My husband and I stopped by and immediately understood why people recommend this place. The shave ice itself is fantastic. First, the logistics. It's on North Coast Highway 101, so parking during busy hours is...optimistic. The lot is small, street parking is limited, and you'll probably have better luck checking La Veta Avenue behind the building. Speaking of the back of the building, that's where their surprisingly spacious outdoor seating area is. It's a great grassy lounge space with plenty of seating and even little tabletop games. The only funny part is actually finding it. The employees told us it was "really obvious signs," but the directions are basically small Numbskull stickers and thin chalk arrows. We found it eventually, but I think some larger signs or a more obvious walkway from the front would help a lot. My only other suggestion is the hours. An 8:00 PM closing time feels early for a dessert spot on the 101 in a beach town. I'd love to see them stay open until 9:00 or 10:00 PM. Now for the important part. My husband ordered a Little Gnar with guava, passion fruit, and fresh strawberries. I ordered a Little Gnar with a vanilla ice cream core, Tiger's Blood, Orange Passion, and strawberry cream topping. Both were excellent. The shave ice was incredibly soft, the flavors tasted fresh, and the portions were much bigger than we expected. Honestly, most couples could split a Little Gnar. We only got two because my husband is lactose intolerant and didn't have Lactaid with him, and I wasn't giving up my vanilla ice cream core. I also liked that the menu has something for everyone. If you like fruity flavors, there are tons of tropical combinations and add-ons. If you're like me and want dessert disguised as shave ice, they've got plenty of creamy options too. The staff was young, polite, and helpful, and we left with zero complaints. Overall, an easy 5/5. Great shave ice, generous portions, a fun backyard hangout, and enough flavor combinations that I'll definitely be back. Just don't let the name "Little Gnar" fool you...there is absolutely nothing little about it. read more

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Numbskulls is a shave ice place in Encinitas along N coast Hwy 101. There's a small parking lot that holds about 6-8 cars but also shares it with neighboring businesses so I suggest parking on La Veta ave in the back. I got a little gnar (small) with mango and passion fruit with vanilla ice cream ($2). There were more options for a cap and toppings but they just cost more and I'm a bit of a purist. I was surprised that they didn't have a strawberry flavor which is one of my go to flavors. The small was big enough for me, the ice was fine and the flavors tasty and delicious. I like when the vanilla ice cream mixes with the fruit flavors, it's very refreshing. The small comes with 2 flavors the large 3. The place is skateboard themed, they have premade options listed on skateboard decks which only come in large size. Service was friendly and informative. They let me know there was a back yard area that we could wait and they'd bring it to us. We just waited for our order to be prepared then walked around. It's a little further than you think. You have to walk around the sidewalk to La Veta Ave you'll see a bunch of picnic tables and chairs where you can sit and relax. Their back door opens to that area but you cant walk thru the business to get there. That's why I suggest you park on La Veta so it's closer for you to get to your car after. I wish you could just order from the back yard area. Overall a really good shave ice. I'd consider a condensed milk cap and/or li hing mui powder topping next time. read more

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Numbskulls is a shaved ice shop located in a suite amongst some Encinitas bungalows on N Coast Hwy 101. There were maybe four parking spaces in the lot that was shared with the neighboring businesses. For seating, six stools were placed out front next to a long countertop. Behind the building was a yard with several picnic tables and beach chairs that could accommodate a couple of dozen customers. You had to use the sidewalk and stroll all the way around the back to reach this fenced in area. We came here to get some dessert after having lunch further up north. Use the left door to enter the suite. On the wall to the left was a menu board that described how you could build your own shaved ice. Two serving sizes were offered. Nine different flavors, four kinds of cores, eight types of caps, and a dozen toppings were featured. On the opposite wall were six mini surfboards that each listed a combination shaved ice. These were only sold in a large size. I chose the 50/50 Grind from the combinations. The ingredients were an Orange Dole Whip Core, Passion Orange Syrup, Vanilla Syrup, and a Heavy Snow Cap. A spoon and straw were provided with the item. There was a heaping amount of fluffy ice in the dish. The orange flavor was very potent between the core and the syrup. I worry sometimes with shaved ice that it becomes diluted quickly, but that was not the case here. I alternated between sucking the contents with the straw and scooping some up with the spoon. If I had a quibble, then it would be the lack of prices posted for the combination products. My order ended up being $16+ which was more than double that of a small build your own variety. We did walk around the building to check out the backyard. It was pleasant with shade provided at the picnic tables. I gave a four star rating for our visit to Numbskulls. read more

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Shaved ice Hawaiian style! I was so excited to try this place out. When we ordered, there were a few people scattered outside and no one ahead of us. We ordered a large mango base (vegan friendly Dole Whip) with guava, cherry, and passion fruit syrup, drizzled with coconut condensed milk (vegan friendly) with toasted coconut on top: The toasted coconut was too over bearing for what we ordered. Anyhow, as we got to the bottom we realized we didn't get any of the mango dole whip so when I asked about it the employee was kind enough to give me a cup of the Dole whip. We got to try the swirl and it was tasty. This is the closest I've had to a Hawaiian style shaved ice. Next time, no toasted coconut for me. I appreciate the vegan option. I would have loved a vegan friendly vanilla base too! The only downside aside from parking was the wait time. We were told 10-15 mins but it was much longer than that. They have some creative suggestions if you're not sure what to try, but all but one, was vegan friendly. Parking lot is small and street parking is not readily available. We had to park around the block and cut next to the record store. read more

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Got the lava flow! It was great, and the ice was very fine. There is a tiny parking lot and we were lucky to snag a spot. Have to remove one star for the wait. We waited about half an hour but atleast what came out was fresh! read more

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Expected Sunday to be busy, but took 40 minutes. Ice itself similar to being in Kauai & lots of juice. Think the condensed milk cap was there but hard to tell & pineapple I'd ordered & paid for was completely forgotten. May try on a weekday now school's back. read more

Fun spot that feels like Hawaii! Ice was soft and the syrups were sweet but not too sugary. Great vibes

So good and so flavorful ! Really cool and delicious combos and friendly staff ! Def a 10/10 read more

Numbskulls - Shaved Ice Near Me - Encinitas, California

Great new shaved ice and Dole whip place. What we had was delicious and we would definitely come back but we might wait a little while. Although so yummy, our two shaved ices took over 30 minutes on a slow weekday afternoon (took a pic of the inside when we got there and another photo of the shaved ices when received, that's a long time with only two people ahead of us on a Tuesday afternoon). One shaved ice had ice cream for someone who is nondairy and didn't ask for any. While the other one was missing one of the toppings. As soon as they get the kinks out, we will try it again. read more

If you want a little taste of hawaii i highly recommend! It's so incredible!!! Ive never experienced a dole whipe base and if you haven't tried it . It's a must! read more

Numbskulls - Shaved Ice Near Me - Encinitas, California

Love!! Feels like a piece of the islands and tastes authentic! The team is super chill and keeps it calm and friendly amidst their crazy lines! Thanks for the awesome treats! read more