626 Ice Cream

This Whimsical New SGV Soft Serve Shop Whips Up Nostalgic LA Flavors | Eater LA

"After years spent as pop-ups, freezer-section pints, and a restaurant dessert option around Los Angeles, 626 Ice Cream finally has a permanent Arcadia home, taking over the longstanding Ace Frozen Yogurt space on East Duarte Street. Launched in 2020 by Amber Tan and Waldo Yan, the shop translates their LA-inspired, autobiographical flavors—past creations have included burnt honey and barley and coconut pandan—into an all-new soft-serve format while honoring former owners Il Yong “Jay” Chung and Soo In Lee by keeping the soft-serve machines that served the business for more than two decades. Made with whole milk from Driftwood Dairy in El Monte, the opening lineup includes lychee strawberry, black sugar vanilla made with Tahitian Gold beans, mango calamansi, malted chocolate, hojicha, and Yakult (the probiotic drink Tan and Yan grew up consuming), with toppings such as hawthorn flakes, chamoy, Tajin, sprinkles, and Oreos; single servings are $7.25 and a trio of toppings is $1.75. The shop will introduce new flavors periodically—some with special paired toppings—and will soon add unsweetened cold brew teas, cold brew coffees, and pre-packed pints for take-away or to enjoy in the dozen or so seats. 626 Ice Cream is located at 160 E. Duarte Road, Ste. E, Arcadia, CA 91006 and is open noon–11 p.m. on weekdays, noon–midnight on weekends, and closed Tuesdays." - Cathy Chaplin