My son and I were walking along the beautiful pier yesterday when we saw a woman walking by with an ice cream cone. A few steps later we saw this place and my son wanted to stop in for some ice cream. Upon walking in, we weren't even greeted by anyone and there were 2 girls with an attitude behind the counter who were extremely unwelcoming. They also didn't allow us to sample anything and the ice creams didn't even look that appealing, so we left. We went to McConnell's later and had a much better experience! read more

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Feels like I'm transported back to the 90's , but with the current ice cream prices . Delicious Thifty's ice cream with quick service. They're are waffle cones and waffle bowls, but next time I'm stick to a cake cone. It was nice to sit at the outdoor tables that overlook the Santa Barbara coastline. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Menu, October 2025 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Delicious Banana Split!! Loved the banana split! The banana was fresh and the ice-cream flavors were great together. Can't have a banana split without the whipped cream, peanuts, and cherries on top. These were especially tasty. The service is very friendly and quick. This place is located on the pier. It's a cute little ice-cream shop next to the aquarium. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Banana Split!! (fresh banana, ice-cream, whipped cream, peanuts, and cherries on top) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

On 4/7/26 around 12:30 pm, we stopped by The Great Pacific Ice Cream Company to grab some ice cream for the kids. The ice cream itself is just Thrifty ice cream, nothing special. Tip for others, it is cheaper to order double scoops and ask for an extra cup instead of buying separate singles. Unfortunately the service was not great. We felt rushed while trying to decide on flavors from these 2 young Hispanic, and no samples were offered. The cashier did not provide spoons with our order, so I had to grab one myself from the counter while holding the ice cream. Since the container was overfilled, some of the spoons were falling. Instead of assisting, the cashier seemed irritated and gave attitude before finally handing me a spoon. The spoons were then moved behind the counter, which felt unnecessary. Overall nothing fancy, and the experience did not feel welcoming. We would not come back. read more

Fast and friendly service by some young looking kids (college age). Prices are a bit high but the views while you enjoy your ice cream are great. read more

Overpriced ice cream for mediocre quality. This place is popular as it is the only ice cream shop on the pier and one of two treat shops. They only sell ice cream. It would have been nice if they also sold cookies and brownies as there is not a spot that sells cookies on the pier. The place smells like waffles so I imagine the waffle cones are made in the shop. The waffle cone was probably the best part of my ice cream. Otherwise the ice cream is generic ice cream and quality that you would find from Walmart brand. The flavors are basic: bubble gum, chocolate, black cherry, vanilla, rainbow sherbet, cookies n' cream. You know like the flavors you would see at Thrify's many years ago. They have no originality to their ice cream flavors. read more

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Super rude customer service, but the actual ice cream was very good. Just don't expect much from the staff.

It is no doubt why there are bad reviews for customer service. Today, I tried to get ice cream and after waiting for the store to reopen, the two clerks told me to line up on the other side of the store even after acknowledging I was waiting. I do like their ice cream but I refuse to pay for attitude. read more

Who can resist the smell of fresh waffle cones being made?? Definitely not me lol. I went Monday night in the winter so I didn't hit any crowds but I can see how warm days would attract a crowd. Parking for me was super easy but it can be limited especially since there are other shops and restaurants around. Great Pacific Ice Cream is a small shop and if you are one that wants to sit and eat your ice cream, this isn't really the place to go. This is more of get your ice cream and take a leisurely stroll on the pier. Service was friendly, quick and the freshly made waffle cone was superb, oh, but the ice cream! Three cheers for them having Coconut Pineapple, it was smooth, creamy and the right mix of both flavors. This is my favorite ice cream flavor and its a rare find at times. Reading the other reviews that say this is Thrifty Ice Cream.....it makes sense. Thrifty Coconut Pineapple was the best! Kind of crazy....you would think that Thrifty/Rite Aid would capitalize on the fact that they have some of the best ice cream, but if they don't, you cant hate other businesses that get their ice cream from them. Getting Ice Cream here is the experience of being on the pier.....luckily if you don't want to overpay, just go down to the local Rite Aid and get your Thrifty Ice Cream.' read more

Horrible customer service. The so called " manger " (Giselle) is a bad employee for the company!! she was insanely rude to me and my family. For starters, she doesn't smile, doesn't greet nicely, had an attitude the entire time we were there! Me and my family just wanted nice banana split to enjoy on the pier and of course we had to get her. Didn't even enjoy it . Don't get me started with the PRICE?!!? Do NOT recommend. read more

There are clearly issues with employee relations here, but my experience was entirely pleasant. And there is nothing second class about Thrifty Ice Cream. It may not have the butterfat content of the premium competition, but it has a well-deserved reputation for quality. The issue here seems to be with the employer and what they decide to charge. read more

They serve thrifty ice cream but it is def overpriced! Can't complain since the ice cream was delicious. The workers were friendly even when they had a long line. I def recommend getting the waffle cone with a single scoop since they pack the ice cream! The line was long when we first arrived so we decided to get it once the line shortened. Grab your I e cream and head over outside to see the view. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Pros: great location on the wharf, good variety of flavors, nice service Cons: Over priced, below average tasting ice cream, no kids size servings, parking can be super tough, no place to sit inside (just a counter to order from) read more

Ice cream on the pier - who doesn't love that? This spot has that old-school Thrifty ice cream feel. Honestly, the ice cream itself is pretty average, but that's not really the point. It's more about just forgetting everything else for a bit and feeling like a kid again. There's something about getting a cone on the pier that just takes you back to simpler days. It's not trying to be fancy - it's just a place to grab a treat, hang out, and enjoy the beach. Sometimes that's all you really need. read more

Super overpriced ice cream place right on the pier. I guess you are paying for the location cause it has great views from all around. You can grab an ice cream and walk around the pier or take a seat at one of the tables in the back and enjoy the beautiful views. Flavors are good and the ice cream is delicious. We have been here many times over the years and always enjoy our treats. So if you feel like treating yourself and your family give this place a try. And don't forget their employees are unfriendly. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This was a great little spot, literally, on the pier that offered well crafted California ice cream. Now I know what you're thinking (maybe) "Why would I want ice cream on a day that isn't particularly hot? The answer is because it's delicious and the service is fast and friendly. The ice cream itself is unmistakably thrifty brand and I personally went with caramel and a waffle cone that was warm. They were generous with the serving which was a pleasant surprise and its the kind of combination that serves to make a core memory of the whole experience. read more

As a County employee, I know customer service is everything! If I can give negative stars to this place, I definitely would! My husband and I stopped for some ice cream last night and the customer service we received from this female employee was EXTREMELY RUDE! We ordered a banana split and noticed it said in the menu it came with three toppings, when asked what toppings they had, she didn't even bother to turn around and make eye contact to answer, she just pointed to the menu and the way she answered was just so nasty! The tone in her voice just said she's miserable and hates working there! She for sure needs to be retrained, she has no customer service skills whatsoever, better yet maybe even fired! Needless to say, we will never go back to that place again!!!! read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - The nasty rude employee locked up right after we left at 6:20pm, even though their business hours say they're opened until 10pm. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Maybe not the friendliest service here but at least the ice cream hit just right. They have plenty of flavors to choose from. Not much of a place to sit inside but lots of cool seating available outside. I say grab a scoop or two and take a stroll along beautiful Stearns Wharf to walk off the delicious calories. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Pistachio and Rocky Road on a waffle cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

If I could give this place negative stars, I would. Came in on July 1st around 5 PM with my family just trying to enjoy a little ice cream -- instead we got hit with straight-up nasty energy from the woman working. Looked like she was in her late 40s, but life's been dragging her by the hair. No smile, no hello -- just a cold, bitter attitude like we ruined her entire week by walking in. She rushed us like we were inconveniencing her miserable existence. Rolling her eyes, and serving up the most unbothered, lazy energy I've ever experienced. She acted like scooping ice cream was a punishment. Sis, if you hate your job that much, do us all a favor and stay home -- because your customer service is nonexistent, and it's honestly embarrassing. And the cherry on top? They're serving THRIFTY ice cream and charging like it's gourmet. This is the same stuff you could grab at Rite Aid for way less -- but somehow, it's being sold here with a side of bad vibes and marked-up prices. Overpriced, underwhelming, and absolutely not worth the attitude we got served with. This place needs a whole staff refresh -- starting with that woman and her dried-up personality. Save your money and go somewhere else! read more

Yup, overpriced Thrifty ice cream. No need to read any further, just come in with the right expectations. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I really don't have many things to say about this place, but I have a self-imposed 200 word minimum for reviews so I have to type more. It's expensive because they are located on the wharf. They have to pay rent somehow. You know that movie trope when one character hates another and they have to go through an exercise that forces them to come up with three nice things to say about the other? I'll try to come up with three for this place: 1. They've been selling $6+ ice cream for many years, way before the other scoop shops started raising their prices. Kudos to them for being a trendsetter in their industry! 2. Last year, a single scoop was $6.75. When I visited recently this year they changed it to $7. Very commendable for keeping their prices below the rate of inflation! 3. With thirty two flavors in their arsenal, they have more variety and flavors than what Baskin-Robbins has! On a serious note, the ice cream was not bad at all. For many it's nostalgic. I didn't grow up eating it so for me, it's just A-OK. Basic. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Mint Chocolate Chip & Strawberry w/ Waffle Cone ⋅ Santa Barbara, California - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

You pay for the view. They don't make their own life cream- years ago they did. They should conceal the thrifty ice cream buckets a bit better. This is called price gouging. read more

Well it's ice Scream!! Cone choices sugar, cake, waffle bowl. Generous scoops. It's small. No inside seating. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Hola yelpers: Amenazas de mucho calor según el clima, y para poder soportarlo que les parece una deliciosa y cero nutritiva nieve de pistacho, cheesecake fresa y café. Uff combinación excelente. Nos dimos a la tarea de ir a buscar una deliciosa nieve de sabor y creo a mi gusto esta fue la ganadora . Además que se encuentra en el muelle y podrán tener una tarde excelente vista en compañía de su cono de nieve . Consiente tu cuerpo con mucho dulce y quita el calor que tenemos en los próximos días. Sin mas ni más amigos los dejo. Espero puedan probarlas. Ba bye Yelpers read more

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Did a day trip to Santa Barbara and one of the stops took us to the historic Stearns Pier. The ice cream shop seemed inviting on a warm day so we took the plunge. I'm old school and grew up on Thrifty's ice cream. It is very good and for the sake of argument I would grade it premium, although on the lower grade but it consistently is a reliable brand. ummm, I was a bit surprised as I was scanning the containers to see what to get that I noticed the product was in Thrifty containers. Still, not a bad deal as you know what you're getting. The hat trick was the price which was at the higher end of the premium brands $6+ for a scoop. Anyway, maybe the person who makes "handmade locally" was on a break or maybe they just ran out but the owners surely must know, most customers have common sense and don't mind supporting their business as long as there is a legitimate value. The cous de gras is just about a couple of blocks north of the pier is McConnel's. Staff was very pleasant. So, perhaps there's some type of justification but the experience seemed like a bit "slight of hand" by swapping out Thrifty's for the advertised "handmade."?????? read more

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Ice cream delicious, but service terrible. There's this lady in particular late 30's if not she looks old but anyways her demeanor very rude unprofessional and her tone just kills the vibes of enjoying the pier especially if traveling and getting to know this beautiful city she just doesn't fit right. But ice cream is great like any other ice cream my girls enjoyed them. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Admittedly, I usually have a more positive outlook than my fellow Yelpers, but rarely do I deviate by more than one star from them. This will have to be one of those exceptions. As I am writing this 4-star review, this business is averaging 2.5 stars with 119 reviews posted. To be fair, I get their point: The ice cream here is ridiculously overpriced for the quality. This business serves inexpensive Thrifty brand ice cream, but keep in mind that this business probably also pays a small fortune in monthly rent just for this location on the wharf. Someone could easily buy the same quality of ice cream at Walmart for much less than half the price; but then, that's not the point. In my opinion, you're not really paying for the ice cream here, you're paying for the experience. My family knows that I am a frugal man due to my financial constraints, and I'm always in search of the "buy one get one free" deals and any ability to use my coupons. But, even I have to put that mentality aside sometimes. This was one of those times for me. There's just something beautiful about walking along the pier, side-by-side with someone you love, and enjoying the beautiful view at sunset while eating ice cream. This was my experience, and this business made that happen for me. read more

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I don't know why this place has such a low rating. It's Thrifty ice cream and didn't disappoint. Does it ever? The ice cream flavors we chose were both great (chocolate and pistachio). We had the waffle in the cup and the single scoop was generous. Prices were reasonable. We sat at the benches outside soon before closing last Friday, and there seemed to be plenty of other outdoor seating nearby. It was the perfect dessert after dinner at the pier or on a hot day. Also, we want to thank Junior who works there. I accidentally left my purse behind and he held it for us to pick up. He also answered the phone there, which was surprising since more often than not landlines go straight to voicemail. We will come back next time we're in town. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Pistachio ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Came here with my wife and son this past weekend. Perfect treat if you have a sweet tooth on the pier. The employees were friendly and they were very quick and efficient. The ice cream was ok, not great. That's why they only got 4 stars. Amazing view of the water when you step outside. They also have bench seating outside. I'd recommend for sure. read more

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My wife and I stopped by this ice cream shop when we were walking around the pier. I got the chocolate chip ice cream and my wife got the rocky road ice cream. It is kind of pricy but its on the pier so it's understandable. We walked to the pier from our hotel which is like a mile away so we didn't have to worry about parking. They have some benches outside for you to eat and enjoy your ice cream. read more

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the girl with the hoops working there was rude and not personable at all. might want to hire someone that is pleasant

Definitely on the pricey side and not the best quality ice cream, but it's almost a must visit when you're on Stearns Wharf! You can't really be picky about ice cream on a pier. It's so enjoyable to just walk around, people watch, or sit and enjoy the view while eating a huge scoop of ice cream. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Huge scoops! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

It's super expensive for ice cream, there is nothing special about it nothing that makes it unique except the location. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Definitely agree with all of the other reviews stating this place is overpriced! I wish I had read the reviews before setting foot in their establishment. And another face palm for not looking at the pricing on their menu. That was my two mistakes. But for them servicing Thrifty brand ice cream I do believe their pricing is a bit much. Being located on the pier and in Santa Barbara county I don't doubt that their store rent must be expensive. Still, $16 for 3 scoops of ice cream and a few toppings really is a lot when you think of other places that charge significantly less! If you're willing to pay a premium to enjoy some ice cream with your family on the pier then this is def your place! Just wish it was maybe higher quality ice cream - even dreyers would be a step up from ice cream you can purchase from rite aid and get a whole tub for the same price you pay at their store. Just be aware of the pricing when buying from Great Pacific Ice Cream! read more

I struggle to give them any stars, but doing the review in hopes some other quality business takes this location. This is the definition of a place that knows it has a good location, but as packed it in otherwise. They use Thrifty ice cream which can be bought at Rite-Aid, and based on what felt like ice chips in in multiple bites, they either mix it with water, or its old and has freezer burn. I have no idea who owns this place, and I hate to talk poorly about what might be a locally owned business, but its just not good. We tried the choc chip cookie dough (not one piece of cookie dough) and malted chocolate and so its not like we just got a bad flavor. So while the lines might be ridiculously long at McConnells Id just go there. Or get Tondi Gelato or even go to yogurtland. The below is actually a review from 2017 and obviously they are only still in business because of their location. "Theeee worst ice cream ever. It's thrifty ice cream, but actually tastes like watered down thrifty ice cream... the employees are so rude and the 2 girls look at each other like ughhh I don't want to take this guest.... save your money" read more

Rude service and overpriced thrifty ice cream. All the employees were beyond rude. They were unfriendly and looked annoyed. Not much variety either. read more

We got 2 ice cream cones each with one scoop and The scoop yes a bit pricey but that's what you get almost everywhere now days.. But on the plus side the single scoop to me compares to two scoops at most other ice cream shops. The ice cream tasted great and the service was super fast and both young ladies were very nice. For us on this visit we highly recommend this ice cream shop! read more

The smell of the fresh cones is what drew us in! They have lots of flavors to choice from. What's better than ice cream by the beach! The staff is friendly and ready to help! read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This place is ridiculously overpriced. They don't even try to hide the fact that it's thrifty ice cream and they understand that it's a quick tourist trap. I was in the mood for ice cream and opted in for single scoop waffle cone. What really got me upset was the lady who helped me. While I was done ordering and came with people that I was with, my family, she profiled me with other asian people. I get it, it's confusing - but extremely demeaning. We were there for five mins, completely different and detached from others, and as I'm paying she still asks if they were with my party. Didn't like it, didn't appreciate it. Please work on this. read more

Paid over $15 for two single scoops on a sugar cone. Basically paid for the location. read more

Great Pacific Ice Cream - Strawberry and cookie dough - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Very low quality ice cream. Even lower quality service. And criminally overpriced scoops. Skip this place.