McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - Carlsbad

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – A Sweet New Addition to Carlsbad The newly opened McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams in Carlsbad brings the beloved Santa Barbara tradition to North County, offering the same creamy, handcrafted flavors that made the original famous. All the classic favorites like Vanilla and Chocolate are available, but the seasonal offerings really steal the show. For Spring 2025, McConnell’s has teamed up with See’s Candies to roll out some fantastic collab flavors: Vanilla with California Brittle Chocolate with Polar Bear Paws Banana Cream with Toffee-ettes Coffee with Molasses Chips Each one blends rich, creamy ice cream with crunchy, flavorful add-ins, creating a dynamic and satisfying bite. A standout for me was the Katy Perry’s Baby You’re a Firework Blue Raspberry—a fun, colorful option that perfectly balances sweet and tangy. The staff were super friendly and let me sample a few flavors before making a decision, which I really appreciated. The pricing is reasonable for the quality, though seating is limited. There are only outdoor chairs, with no indoor dining space, so it’s best for a quick treat while shopping at the plaza. Overall, this location is a great stop for dessert lovers looking to try creative seasonal flavors or stick with tried-and-true classics. A refreshing treat in a lively shopping spot.

My brother came to visit for the holidays and we had to stop in so I could introduce him to the best ice cream in San Diego. They certainly did not disappoint with the quality and selection of flavors! Sweet cream caramel brownie is a favorite but the holiday flavors are amazing as well. Pumpkin with caramel and pecans is my other favorite but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Fantastic service and very generous portions really make this small ice cream shop shine. Cannot recommend this place enough!

Best ice cream we’ve had in a long time! Friendly service and fantastic flavors. The double peanut butter chip and tart marionberry and lemon were a couple of our favorites. Get the sampler and try a few!

Now this is the place to get your ice cream! The best quality ice cream I have had in a long time. We will be back again soon. Try it and see if you agree. We tried 4 flavors and all 4 were excellent. The single cup actually is 2 scoops.

This ice cream isn’t cheap but you get what you pay for. The quality is unlike anything in north county. I especially loved when they partnered with Sees but their regular flavors like double peanut butter chip will change your life! Thanks for coming to Carlsbad!

Order: sweet cream caramel brownie Taste: 8/10 Tried multiple flavors all on the cookie, brownie, nutty side and sweet cream caramel brownie was the best which was good but not wow. Creamy. But I can’t tell what’s missing. Definitely on the heavier side like salt and straw. I’d say there are better options around SD.

Loved this ice cream place! We got the vanilla California brittle and sea salt cream and cookies in a scoop, and a mint chip shake. All was delicious.

They have really good ice cream, their flavors are well balanced and refined. I like that they don't sell funky flavors. They also have dairy free as well as to go pint available for purchase. The ice cream is a little pricier than other places but you can't complain with the quality offered.

This ice cream is amazing! Staff is super friendly and helpful even if you want to try multiple flavors. There is a bit of seating outside which is nice to enjoy your ice cream. It was so good we came back a second time a few days later on our vacation.

Nice, fresh waffle cones. Solid selection of premium ice cream flavors. I sampled a few and I kept tasting mint. None had mint, so it was probably me. I must be going through some biological changes due to aging... I forgot my phone there and called after 20-30 minutes and the gentleman behind the counter kept it safe for me until my return.

DANG I LOVED IT HERE Delicious dude delicious I've been on an ice cream kick definitely, but this spot was really delicious. Made with real cream and all the good stuff. The guy working there was super cool and chill and I appreciated him letting us try diff flavors. I got some sort of salted caramel flavor (I completely forgot the name) it was soooooo good I would have gotten a large in a cone if I knew it was gonna be that good. Cute little store and I'll be back!

Quality ice cream is my kryptonite! Our friends who live in the area introduced this place to us one night after having a wonderful dinner nearby. We must have came at the perfect time because they said usually the line is out the door! Cute bright interior, self explanatory menu, samples given if asked, and they also have merch for sale! Order up: 1. Eureka Lemon & Marionberries 2. Honey & Cornbread Cookies 3. Coffee with Molasses Chip 4. Vanilla Malt 5. Coffee with Molasses Chip Malt 6. Chocolate Covered Strawberries Number 5 was mine, and OMG, this was absolutely sinfully and insanely good!!!! No complaints from the gang with theirs either, too good! The friendly staff did an awesome job getting our order to us, and as we turned around after paying, we saw a line had formed out the door! LOL! Happy eating till next time!!!

McConnell's ice cream is well worth the calories. I originally tried them because of their collaboration with Sees Candies. We tried each flavor and my family had a debate for days over which flavor was the best: I still stand by the banana cream with toffee-ettes as the supreme flavor. All of the flavors were balanced, nothing was super sweet and the actual flavors of the ingredients were the stars of the show. You can definitely tell that this is a product that uses high quality, fresh cream as their base. Because of this, the price tag was a little hefty- but it is a treat after all. The girls serving at the counter were very accommodating and gave generous samples and were very knowledgeable about the products. The store is very clean and well stocked. I would definitely splurge if you're feeling fancy and treat yourself!

Super impressed with the ice cream! It was very rich in flavor and creamy. I really liked the Brazilian coffee. The lemon ice cream was very lemony which was still good until it started melting together. We also tried the cookies and cream and strawberry and I think salted caramel. It hit the spot on the hot day! People were friendly and patient. outside seating is available with extra stools along the side.

One of things I looked forward to when we went on road trips to San Francisco was stopping in Santa Barbara and visiting McConnell's Ice Cream. Now I can just drive to Carlsbad as a McConnell's has opened there. Mango sorbet was icy cold and had a distinctive mango flavor.  Not super sweet like with fully ripe mangos.  Pretty good flavor. Gingerbread House ice cream had a ton of ginger flavor from the gingerbread cookies mixed in. Was like eating ginger snaps but in ice cream form. Mint Chip was cold and creamy with a refreshing sweet mint flavor. Golden State Vanilla was rich and creamy.  Loved the Madagascar vanilla flavor. Vanilla bean was rich and creamy.  Loved the vanilla bean flavor.  One of my favorite vanilla ice creams. Cashier was nice and efficient.  It was a lovely drive up the coast to Santa Barbara but I prefer the shorter drive up the coast to Carlsbad next time I want some McConnell's ice cream.  I have tried the pints at the supermarket but it's 50/50 whether you get a pint with crystallized ice cream or not.

I was excited when I heard that we were finally getting a McConnell's Ice Cream shop in SD, and in North County no less! I've been eating McC ice cream since I was young, since we used to go on vacation to Central Coast fairly often (and that's where it was founded). It's located on the North side of the Forum in Carlsbad, next to where the Parakeet Cafe will be going in. I was able to attend the grand opening with some friends, and have been back several times since to get more ice cream. I like to check out the seasonal, and special edition flavors. I have enjoyed the Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Dutch Chocolate, etc. On my last visit, I tried the Earl Grey Tea with Shortbread, which had just returned as a special edition flavor. All are delicious! I also love that you can get pints in grocery stores like Vons, as well as being able to go to McC shops or other independent places like Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor in Solvang! McC is a SoCal institution, so try some if you love you some ice cream!

Adorable shop and delicious treats served by top notch customer service trained professionals Went in for the See's collaboration came back for the earl grey tea with shortbread cookies

I was in the area on vacay and was so excited to try this homemade ice cream shop! It's located in a very modern and upscale shopping center. I walked in to a very odd and unpleasant smell. The associate did not greet me nor did she seem happy to provide any recommendations. The whole experience was ruined by the attitude of the associate who was clearly having a bad day. I tried many flavors and the ice cream was decent but it did not stand out to me. The waffle bowl did not taste fresh and had a waxy taste to it. I will try another homemade ice cream shop when I return to this area to visit.

Holy moly. With no exaggeration, this was quite honestly the best ice cream I've ever had. The flavors were so fresh and delightful. They offer some standard flavors that are beautifully executed and they also offer some unique flavors that blew me away! The corn bread and honey ice cream really made my day. The customer service provided was really excellent. Friendly, helpful and kind. This place rocks! Well done

Order: sweet cream caramel brownie Taste: 8/10 Tried multiple flavors all on the cookie, brownie, nutty side and sweet cream caramel brownie was the best which was good but not wow. Creamy. But I can't tell what's missing. Definitely on the heavier side like salt and straw. I'd say there are better options around SD.

I really wanted to be here on opening day but I couldnt. I was finally able to come here. It was in a nice shopping center with lots of my favorite stores including Yeti, Johny Was and Madewell. Great location! The store was clean and cute, the empliyees were super nice. The ice cream was omg good. I am used to their packaged pints from Ralphs but that was no comparison to freshly made ones from store. My favorite one was sweet cream. I will be coming back often!

So great, love the flavor I chose. I was offered tastings but after looking at the names the sea salt cream and cookies was calling my name. I added the dollop of fudge on top and it was superb! The flavor was really layered and creamy. I hadn't realized this location was open and was pleasantly surprised since I've never seen a location outside of Santa Barbara. The shop was on the smaller side but really clean with plenty of outdoor spots to take a seat and enjoying your ice cream. Service was great and water is readily available for self serve. I will definitely be back to try more flavors.

This was a fun opening. I am on the mailing list for the forum and a friend had told me McConnell's was coming so when I got the email from the forum I signed up. The first 50 got a swag bag (red insulated bag with stickers, coupons and ooly gifts) and a free scoop. I had lunch next door and by the time we were done a line was forming. We got in line and one of the employees was walking down the line with a QR code to sign up. We were one of the first 50. We went in tasted a few flavors and chose our cones - Sugar cone, waffle cone or waffle bowl. I chose chocolate Carmel cookie and vanilla bean Delicious, glad I got the vanilla to tone down the saltiness of the Carmel chocolate! . I have frequented the Santa Barbara location over the years as I have family there. Glad they are here, love my ice cream from scratch. Doesn't disappoint! Can't wait to return my

Stopped in here for a treat after a really disappointing lunch next door at the sushi place. This was a great palate cleanser. Super cute inside with friendly employees who let us try a ton of samples. I liked everything I tried! The Earl Gray and Shortbread flavor was intriguing but not a strong enough tea flavor for me. They let you get 2 flavors per "scoop" which is great! I very much enjoyed the Eureka Lemon and Marionberries and Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie flavors. Totally different from each other! Would like to see them add some sidewalk tables. We walked down and took advantage of an empty table near Panera. Great addition to this center. Hope they do well here!

Came the first day it opened as they were prepping for their grand opening. Picked up my kiddo straight from school and let him have a treat. It wasn't too busy around 245pm. We even got to meet McConnell himself! Nice dude. Great selection of ice cream and you can tell it's great quality. Very creamy and delicious. I recommend the double peanut butter and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I grabbed two "single" scooped cones for $13. But they were actually 2 small scoops on each cone so we were able to choose two different flavors and each. I should've just shared with my kiddo though. I dropped my older kiddo off at soccer and tried to come back with my little one and the line was GINORMOUS bc they apparently were giving away free scoops during their grand opening. Meh, I was happy to pay again as I was just there but they broke my 4 year old's heart. He'll have to recover from his heartbreak before we get to come back again. Enjoy the ice cream here!

Perfect ice cream for those who aren't into too much sweetness. This doesn't mean in lack flavor if anything it's very rich in flavor just lacks the over sweetness, which in my opinion is rare. I'm not normally an ice cream eater but this place I can see myself coming back too. Service was great too!

The cost compared to the amount of ice cream is criminal. Picture using an ice cream scoop at home, then cutting the lump of ice cream in 1/2. Before ordering, I let them know I had a coupon & it was my first time. Upon further inspection, I told them I had forgotten it. Which was met by a non-verbal shrug.... Honestly, the ice cream was delicious but so expensive & on the rare occasion, I will just head over the ColdStone or Handels....The pricing borders on greed

Updating just to say you haveee to get the sweet cream caramel brownie flavor. At least a taste test of it!! I know you all like your chocolate, vanilla, coffee, etc but just trust me on this one. Honestly all the flavors are good but this is my new go-to and I've hooked 4 other people on it already. It's not too sweet!! Sweet cream caramel brownie is SO GOOD McConnells is still going strong, best ice cream in the area hands down. Cannot wait to gain so many lbs here over the next however many years.

Well, we've been on a McConnell's kick since it opened. Maybe an unhealthy one, but I mean, come on, who doesn't love craft ice cream? They've got a bunch of old time classic flavors - nothing super exotic or off the wall. Just really well executed craft ice creams. My freezer currently is leasing space to S'mores (5/5) and Mango sorbet (4.5/5) pints. Theyve got all their pints pre packed when you walk in the door. The fruity flavors are refreshing and their recent collaboration with Sees candy (the banana is bananas) is heavenly. Go try it, it's giving the other craft ice cream spots some serious competition.

Loved this place when I used to live in Santa Barbara and was stoked there was one here! Their ice cream is so creamy and of such high quality. Friendly staff :)

Nice addition to the neighborhood. Little shop located in a nice shopping complex. Decent parking. Friendly service and patient with my children who took longer then normal deciding which ice cream to order. The ice cream is very tasty, but also pricy. They do have a few limited flavors at the shop that I have not seen elsewhere, but I have seen lower cost pints at normal grocery stores like Cardiff Seaside Market. Take your kids for a treat here, but buy a pint somewhere else at a lower cost.

It's finally open, and didn't disappoint. First of all, very friendly and patient employees! The ice cream flavors were a mix of classics as well as some more innovative ones. Perfect balance of creamy and sweet. Just note that there isn't any seating inside or even outside (seems like there should be) as the store itself is quite small.

The ice cream is delicious*!! This is now one of my two favorite ice cream spots in San Diego! The ice cream is high-quality and the flavors are so different and delicious. The cone was also delightful. The peanut butter flavor was my favorite but all of the ones I tried were honestly great! *Note: I received the ice cream for free on their grand opening day. I also appreciate that they were pretty diligent about not letting people sneak into the line!

Whenever I see a mcconnells ice cream store, I've got to stop by and get me some haha. This location is very clean and offers a variety of flavors and samples. Easy access to park or sit outside. I was helped by a friendly worker who was by her self but took care of everything and there was no wait. I chose the small size but I like how I can pick two flavors. I went with earl grey lavender and my gf got strawberry & shortbread cookie. The plus side is you can get a free cone on top. Also they were giving out free cookies which was awesome! I recommend trying mcconnells

Such a yummy new ice cream find!! I'm always on the lookout for some good gelato/ice cream nearby but there's never much around where I am, and I'm so glad this came along, and I also can't have dairy so I'm limited on options and they had such good non dairy flavors have already been here twice and plan on making this a regular stop! Service was great also each time I've been they have been super sweet so definitely is a bonus:))

I was thrilled to read that McConnell's was going to open in SD county. I discovered McC's when I was going to UCSB and have made a point of stopping in for a scoop whenever I've visited Santa Barbara or Ventura. Their Peppermint stick is a favorite and available year-round! This time I discovered a new flavor, Banana Salted Caramel. OMG so good. I love a real banana ice cream and this was fantastic. I have a new "must stop" when going to Encinitas. I love that they offer samples, since the pandemic, some other scoop shops have used it as an excuse to avoid giving them. In the long run I feel it is foolish--I've quit going to a local chain with a wide variety of flavors, unless I am craving "Buckeye". Who wants a huge scoop of something they end up not liking. I can't afford the extra calories wasted on a yucky flavor and dumping a $6 bowl of ice cream makes me angry.

Such a gem! Great flavors, great prices and super great staff! The only downside is parking can be a bit tough, but McConnell's has no say in that!

We came for the See's candy Ice cream, the place was cute and the service was amazing.....but the ice cream was just so-so. We all got a different flavor but we all thought it was a bit icy, not as creamy as we like. But it is definitely worth a try!

After paying $12 for a pint of pre-packaged ice cream, then traveling all the way home, it was very disappointing for my family to discover it was not Salted Carmel Chip but instead its colored sprinkles Confetti type ice cream which no one really cares for. How could they get pre-packaged ice-cream wrong?

First visit to this newer shop in the Forum Plaza. Shop was short staffed and one of the workers was a slacker. The other one covered all customers. She didn't have the time to be welcoming. Ice cream was basic quality for ridiculous prices. Pints are nearly double the price of same product in grocery stores. We do not expect this shop to stay in business very long.

Super yum. Delish. So surprised with great options. I had a small with 2 scoops. Sea salt with caramel. And cookies and cream. My fav.

Delicious flavors with chunks of toppings inside. You can also add in your own toppings like brownies, pretzels and chocolate cookies homemade. Perfect perfect perfect sized scoops and reasonably priced. I usually order the "small" which you can choose 1 or 2 flavors for. Friendly staff keeps the place clean and the tables to outside to eat your ice cream too. We always come here when we're in the area. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ICE CREAM SHOP!

This ice cream is superior to all in the area. 10/10 recommend. Cute shop in the forum. There are only 2 tables outside to sit at, so plan to take your ice cream with you because they are normally taken. Both times I have been this summer the service has been subpar--unenthusiastic and a bad attitude--This could definitely improve, but the ice cream is good enough to look past this.

Very good ice cream, with unique flavors. Will be going back, but not often. Far from Chula Vista, worth it at the end.

This is one of my favorite ice cream shops in San Diego. The ice cream is creamy, and the flavors are creative without trying too hard.

I had never been here before. I walked in and I guess got in line the wrong way. The staff member working did not welcome me or let me know I was in the line wrong. Two more people came in and she started helping them instead of helping me. I went behind them in line realizing I was in the line wrong. She should have apologized to me or helped me first. Bad customer service. I am pregnant and just wanted ice cream and instead left crying.

The staff is super nice. The ice cream is delicious! I love how they use metal spoons when you ask for samples to reduce waste. They are really charging premium pricing. It's $6.50 for a single scoop (wow, that's a lot) + $1.50 to add a waffle cone (which I find to be reasonable). If the price doesn't bother you then this place is excellent. Otherwise, you might find ice cream that's just as delicious at a better value at Cali Cream on the 101.

Couldn't be more excited to have a local McConnell's since being a frequent visitor in Santa Barbara!! The quality is unmatched--their strawberry flavor tastes like freshly picked strawberries. They have lots of classics and unique flavors. They're all worth trying!

I'm happy, and I'm also sad that this shop is so close to home (hahaha). Their ice cream is superior! I had a favorite spot in downtown Enci, but McConnell 's knocked them out of 1st place. In addition to an incredible product, they also offer amazing customer service. Thanks, Gilbert! See you guys tomorrow!

Great flavors, quality and service is always friendly. Loved the strawberry but so many good options

Great location ! The forum next to Parakeet cafe. The flavors were great. We had the Sees candy colabs and they were so tasty. Can't wait for go back

Excellent ice cream and so many awesome flavors! Had first tried them in Santa Barbara, so glad they came to Carlsbad!

Great service. The staff were efficient and friendly. The ice cream is so good. They have multiple flavors that's seasonal.

We've been buying McConnell's ice cream at the grocery store for a while now, and we love it. That being said, spending $16 on two ice cream cones feels a bit steep especially when they leave the bottom half of the cone empty. If you're going to charge a premium, give the people what they want.

I went in on Wednesday 1/10 just after 7pm. Te guy at the front didn't even bother greeting us. We waited awkwardly for him to say something but he instead kept taking the gallon tub holders out of the freezer. We made eye contact as he finally motioned for one of the girls in the back to come out and help. She reluctantly greeted us and gave a few samples. The workers kept whispering back and forth to each other and seemed frustrated that we were there. We ended up getting 2 small scoops of ice cream that cost us $13. I should have left like my guy was telling me. We love this place and its amazing ice cream but we will be picking it up from Vons from now on.

Creamy and fresh, with bright flavors, friendly service, and the store has no ice cream store odor

Ummmazing!!! Awesome grand opening party! Lizet was fantastic. . Super ice cream!!!