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Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A vibrant counter-serve spot offering organic, artisanal ice cream and housemade baked goods with unique flavors.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Selecting flavors

Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant counter-serve spot offering organic, artisanal ice cream and housemade baked goods with unique flavors.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is by FAR the best ice cream establishment in Santa Cruz. The flavors are fresh and deliciously tasty!"

TIP

Sample Before You Buy

Try different flavors before choosing to ensure you find your perfect scoop.

Don't Miss Signature Items

Consider ordering the 'Big Cookie' or a specialty beverage for a guaranteed treat.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 11PM

Cuisine

Ice Cream & Desserts

Price

$$$

Phone

(831) 508-0774

Address

1101 Pacific Ave b, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Artisanal Ice Cream

Unique Artisanal Ice Cream

Indulge in inventive flavors like Maple Bacon and fresh strawberry, crafted with organic, local ingredients. Truly a taste of Santa Cruz!

Best Ice Cream in Santa Cruz CountyGoogle Review
Warm, Freshly Baked Delights

Warm, Freshly Baked Delights

Savor homemade cookies, brownies, and mini pies. The 'Big Cookie' is a must-try for any sweet tooth!

Google Review
Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional Customer Service

Enjoy friendly and efficient service that enhances your sweet treat experience. Staff are praised for their helpfulness.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ladies and Gentlemen, say hello Randy! Her favorite menu item at Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery is: Breakfast Burrito "I would say the breakfast burrito because it has everything I love about a breakfast burrito! From having crispy potatoes, crisp bacon, soft eggs, and our delicious cheese!" - Randy #breakfast #burrito #favorite #icecream #cafe #coffee #santacruz #downtownsantacruz #visitsantacruz
@missionhillcreamery
1 likes • 83 views

Sample Before You Buy

Try different flavors before choosing to ensure you find your perfect scoop.

Don't Miss Signature Items

Consider ordering the 'Big Cookie' or a specialty beverage for a guaranteed treat.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Kendall! 👋 Her favorite item on the menu for Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery is Banana Ice Cream! “I would say the Banana Ice Cream because it tastes like actual fresh banana, makes it feel more rich and creamy!” #banana #icecream #coffee #cafe #santacruz #downtownsantacruz #visitsantacruz
@missionhillcreamery
0 likes • 96 views
Say hello to Sally! 👋 Her favorite item on the menu for Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery is the Affogato! “It is definitely the Affogato because of the hot and cold mixture together, definitely blends perfectly to make an amazing taste!” #affogato #icecream #coffee #cafe #santacruz #downtownsantacruz #visitsantacruz
@missionhillcreamery
0 likes • 104 views

Beat the Crowds

Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience and shorter wait times.

Two Flavors in One Scoop

Enjoy the best of both worlds by getting two flavors with a single scoop.

We promise that Matcha is really good, we swear! 👀 Order here: https://www.missionhillcreamery.com/ #matcha #matchalatte #icecream #cafe #coffee #santacruz #downtownsantacruz #visitsantacruz
@missionhillcreamery
0 likes • 88 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Sample Before You Buy

Try different flavors before choosing to ensure you find your perfect scoop.

Don't Miss Signature Items

Consider ordering the 'Big Cookie' or a specialty beverage for a guaranteed treat.

Beat the Crowds

Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience and shorter wait times.

Two Flavors in One Scoop

Enjoy the best of both worlds by getting two flavors with a single scoop.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery is lauded for its creative and delicious artisanal ice cream, made with high-quality, local ingredients. Diners also rave about the warm, homemade baked goods and the friendly, exceptional customer service. While some note that prices can be on the higher side, the quality and unique flavor profiles are generally considered worth the splurge.

"Amazing warm cookies! Great beverages, I got one of their specials! Awesome service!"

Debora Fino

"The sour cherry pie is delicious. I tried the blueberry, also delicious. Fantastic treat after a day at the boardwalk and local shops."

Ann Falk

"So happy we stopped here, such a fun place with very tasty ice cream! We ended up getting an affogato and root beer float, and even though I wished it was a more local root beer, they both were very good! Would definitely return to have the ice cream on its own!"

Driving Deveros

What People Like

Unique and authentic ice cream flavors
Freshly baked cookies and brownies
Friendly and top-notch service

What People Dislike

Higher price point

Frequently Asked Questions

Popular flavors include Maple Bacon, Fresh Strawberry, Salted Caramel, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Turkish Coffee. Samples are available!

Where to Eat in Santa Cruz: 15 Restaurants You'll LoveGoogle Review

Yes, Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery offers delicious homemade baked goods like cookies, brownies, and mini pies.

Absolutely! You can enjoy two distinct flavors with a single scoop, allowing you to try more combinations.

Google Review

They have a full espresso bar offering coffee, lattes, affogatos, milkshakes, and specialty teas.

TikTok+2

While not explicitly stated, they offer sorbet options and baked goods, so inquire about specific dietary needs.

Some reviews mention that prices are on the higher side, but many feel the quality justifies the cost.

Where to Eat in Santa Cruz: 15 Restaurants You'll LoveGoogle Review

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The Points Guy

Fun Activities for Families in Santa Cruz

For the required ice cream stop, you'll be hard-pressed to choose between The Penny Ice Creamery and Mission Hill Creamery, both of which make their own frozen treats with locally sourced cream. I always pay for meals with my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which pays 3 points per dollar on dining. There are many more (even more rewarding) dining card options for saving money or earning bonus points on meals.

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Visit Santa Cruz County

Best Ice Cream in Santa Cruz County

Chef/owner Dave Kumec opened downtown’s Mission Hill Creamery in 2010. He started by offering ice cream only, but over the years has expanded selections to include a full espresso bar (perfect for an Affogato) and a few homemade baked goods like cookies, brownies, and popular mini pies (the latter’s rotating flavors include blueberry streusel and pecan). The organic, artisanal ice cream comes in flavors like customer favorites Salted Caramel and Mint Chocolate Chip.

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California Crossroads

Where to Eat in Santa Cruz: 15 Restaurants You'll Love

A post shared by Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery (@missionhillcreamery). This is one of the more pricey places for dessert in Santa Cruz, but it is worth it for the quality!. Mission Hill is one of that new generation of artisan ice cream shops with unique flavors like basil, Turkish coffee, and blueberry goat cheese.

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BayArea.com

The 4 Best Santa Cruz Ice Cream Shops for Sundaes, Sorbet & More

Owner Dave Kumec takes pride in choosing only high-quality ingredients for his ice cream. He uses local, organic products and crafts them into delicious flavors. Kumec gathers inspiration for his ice cream from a culinary journey to France that he took several years ago.

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Top California Travel and Lifestyle Blogger | Gennifer Rose

Instagrammable Places in Santa Cruz

Located right on Pacific Ave, it’s the perfect spot to chill for a few moments after a walk and window shopping. They also serve locally-roasted Chromatic Coffee and have fresh baked goods.

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Highest-rated Ice Cream Shops in Santa Cruz by Diners

- Rating: 4.5/5 (482 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1101 Pacific Ave. Ste B Santa Cruz, California - Categories: ice cream & frozen yogurt, coffee & tea, bakeries- Read more on Yelp

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