Top Places to Find the Best Milkshakes in California: Expert Picks and Must-Try Spots
Milkshakes have a long-standing place in California’s culinary scene, attracting locals and visitors looking for a classic treat or creative twist. From nostalgic creameries to trendy diners, the state offers a wide range of options for those in search of the perfect blend of ice cream, milk, and flavor. The best milkshakes in California can be found at standout spots like Fat Sal’s in Los Angeles, Lala’s Creamery in Petaluma, and Cowlick’s Ice Cream in Fort Bragg.
Each region brings its own style and specialty, offering everything from rich, hand-spun classics to shakes featuring unusual mix-ins and signature flavors. Those craving old-fashioned taste might head to Connal’s in Pasadena or the popular Fenton’s Creamery in Oakland, both praised by locals and trusted review sites.
Exploring these top milkshake destinations means discovering a variety of taste experiences across the state. The following guide highlights notable locations worth a visit for anyone with a craving for one of California’s best milkshakes.
Top Places to Find the Best Milkshakes in California: Expert Picks and Must-Try Spots
What Makes a Great Milkshake in California?
The best milkshakes stand out through their balance of ingredients, variety of classic and creative flavors, and attention to detail in presentation. Quality shops across California focus on freshness, rich mix-ins, and toppings that elevate the entire experience.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Milkshake
A superior milkshake starts with premium ice cream and high-quality milk. California’s top spots often use locally sourced dairy, which results in a creamy texture and robust flavor. The ice cream is blended just enough to achieve a smooth but thick consistency that can be sipped with a straw or scooped with a spoon.
The most successful recipes avoid artificial syrups when possible, opting for real mix-ins like fresh bananas, peanut butter, or strawberries. Many shops offer both dairy and non-dairy options to cater to various preferences. Consistency, freshness, and the proper ratio of mix-ins to ice cream ensure each sip is flavorful and satisfying.
Popular Milkshake Flavors and Add-Ons
Classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry remain staples on most menus. However, creative additions are everywhere. In California, one can find options like strawberry cheesecake and gourmet combinations featuring cookies, caramel, or even cold brew coffee.
Many places allow additional toppings or blended-ins, such as cookie pieces, candies, or even a scoop of an extra flavor for customization. Regional favorites like peanut butter and local fruits keep the selection exciting. Some locations offer dairy-free or vegan versions, reflecting California’s emphasis on food inclusivity.
Here is a list of frequently featured flavors and add-ons:
- Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry
- Oreo cookie pieces
- Banana and peanut butter
- Strawberry cheesecake
- Caramel swirl
- Cold brew or espresso
Unique Presentation and Whipped Cream Toppings
Milkshake presentation plays a big role in both taste and enjoyment. Shops often serve shakes in tall, frosted glasses with sturdy reusable or compostable straws. The shake is usually finished with a swirl of whipped cream, a maraschino cherry, or a dusting of cocoa or sprinkles.
Some California locations take things further, offering visually striking options with elaborate toppings or over-the-top garnishes. Examples include drizzles of flavored syrup, mini candy bars, or even slices of cake on top. This creative presentation is frequently highlighted at notable milkshake shops in California, attracting both local fans and tourists looking for a memorable treat.
Attention to presentation signals care for quality and often elevates the standard milkshake into a memorable dessert experience.
Best Milkshake Spots in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to a wide variety of milkshake options, from longstanding establishments to newer local favorites. Whether someone is seeking classic flavors or creative combinations, the city offers something for every milkshake enthusiast.
Iconic Milkshake Locations in the City
Some milkshake destinations in Los Angeles have built legendary status due to their consistency, quality, and local recognition. A top recommendation is Connal’s in Pasadena, known for a standout peanut butter-banana shake and a retro vibe that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
Another must-visit is Fosselman’s Ice Cream in Alhambra, which has served the area for over a century. Their horchata milkshake is a popular pick for those looking to try something unique with a creamy, spiced flavor profile. Go Get Em Tiger also offers high-quality shakes, focused on fresh ingredients and seasonal twists that set their menu apart. For a more extensive list of essential places, visitors can explore this guide to the best milkshake shops in Los Angeles.
Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
Los Angeles has no shortage of small, lesser-known milkshake spots frequented by those in the know. Turn Dough, with locations in Hollywood and Venice Beach, stands out for strong attention to detail and both classic and bold flavors such as pistachio and Nutella.
The Oinkster in Eagle Rock deserves a visit for its custom and rotating milkshake specials, alongside a retro setting perfect for an afternoon treat. Paradis Ice Cream creates an Oreo milkshake often cited as a hidden gem for its richness and balance.
It’s worth considering guidance from the city’s food-focused communities, where threads like this one about the best milkshakes in Los Angeles spark plenty of discussion and local insight into lesser-known finds.
Pairing Milkshakes with Gigantic Burgers
In Los Angeles, pairing a milkshake with a gigantic burger is considered a classic dining experience. The Oinkster is especially known for this, offering sharply flavored cheddar and crispy shoestring onion rings atop their huge burgers. It’s a place where the menu encourages mixing and matching—order a thick vanilla or seasonal shake alongside a towering burger for a satisfying combination.
Several locations, such as Connal’s, are lauded for both their burgers and shakes, making them a convenient stop for those craving both. Many milkshake shops work in tandem with burger spots to offer combo deals, letting diners enjoy creamy shakes with juicy beef patties and savory toppings.
For those seeking variety, shops often feature add-ons like sharp cheddar, lettuce, or crispy onions, ensuring there’s always a new way to enjoy both a shake and a burger in Los Angeles. Suggestions for the best pairings can often be found on lists such as Eater LA’s roundup of top milkshake joints, which highlights burger and shake pairings as a local tradition.
Indulge in Flavors at Great Shakes, Palm Springs
Great Shakes in Palm Springs stands out for inventive milkshakes that incorporate bakery favorites and playful twists. Visitors consistently praise the rich ice cream bases and homemade additions that elevate each treat beyond a typical shake.
Signature Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake
The Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake is a standout at Great Shakes. Each shake begins with premium ice cream blended with fresh strawberries and chunks of soft shortcake. Whipped cream tops it off, along with a signature mini donut placed on the straw for a whimsical touch.
Customers appreciate that the shake balances sweetness with genuine berry flavor, not artificial syrups. This milkshake is popular among both kids and adults seeking nostalgic flavors paired with quality ingredients.
A breakdown of the Signature Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake:
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh Strawberries | Hand-blended for real fruit taste |
| Soft Shortcake | Adds texture and mild sweetness |
| Premium Ice Cream | Rich, creamy base |
| Whipped Cream | Light and airy topping |
| Mini Donut | Served on the straw |
For those interested in classic desserts done right, this strawberry shortcake creation can be found at Great Shakes Palm Springs.
Creating Flavor Town with Pastries and Pop-Tarts
Great Shakes leans into creative, fun flavors by integrating pastries like Pop-Tarts into their milkshakes. The menu offers combinations that experiment with beloved breakfast and snack items, blending them directly into shakes for added crunch and sweetness.
For example, a milkshake may feature crumbled Pop-Tarts—strawberry, brown sugar, or other seasonal varieties—mixed into vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Pastries such as pieces of cake, cookies, and even donut bites are also frequently incorporated for layers of flavor and visual appeal.
The process highlights the shop’s commitment to “flavor town” by using real pastries rather than artificial flavorings. This approach ensures that every sip offers unique bites, textures, and tastes.
Those seeking variety and playful combinations will find Great Shakes’ milkshakes to be as much a treat for the eyes as for the taste buds. Learn more about their inventive menu at Great Shakes in Palm Springs.
Big D’s Burgers: An Iconic Milkshake and Burger Combo
Big D’s Burgers in Whittier earned high praise for its unique menu and bold flavors. The spot became well-known for craft milkshakes, specialty burgers, and creative toppings that set it apart from typical fast food options.
The Outlaw Burger Experience
The Outlaw Burger at Big D’s Burgers was a highlight on the menu, designed for burger enthusiasts who craved hearty, robust meals. It featured a flame-grilled beef patty, layers of melted cheddar, and crisp fresh lettuce, all stacked in a toasted brioche bun. Guests also noticed the burger’s generous size and careful balance of meat, cheese, and veggies.
What truly made the Outlaw Burger stand out was the combination of sweet, smoky, and savory components. It often came garnished with a tangy house BBQ sauce, elevating the flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients. Burger fans appreciated the texture and the thoughtful blend of traditional and inventive elements.
Many reviews highlighted the standout taste, pointing out that each bite offered bold flavors and satisfying textures. The burger’s reputation grew locally, thanks to consistent quality and signature toppings.
Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings and Smoked Apple Wood Bacon
Few menu items attracted as much attention as the bacon-wrapped onion rings. These appetizers offered a combination of crispy onion and smoky bacon, making them a favorite for sharing or as a side. They were cooked to a golden brown, providing a crunchy exterior that contrasted with the tender onion inside.
The smoked apple wood bacon, used both in burger toppings and sides, brought an additional layer of taste to many dishes. It was known for a mild sweetness and aromatic smokiness, complementing beef and other proteins. Customers often requested extra bacon or bacon-wrapped sides due to its popularity.
These unique sides elevated standard burger meals, drawing diners looking for indulgent, memorable snacks. For many visitors, adding these items was considered essential to the Big D’s experience.
Perfect Pairings: Milkshakes and BBQ Sauce
Big D’s milkshakes earned attention for their thick, creamy texture and ability to complement savory foods. These shakes, available in classic flavors like chocolate and strawberry, were often described as rich and satisfying. Customers enjoyed pairing their shakes with both burgers and fried sides.
Combining a sweet milkshake with the restaurant’s robust BBQ sauce created a balance of flavors: cool, sweet sips with bites of tangy, smoky, and occasionally spicy food. Some regulars even used milkshakes as a sauce dip, noting the contrast between cold and hot elements.
The milkshakes were frequently listed among the most notable in the region, helping secure the restaurant’s place on lists such as Yelp’s roundup of most outrageous milkshakes in the US. This pairing became a staple for visitors seeking something special during their meal at Big D’s.
Whittier’s Best Desserts and Milkshakes
Whittier stands out as a destination for unique milkshake experiences and inventive dessert pairings. Local shops offer both traditional and specialty treats, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy flavors beyond the ordinary.
Combining Milkshakes with Homemade Cupcakes
Several ice cream parlors in Whittier are known for serving up rich milkshakes alongside homemade cupcakes. This pairing is especially appealing for customers who want both a cool indulgence and a fresh-baked treat.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream consistently ranks high for its creamy shakes and variety of classic flavors. Patrons often pair vanilla or chocolate shakes with locally-made cupcakes available at nearby bakeries or directly in dessert cafes. Some spots let guests customize their shakes, blending cupcake pieces directly into the drink for added texture and taste.
For those who like to try new combinations, some venues display daily cupcake flavors that can match or contrast with their shake options. The blend of cold, smooth milkshake and soft, moist cupcake creates a balanced dessert experience. For more options, Whittier residents frequently check out these top spots for milkshakes.
Strawberry Cheesecake and Pastry-Inspired Shakes
Milkshake menus in Whittier often feature pastry-inspired varieties, with strawberry cheesecake shakes ranking among local favorites. These shakes use real strawberry puree, cheesecake bites, or both, delivering a dessert that is both creamy and fruity.
Popular destinations, including Cravings Ice Cream and Frisco’s Carhops, offer signature shakes that take inspiration from bakery desserts. Customers can expect shakes that taste like fruit tarts, cheese danishes, and other pastries, all blended into a thick drink. Some shops top these shakes with graham cracker crumbs or fresh strawberries for extra flavor and crunch.
Strawberry cheesecake shakes usually appeal to those who prefer a combination of tart and sweet. Reviews highlight that these shakes are often richer than typical fruit shakes due to the cheesecake and pastry ingredients. More details on where to order these milkshake creations can be found by browsing Whittier’s best milkshake spots.
Trendy and Classic Milkshake Flavors Across California
California's milkshake scene offers inventive flavors and classic combinations, satisfying both adventurous palates and fans of traditional tastes. Shops often experiment with rich chocolates, creamy peanut butter, fresh fruits, and unique mixes that keep customers returning.
Must-Try Chocolate and Peanut Butter Combinations
Chocolate and peanut butter are perennial favorites in California’s milkshake menus. Many local spots feature variations like double chocolate, chocolate fudge, or the time-tested chocolate-peanut butter blend. These shakes are prized for their thick texture, often made with premium ice cream and swirls of real chocolate sauce.
At places like Connal's in Pasadena, the peanut butter-banana shake stands out for its balance of nutty, creamy, and sweet flavors. Some shops create layered shakes with toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even peanut butter cups for added richness and texture.
For those with nut allergies, cocoa-based shakes without peanut butter remain widely available, with some shops offering chocolate-malt for a nostalgic touch. These classic combinations appeal to both kids and adults, making them a mainstay at many dessert counters.
Banana and Fruit-Inspired Shake Creations
Banana is a popular choice in California, providing a refreshing and naturally sweet foundation. Shakes like the peanut butter-banana from Connal’s highlight this fruit’s creamy ability to blend with both sweet and savory add-ins.
Some creameries go beyond banana, offering milkshakes with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or tropical options such as mango and pineapple. These fruit shakes often feature whole fruit pieces or purees, giving each sip a vibrant and authentic taste.
Seasonal fruit flavors can dominate menus during summer, especially at local ice cream parlors and diners. Some California favorites include strawberry-banana, mixed berry, and even specialty flavors like horchata made with rice and cinnamon for a unique, regional twist.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Milkshake Experience
The best milkshake can become even more enjoyable with specific pairings and by trying new or seasonal flavor varieties. Smart choices in accompaniments and timing can elevate an ordinary shake into a memorable treat that stands out.
Pairing Milkshakes with Savory Treats
Pairing a milkshake with a savory food creates a contrast that enhances both flavors. Classic combinations like a rich vanilla or chocolate milkshake with a juicy burger remain popular at places such as Cafe 50's in Los Angeles and Hungry Hut in California.
A simple table helps highlight popular pairings:
| Milkshake Flavor | Savory Pair |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Double cheeseburger |
| Strawberry | Crispy chicken sandwich |
| Vanilla | Loaded fries |
| Cookies & Cream | Grilled cheese |
Adding salty snacks—like fries—can also balance the sweetness of a thick, creamy shake. Dipping fries into a milkshake is a local tradition at several top-rated diners. For larger groups, sharing milkshakes and fries allows for more flavor exploration and keeps the experience interactive.
Exploring Seasonal and Limited-Edition Flavors
Many shops release limited-edition milkshakes based on seasonal ingredients. In California, summer often brings berry blends, while autumn menus feature pumpkin or spiced varieties. Fosselman's in Pasadena is noted for rotating specialties that make use of fresh, local produce.
When visiting well-rated locations, ask staff about current or upcoming flavors. Seasonal options frequently use ingredients at peak freshness, delivering robust, distinctive tastes. Limited-time shakes may only be available for a short period, so tasting them as soon as possible is recommended for anyone wanting to try the best milkshake experiences.
Watch for promotional signs and social media updates as many shops advertise new flavors online before in-store. Sampling an unusual flavor, like peanut butter-banana, can reveal new favorites and add excitement to each visit.
