Strickland's Ice Cream, Costa Mesa CA — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

Still solid. Just by chance on social media, I saw a local ice cream shop was doing limited edition Lunar New Year ice cream pies and I was intrigued. Saw the name Strickland and my brain had not yet processed, who that was but something was ringing familiarity and started to dive into their Instagram and went to their website and realized it is the beloved spot that used to be in Irvine and now they are in my hometown. Learn about them more than decade or so ago via OC Weekly before Clear Channel destroyed Village Voice pubs, as they sang praise to Stricklands and there was always a line of people into the night wanting to try the ice cream flavors of the day. I would plot my visits on the flavors, I wanted to indulge in. And I love the fact, the original owner was savvy enough to also include Asian flavors like lychee and taro in his rotation, so I was sold.

Apparently, Strickland’s reopened in Costa Mesa back in March 2024 and I missed the memo, as I’m always visiting and partaking in the businesses on the Grocery Outlet side, I had no clue, Stricklands had been on the 19th street side of the plaza (address is still Newport Boulevard). The original owner retired and lucky us, one of his devoted fans, took over and the public is able to enjoy Stricklands again.

I made the deadline by placing a phone order in for those limited edition LNY pies and got the two remaining flavors of taro and red bean ice cream pie and pandan, coconut, and mung bean ice cream pan. I missed out on the black sesame and red bean pie. With their pies, you can’t pick up until after 5pm since they do need time to solidify. So plan in advance if you’re considering getting a pie. Both pies were a hit with the family both young and young at heart even our adopted Swede family member.

Staff was great and got to chat with the owner a bit. And I wish them success since it’s such a treasure to have and even closer to me now. Will be following them to see their flavors of the month and perhaps finally trying their mystery flavor.

Costa Mesa is the spot for good ice cream. Our local DMV sucked the life out of you, visit here after to get yourself in a better mood. And visit their website or join their email list for the flavors...

Never had Strickland’s as I normally go for Salt & Straw or Stella Jean’s, but this ice cream is a totally different experience. I didn’t know it was soft serve but I am loving it! Soooo creamy. The pistachio had whole salty pistachios throughout which was extra delicious without being too nutty and crunchy.

While the ice cream is excellent, their service needs improvement. The kids working there don’t look old enough to drive much less be employed. One young man helping some other guests was very friendly, while some other employees need a little etiquette lesson on how to say things like ‘Hi, what can I get for you?’ or ‘Thank you’.

P.s. the waffle cone is subpar as its Joy brand and nothing special. Can go to Vons and get the same thing. Next time I’ll just get a cup cuz the ice cream itself is on point!

Note that their flavors change daily, so I suggest checking their IG for updates!...

I'm sorry but I've given this place a chance 3 times because it's in walking distance but I'd rather get in my car and go go Salt & Straw or Confetti. The servings sizes are always inconsistent and this time was the worst. Went on 7/19 in the evening and my serving was so weak that I finished in 3 bites and the rest melted. My partner got something too and got more than but also melted. The cheap styrofoam cups makes it feel cheaper too. It's just not good and you can tell by seeing how empty it is and how they've changed the amount of employees working. One worker was there on a Friday night. It's just not good. I think this was my last time going. If they can improve and have consistent serving sizes and cups I"d maybe go back but I'm going to stick to the other ice cream spots that are...