The ice cream has to be really bad for me to give anything less than five stars :-) I'm just saying... lol. Reading the local Yelp reviews, Bruster's Real Ice Cream keeps popping up. So driving through the Aptos "hood" yesterday there it was right in front of me. It must have been a sign:-). Luckily for me most of the memorial weekend crowd/ tourists were at the beach a couple of miles away because the place was relatively quiet. So this is a to-go type of ice cream stop. And by that I mean you can order at three different windows which may or may not all be open depending upon the crowd size. There was only one window open today. This is manned by kids. High school kids it looks like. They are doing a relatively good job and are working so who can complain about that. You cannot go inside because there is no inside for customers. However after you order there are a few tables. If there was a large crowd it is first come first "sit". According to the information and signage... batches of the most popular ice creams are made daily right here. I ordered two scoops for $10... a Sea Salt Caramel and a Banana Chocolate Chip. Both were very good. Thick, creamy and went down easy :-). If you are in the neighborhood, I recommend this for a delicious stop! There is plenty of parking because it is located in a large shopping complex. Oh and by the way... if you are shorter than 40 inches you get a free ice cream cone! I tried my hardest but 5 feet 2 inches did not cut it. :) read more

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My wife & I came here at 8pm on a Thursday night hoping to get ice cream. The place was open & a worker was slowly sweeping the doors. She looked up at us a few times but when right back to slowly sweeping the floor. I asked do you work here, she looked up then went right back to slowly sweeping with no acknowledgement. read more

Loved the seasonal ice cream and the waffle cone. The Strawberry was more like a sherbet or Italian Ice mixed with a cream ice cream. While, the Mint Chip was delicious! read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Strawberries & Cream seasonal ice cream and Mint Chip ice cream. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

I was just coming from a Dr. appt and thought I would treat myself to ice cream. I've seen this place before but I'm not normally around this area. I'm SO GLAD I stopped today. First, the ice cream is super creamy and smooth. The waffle cone is much more thick and substantial than other places. The chocolate chips in the mint chip are nice and big but what really stood out was the peanut butter. WOW!!! Such thick soft swirls vs others whose peanut butter are thin hard swirls. This was a game changer. I was blown away. I now have a new favorite place for ice cream. Well done!! read more

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This is a wonderful ice cream place exclamation point went here for the first time and the reason I went there is because I saw that they had fresh ice cream every day. I stayed because the young lady that helped me, Ivonne, provided great customer service, and she had a lovely personality. She smiled and was very pleasant! She kept calling me gorgeous. That was so sweet ! I like the fact that she was so kind and sweet to everyone that came up. Another cool thing about this place is that on Thursdays you bring your own banana and you get half off a banana split. Also, they have a sign with an ice cream cone on it that's about 40 inches I think? If you're shorter than that sign, you get a free cone. This is a great place for ice cream and especially the flavors that you may not find elsewhere. I had a hot fudge sundae and it was amazing! read more

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Have been here twice and it's always been super delicious. You order through their walk-up window as they prepare your order. There is some seating outside available. I tried their cotton candy explosion which was delicious. It has pop rocks on top which is super nostalgic. I downloaded their app to get some money off as well. And it is located in a shopping center with plenty of parking. Definitely recommend! read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

Good ice cream. Staff could be friendlier. Went on 7/21 around 6pm and a guy with long hair was serving the ice cream, his hair was down and he kept touching it and serving without washing his hands. At least put your hair up! read more

Ice cream made daily!!! Service was a little slow but that because there were a lots of people. Very cool setup, walk up windows to order and pickup, decent area for sitting. read more

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two single scoop cups now cost $18. The size small is now $9.50. That feels particularly excessive. read more

If you're looking for the best ice cream in Aptos--this is it! Bruster's never misses. Their vegan flavors are mind-blowing and taste just like the real deal! they even have delicious vegan cakes! They always offer something new to explore, but my favorites are New York Cheesecake, Death By Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Banana Choc Chip, and Sea Salt Caramel--absolutely fantastic! The staff are super friendly, the vibe is always happy, and every visit feels like a treat. Whether you need a pick-me-up or just love great ice cream, you won't regret stopping here! (: read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Build Your Own Sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

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Dude such amazing ice cream so glad I found this spot in Aptos the place to come get ice cream if I'm in Aptos also their staff are cute and friendly read more

This is absolutely my number one ice cream shop in the area. The staff is so kind, and honestly, just stepping out of the car and seeing the shop already relaxes me. It feels like the healing begins right there. And the ice cream... It's so cute it almost feels alive. It looks at you as if it's saying: "It's okay. You had a hard day? I'll melt all your stress away... sarrrrrr." It has the same comforting warmth as a dog running to you when you're upset and gently licking your face as if to say, "I'm here. I love you." The flavor is incredible -- If Italian gelato is silky, this one is rich, toasty, creamy, and melts in the softest, warmest "sarrrrrr" way. On stressful days, this ice cream is my therapy. One bite and everything melts away. And suddenly I find myself thinking: "Wow... the world is still beautiful." Wonderful people, amazing flavor, adorable presentation. Highly recommend. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - He said: 'I'll melt your stress... sarrrrrr' - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

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This is my first official vegan ice cream experience. Found it in a pinch. We were trying to hit up Glaum Eggs before they closed, and we were in Monterey. I originally wanted to try Revival Ice Cream, but time was the essence. So Bruster's saves the day for my ice cream craving. Located in a cute shopping plaza near the back is an adorable parlor. No bathrooms, you have to walk over to Safeway, and it's a walk. I ordered the non-dairy mint chocolate chip one scoop for $5.50. It was good, but on the small scoop side. I'm used to larger portions. Perhaps my questions agitated the guy and he was like oh yeah lady, I'll give you less, muhahaha! I'll still go back, they have what I want. We went on a Monday afternoon and there were some people. I can't imagine what the weekends are like. read more

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Wonderful ice cream and the staff is super friendly and helpful! However, they denied my friend a free baby cone despite her indisputably being below 40 inches (pictured below). read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Subject is under 40 inches but was denied baby cone privileges. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

Super delicious place with many alternatives non dairy options. Great for people lactose intolerant, or vegetarian and vegans as they have non-dairy alternatives and vegan options. They have rotating seasonals which are fantastic! Service is quick. Great for families for desserts or just have a craving. Easy to find parking as it's in a plaza with other business. Dog friendly with pupper options. With outdoor seating read more

My daughter and I spontaneously visited Bruster's for the first time to try out their milkshakes and boy we were delighted. Customer service was sweet and attentive and he even walked me through how to get a discount for our first time purchase. I'd definitely go back! read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Milkshakes! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

My first time having ice cream at this place. It was sunny and warm yesterday, so I decided to go there. They have a big variety of flavors, and I got their Dark Chocolate Graham Crunch, which was pretty good, and New York Cheesecake, which I don't recommend because it's too sweet, it's like having a chunk of sugar. Their service was good, the person attending us was attentive and helpful. They don't allow clients to go inside of the store, so we had to eat at their outside tables. Parking isn't a problem, there's plenty of parking out there. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Small waffle Dark Chocolate Graham Crunch New York Cheesecake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

We stopped by Bruster's for an after dinner sweet treat and enjoyed our ice cream cones. Customer service was friendly and efficient. It was conveniently located and there is plenty of parking available. Definitely recommend visiting Bruster's for some delicious ice cream! read more

Very good ice cream, you can tell it's made from their shop. The taste is different in a good way. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

I enjoyed my Jamaican me crazy- it had a really good coconut flavor and texture. The fudge was not over powering in my sundae. Friendly service. We beat the line, but that line get quick! Keep in mind that it's outdoor seating, so weather may affect your plans. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

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Delightful and sweet selection of homemade ice cream including vegan options made with oat milk and fruity sorbet ones. They offer samples if you would like. The ice cream was creamy, fresh, and delicious! My family enjoyed this place! This place will definitely satisfy your cravings! read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

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Amazing customer service! They greeted us with a kind smile and were friendly, helpful and patient since we were first time customers. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate Chip - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

This place is about quantity, not quality. Thrifty's ice cream or grocery store ice cream is a step above this place. We all got different flavors and everything just tasted the same. read more

The food are real - some vegan , and a lot of choices as well . It is July 4th and they are open and their front is a great place to watch the Independence Day parade . The servers are so happy to serve especially Ethan ( owner ) and Patrick. I recommend this place . 5 stars . Keep it up - that service with a smile goes a long way . read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Chocolate Shake- so delicious. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

Awesome as always! Awesome options for whatever you're craving. Why does it have to be 85 characters?

Tried to place an order for an ice cream pie for my son's birthday, called and was told I needed to place it 72 hours in advance. Are you kidding me for an ice cream pie? I said is there any other options do you have some already made and she said no there was no option for anything. Sounded like a young teenager who didn't really want to do her job. Well they officially have lost my business off to Baskin-Robbins to get a birthday cake! read more

The flavor? Imagine grape soda and blueberry cotton candy had a cosmic baby. It's sweet, slightly tart, and has little fizzy candy chunks that pop in your mouth like you're chewing on tiny planets. The color is wild too--neon purple with glittery swirls (edible glitter, don't worry). Texture-wise, it's super creamy, like they churned it with moon dust. My only complaint is that I now expect all other ice creams to sparkle, and they just don't. Rating: 9.5/10 Would I sell my last math worksheet to get another scoop? Absolutely. read more

Great tasting ice cream! I got the orange Creamsicle and it was sooooo good! My nephew got mint chocolate chip and said it was the best he has ever had. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - The menu/orde window - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

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This place had great reviews so we figured we would try it on the way to the beach. They were just opening and more then half of the flavors were out of stock. So we got chocolate and I think it was eclair. The eclair was alright and the chocolate was like ice milk. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Ehh - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

I can't believe you got rid of Death by Chocolate, Banana, and Red Velvet? Has the management changed or something? The new flavor changes show a real disconnect with your customer base! read more

If you're looking for fabulous ice cream and amazing customer service, you should stop and get some ice cream from Patrick. I got two scoops and a waffle cone, got down to my second scoop and it was the wrong flavor, I walked up to the window and got Patrick again, and it was just a misunderstanding about the flavor we both laughed and he immediately got me another Konne with the correct flavor! I highly recommend this little place. It is so yummy! Thank you for the great customer service Patrick I will be back!! read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

First, I love their variety of ice cream flavors but don't love their prices. Second, There's no indoor seating so your choices are to have your ice cream outside on one of their chairs (not great in the rain or colder weather) or get it to go and enjoy at home. Third, this one is really irritating, if you order online, there's about a 60 to 70% chance that they won't have your order ready, even if you give them way more than the estimated time to fulfill it. I'm talking about really simple, straight-forward orders, absolutely nothing complicated. Somehow they never see or get the order. Expect to show up and have to wait even though you were trying to save time by doing an online order. This has happened numerous times, even when they're not busy in the least. read more

These guys have the best vanilla ice cream I've ever tasted in addition to a ton of other flavors. The staff are always helpful and I love that they're willing to let you try any flavor you like. Although in the area, this location as a favorite of hours to visit when we vacation nearby. read more

Yummy ice cream!! Huge menu of the homemade ice cream choices. I got the Pumpkin Pecan flavor single in a cup which is two scoops of ice cream for $6.50. The flavor was good but it did melt much faster than my daughters' Vanilla ice cream. They have Waffle cones, sugar and plain. There is no indoor seating only outside on picnic tables and benches on the side. Service was quick. They do have Oat milk flavors as well and Sorbet. Tons of parking out front. We will be back! read more

My family and I fell in love with this joint! Best ice cream we've ever had! Unfortunately we live an hour away and were only there for a few days but we had to try this place more than once and I was not disappointed!! The staff was friendly and fast with taking your orders to prepping them. By time you pay, you already have your ice cream in hand. Will definitely be back the next time we're in town. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

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Corey was incredibly helpful and efficient when taking my order and preparing it. The ice cream was very tasty and refreshing. 5/5 stars

As a former employee of the Bruster's real ice cream located in Aptos, I must tell you a few things. First of all, The owner Ethan called us mother f'ers and swore daily towards us, most of the employees will talk about you badly against your back, there was mold in the sinks, workers would smoke in the bathroom and keep a vape in their locker, and is a toxic environment. If you choose to go here, Good luck. read more

I got green tea and sea salt caramel. To me, sea salt caramel was too sweet, but it tasted good. I really liked their green tea ice cream. It was creamy and not too sweet. Green tea flavor was recommended by a staff. He was super nice and asked us to try. It was a lot to finish, it's worth the price. read more

Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Green tea, sea salt caramel - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Aptos, California

Went to Bruster's yesterday & received an email after asking to Provide Feedback & Take A Survey. Decided to share here what I wrote in response to that survey Note: we really want to like this place which we did when it first opened...but... This was the second time in a row where we ordered SMALL CUPS and were given only 1 SCOOP (like a Kids cup). Had to return to the window, have the discussion/explanation that they shorted us a scoop then wait for second scoop while first scoop melts. Hard to believe this was a mistake two times in a row?!? (Side note: even with the two scoops it's very little ice cream for $6.50. Much less than when shop originally opened - cutting back?) Let me also mention being given chocolate ice cream last year instead of Double Chocolate Chunk. I went back to the counter to tell her I ordered Double Chocolate Chunk which I had there the day before. She told me it was Double Chocolate Chunk but that they made it different that day. Um, so you made the Double Chocolate Chunk without the chocolate chunks??...so: Chocolate. We were really happy and excited to support this new business but failing experiences make it a tough ask. Marianne's is stiff competition in this small town so you're not making it easy on yourself to compete with experiences like this. Getting ice cream should always be a fun experience: not a frustrating one. read more

I never went. Traffic made it too challenging to go from Seacliff to the Rancho Del Mar shopping center. I did not wish to be trapped in Aptos gridlock. Also, the website said they were CLOSED but other indicators hinted they might be open. Heard it's really good. Didn't get Marianne's either. They didn't have staff for selling the prefilled ice cream packages (half gallon, I think?). Eventually I got some ice cream near home. We will try that place when the tourists have concluded their dominance over our ability to traverse around town safely and in a reasonable length of time. I'm sure it would be 5 stars... read more