Cuso's Creamery — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

There's nothing better than a new local business!

I've been following Chef Cuso on TikTok since the COVID days and have always been a fan of his recipes. When I found out he and his family were opening an ice cream shop in Santa Barbara, I knew it was going to be good--and it sure didn't disappoint!

Cuso's Creamery is located in downtown Santa Barbara, just a few blocks from the waterfront. They have a variety of unique flavors, many using Chef Cuso's "Cuso Cuts" seasonings, which is cool. My boyfriend owns several of these seasonings, so I knew I was in for a treat!

I appreciated being able to sample a few before making my final decision! My favorite is the Hot Honeycomb with an added sprinkle of flaky salt. It is the perfect blend of sweet and salty with a bit of heat. Honorable mention is the WhistlePig Maple Bourbon Praline -- chef's kiss!

The shop itself is so aesthetically pleasing, with a beautiful green wall and wooden bench immediately to your right when you step inside and great double doors that bring in tons of natural light. If it were me, I'd fill the place up with more plants because of how great that light is! Super cute photo spot, too. The ordering counter reminds me of my favorite ice cream shops growing up -- nice and cozy, and straightforward. Flavors and prices are also transparently listed on the walls, making it easy to make a selection.

My only regret is not taking any pictures! My boyfriend and I really devoured that ice cream. If you live in the area or are just exploring for a quick trip like me, don't hesitate to check out Cuso's Creamery! I will certainly be back the next time I am...

"Had a fantastic experience at Cusos Creamery! I tried the Salted Caramel Toffee and Cherry Chocolate - both flavors were absolutely amazing. The Salted Caramel Toffee had the perfect balance of sweet and salty with great toffee chunks, and the Cherry Chocolate was rich and loaded with real cherry pieces. What I really appreciated was that the staff let me sample flavors before deciding - they were super friendly and patient while I made my choice. The shop was very clean and well-maintained, which is always important for food establishments. The prices were surprisingly reasonable for the quality and portion size you get. It's rare to find such high-quality ice cream at affordable prices, especially on State Street. You can tell that Dylan, the owner and founder, has created something special here. The attention to quality ingredients and customer service really shows his commitment to the business. The staff's knowledge about their flavors and willingness to let customers sample reflects the culture he's built. I'll definitely be back to try more flavors ,already eyeing that Maple Bourbon Praline next time :) Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality ice cream with great service in Santa Barbara. Dylan has built a gem of a...

When I took my first bite of the “Hot Honey Comb,” I immediately understood why this spot is so highly rated. It’s now at the top of my list of favorite ice cream spots.

Food: The portions are incredibly generous—one scoop was piled high, almost overflowing. The ice cream itself was a perfect blend of savory, salty, sweet, fluffy, and creamy. It managed to pack every positive ice cream adjective into one scoop.

Service: The staff was attentive and sociable, especially if you’re up for a chat. One of the owners was there, and you could feel the pride in his work and the freshness of the product, all made in-house.

Atmosphere: It’s primarily a grab-and-go spot. There’s a single bench that seats about three people, but it’s really designed for takeout.

Overall: This is a must-visit spot, even if it’s a bit out of the way. The unique flavors add a sense of novelty to every visit and have raised the bar for what I expect...