.
Wheeler's is decent, but it's overpriced and the ice cream doesn't compare with what you can buy in grocery stores. For the 4$ that you spend for a medium sized scoop of Wheeler's ice cream, get a pint of So Delicious, or get a quart of Trader Joe's Soy Creamy cherry chocolate chip.
The best flavor I've had here, and I've been many times, is the strawberry. It was definitely the creamiest of the flavors I've tried. Most of them tend to separate into little icy chunks that just don't have a good mouth-feel.
I really wish i could write a proper review for wheelers, after reading the numerous blogs and web sites and buying the book i was excited to be heading to town for some vegan frozen goodness .. but .. they were on vacation..
when i got home i checked the six website/blogs and only one of them had mention of them being closed, and it was a tiny post two screens worth of posts down.. bummer.
i tried to make some at home and the one recipe i made had a typo (that i later found mention of on one of their other web sites) and it was barely edible. my emails to them went unanswered, one email bounced back. big thumbs down to wheelers for not caring about the people who were once excited about a vegan ice creamery..
if you long for vegan ice cream just take the trip to Lula's in NYC .. nice people, great ice cream.
This place is not run well and it's a bummer, as everyone else has explained. I've been in a few times. The list of delicious sandwiches and food items that they don't make is annoying. It's also annoying that the first time I went out of my way to go there during open hours, they were mysteriously not open. The first time I was actually able to eat there was about 3 months ago. I had the mint chocolate chip. They had already scooped a mistaken mint chocolate chip right before I came in and the girl reached under the counter and gave me that one, which had already started to melt. The flavor was alright, except that there was the strange third flavor that I didn't recognize or like - perhaps from the sweetener? And it had an undesirable texture. Not very good or creamy. My friend liked his alright.
The second time we just happened to be walking by at 5 minutes until 1PM and saw they were opening at 1 so we waited around, even though it was dark inside and no one was there so it was hard to say if they'd be opening at all. Someone showed up and opened the doors to us at about 1:10. It was messy inside, I guess the owner or someone had had some sort of event there on the weekend. I thought maybe the food list would be erased three months later, but no; it was still there and still no food. We ordered ice creams, but come to find out whoever ran the event had not left any ice cream scoops, apparently. Without any ice cream scoops we were out of luck. The whole experience was really weird and Wheeler's is obviously not well managed at all. The hours they are open are a bit odd and whether or not they'll be open at all seems erratic. I won't count on going here again.
I drove over to try this place out and it was closed! Friday night, 7pm. The hours said they should be open until 10pm. No indication on the door as to why they were closed. Or on their website...
This place was the light at the end of my dark Boston tunnel.
We were in the city all week, watching my sister go through an awful splenectomy. It never stopped raining and i can't FREAKING EAT DAIRY!!
What's a girl to do?
Enter Wheeler's. The Vegan restaurant tracking app on my iPhone (yes, I'm a loser) led us to this small place tucked off the green line symphony stop. It's difficult to spot even when you're right in front of it!
They advertised themselves as having the best vegan ice cream (better even than regular) in Boston. I was skeptical at first, but - They were right! It was so creamy and delicious and full of tremendous, chocolatey chunks!
We were the only people in there, and the quiet employee let us sample some flavors first. They had a nice couch to sit on, plenty of magazines, and some bizarro body art on the wall.
It was just what the doctor ordered.
I went here last night for an after dinner treat and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not totally sure what I expected from an all vegan ice cream shop but I definitely didn;t leave disappointed.
We were the only people in there (besides the girl behind the counter). There was a chalk board filled with salads and sandwiches, which we we told aren't available because the owner (who is the only one who can make them?) was out on a book tour. Which was fine, we were there for only ice cream.
There were about 7 or 8 flavors to choose from. I went with the espresso chip and my man had the chocolate coconut. We both got smalls, which was about $4... but I think that's standard price. It tasted great and totally hit the spot. We'll definitly be going back... well... until we buy the cookbook and start making our own.
Pretty yummy, though I have to admit that I have had better here in New York. The concept is great and I love that places that this are turning up more and more as alternatives for dairy.
I had maple walnut in a cup, and the bf had a green tea milkshake. The maple walnut had a stronger maple flavor than the dairy version and was pretty good. The almond milk they used for the green tea milkshake paired really well with the green tea flavor.
They don't make their own teas, but I do want to go back to try them. They smelled really fresh and tasty.
If you're a dairy lover, go into it with the idea that it is a frozen dessert, not fake ice cream. Don't attempt side-by-side comparisons; just give it a try. On its own, Wheeler's is a tasty treat.
Dear Orangedheaded 5 star reviewer,
Wanna know something funny? I don't think my parents ever taught me "if you don't have something nice to say don't say it at all". Although I do think the 200 something people that know me on Yelp.. and the 1000s of people I've met on my travels around Boston for the past 6+ years (I've worked/volunteered a LOT in this town) know that I'm pretty tolerant of things/people and I'm generally jovial. Yes, I said jovial. When I do poke fun, a lot of the time it's at myself.
What I was taught, was that if someone attacked me then I had the right to defend myself. I thought a bit about writing this update because I don't think retaliation is always the best way to approach things but you made it personal by mentioning my name.. so here goes.
I'll admit.. my review of Wheeler's is a bit rough.. but I've seen worse and this is the flat out truth. Yours however is a lie. I have 3 witnesses that can say there were no people in the shop when we went in. 5 including the staff.. but for some reason I think you know the staff.. which if you read the italics as you were writing your accusatory review.. states.. "if you know the owner or have a conflict of interests, please don't review".
I was in a celebratory mood that day. It was my last day at work and after I had celebrated/hugged/laughed with co-workers, I had been invited for frosty goodness at Wheeler's. I was even told I'd be treated because the person inviting me (not Yihwa) had had Wheeler's before. She is vegan and was/is a big fan. Since she couldn't have any ice cream that day (due to allergies).. I refused her offer to pay because I felt bad (who wouldn't?). And since I was in such a good/non-argumentative mood I made my order as quick and as painless as possible. Chocolate and peanut butter in a medium cup.. NO QUESTIONS asked. I was not told my ice cream was almost out. I was in fact told that peanut butter was one of my cashier's favorites.
NOTE: If I were allergic to peanut butter.. I wouldn't have ordered it. C'mon girl, make your accusatory statements more valid by research!
I'll admit I shared a laugh with the owner when he first poked fun at Yihwa while she was choosing ice cream. Looking back on it now, who says everything is experimental? The owner said everything was experimental. Where's the control in the situation? But with no real tried and true method, should he taste all of flavors to ensure quality? Not that he should personally do that himself.. but that seems somewhat off. Where's the consistency?
And yes, I was standing RIGHT next to my friend when he threw the sandwich on the counter. It's not like he chucked it at her like a softball, but he did toss it like she was some dog that would pounce on a free biscuit. And Ms. Oranghead.. I don't know if you had your super secret binoculars on, but from my angle, I have no idea how anyone else could have seen him do it since we were leaning on the counter. There was a guy standing next to Yihwa.. but your name suggests you're female.
So no sweetheart/honeybun, my review is none of your business. Please take your time to write your own review.. much like the other 5 star reviews up there. I know some of the people who have given great reviews. They've obviously had good experiences, but just because my friends gave this place a good review, doesn't mean I have to. Again, real people.. real reviews. I really do find it suspicious that you wrote your review hours after mine.. and it's your first and only review. Strange.
I'm sorry if this is harsh, but I don't enjoy being called a liar in a public forum. Even if this is just a food review site. I don't believe my reviews are mean-spirited.. but when someone.. is out and out mean to me and my friends.. I'm going to be honest. And when something good happens to me and my friends I'm going to be honest. And when something is meh with me and my friends I'm going to be honest. REAL people, REAL reviews.
Oh yeah, and people (as in many) have already messaged me about your review because they believe I'm right (even people with good Wheeler's experiences), so you're the one that is actually making Wheeler's look bad by attacking me. With your lack of reviews and pictures, your credibility has been called into question. If you are a real person, I encourage you to take down your review and write some real ones.
Have a nice day.
I. Am. Not. A. Fan.
EPIC FAIL =
-E veryone was raving so I had to go. This is what makes it an even…
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I've been hearing the hype about Wheeler's for a couples years now. It had opened after I'd moved from Boston and the idea of a vegan ice cream parlour within the city limits is so damn exciting.
I visited on vacation last week, and it pains me to say this about a vegan establishment, but I'm really, really hoping I went on an off day and had...off nondairy ice cream. I went in with a friend, the place reeked of cleaners, LOTR was blaring from a laptop behind the counter, only one flavor of ice cream was written on the menu board while a ton of sandwiches were on it. I'm positive the guy working was Wheeler. When I walked in with my friend, he was telling a few girls the list of ice creams and called out to make sure we heard him and he wouldn't have to repeat them. Honestly, it was a list of 5-8 ice creams, whatever. One girl jokingly asked if he was vegan and he said no! I'm hoping that was being funny, but to each their own, even if you're guy working at the vegan ice cream parlour.
I ordered the pumpkin and my friend (non-vegan) got the mexican chocolate. She liked it but didn't taste any spice or cinnamon, and my pumpkin was icy and barely had any pumpkin flavor, so sad. He had to to go the back to get ice cream, too, it wasn't on display. Wasn't worth the $3-4 or so it costs for the small. I didn't see any toppings and wasn't offered any either. As we were leaving a woman came in to order a sandwich and he replied "It would take me a few minutes to make it" in a very rude manner and she then went with ice cream. It was just a weird experience overall....
I would definitely try it again because I've heard such glowing reviews and again, I'm vegan and woo! vegan! business! , but would opt for a shake.
Soy ice cream is boss. I love it. I like it *better* than dairy ice cream (which works out well, 'cause I don't eat dairy anymore). That fruit sweetened Soy Delicious in Espresso flavor? Yeah, it's amazing. So I was so excited to hear about this place.
When I went to give it a try for the first time, it was a disgustingly hot summer day that was on the verge of erupting into a terrible thunderstorm. My friend and I were bewildered by the extensive flavor list -- what to get? The guy working there gave us many samples before we settled on flavors, and they were all very good. There was even non-dairy whipped cream for a treat!
Stark decor and not the world's best location, but I like to try to stop by if I'm in the area at all.
Vegan Ice cream.
Vegan...Cream...oxymoron...what?!?!
I know it exists, I know it's possible but still somehow my mind has a problem wrapping itself around this anomaly. But today I put my reason aside and ventured down the path of the unknown. Like a modern-day Alice in Wonderland. Vegan ice cream is my pseudo white rabbit.
Anyway. The adventure turned out to be less than fairy-tale like. Imagine if your dentist's office and an ice cream parlor had a child. Yes, that is the interior and service factor at Wheeler's. Sterile, bare bones and slightly cold. The goods, however, delivered fairly well. I choose the Reese's peanut butter cup, which tasted a bit funny at first but turned out to be really palatable in the long run...creamy and satisfying. No need for anything more than a small, if you're looking for a quick, refreshing treat.
If I am in the 'hood, I would like to sample more of their extensive flavor list...who knew one could conjure up so much creativity sans the usual ingredients...but I most likely won't be going out of my way to satisfy my sweet tooth here. Mainly because I don't mind dairy in my ice cream...and for that there are tons of options for me. For those who choose to live the vegan life, they might find it worth the trek.
You know that soy vegan ice cream you're always accidentally buying at Trader Joes and then throwing out as it tastes like crud?
Yeah, well Wheeler's is NOT that - you'd never throw this stuff out.
I popped in this lunchtime and the flavors had finally just arrived.... lots of them. I was to be their very 1st full-service customer. Off the top of my head I remember only a few...
Liquorice
Mexican Chocolate (spicy)
Choc Chip
Ginger and Ginseng
Vanilla Cucumber
Black Russian
Mojito (made with real Patron Platinum!)
... and there are many more.
I tried a few and went out with a small Mex Choc ($3.75) that was totally delicious. It was too early in the afternoon for the Mojito.
Wheeler's is definitely going to be a big hit. The slight texture difference and lingering aftertaste of vegan ice cream is cunningly disguised with his creative and scrumptious flavors. Go!
Had the pleasure of stopping in Wheelers tonight! They are brand spanking new and still figuring stuff out so the walls are pretty bare, BUT the desserts are as delicious as always!
I was lucky enough to meet Wheeler the master chef in person just before an all-nighter mixing up 30 flavors for the store this weekend, so make sure to stop by and sample them! Since they are still figuring things out, don't forget to come cash in hand, because they don't have a credit card machine yet!
ON TO THE DESSERTS! YES, there is still LOTS of SUGAR pumping through my veins!! The chocolate ice cream tastes almost like eating cake batter, fudgy but still creamy like ice cream should be! My huge eyes also ordered a slice of the lemon cake with strawberry icing and the cake was perfectly moist with icing that was sweet, but not too sweet!
Again, they are still gearing up, so not everything is in stock yet, but they plan on carrying vegan ice cream, sorbet, vegan cupcakes, vegan cakes, vegan cookies and vegan carrot cake!
My only worry is that my office is literally around the corner, and I am really going to have to start walking more to be able to incorporate eating here as often as I would like ;)
I first came to Wheeler's last Saturday and asked for a sample of the vanilla cucumber ice cream; although it was incredibly light and refreshing, I opted not to get it because I'd had lunch earlier. However, I knew I had to return and indulge my taste buds.
I came in yesterday and Wheeler and the woman behind the counter were both very pleasant and helpful. Wheeler gave me plenty samples to try, thus making my decision so hard. I tried tequila sunrise, cranberry cosmo, raspberry chocolate chip, chocolate. They were all exquisite, but my two favorite were Reese's peanut butter cup, and the strawberry-vodka-red bull. For someone like me, who is neither a fan of chocolate nor peanut butter, that says a lot about how impressed I was with my scoop. I savored every last bit of the intensely thick, rich and creamy, decadent, mouth watering Reese's. Although I am not a vegan, I am definitely sold on this place.
On my way out, Wheeler handed me a chocolate cupcake that was baked inside an ice cream cone for my trip back home. That cupcake was the BOMB! Don't mean to scream, but that has got to be the best cupcake, vegan or not, that I have had in a long time. So moist, it melted right in my mouth...
Wheeler, you ROCK! I will be returning to try some of the other eclectic favors, as well as snaggin' some of those slammin' cupcakes! Thanks for everything!
I love the concept, but my experience here was not so good. A slightly surly server (watch me alliterate, mom!) gave me a small ice cream that *appeared* to be the mexican chocolate I had ordered, but I think was actually regular chocolate. When this was pointed out to her, she got uberdefensive and maintained that it was indeed mexican chocolate.
Meh. Either way, I'm not so pleased. And can someone please tell me wtf is up with the decor?! This is not an Apple store, Mr. Wheeler, nor is it some sort of scary lab.
-1 star for surly counter service
-1 star for either the wrong ice cream OR really bland-tasting mexican chocolate
-1 star because it's 5:45 am and I can't sleep, and am definitely taking it out on Wheeler's. Oh, and the actual store's lack of decorations/glaringly white walls suck.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his ice-cream! I haven't been to the new store yet, but I've been to a couple of his tastings, and I gotta say - this ice-cream is just amazing!!! (And this has been confirmed, btw, by some of my non-vegan friends, so don't think I rave about it simply because I'm deprived of ice-cream.)
Plus, Wheeler is such a great guy!
So check it out and let your taste-buds speak to you!
I'm in love with this ice cream and even more in love with having a vegan ice cream shop, a severely underdeveloped business around here. It's all so mouth-wateringly delicious! The sorbets are incredibly accurate, capturing the concentrated flavors of their true form.
I'm clearly biased in giving their shop five stars, since no one in their right mind would enter and think to themselves "HEAVEN" when they walk into this undecorated, barely furnished space. I doubt anyone would even wander in - it's that empty. None of the ice creams are on display either, simply listed on a small white board. Scoops are retrieved behind closed doors from the back, which at any other place I'd be completely sketched out by.
They'll prob be setting up the rest soon and it might already look completely different (better). What I DO know, is that everything I've ever tried of theirs is so perfect, an instant mood-lifter. I can't even remember the last time I went to an ice cream store. Awww shucks, makes me feel like a kid again ;)
Who knew Reese's Peanut Butter Cup could go Vegan!
Maybe only in Wheeler's Ice Cream world, but I'm willing to make the trek.
Spartan environs, and tucked away right next to Symphony Hall, anyone who's interested in tricking their taste buds and is looking for a healthier alternative to ice cream needs to check out Wheelers.
Their hours are limited (930 on Saturday seems to early too me), but their website is updated regularly.
$3 something for a small but very satisfying scoop.
Try the alcohol inspired flavors too---very saucy!
Wheeler's is the best place for those who are lactose intolerant & vegan. People recently found out the no-dairy ice cream @ Herrell's in fact did have traces of dairy.
Wheeler's has the funkiest flavors around town. I do think the alcohol-based ones will make you drunk sometimes. I like when there are bits & pieces of candy goodness in the ice cream but I keep missing out on that, damn it.
Wheller is also pretty funny, I give him lots of grief, but man he is sure overworked. He travels alot to spread the black label word. Do you know he has an ice cream truck too? How cool is that?
Quite simply, the ice cream and sorbet at Wheeler's is absolutely delicious. They offer rich, indulgent flavors like apple pie and mint chocolate chip, as well as lighter, fruit flavors like cranberry (a personal favorite!), raspberry, and lemon. The sorbet even contains pieces of real fruit, which seriously adds to the taste and texture; they remind me of a creamier, softer version of New York style Italian Ices.
The prices and portions at Wheeler's are reasonable, and comparable to other Boston area ice cream shops ($3.75/$4.75)...admittedly, they're all a bit overpriced, but such is life. And their cups are bio-degradable!
Wheeler's has a blog dedicated to their Boston store, so check it out: http://wheelersblackla.../
If you're going out of your way to get to Wheeler's, I suggest giving them a call first. The business hours are not totally reliable.
Typical of this city, people just do whatever they want. the CHALKBOARD menu said they served falafel and some other hot items, but the tired girl behind the counter said that they did not, and then said that they may serve those things later on in the year. WTF. The ice cream was definitely not like normal ice cream, but the maple walnut was sweet and salty and good in its own way. Overall, the ice cream was good, but remember what city you are in and don't get too excited about service or follow-through
They have really cool artwork here! It's like being back in the 70's.
First important thing, bring cash! They don't take credit cards. 2nd important thing, NO DAIRY! They currently serve frozen beverages and teas. EVERYTHING is VEGAN.
The menu changes daily. They have non-dairy ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt. They call it ice cream or yogurt, but it's really different as it's non dairy. Lots of cool flavors. I have found the alcohol-based ones are the best.
I like the soy-based whipped cream. The hot fudge was OK. The vanilla cherry was quite good. MMM cherries! Strawberry was OK.
I haven't tried the sorbets yet, but I want to. Always check their website and blog. They often give free food at events weekly. They also travel across the country. They told us they won't be fully open till early November. They have a restaurant license, so they'll offer vegan food such as sandwiches and such as well.
I'll be coming back often. The next time, we plan on starving ourselves and getting the $15 sampler and trying their dozens of flavors!
One other note. The staff is always friendly, chatty, and very happy to be working there. It's a pleasure to go in. The customers are just as happy.
It's not easy for someone to make non dairy frozen desserts that rival dairy ones. They really do a good job. I advise you to get free samples until you find ones that you like before you order. If you're used to dairy, it may take some time to find one that's up to your speed.
For me, it's like heaven as I'm lactose intolerant.
Hey the guy is trying...and the vegan cream is actually good
Very likeable alternative to frozen cow
Dont mean to be a contrarian or rain on anyones vegan parade...
First, vegan ice cream is made…
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I haven't been here since last summer, I don't tend to eat ice cream during cold weather but it's an awesome place. The peanut butter cup is my favorite, there are often free samples, the staff is awesome! The atmosphere inside is a little boring (at least it was 6 or 7 months ago) but other than that, it's a great place!
I think I was just too excited when I wrote my previous review. The decor is so stark it feels sterile and dark even on a sunny day. I went back to Wheelers recently and, while I still think that the fruit sorbets are super delicious and wonderful, and I love the fact that it's all more low-cal etc, the stars have been crumbling away.
Much like my ice cream the other day. I understand vegan chocolate is different, but it really didn't hit the spot. Not sinfully rich or satisfying at all for a chocolate craving. And the ice cream kept crumbling! Some areas would melt, but each time I dug my spoon in, little bits kept crumbling around and breaking off into pieces. That's not cool for ice cream, even if it is vegan ice cream and made differently from regular ice cream. My friend Dish's two flavours kept crumbling too and she threw half hers out!
Also, they apparently make all the ice cream on the same machine. Including the stuff with peanuts. And don't clean it out enough between mixes I guess so traces of peanut or whatever you're allergic to in one flavour could be in ANY other flavour. So people allergic to peanuts, like two of my other companions that day, could not indulge in ANYTHING. You'd think that a place catering to a more 'special' lifestyle (veganism) would be more sensitive to special dietary restrictions (and I know a LOT of people with peanut allergies so it mustn't be TOO uncommon).
Lastly, of the two people behind the counter that day, one was lovely and sweet while the other just plain wasn't. And the one that wasn't, as I later discovered with surprise, was Mr. Wheeler himself. It's a shame that I was put out by who turned out to be the owner. I felt a bit like I was being mocked or having eyes rolled at me, and I didn't appreciate it - and I don't think I was being paranoid because my friends noticed it too without me saying anything.
I'd asked about an item, he told me in a blase manner it wasn't good so wouldn't recommend it, so I laughed and said ok thanks, I'll order something else. He then walks up from his computer, tosses it at me and since I was taken aback, I asked what it was and why it was SO hard (seriously, I know its frozen but its like a brick. There's a diff between frozen-treat and a frozen packet that's not defrosted enough to eat without breaking a tooth). I had eyes rolled at me, moreso when I was looking away. Nice. When I said I'd decided not to get it already so no thanks, I was told he was planning to give to me for free - not everyone will take something just cos it's free you know, and it sounded scornful and insinuating I was cheap or something. I just didn't like it. And still didn't want it. And overall, the whole thing made me feel uncomfortable. Not good.
I'd still go back for the excellent fruit sorbets once in a while but not much else, I think. I still think the penguin is cute though.
Udpate No. 2 (later the same day):
So, later this same day Trish F. and I write our not-so-stellar reviews, a new one pops up from a Yelper with no picture and no reviews except this one. I'm not one to get in a petty fight, but just let me clarify a few things.
- Neither Trish F. nor I were the ones conversing about nut allergies. Those were our two friends who were allergic to nuts, not us.
- There was nobody in the shop when this discussion took place except for the staff. The other customers arrived after that discussion was over.
- Our nut-allergic friends blatantly stated that they were indeed allergic to peanuts specifically, so were glad they checked that all flavours were made in the same machine each day since there was peanut butter on the menu that day, hence their initial concern DUE TO their high allergies.
- No, it wasn't both Trish and I told our initial flavours were out. MY initial choice was out. Hers was not.
- We were not both offered ice cream for free. I was told by the owner, after saying I'd decided against it, that he had been planning on giving an item to me for free anyway after I'd declined getting it, to which I said thank you so much, that is very sweet but I still think I'll pass. It was a sandwich, not ice cream and it was tossed. I didn't say thrown, I said tossed. Learn some vocab.
- I really don't appreciate spelp/spam/whatever you want to call it. Nice try, but I don't appreciate being called a liar, especially by someone who is lying.
- It's a shame, because I DO adore their sorbets and I even kept recommending it to friends of mine (look, I gave this place 5 stars in my first review, geez!) but now I can't go back on principle.
- Normally, I wouldn't even bother writing this type of thing because I wouldn't want to sink to their level of the "review argument" - but I need to just point out the facts. I'll remove this section of my update later on if need be. For now, I just can't let the statements insinuating that I was spinning falsities in my review slide when that's just not true.
Fin.
To tell you the truth, I don't think I've ever had vegan ice cream before. Or if I have, then I… Read more »
It pains me to write a bad update - I'm wavering between 2 and 3 stars, but after a few yelpers who went with me have been harrassed by orange headed reviewers I've got to knock things down a bit.
First, customer service means a lot to me. Having met the owner of Wheeler's at a few tastings around town I was kind of shocked when we went in the other night and dealt with him again - he was standoffish and flat out rude. Happily the girl working the counter with him was really congenial and informative.
And to Samantha R - who "claims" to have heard our conversation about nut allergies - where were you? There was no one else in the shop when we first entered, and we weren't even speaking to the owner when we had this brief conversation - which was about peanut allergies, not NUT allergies in general. We chatted quickly with the girl working the counter who was upbeat and answered our questions directly. I wouldn't have even called the event a "conversation" - it was a 20 second exchange. Again - there were no other customers in the shop until after I'd sat down and my friends had ordered. Maybe you witnessed another exchange between other customers...it certainly wasn't our group - but nice try. I'd also like to know how it is that you mixed up Yihwa and Trish, two pretty Asian gals, with the two of us skinny white kids who actually chatted with the employees. I mean really - why not make it more obvious that your account is fabricated?
My one big bone to pick with the place is that they don't place warning labels about the fact that ALL of the ice cream flavors (not just the peanut-y ones) might contain traces of peanuts or peanut oil. If I hadn't asked we wouldn't have known. I'd had samples of the ice creams before (never when there'd been a peanut flavor on hand) and had always been fine. I was kind of shocked to hear that in the store they don't really wash out the machine between batches and so any flavor might have peanut oil. And yet there were no warning signs posted anywhere. None.
I skipped on getting anything during the last visit but was stoked for two of my compatriots to sample the wares. Sadly both got pretty unpalatable servings that disappointed them.
Sorry Wheeler's - vegan business or not - until you buff up the customer service and safely manufacture your desserts, I just won't be able to go back.
I cannot wait!!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
For those of you who want a preview join Wheeler's group on…
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Was in Boston out from Portland/LA. Rainy, muggy awful night tonight--the perfect night for a cup of cruelty-free ice cream. got a bit lost on the way there, finally found the little place. Got pecan praline--wow, this was the richest, tastiest ice cream vegan or non that I've ever had. So thanks, Wheeler, you totally made my first trip to the East Coast. Now to check out your book...
I love the ice cream here. I can't digest dairy so well, and Wheeler's is the only place that I know of yet in Boston where I can partake in the childlike whimsy of sampling several flavors before picking the one that I'll eat on a hot day as it slowly melts all over my hand. Flavors are always interesting and you'll usually have your choice of deliciously thick, creamy options like the now infamous Mexican Chocolate vs. the more sorbet like consistency from the "alcohol inspired" flavors.
I say "usually" because one of Wheeler's biggest flaws is consistency, not in flavor quality but in business operation. I know it's still new, but come on! Wheeler's has been open for about 3 months and every time I head out there (not an insignificant trip from South Boston) there's something messing with the mojo. Either they've closed early, or they're open late but don't have any flavors left, or they have a completely different list of flavors and toppings than the last time (where's my cherry jubilee with Newman Os!), or there are photographers there telling me after my 40 minute subway journey that Wheeler's is closed during it's normal business hours on a Sunday afternoon. That last one really irked me. The photographer dude was rather rude because he was afraid I'd leak ice cream secrets to the blogosphere - yes, he actually said blogosphere. Oops, did I just leak an ice cream secret, photo-dude?
Anyway, I want to love Wheeler's but almost every time I've made the journey something truly disappointing happens that seems easily avoidable. Being open during posted hours or establishing some core, defining flavors that always make the cut would be a good place to start.
splendid. i love that the frozen desserts are tea-based, cashew milk-based, coconut-based - not necessarily soy.
no.
seriously.
no.
buy a quart of so(y) delicious and eat that.
Technically, my review is three and a half stars.
I was vegan for three years and I'm a vegetarian now, and I've sampled dozens of frozen desserts on the market, vegan and dairy. I went to Wheeler's with high hopes, and came out slightly disappointed.
I ordered a small chocolate with crushed Newman-Os, and it set me back $4.75. I decided on chocolate because I wanted to see how Wheeler's performed with the basics. While I was waiting for my ice cream, I received a free sample of another flavor without asking, which was nice.
I got my ice cream, and I was a little surprised at how small the portion was considering the high price. At Coldstone or Ben and Jerry's, you pay the some price for twice the amount of ice cream that Wheeler's gave me! Then again, if you're counting calories, you might appreciate Wheeler's small servings.
My chocolate ice cream was delicious -- creamy, rich chocolate taste, almost like a frozen custard. Unfortunately, there were icy, freezer-burned bits in the ice cream -- not enough to ruin the dessert, but enough to make me grouchy. The crushed Newman-O's were plentiful and fresh.
Would I return? Yes, but only if I was entertaining a vegan or wanted to pay extra for a frozen treat that is technically healthier than ice cream. Until then, I'm sticking to the Tofutti Cuties in my freezer.
Have had free sample of their ice cream at an event and it was definitely worth trying to get out to the shop, but in my two attempts to go to the shop, I've found it closed. Once at 2 pm on a very hot Saturday, although there was a note saying it would be open later on in the day with a phone number to call. I think they should have posted when they would be open.
I had such high hopes for this place!! The Boston area can definitely use some good vegan options.
We tried Sweet Potato ice cream, which was fantastic. Also had the peanut butter ice cream with vegan hot fudge - another winner. The list of flavors was varied and unusual (avocado lime!), but had some great standbys like chocolate and vanilla.
Service was great - the woman who helped us encouraged sampling and was very chatty and friendly in telling us how business was going, what were the most popular flavors, etc.
Despite the great service and fantastic quality, I was APALLED by the prices...$7.75 for a pint! Seriously?? It's ice cream, not caviar. I don't think the prices will encourage return visits.
Wheeler's seemed pretty bare bones - to be honest, it looks like the place might hang on another month or two! In the hour and a half that we sat there talking and enjoying our ice cream, no other customers came in...and this was on a warm summer night. I don't know if this place will last the winter...at least not without a little more advertising...
So my review would probably be more of a 2.5 than a 3, but Yelp doesn't offer the half-star ability.
Anyway, one of my friends raved about the ice cream so I walked over for a lunchtime snack with a different friend. The decor isn't bad, but it won't be winning awards anytime soon. It's really not too much of a sit-down place but there is a couch and a couple tables. I didn't see any outdoor seating, but there's a low retaining wall outside that you can sit on. It's a decent sized space but sparsely furnished, so it seems under-decorated. Some nice track lighting and a couple more tables might help. Or even just some color on the wall.
As for the service, the two girls behind the counter were friendly, willing to hand out as many samples as you wanted to try, which I thought was great. There was also a guy sitting inside the ice cream area on the computer, which felt odd, because his back was to the counter and he didn't really say anything at all. I'm guessing he might have been Wheeler or the other owner, but they really should move the computer to the backroom or something because having it inside the ice cream counter (and working on the computer instead of interacting with customers) was awkward.
The ice cream was good though; all the flavors we tried were really interesting and it actually tasted like ice cream. My friend is lactose-intolerant, so she was thrilled to finally be able to have ice cream again. I was skeptical about the vegan-ness but this was pretty good. My friend had the small sweet potato ice cream (try it, it's better than you'd think) with hot fudge and I got a medium-sized (2 flavors!) vanilla kentucky bourbon and chocolate peanut butter cup. The vanilla bourbon wasn't as creamy as the chocolate one, but mixed together it was great - although the chocolate part melted a lot faster than the vanilla.
Overall, the ice cream was good, the actual running of the business wasn't that great. I feel like the place is the result of someone that has a great idea & product, but not a lot of business sense. They had run out of soymilk for the milkshakes but didn't put up a sign or anything so this poor guy who had been waiting for a while finally decided on a milkshake only to be told they had no soymilk. They did have coconut milk in cans but no can opener (which is really odd). They were rather disorganized (they dropped no-milkshake boy's ice cream on the floor while trying to pour hot fudge on it and they forgot to take my friend's money - then short-changed her by a dollar when they finally did) but I don't know if it's just growing pains or lack of training. They don't seem to have any idea what's in stock - one customer asked if they had cones only to be told "yes" then "no" then "well we do but they're old so we don't want to give them to you" (not something I think you should be telling customers)
Overall, I think if they hired someone with an MBA or even someone with more experience running a restaurant, it would help them a lot because having delicious vegan ice cream just isn't enough if your service is whack.
2.5stars for you, Wheeler, and hoping you'll hire someone with business savvy soon.
Yes, there is room for improvement in the the decor, and the location is not great, but i love Wheelers!! Their vegan ice cream is amazing! I had vanilla cherry the first time i went, and you could barely even tell it was made with rice/soy base. The girl working behind the counter was very nice, had me sample a few other flavors before i decided. I just hope they can survive. Yes the price is high, but well worth it every once in awhile. At least that will prevent me from going there every day, something my waistline is very thankful for!!
First-off, I don't think the decor is that bad. My husband and I finally went here after dinner on Friday night. Its a little pricey, but so is practically all of the ice cream in Boston. My husband got a small red bull and rasberry ice cream and I got a small Reeses ice cream. Mine was basically chocolate ice cream with peanut butter. The flavor was really god and I noticed it wasn't sickingly sweet. My husband's was more sorbetto-ish but he really enjoyed it. I like baked goods so i would love to see more of those but I will definately go back. Good product!
man, i was stoked about this place, but i've been twice and each time it sucked. the first time they had none of their food available except a couscous salad with grilled peaches that sounded good, but i ordered it and it had clearly been made hours before, and the greens were limp and there were no peaches at all. so i got a milkshake. it was served to me totally blended into liquid. that's not a milkshake, that's a 5 dollar chocolate soymilk.
i went again, hoping to love it. and i was served freezer burned ice cream that was just not very good.
totally disappointing, and a total bummer. i'm getting super annoyed with places that think it's enough to just be vegan- the food still has to be good, and the service still has to be friendly.
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