Ontario, California, located in the heart of the Inland Empire and close to destinations like Ontario Mills Mall and Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, is a city where food culture thrives. On warm afternoons or sunny weekends, nothing beats cooling off with ice cream, frozen yogurt, or authentic Mexican paletas. From iconic American ice cream parlors to colorful Michoacana shops and modern frozen yogurt cafés, Ontario has something for every dessert lover.
This guide to the top 10 best ice cream and frozen dessert shops near Ontario, CA highlights what each location offers, who it’s best for (kids, families, teenagers, young adults, tourists, health-conscious consumers), and what customers say about their experience.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Google rating: 4.7 stars
Website: https://handelsicecream.com
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (760) 815-4252
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is an American classic with roots that stretch back decades. Its Ontario-area shop attracts long lines daily, thanks to handcrafted flavors made fresh and generous scoops that define the old-fashioned parlor experience.
The shop offers an extensive menu of sundaes, shakes, classic cones, and seasonal specialties. Customers also pick up pints and quarts to bring home for birthdays, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings.
The biggest advantages are variety, creamy consistency, and the friendly atmosphere. Cons include the lack of indoor seating, limited parking, and long waits during peak evening hours.
Customer reviews on Google consistently highlight the flavor quality: “Best ice cream ever, worth the wait” and “Sampler is perfect if you want to try many flavors.” Handel’s appeals to kids, families, and traditional ice cream enthusiasts, while tourists appreciate its reputation as one of the most iconic dessert shops in Southern California.
The Chocolate Bar Ontario
Google rating: 4.7 stars
Website: http://www.thechocolatebar.us
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (909) 392-9900
The Chocolate Bar is part dessert café, part chocolate boutique. Located near Ontario’s shopping districts, it’s perfect for an after-dinner stop, a weekend date, or a family outing.
Its menu blends ice cream, artisan chocolates, cakes, pastries, and fresh-brewed coffee. Customers often pick up sweet gift boxes alongside a cup of gelato or an indulgent sundae.
The shop’s pros are its wide range of treats, chic ambiance, and comfortable seating. Cons include crowds on weekends and the occasional sell-out of popular flavors.
Google reviews describe it as “spotlessly clean” and “perfect after dinner.” Teenagers and young adults love its trendy vibe, while families and tourists appreciate the versatility. For anyone who wants more than just a scoop, The Chocolate Bar delivers a complete dessert experience.
O’s Ice Cream Shop
Google rating: 4.9 stars
Website: https://osicecreamshop.com
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (909) 390-1992
O’s Ice Cream Shop, located just minutes from downtown Ontario, is a boutique, locally owned dessert shop that emphasizes creativity and inclusivity.
The shop specializes in small-batch flavors, rotating seasonal offerings, and classic favorites. It’s a go-to for adventurous eaters, families with children, and socially conscious customers who want to support local businesses.
Pros include a warm, welcoming staff, an LGBTQ+ safe environment, and a cozy, cheerful interior. Cons are the smaller menu, Monday closures, and occasional ingredient shortages.
Google reviews highlight its neighborhood charm: “Hidden gem for creative ice creams” and “Staff was so friendly and made me feel at home.” Tourists searching for local experiences and health-conscious eaters interested in portion-controlled, handmade treats will find O’s especially appealing.
La Michoacana Premium
Google rating: 4.4 stars
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Lamichoacanapremiumdeontario/
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (909) 390-2233
La Michoacana Premium embodies authentic Mexican dessert culture. Located in Ontario’s east side, it’s known for paletas, aguas frescas, and fruit-forward creations that are as colorful as they are refreshing.
The shop’s services include paletas (fruit and cream popsicles), ice cream cups, horchata, and seasonal specialties. Its festive décor makes it fun for families and teens.
Advantages include authentic flavors, bright décor, and friendly service. Disadvantages include limited parking and seasonal menu changes that may rotate out favorite items.
Customer reviews note: “Amazing flavors for paletas and ice cream” and “Fun spot for Mexican desserts.” Families, kids, and tourists appreciate the authentic, community-oriented experience that reflects Mexican-American culinary traditions in Southern California.
La Michoacana Ice Cream Ontario
Google rating: 4.3 stars
Website: http://michoacanaontario.com
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (909) 986-3388
This La Michoacana branch is located near Ontario’s residential neighborhoods, making it convenient for quick stops after school or errands.
It offers paletas, fruit cups, ice cream cones, and aguas frescas. Its fast counter-service style makes it easy for families on the go.
Pros are affordability, diverse flavors, and a trendy vibe. Cons include afternoon crowds and rotating menu items that can make consistency a challenge.
Customers often write: “Great options for kids and adults” and “Lots of unique fruit popsicles.” This shop is especially popular with families and tourists who want a taste of authentic Mexican frozen treats at reasonable prices.
La Michoacana Fresh Ice (Montclair)
Google rating: 4.8 stars
Website: https://www.lamichoacanaicecreamca.com
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (909) 391-7650
La Michoacana Fresh Ice, just over the border in Montclair, is a newer establishment but already one of the area’s top-rated dessert shops.
The shop features freshly made paletas, creamy ice cream, aguas frescas, and seasonal flavors. The space is clean and bright, appealing to families and tourists alike.
Advantages include freshness, modern décor, and friendly service. Drawbacks include limited seating and fewer online reviews due to its newer presence.
Google reviews highlight “Best Michoacana around, super fresh” and “Fresh flavors for everyone.” For health-conscious customers, its fruit-forward menu makes it an attractive alternative to heavy ice cream shops.
Cold Stone Creamery Ontario
Google rating: 4.1 stars
Website: https://www.coldstonecreamery.com/stores/20349
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (909) 390-8595
Cold Stone Creamery in Ontario offers the chain’s signature frozen slab creations. Customers enjoy customizing their ice cream with mix-ins ranging from brownies to fruit.
Services include signature ice cream creations, cakes, shakes, and catering for events.
Pros are consistency, cleanliness, and interactive service. Cons include higher-than-average pricing and evening crowds, particularly with after-school groups.
Customer reviews highlight: “Love customizing my ice cream here” and “Always clean and well-kept.” This location suits families, teenagers, and tourists seeking a familiar, reliable dessert chain.
Yogurtland Ontario
Google rating: 4.4 stars
Website: https://www.yogurtland.com/locations/view/1466
Direction: Google Maps
Telephone: (909) 986-8788
Yogurtland in Ontario offers a modern, self-serve frozen yogurt concept where visitors can personalize their desserts.
Services include multiple rotating yogurt flavors, a toppings bar, and pay-by-weight pricing.
Advantages are its interactive nature, clean atmosphere, and family appeal. Cons include the potential for messy self-serve stations and unpredictable final pricing.
Google reviews mention: “Great variety and clean tables” and “Kids love making their own bowls.” It’s especially popular with families, teenagers, and health-conscious eaters who prefer lighter, fruit-topped desserts.
Comparison Table
| Shop | Google Rating | Pros | Cons | Review Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream | 4.7 stars | Wide flavors, creamy consistency | Long lines, no seating | “Best ice cream ever, worth the wait” |
| The Chocolate Bar Ontario | 4.7 stars | Wide dessert menu, cozy seating | Busy, some flavors sell out | “Perfect after-dinner dessert spot” |
| O’s Ice Cream Shop | 4.9 stars | Friendly staff, creative flavors | Small menu, closed Mondays | “Hidden gem for creative ice creams” |
| La Michoacana Premium | 4.4 stars | Authentic flavors, festive vibe | Parking issues, seasonal menus | “Fun spot for Mexican desserts” |
| La Michoacana Ice Cream Ontario | 4.3 stars | Affordable, trendy, kid-friendly | Crowds, flavor rotation | “Lots of unique fruit popsicles” |
| La Michoacana Fresh Ice | 4.8 stars | Fresh menu, modern décor | Limited seating, newer spot | “Fresh flavors for everyone” |
| Cold Stone Creamery Ontario | 4.1 stars | Customizable, reliable | Pricey, crowded evenings | “Love customizing my ice cream here” |
| Yogurtland Ontario | 4.4 stars | Self-serve, family fun | Messy stations, variable pricing | “Kids love making their own bowls” |
FAQs
1. What are the best ice cream shops for families in Ontario, CA?
Families will love Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream for its generous scoops, Yogurtland for the fun of self-serve toppings, and La Michoacana Premium for its colorful, fruit-forward treats. These places all provide seating, casual settings, and kid-friendly options that make dessert outings enjoyable.
2. Which ice cream shop offers the most unique flavors?
O’s Ice Cream Shop is well known for its creative and small-batch flavors. Customers rave about the originality of the combinations, which makes it a hidden gem for adventurous eaters and anyone who wants something beyond the ordinary vanilla and chocolate.
3. Are there vegan or fruit-based dessert options available?
Yes, La Michoacana Premium and La Michoacana Fresh Ice both offer fruit-based paletas and aguas frescas that appeal to vegan and health-conscious customers. Yogurtland sometimes carries dairy-free options, and many shops include fruit toppings or non-dairy treats.
4. What dessert spots are best for tourists visiting Ontario?
Tourists often enjoy Handel’s for the classic American ice cream experience and La Michoacana shops for authentic Mexican flavors. The Chocolate Bar is also great because it combines ice cream with chocolates and pastries, offering a full cultural dessert experience.
5. Where can teenagers and young adults hang out for dessert?
The Chocolate Bar and Yogurtland are particularly popular with younger crowds. Both offer stylish, casual environments where friends can gather, take photos, and enjoy a wide range of flavors. Cold Stone is also a favorite for the fun customization process.
6. What are the most budget-friendly ice cream options in Ontario?
La Michoacana Ice Cream Ontario and La Michoacana Ice Cream & Fruit Snacks offer affordable frozen treats with plenty of fruit-based and paleta options. These shops are ideal for quick visits that don’t break the bank while still offering authentic flavors.
7. Which shops provide take-home options for parties or family gatherings?
Handel’s sells pints and quarts of its popular ice cream flavors, making it a great choice for events. Cold Stone offers ice cream cakes and catering packages, while La Michoacana shops allow customers to order paletas in bulk for family gatherings.
8. What’s the difference between La Michoacana Premium and other La Michoacana locations?
La Michoacana Premium tends to focus on a larger variety of paletas and fruit-based desserts with a vibrant, festive feel. Other La Michoacana locations like Fresh Ice or Ice Cream & Fruit Snacks maintain the same style but often have smaller seating areas or slightly different specialty menus.
Ontario, CA offers a diverse frozen dessert landscape: classic scoops at Handel’s, boutique creativity at O’s, festive authenticity at La Michoacana, trendy vibes at The Chocolate Bar, and interactive fun at Yogurtland and Cold Stone.
Whether you’re a family with kids, a teenager looking for a hangout, a health-conscious consumer seeking fruit-based paletas, or a tourist eager for local flavor, Ontario has a dessert shop tailored to you.
