Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream SDSU — Restaurant in San Diego

Handel's is my favorite ice cream shop and this is a new location, right next to SDSU. The ice cream is 5 stars, service is great, 5 stars, atmosphere 2 stars, so overall 12/3 is 4. I ate blueberry cobbler and mint chocolate chip in a waffle bowl. All so tasty. The problem with this location is getting to the store and having a place to enjoy the great ice cream. The main focus is students and employees at SDSU, and probably the crowds that visit the campus for sports, arts or other events. Parking is not good, see my parking notes. There are no seats, benches, anything where you can sit and eat your ice cream. You can walk to the open area by the SDSU Transit center and sit there, though there is often unsheltered people around and could be uncomfortable. Otherwise you can wander a bit farther onto campus and sit in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union courtyard, best choice in my opinion, as there are tables and chairs. The walk is a bit of a ways, so on hotter days your ice cream could ve melting. The ice cream is outstanding with many different flavors available, just be prepared for the parking challenge and where to eat if you are coming just for the ice cream. If your on the SDSU campus for another event and you have to park anyway or coming by trolley then this is a great idea for pre-event treat or, if the event ends before 10:00 PM (closing time), a post...

I was excited to return to Handel’s at SDSU after a great visit a few months ago, but this time was a huge disappointment. The person who helped me (later identified as the manager, a redhead) was rude from the start. When I mentioned I was glad they were open, instead of a warm welcome, I was met with a blunt response: “We’re open. The hours are right there.” He then immediately asked, “What do you want?” in a noticeably rude tone.

I asked to sample a flavor (as I’ve done here and at the PB location before), and he snapped that they never offer samples and claimed I must be mistaken—despite my past experience. His attitude was unnecessarily rude, and after feeling unwelcome, I told him I no longer wanted anything. He then slammed the window shut.

I love Handel’s ice cream, but I won’t be returning to this location due to the poor customer service. I’ll stick to the PB location and others, where the staff is always friendly...

Disappointing First Visit (but great service)

I stopped into Handel’s for the first time ever — as a serious ice cream lover, I was excited to try something new. The lady who served me was really nice and attentive, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the ice cream itself was a big letdown.

I ordered coconut and taro, but neither flavor tasted like what it was supposed to. All I could taste was sugar — no real coconut, no taro essence, just an overwhelming sweetness that drowned everything else out.

Great service, but the product just didn’t deliver. I won’t be stopping here again...