Brian's Shave Ice

We loved Bryan’s Shaved Ice in Japan Town, Los Angeles! It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. The shaved ice is huge, definitely enough to share! With so many flavors to choose from. The kids really enjoyed it! We also enjoyed the vegan soft serve; it was so creamy and delicious, Plus, the staff was friendly and welcoming. The prices were reasonable for the size and quality, and the laid-back vibe of the place perfectly matches the cheerful atmosphere of the neighborhood. If you’re in the area, you should stop by!

We love Brian’s Shave Ice! They have an amazing selection of flavors, and the Dole Whip was a delicious too! The staff at the counter were super friendly and helpful. The store is clean and has fun, welcoming decor. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the area!

one of the best shave ice places ive been to in cali! So good and the staff is so friendly. Parking can be a little tricky in the area, but the neighborhood has free 2hr street parking. I definitely want to come back if I’m in the area again!

Some of, if not the best, shave ice that I have ever had. Honestly, after I was three bites into it I was already planning when I would be visiting Brian’s again next which should be later this week. They have a ton of flavor and filling options on the board so it’s easy to get a new thing each time you visit. The whole staff was really polite and everything was made within a few minutes, so it was a very quick stop for us. It’s attached to a small shopping center so the best place to park is in the underground or you can park on the street if there are any space available. This part of town gets very busy at night so the underground parking may be the easiest. Make sure to validate your ticket! Otherwise it will be $5. I chose Cherry and Red Velvet as my flavor combination and decided to fill it with popping pearls. The popping pearls have a sweet sugary center so it was a tremendous addition to the shave ice. I also got the condensed milk topper and would recommend that to anyone. We also got a scoop of a Dole Whip, which is always refreshing and a great pallet cleanser. I was honestly really impressed and will be back again very soon. I am lucky that I live and work close by so I will be a frequent customer and would strongly recommend to anyone.

My wife and I went here after lunch. She had strawberry ice cream I had the Lava man shave ice regular size. We love this place it reminds us of when we were in Maui.

Love this place! They remind me of the place we had gone to in Maui a few years ago They have loads of flavors and pretty good size servings kiddie, regular, and large. Regular is enough to share between 2 people to be honest. I usually get macadamia nut ice cream and my 3 flavors with a snow cap (condensed milk) always yummy. Definitely recommend to get the app belly before to save points towards rewards. Give them a try if in the area. (pictured is a regular and a large for size reference)

Soooooo good. If you like shaved ice, of course you'll love it. I just ordered a simple kid-size shaved ice and loved it :) The staff was super friendly too. Note that their kid-size is not small!

There’re a few choices for ice cold desserts in Sawtelle Japantown and this is my favorite for its fruity tasting syrups, “snow cap” sweetened condensed milk and pineapple flavored frozen dole whip. A regular shave ice includes 3 items in any combo of toppings including syrups, dole whip and Fosselman’s ice cream. You can add more toppings at additional cost. Note: No public restroom, eat-in space very small, no validated parking.

Some of, if not the best, shave ice that I have ever had. Honestly, after I was three bites into it I was already planning when I would be visiting Brian's again next which should be later this week. They have a ton of flavor and filling options on the board so it's easy to get a new thing each time you visit. The whole staff was really polite and everything was made within a few minutes, so it was a very quick stop for us. It's attached to a small shopping center so the best place to park is in the underground or you can park on the street if there are any space available. This part of town gets very busy at night so the underground parking may be the easiest. Make sure to validate your ticket! Otherwise it will be $5. I chose Cherry and Red Velvet as my flavor combination and decided to fill it with popping pearls. The popping pearls have a sweet sugary center so it was a tremendous addition to the shave ice. I also got the condensed milk topper and would recommend that to anyone. We also got a scoop of a Dole Whip, which is always refreshing and a great pallet cleanser. I was honestly really impressed and will be back again very soon. I am lucky that I live and work close by so I will be a frequent customer and would strongly recommend to anyone.

I'm not sure if I can say I've experience authentic Hawaiian shaved ice outside of Hawaii. The price is probably similar, the portions are good, but the taste and the amount of syrup on top of your shaved ice is sorta lacking. If I could recall my time at Matsumoto shaved ice, the rainbow colors would go deep into my bowl and every spoon is flavorful. This one, the flavor goes only 1 inch deep, the rest is just ice. I get that it's an ice dessert, but I don't know how I feel after this experience.

Came here after a recent trip to Hawaii, where I had hawaiian shaved ice for the first time. I was craving hawaiian shaved ice and read this place is legit. Came here with high hopes, but left disappointed. Can't compare with the good stuff in hawaii. Portions are huge, but taste is off. Mochi isn't as good, flavor and ice cream is okay. Didn't blow me away like the ones in Hawaii. Those hit different. Probably wouldn't come here again, but might be a good option if you're a hawaiian shaved ice virgin.

Really big portions and the shaved ice was surprisingly soft (not icy at all) It has a lot of fun flavors and a bench to sit down at

This place rivaled some of the places we tried in Hawaii... enough said! Go to Brian's if you're missing the aloha~ Atmosphere: 2/5. To be honest, eating shave ice in Hawaii is an overall more pleasant experience because the shacks/stores would be located in green, lush areas that are away from traffic noise and cars. Here, sitting on Olympic, you are staring right into endless traffic while eating something that is /supposed/ to be associated with an idyllic island paradise. This is not the store's fault though, it is a reality of living in Los Angeles. Service: 2/5 The girl seemed like she hated our guts because we decided to get shave ice... She may have been going through something personal, and I truly empathize that it's hard for service workers as is, but I really did not appreciate the glares. :( Presentation & flavor: ***5/5***! Redeeming factor!! Syrups were so fresh and did not have that artificial taste! We got hopia (coconut) and liliko (passionfruit) with vanilla ice cream! Highly recommend. Parking: 5/5 They have a garage on Sawtelle that is a block away so you will have no problem finding it here! Pricing: 5/5! We paid about $6 for a generous bowl. :) We will be back! Hopefully our server will be having a better day.

Easily the best shave ice outside of hawaii! Everyone knows I love Matsumoto Shave Ice on Oahu, but Brian's in LA is my go to in California. I can't wait for summer when I'll be having this all the time!

Pretty good Hawaiian shaved ice! Parking is a bit tricky but there are parking garages around sawtelle. I would recommend after eating some dinner.

I got the bottom feeder (sounds wild I know) But includes mac nut ice cream covered in a snow cap with macadamia flavoring and ube flavoring. This was such a good dessert! I got a regular for $10. Parking on a weekend was actually accessible and easy. We parked on the neighborhood side street and there were a bunch!! Didn't have to pay since someone already paid for more than they needed :)

Brian's Shave Ice is a yummy cooling treat! They are fast too. Never have to wait long for my order. They have lots of flavors to choose from and have really good ice cream too. It is a small shop which is clean and neat there is a bench outside to sit on. My moms really enjoyed it too and she is super picky about trying new places.

Amazing hawaiian style shave ice!! They have so many flavors and fillings and toppings. I opted for the POG, blue raspberry, and passion fruit. The blue raspberry was so good! They have 3 sizes but even the smallest is very generous. Will def be back!

First time ordering from here on Postmates. I love shaved ice and had no idea about this place! Until I saw it online. On the Westside, and easy to order! Average price is about $9 which is Westside pricey. But the flavors are amazing! Refreshing and perfect for a hot day or if you just like shaved ice like me! Much healthier than 7-Eleven slurpees which is my go to usually and budget friendly but thought to try this instead and will be back! You can request no snow cap if you don't do dairy like me which I appreciated. Also they have flavor pearls! I got passion fruit! So good! And decent size tool just which they had sustainable packaging if instead of styrofoam. That's would be my big suggestion.

I don't know how I've never left a review for this place. I've worked next to here for eight years and in eight years it's been consistently delicious and amazing. It's Hawaiian shaved ice so the ice is so fluffy and cloud like and they gave a great variety of syrups. Definitely try the shaved ice with dole whip center and snow cap.

One of my favorite places to get shaved ice. They have so many flavors to the point where it's so hard to choose which combination you want (not complaining!)!! You can also get a lot of drizzles (i.e. condensed milk, my go-to) and sour spray (never had it but want to try it)!! Parking is better if you try behind the building on the residential street btw.

Very few shaved ice places on the west side, so I'm glad there's at least one place that's decent. Brian's never disappoints, so much so that if they had a rewards program I'd probably be somewhere near gold/platinum level. Can't go wrong with any toppings or ice flavors. Only thing that would be "icing on the cake" would be not to hide the mochi at the bottom of the cup. I'm being happily forced to eat all the ice before reaching the good stuff.

Have been obsessed with Dole Pineapple Whip. Yay! They have excellent whip. $4.25 for a small, was plenty for me. It's a tiny little shop on Sawtelle with a few benches outside. All good. Friendly staff. The kids near me seemed to be seriously into the shaved ice. I was very happy.

I was very impressed with this place. I can eat this stuff all day. At first I got blue Hawaii and haupia together, but it tasted of way too much vanilla. The flavors weren't bold and were too similar. So on my next try I got fruitier flavors and enjoyed those a lot more. I got lime, blue raspberry, and passion fruit with sour spray. I love all the different options they have and I'll definitely come again.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED! We decided to drop by this place because of the continuous lines we see out the door of it and it was a super sunny and warm day, we needed something to cool us off. We ordered a regular with mango, POG (passion fruit, orange, guava) and blue hawaiian (coconut/vanilla) with regular mochi. It was the perfect amount for two. I really haven't had shaved ice since I was a kid getting at a fair from those bright blue trucks and picking the syrups myself. This was way different than that, and in the best way! The consistency of the ice was so pillowy and light. And the flavors of the syrup weren't too sweet at all and didn't taste artificial. The regular size was the perfect amount for two people and it probably lasted about 30 minutes before it was totally melted. Definitely would come here again because they have so many flavors!

Some of the best shaved ice u can get in SoCal- not too sweet- ice is shaved fine --lots of options-ice cream in the middle, dole whip, etc.. highly recommended if u want shaved ice.

I LOVE Hawaiian shave ice but am therefore very critical about it but Brian's is the best shave ice you'll find on the mainland. The ice is shaved so smooth with a selection of flavorful syrups. The portions are generous - child's size is always enough for me. If you like sour like me make sure to get the sour spray, a super unique and delicious add on. I always stop by for dessert after eating on Sawtelle. The employees are always super nice and the shave ice comes out quickly! It's my fave dessert in LA.

So glad this place was open on Christmas so I could bring my family here! We parked on the street and walked in when they opened at 12 (I think they are open until 10 today). I got a large with ube ice cream filling, mango/lychee/watermelon flavoring, and snow cap topping for $9.5-10. In hindsight, I probably should have sized down, but I hadn't been here in a while and was really craving it! The fruity flavors I got were so refreshing without being too sweet or syrupy, and they were spread evenly throughout the shaved ice and didn't all pool at the bottom. I wasn't sure if I made the right choice choosing ube ice cream, since the creamy texture might not match with the fruity flavors I chose, but the staff told me they actually liked the contrast it provides! I didn't make it to the bottom before I had to put the rest in the freezer, but I just pulled it out again to finish it, and I'm so glad I stuck with the ube. The flavor is light but creamy and hit the spot perfectly. Also, it maintains the texture well even after freezing! Can't wait to come back!

Heard lotsa good things about this place, so even though I just ate dessert less than 20 minutes ago, I still managed to squeeze in shave ice. Lotsa options on their menu, but since it was a hot day and I was feeling dehydrated, I went for a more refreshing option. I think their green apple syrup was my fav flavor (the pink lemonade and lemon was very good too). Loved the ice consistency. It was soft and on par with I expected of Hawaiian shave ice. Their small was large enough for me to share with one other friend.

You know I have always seen this place while walking down sawtelle, and just though ehh shaved ice. But boy was I wrong, this is some extravagant shaved ice. I regret not going here sooner, my fiancé and I were blown away with how good it was. I guess all I could compare it to was like childhood shaved cones. This is a real level up from those. (Side bar, I wonder if they cater!?!? ) service was above and beyond, I was a little overwhelmed as it was my first time (I always get decision fatigue) and also now that I am vegan I always have to ask questions to figure out what I can get) but they were patient, helpful and understanding. Also, lots of vegan options!! We got three flavors on top of the dole whip, soooo goood! Next time I'll be trying the sour spray The owner was kind, and mentioned they opened up a location in Venice (which so happens to be right next to a vegan pizza place we just recently had and loved) so we plan to go to that location this week cause, can't go wrong with some pizza and shaved ice. Im newly obsessed with this place, and can't recommend it enough. Especially how vegan friendly it is. But really the people working there are so nice, like Trader Joe's level nice, just really makes it a great experience Ps. They don't allow dogs inside (which totally understandable) but they were really kind about it, and offered to take our order at the door.

super great shaved ice! reminded me of korean patbingsu but instead of the typical red bean, it had these amazing fruity syrups that weren't overly sweet and had a nice flavor. I especially liked the hawaiian punch and mango. highly recommend getting the snow cap for added creaminess. it was so good! and the staff was really nice. when i mentioned they forgot the snowcap, they gave it to me immediately and apologized!

Some of the best Shave Ice you can get!!! Highly recommend the Tigers Blood flavor, and also the Bottom Feeder combo (funny names lol but delicious), also the macadamia nut ice cream, and the snow cap (condensed milk) topper. Yummm!

As Close to Waiola Shave Ice in Oahu quality as I can find out here in LA! Waiola is my favorite of all time thus far in terms of quality and flavor. The ice is shaved very finely and is soft and fluffy vs many other spots that are chunkier in consistency, bordering more like a snow cone than shave ice... And Brian's is almost there! Unfortunately,they don't have Guava, since my usual go to is Passion Fruit (Lillikoi), Mango and Guava. So I get Haupia (Hawaiian Coconut) here instead and it's also very delicious!!! Don't forget to add ice cream! I get Mac Nut to stay tropical, and a snow cap (condensed milk) on top! The large runs about $8.50 and it's plenty girthy to share if you're not a total glutton when it comes to Shave Ice as I am... Probably my favorite semi hot climate dessert of all time! Bring cash if you don't want to be charged a surcharge for using a card under $10

Back in college 6 years ago, I used to go to Brian's Shave Ice pretty frequently and it was one of my favorite desserts. Now that I've moved back to West LA, I brought my boyfriend here and now he's obsessed! I always get the dole whip because it complements the shave ice so well. The ice is soft - if I had to describe it, it's kind of in between snow and American shaved ice but the syrups are not overpowering. It's just the right amount of sweetness! Snowcaps (condensed milk) is always a must. We haven't had shave ice from Hawaii so we can compare but our friends have told us it's pretty damn close!

This is a delicious shaved ice spot thats is hawaiian based. There flavors are unique and have some japanese hawaiian vibes. Its a perfect treat on a hot day.

If there's a better shave ice location in the Greater L.A. area, point me to it 'cause I don't believe you! On second thought, never mind...I don't need that kind of stress in my life. Brian's Shave Ice makes me HAPPYYYYY!!! I'm stayin'! Mix and match flavors to suit your palate. I like this trio: Lime, Coconut, & Pineapple. Isn't it pretty? Tastes even better! You're welcome!

Good ice cream (my son had the chocolate) and tasty shaved ice (my daughter and husband had: grape, green apple, blue raspberry, cherry and watermelon). Only sad that some flavors cost more than others

Came here with a bunch of teens who were all happy with their shaved ice. You get quite a large portion! I like that you can have a few flavors as well as toppings.

Mmm so good Sunset beach regular and one with ice cream and snow cap!! Very good brings my Hawaii memories back

Cute little shaved ice walk up right by the boardwalk. I ordered a sunset beach with sour spray. The flavors were amazing and you can taste each flavor. Only thing that was disappointing is either I couldn't taste the sour spray or I think she forgot to put it on. Either way, I was expecting a nice sour taste on top. The price of $7 was reasonable. Staff was very friendly and helpful. I would return and try a different mix up next time around.

Amazing shave ice, got some from the window at Venice Beach. Perfect if you're looking for that aloha, it was exactly what we wanted. They say the mac nut ice cream, snow cap, and mochi are optional, but I'd argue they are necessary. What a treat!

They didn't add enough syrup or spray for us my picture shows it's more white than pink and when we called the manager was very rude and his priorities are all messed up. They are extremely cheap and rude here. They were arguing about a little extra syrup and sour spray that they never added in the first place. Our shaved ice was literally white. Like what business is this unaccomodating. Also there was another employee who hung up the phone when we tried talking to her we called back and asked why and she started dying of laughter and just continued laughing at us??? This is not okay whatsoever i'm disgusted. This place isn't what it used to be honestly go anywhere else but here. if I could give it 0 stars I would. Worst customer service!!!

Wow ! ! ! Super delicious, easy menu, easy parking, extremely nice people, I highly recommend this place

this is my go-go place for dole whip. so good and great price i would recommend this place

Little nervous about ordering shave ice for delivery but luckily it was all good when it got to me. I ordered the rainbow shave ice and it was a pretty big serving! I love how fluffy and light the ice was and the sweetened condensed milk is the perfect topping. Also, the combo of strawberry, banana, and vanilla/coconut was so delicious. It is a great warm-weather dessert that is light and refreshing!

The texture of the ice is really great, like real snow. Very close to the authentic Hawaiian snow ice. However, the syrup tasted like sugar with food coloring. Would have been much better if they used real fruit puree. Dole whip tasted great though.

Best place to get dole whip! Came here a couple times and always love getting a quick snack! Best place ever!

They've won me over! I've been twice in just the last two weeks. Something about shaved ice feels...healthy...? hahaha I mean, it's just flavored ice right. At least it's better than eating some big ol' ice cream. Well the way they shave their ice at Brian's is superb. Melts in your mouth and they have a plethora of fun flavors. I've done a couple of different combos - the Sour Face with extra Sour. Bomb. I loved the melding of the flavors. The other mix had Hawaiian Punch and a couple of other flavors, loved that one, as well. I feel like you can't go wrong no matter what you order. The kiddie size is huge imho and just the right amount for one person. Plus they have Dole Whips! Whaaaat. I thought you could only get those at Disneyland.

Awesome shave ice! Tried the sour face shave ice and it was sour but so good. I also added popping pearls to give it an extra juicy flavor. The ice is finely shaved and it's not hard and icy. Last time we were there we still needed to wear masks inside. They have lots of variety in different flavors. Highly recommend!

So glad I found this spot!!! Take it from an 808 local, Brian's isn't a lame mainland imitation like all of the poke joints in LA. This shave ice is the real deal. And oh man, this spot is perfect for all your Dole Whip cravings. Mahalo Brian's!

A sweet treat to satisfy any shave ice craving! Definitely reminds me of Waiola in Hawaii. I purchased a regular shave ice (Hawaii blue, POG, and passion fruit) to share. All sizes come with 1 free topping. We opted for snow cap which is just condensed milk. There's a variety of flavors to choose from. If you're indecisive, you could choose from their preset combos. Ice is soft and not overly sweet from the syrups FYI: Maximum occupancy of 3 people inside. Order inside and wait outside for your shave ice

We love coming here! It's a favorite of ours for shaved iced and reminds us of Oahu. They have many flavors to choose from, and I always go back to the basic Rainbow with snow cap, sooo good. The ice is the perfect consistency, flavors are delicious and you just end up feeling super satisfied. They also have Dole Whip but haven't tried it as I stuff myself with shaved iced and have no room for anything else. There's metered parking close by and some benches outside. And the customer service is always on point.

What a great family spot. Such a treat to get some shaved ice with some fosselman vanilla ice cream. Acai bowls and dole whip available too!! (But the winner is the shaved ice) My favorite is the rainbow with vanilla ice cream and popping pearls. I love their menu, there's so many flavors you can mix and the first 3 are free

Just went again after 6 years and the dole whip is even better than before. Almost the quality of Disneyland's. Similar creamy consistency but the flavor not as natural or full. Highly recommend though. Weird thing Us they don't have a trash can for customers.

So I've never had shave ice and my husband who's family is in Hawai'i and has had the most authentic shave ice, told me that this is the best shave ice he has ever had in LA. He says it's the closest it can get to getting it from Hawai'i! After the first spoon I was in love and if this is as close as it can get to being in Hawai'i I will continue to keep coming back!

Messed up my order and instead of correcting it, suggested I pay for a new one. Poor customer service and unhelpful staff.

Brian's is one of the most authentic and best Hawaiian Shave Ice we've tried! We usually get the macadamia nut ice cream mixed in but tried the Dole Whip today it it was amazing! Mango, Tiger's blood, and passion fruit with a snow cap (sweetened condensed milk). Pure ecstasy!

Love Brian's Shave Ice! We visited last Saturday 8/20/22 and we loved it! Their ice is so soft just like the shave ice in Hawai'i! If you are familiar with shave ice spots on North Shore on Oahu like Matsumoto or Shimazu then you know exactly what I'm talking about! Brian's shave ice is definitely comparable to the popular spots in Hawai'i! We finally found a legit shave ice place here in LA! We have been looking for many years since the place we used to frequently visit closed due to the pandemic in Torrance. The flavors at Brian's is delicious, ice is soft like powder and friendly staff. They are also very generous, the regular size is plenty for 1 person. Customer service filled with aloha, what else can you ask for? Also, the decor mimics Hawai'i and they play Hawaiian music as well. Love everything about Brian's Shave Ice! They are located in Sawtelle which parking can be tough but try your best and don't give up bc of parking. Trust me, once you bite into that delicious shave ice, you will forget all the stress about finding a parking spot lol. Enjoy a little piece of Hawai'i in LA! Can't wait to go back.