We ended our escape room silliness at Soda Jerks. We'd had a beautiful day roaming around Santa Monica and the menu is large and the employee was lovely. It was a little strange to be the only person in our party that was 1) born in the US and was 2) old enough to know what a soda jerk was. That feeling of inching towards decrepitude seems to be happening more and more these days. Our party hemmed and hawed and eventually decided on 3 delicious selections. I, sadly, was curious about an egg cream and made that selection. An egg cream, I learned, had neither egg nor cream. It's a chocolate milk with a little carbonated water. Fine for what it is, but exactly the kind of thing you could try a sip of, feel satisfied for life, and never drink again. Instead I got to watch my party ooo and aah over their delicious ice cream as I drank a watery chocolate milk. Soda Jerk, I might come back. But I'm never getting another egg cream!! read more

The cookies and cream ice cream from here is bomb!!!!!! We didn't try any other flavors but cookies and cream is definitely a hit here. The ice cream is very creamy and has a very good flavor to it. Price is around $6-$7 a scoop. Service was quick and there was no line so came out within seconds. They do have a lot of flavors to choose from and you can order either from inside the building or they do have an outside window on the pier. It's nice and chill, very clean with the option to enjoy your ice cream and watch carousel inside or walk the pier outside. I recommend the cookies and cream ice cream. read more

See all

Upon entry into the carousel building at Santa Monica Pier, I was happy to see an ice cream shop. When I saw the name Fosselman's, I thought it was an actual Fosselman's ice cream shop, but it isn't. It's called Soda Jerks. At the time, I did not know what soda jerks means but now I do. It's basically the name of the person who operates the soda fountain preparing and serving soda drinks and ice cream sodas. Anyway, I was here with my eldest daughter. We just got done with the CHLA Walk & Play LA fundraising event and thought we could get some ice cream to cool us down. I ordered the CA Fosselman's named after Christian Anthony Fosselman who started it all. It's basically two scoops of vanilla ice cream with hot fudge plus peanuts and whip cream on top. I should have looked at the menu closer. I would have gotten an ice cream soda float, too. Oh well, there's always next time. I liked the ice cream. It was a very classic, simple, and tasty sundae. Staff was okay. Ambiance was very nostalgic as if you are in an old black and white movie. They have some nifty memorabilia showcased. They even sell famous old candy brands. It's a cute ice cream soda shop. Good place to stop for some ice cream or soda on a hot sunny day or a cold windy day or just any day is a good day! read more

See all

My wife and I are visiting from the East Coast and spotted Soda Jerks while at the pier earlier today. My wife wanted a milkshake and I wanted ice cream. One menu option that caught my eye was something like Salt Caramel. Not being familiar with the flavor, I requested a sample. To my dismay, I was told in a very condescending and derisive manner that Soda Jerks doesn't give samples. Needless to say, I didn't purchase any ice cream from Soda Jerks. read more

The ice cream was really good. The brownie was ooey and gooey! My husband had the sundae with pistachio and mint chip. With Carmel mmmmmmm Don't know if I'll visit Santa Monica pier again. But if I do, we'll be getting ice cream here! read more

Soda Jerks is not just a hidden gem- it's a hidden treasure!!!!!!! It's more than just ice cream, it's SUNDAES! And like the best ones you've ever had. The banana bread and Route 66 sundae are to live for ! The brownie was amazzzing as well. You can't go wrong read more

See all

I'd give it zero stars if I could. Employee was so RUDE he yelled at my 6 year old son for not standing at the counter when he was ordering. He said "get up and stand here when you're ordering" when my son asked if he could try the chocolate chip sitting on the barstool right next to the register. After I asked him to hold on while my son was deciding he continued to yell at us to stand in front of the register when ordering. Ice cream was overpriced and not worth my little son being yelled at. read more

The ice cream here is pretty good some of the flavors are really really good . The service and cleanliness could be better but overall not bad for a mom and pop shop . It's a go to place if you are on the pier they have other ice cream shops on the SM Pier but some of the flavors here are way better than the other places more of a old school vibe if your into that kind of thing . Their ice cream sundaes and drinks are good too give these guys a try . read more

I've never had a soda jerk before so my friend and I decided to get one drink to try. We ordered a sprite soda jerk with orange flavor. It was quite interesting to see the worker make the soda in front of us. Taste wise, it was similar to drinking cough medicine with a little bit of carbonation. The fizzle isn't as strong as the typical sodas from cans or vending machines. The sweetness is also not as strong. I personally wasn't too fond of the taste but it was an interesting experience. read more

Soda Jerks - Inside + menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Location was nice, it was a classic beachside shop. Sweets were nice and affordable, especially compared to everything else on the pier! Basically no wait when we went and the service was super fast too! It was super cool seeing them make our treats right in front of us! I would definitely come again! read more

Soda Jerks - two cups of iced coffee - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A throwback ice cream shop nestled in the corner of the carousel on the Santa Monica pier. Serving and scooping sundaes and malts with locally and famous Fosselmans ice cream. Take a trip back to the days when life was simple and the taste of the frozen treat would cool you down on a sunny day after a long day at the beach or amusement park. Sit up on a stool as you reminisce of the days of old or new. Simple and basic flavors without any guess. The shop itself is a little run down and the freezers that hold the Icee treats does need a TLC but it is what it is. The service kinda goes with the name. In saying that,you can figure out where I'm going with that. But we are here for the nostalgic experience and plus kids don't really know what's really good after all. They just want something sweet and fun so why take that away. That's my take on it. Peace read more

See all

Ever since last Friday, after lunch, I thought about stopping by this place to try ice cream soda since it's a cloudy, but a hot day. The ice cream soda tastes amazing (Coke Float is what I love for a hot summer day) that I drank the whole thing. That is much all I can say besides what an amazing ice cream soda they serve :) read more

Soda Jerks - Love mee some Coke with vanilla ice cream (that makes it a Coke Float) ;) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Jerks is the appropriate term. Didn't acknowledge us and when asked if I could mix two flavors for a shake they said they don't typically do that. So when would they do it? Young helper was very uninterested in customer service. She had a LaSalle shirt on. So doesn't even follow the LaSallian way. Very disappointing and overpriced but typical for the pier read more

They really live up to their name soda "jerks"! I've never been so disrespected by anyone in my entire life Period! I went there after going on the Merry-Go-Round to have a nice Thing with my daughter. and I asked if we were supposed to order outside or inside cuz no one was helping us. Instead of politely answering he starts mouthing off that everything takes time and that everything is handmade and if I don't like it I can go elsewhere and I thought it was joking anyway eventually I ordered. After ordering I asked politely can I have a glass of water too. He says what was the last thing you said I after that I said too? He started yelling at me telling me "you mean please don't you. Have some manners he said to me". I was like are you kidding me right now. Then he out of nowhere after I was sitting there horrified I was just yelled at twice by this guy starts mouthing off again to me saying if I didn't like things I could just go elsewhere and how this that and the other and I said. how dare do you get off talking to people like this. He said well I'm the owner so I can talk to you any way I want, and I said just cuz you're the owner doesn't give you the right to speak to your customers this way. Then he goes to say some other underhanded s***** comment to me out of nowhere and I have no idea what even said and I said are you even going to give me my ice cream I paid for it. I need to get it I'm not going to leave until I get my ice cream. so finally they gave me my ice cream which by the way was the worst ice cream I've ever had in my entire life some homemade crap? he says it's homemade it tastes like worse than store-bought. This kid might have been no more than 19 years old and he claimed that he was the owner. I would stay the hell away from this place and I would have it shut down if I were you because it is not a family friendly place and the people there are nothing but disrespectful and rude they definitely live up to the name jerk in their title read more

Soda Jerks - This is the guy to stay away from claiming he's the owner. Ya right - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

I was on the pier on Saturday evening and discovered this place has egg creams, phosphates, and based on photos, really acted out as an old school soda fountain. So I decided to stop by and try my first egg cream I hear and see so much about on TV from the east coast. This place is located within the carousel so you would expect it to be busy with that crowd plus the pier crowd, but given the weather the past few weeks, there were only 3 people ahead of me and two workers. Even in that crowd, it took at least 20 minutes to get my order. The two workers are young kids, nice, but really need help. They need at least another employee and a manager to handle, what actually is no crowd at all because of how slow they were moving. It's as if both had just finished training and just getting the hang of making sundaes and drinks. I ordered the chocolate egg cream and it came out looking interesting but, as I said this being my first egg cream, I really am not sure this is what a traditional egg cream is supposed to be like. Sure it was basically a carbonated chocolate shake of sorts, but it just did not feel right. It was not bad by any means, maybe I just have all the doubts because of the setting and employees working. I definitely would not come back for anything out of the "California ordinary" and maybe stick with ice cream. read more

Super cheap and tasty ice cream! They get ice cream from Fosselman's (Alhambra) which is rich and delicious. It was $7 for a massive sundae with two scoops, two different toppings, a mountain of whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry. That's an unheard of price for a sundae on the pier, especially when you can sit outside and look at the ocean. Plenty of outdoor seating and really quick/nice service. The cappuccino and cookies and cream flavors were really good, and the hot fudge and caramel took it to another level. They also have a single scoop for $4 if you're looking for a smaller treat. I'm not sure how this place doesn't have a line with how delicious the ice cream is and how reasonable the prices are. read more

The ice cream float and sundae tasted good. There's indoor and outdoor seating, super convenient and well priced. I got my order wrong and the person serving me helped make the order I want. Really happy with the fast service read more

Soda Jerks - ice cream in a plastic cup - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Cute, nostalgic, not too expensive and located right next to the carousel. This was the perfect treat after a long day at the pier. I got a scoop of their Strawberry Sorbet, refreshing and flavorful, my sister got a Root Beer Float and my nephews go a couple of Munchkins. Its a kids single scoop of ice cream with one topping, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry. Good deal and the kids seemed very happy with theirs. read more

Soda Jerks - Single scoop of Strawberry Sorbet (4/5) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

The staff isn't very friendly. The guy that took our order seemed like it was the last place he wanted to be. He wasn't helpful with the menu items and seemed pretty impatient. However, the graveyard shake was great! It was the perfect size for two people to share, too. Hopefully they get some better employees, because then it will be a much better experience. read more

Soda Jerks - Sorry for the dark pic, it was late at night. Anyways this is the graveyard shake. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Apparently they were out of milk. Wait, what? Yes, a milkshake place ran out of milk on a hot, sunny, Saturday afternoon. Not even kidding. So I settled on a simple scoop of espresso ice cream in a cup. It took all three kids working behind the counter (maybe young adults, but they had the capability level of kids) to figure out which ice cream was the espresso, and how to scoop it into a cup. Ridiculous. read more

Soda Jerks - Out of milk, and therefore, milkshakes. Jerks. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

So I've been to soda jerks quite a few times as I have been to Santa Monica several times now. I came to Santa Monica with my family 2 Saturday's ago just for the day and soda jerks is a must when we are in town. Every time we visit a dessert spot you can guarantee its because me and my kids have a sweet tooth... My husband just pretty much tags along for support hahah. So, this last time we visited I ordered the La Monica Ballroom because it seemed the most interesting thing on the menu. The dessert was definitely rated 4.5 stars; however, seating is a problem. There are not many stools available at the counter and the stools that are available are extremely uncomfortable for "us" little people... I say that because if you're like me, you need your feet to rest on something to feel secure. So while sitting at Soda Jerks bar "us" little people have to sit w our legs dangling which is seriously weird for me and because of this then that definitely brought this place down a star for me. I also felt that this place could use more flavors as it is a tourist city and more then likely a place that would be visited often since it is right by the pier. After all these years soda jerks have pretty much had the same flavors. I do recommend this place for you to visit if you have a sweet tooth like me because they have really good ice cream; however, for all my local Yelp friends, it is not comparable to Dewar's or Rosemary's. read more

See all

Located at the start of the Santa Monica Pier in the building where the carousel is. Fosselman's ice cream! I got an ice cream sundae called "The Toboggen": a scoop of vanilla ice cream with hot fudge sauce and a scoop of chocolate ice cream with hot caramel sauce. Super-duper-delicious. There are many choices of ice cream, sauces, cones, etc. You won't be disappointed. Unless you are on a diet and have to pass it up. read more

Soda Jerks - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

The place is located near the "entrance" of the Santa Monica pier, right next to the carousal. There is seating along the counter near the ice cream, giving a kind of ice cream parlor feel. The ice cream was decent here, but it was nothing special or unique. It's a great choice if you're in the area, but not something that I think is worth going out of your way to get. read more

Soda Jerks - The CA Fosselman's - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

What a fun old time venue ... Old fashioned Soda Fountain inside the Looff Hippodrome with the beautiful 1947 Carousel. We tried the "Egg Creams" Chocolate was Super Yummy! There is also a walk up window, if you don't want to stop & enjoy sitting at the soda bar. The soda jerks who work here are very fun, upbeat & helpful. read more

Soda Jerks - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I came down to Hollywood to visit some friends and went to Santa Monica pier and found this nice little place called soda jerks. I was really thirsty and couldn't decide what to get so I got a Phosphate, a Rickey, and a Chocolate Coke. I must tell you that all three were fantastically delicious and I highly recommend you try them out if you are in town. read more

Stopped by after reading raves about this place. And if you want an old fashioned soda water, this did in fact have it. And for that it gets a big plus in my book. The problem is the ice cream itself is rather average. Pretty ordinary flavors and felt almost supermarket style. The service line was slow. They didn't take cash (exact change only) and its was just, well, average. Was hoping for something different and instead, it feels like we had a good concept wasted. read more

The older man working there on 4/2 is really rude . A girl asked how much is this candy and the guy said 0.10 cents. She asked how many can I get with a dollar and he answered did you go to school? Do you know basic math? He then proceeded to tell her I'm going to let you figure it out and walked away. The girl looked embarrassed and walked away. In conclusion A: she probably has a learning disorder, B: she probably was considering tax. To top it off he sat there and talked about her while I was there enjoying my drink with the other employees . This really is a soda jerk for sure . Also the large soda is like a kids size. read more

The Soda fountain adds a 1920s-30's nostolgia and very fittingly stands within the historical landmark Carousel Building on the Santa Monica Pier. Service fountain drinks, Sundays, Malts, Ice cream Sodas & my favorite Fosselman's Super Premium ice cream is served here. My Fountain Favorites: Hand Pumped Flavored Coke (Vanilla, Chocolate, Cherry, Strawberry, Grape, Lemon or Lime), Egg Creams-chocolate, coffee or vanilla syrup, blended with soda water, topped with foam and The Rickey- cherry or lime soda floated with lime juice. read more

Soda Jerks - Squirt - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Soda Jerks is located on the Santa Monica pier inside the merry go round. It has the 50's theme with Fosselman ice cream, root beer floats, ice cream sundae, etc. It's a fun place to hang out. Ice cream's good and service is friendly. read more

Soda Jerks - you already know - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

"What can I say? A couple of egg creams, the bright fluorescent lights, and a retired jeweler named Shlomo all conspired to make a night of enchantment. -- The Golden Girls: Season 5, Episode 20 Walking the Santa Monica Pier - very touristy and almost a requirement when going to Santa Monica, or even LA for that matter. But what to do when you are walking in the deathly heat of September and you feel the sudden dehydration hit you? Drink some ice cold water? Heck no! Stop into the Soda Jerks and get a shake, or a malted or an egg cream! That's what we did at the end of our hour-plus stroll of people and ocean watching. We needed refreshment and felt a shake was the way to go. I considered an egg cream (man I love them), but figured the bubbles were not a good idea considering the walk we had left to get back to the car. So I opted for Ken's 50/50 - half orange sherbet and half vanilla ice cream in shake form. Wowza! The folks behind the counter (one dressed like an actual soda jerk from the 50's and the other in a tee shirt and jeans) were super friendly and very speedy. In no time we were presented with our drinks (Angie ordered a Chocolate and Coffee ice cream shake called the Graveyard - also amazing, but super rich). We opted to hang out and chat and watch the carousel while we enjoyed our drinks in the air-conditioning before braving the heat once again. The perfect stop for before the walk up and down the pier or the treat for after - Soda Jerks knows how the make the classic drinks just right. read more

Soda Jerks - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

I'm sorry to give a bad review, but they really do deserve the one star. Other than the convenient location in the beginning of the pier this place really stinks. The customer service was okay but I still left a good tip because that's just how I am. I ended up coming to Santa Monica for a day trip with my friend. It was hot outside and we really wanted water and something yummy to drink. So we ended up getting two waters and I ordered a chocolate egg cream and my friend got an iced tea. The egg cream was honestly the worst I've ever had, and that's one of my favorite drinks ever. So after being super excited and then completely disappointed I was very happy I at least had my water. My friend doesn't usually like unsweetened iced tea and for some reason they didn't carry any sugar for the tea. I'm used to unsweetened tea and I tried so I can give an honest opinion and I still thought it was terrible. Too bitter and the taste was very off and very watery. A lot of people ordered ice cream so hopefully that's what is helping this business. I hope they can make a few changes to make everyone happy and not just the ones who come for the ice cream :( read more

Soda Jerks - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

My wife and I stopped here after eating dinner in the Pier. It's a nice little place but they need to get older employees. They were kids just messing around and cussing. Some of the workers were off work just giving the other kids a hard time while all of them acting like fools still in their work uniforms. One last thing it is 6:30pm and they close at 7 and they are already put up the closed sign and turning away customers. read more

See all

I have been wanting to come here for months, and was surprised that they were still around, after leaving Pasadena. It has been a decade since I was at the Pasadena location. I didn't see the ability to sit inside, as other yelpers mentioned, but I think they are renovating the carousel or something. Anyway, I ordered the peppermint candy ice cream soda. It was delicious! Nice to finally be able to have a soda now and then, since I fulfilled my resolution last year. I found it fitting that they serve Fosselman's ice cream, as that is on my bookmarks to try as well. The staff was friendly and I will certainly go back regularly to try other desserts. Hopefully they will have indoor seating again. read more

Disclaimer: I may be a little biased as the two owners of this establishment happen to be my wife's brothers...but the place is awesome! Do you remember eating or having a sundae at the Soda Jerks Fountain on Fair Oaks Ave. in Old Pasadena? They closed many years ago in search of a new location. The original owner, Kevin McCafferty with his brother Ryan have reopened Soda Jerks on the Santa Monica Pier in the Carousel Building! They are again serving up Fosselman's ice cream, sundaes, shakes, malts and hand mixed sodas. You can't beat the location, right next to the carousel and right as you enter the pier. At this location, they do not serve food. A classic soda fountain aside a classic carousel on a classic pier on the Pacific Ocean, it doesn't get much better than that. The C. A. Fosselman's Classic Hot Fudge Sundae still remains my all time favorite! Come out and share the nostalgia. They are closed on Tuesdays. read more

See all

Soda Jerks uses the BEST ICE CREAM in the whole entire world. Fosselman's of course. I loved Soda Jerks when it was in Pasadena, but the move to the Santa Monica Pier Carousel Building is fitting. We took the kids who absolutely loved the carousel and then were blown away by also getting ice cream. What kid wouldn't be in heaven? What adult, pray tell! Definitely take part in an amazing sundae or banana split or the Will Rogers with a chocolately fudgy brownie AND the ice cream of course. You will really thank yourself for the treat, hips be damned! To top it all off the service is super nice with a big smile from all. read more

Good ice cream...but how can you be out of vanilla and mint chocolate chip? I know...long weekend lots of people. Great choice to end the afternoon out with friends...have never been to the pier and today was a good day to visit. I'd suggest doing a walk to the end of the pier and then make the return trip with a stop here for ice cream and coffee. Had the espresso coffee and pumpkin in a two scoop cup. Good combo and for being at a tourist destination it's not overpriced. read more

Soda Jerks - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

So every time we go to Santa Monica, we make it a point to stop at Soda Jerks for the Fosselmans Ice Cream. I hadn't been there since last summer, but my experience last weekend was pretty weak. There was a sign on the "Specials" chalkboard saying sorry, the soda fountain was not working, so my son couldn't get the root beer float he was craving. Instead he opted for a sundae with hot butterscotch topping (the menu says hot fudge, hot caramel, and hot butterscotch are topping options). The gal working explained that butterscotch is cold, not hot. Again, he had to settle for a second choice. Looking into the kitchen I could see two warmers for toppings: hot fudge and hot caramel. If hot butterscotch is not an option, why on earth is it one the menu??? My wife got her cone (we watched in disbelief as the "new guy" struggled to scoop it); my son got his second-choice sundae, and I got my chocolate malt, and as we sat at the counter, I noticed that the one broken bar stool (the round seat-top is missing) STILL hasn't been repaired (that stool has been broken for years I believe!) and that the once well-stocked candy counter was practically empty. I saw a family walk in, exclaim "Look! A candy counter!", walk over to the counter, look with disappointment at the selection, and walk out. As we walked back up the ramp into town, I thought to myself that this trip to Soda Jerks is probably my last. If the management doesn't care about this place, then why should I? read more

Cutest little place located on the beginning of Santa Monica pier! Came in to look at the pretty carousel and stopped in for a handmade cherry soda pop!! Checked in and received my free small soda pop after my friend ordered a soda. Miguel was a sweet kid and very knowledgeable about the menu! read more

Soda Jerks - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We visited this establishment a few times in the summer of 2015. I usually ended up with a kiddie size ice cream and my husband with a cone. We really enjoyed our ice cream and I think the price is fairly reasonable considering it is on the SM Pier. Service was fairly quick too, bonus! One little bummer though, I do believe this place is closed on the weekdays when the summer tourist season ends. We will likely be back on our future visits to the SM Pier. read more

Whenever I come to Santa Monica pier, I usually love stopping here for a nice sundae or root beer float, however, last time I was very disappointed with my experience. After waiting for a very long time to be helped, I ordered a root beer float which was $4, I gave them a $5 bill and I was given back my dollar in change. Quarters. Not a big deal. However, when they gave me my float, it tasted like a scoop of ice cream in water. It wasn't even carbonated, nor did it taste like root beer. Just ice cream and water, disgusting. Usually it isn't like this, but I was here a few weeks ago and when I ordered one I was told that the soda machine was broken, so I had to order something else. It seems like it had been broken at the time and nobody bothered to fix it for weeks, nor was I even told this time. Wow soda jerks. read more