Ice Cream in Redlands — The Inside Scoop

Hosts: Peter & Amy

If you think tacos are just for Tuesdays, Taco ‘Bout Sweets will happily prove you wrong. This playful Redlands favorite serves up hand-rolled ice cream inside freshly made waffle cone taco shells, creating the kind of dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Owners Peter and Amy bring both creativity and heart to the shop, which has been delighting locals for over four years. Inspired by a cousin’s travels through Thailand, where street vendors expertly roll liquid cream on freezing pans, they brought that magic home to the Inland Empire, perfecting their own process at a chilly -21 degrees for the smoothest, most picture-perfect rolls.

Every visit feels like a choose-your-own-adventure. You can pick your shell color (pink is the crowd favorite) and customize your flavors. If you have a fun idea, they’ll try to make it happen right on the spot. Favorites include:

• Orange Creamsicle (a nod to Redlands’ citrus heritage)
• Campfire S’mores
• Rocky Road (a fan-favorite)

They also roll out limited-time seasonal flavors each month, like Pumpkin Cheesecake or the upcoming Dubai Chocolate.

Taco ‘Bout Sweets prides itself on being inclusive and inventive, offering dairy-free options, soy milk “Magic Milk” with popping boba, and a refreshing tea and slushie menu with flavors like mango, pineapple, peach, and chamango.

The shop itself is a love letter to family; the tables are made from repurposed sewing machines, a tribute to the immigrant parents who inspired their entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a space built on creativity and connection, staying open late to give locals a safe, welcoming place to gather, perfect for a date night or a spontaneous dessert run.

They’re also active in the community, catering birthdays, weddings, and campus events like CSUSB giveaways. For special occasions, they’ll even bring the rolling machine to you, letting guests watch their ice cream come to life. Just be sure to email a couple of weeks in advance.

Taco ‘Bout Sweets isn’t just about dessert; it’s about joy, nostalgia, and community rolled up into one unforgettable bite.

Host: Aman

Don’t let its size fool you. Redlands’ Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream may be the smallest store in California, but it’s packed with flavor, heart, and hometown pride. With a recipe that’s been in the family for over 80 years, Handel’s stays true to its roots by making ice cream fresh every morning, served just 3 to 5 days after it’s made, so every scoop tastes like it came straight from the churn.

With 47 flavors on rotation, there’s something for everyone from rich classics like Chocoholic Chunk and Salted Caramel Truffle to seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Pie, Deep Dish Apple Pie, and Peppermint Bark. Kids love the bright blue Blue Monster, while the grown-up crowd leans toward Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Crunch, or the indulgent Coffee.

Their menu covers all the bases: scoops, sundaes, shakes, ice cream sandwiches, frozen bananas, soda floats, and even a four-scoop sampler for the indecisive (like me). Each window has its own register, so the team can serve up to five customers at a time, a must on hot Redlands nights when lines stretch down the block.

For this tight-knit crew, though, it’s not just about the ice cream. The owners emphasize that “it all comes down to the team.” Many of them bring years of restaurant experience and genuine care for the community. You’ll spot them supporting local schools, joining Redlands’ charity walks, and fundraising for the children’s hospital.

They also offer catering for weddings, baby showers, and events (just give 48 hours’ notice), plus online and third-party ordering for easy pickup. Each store selects a few of Handel’s 21 signature flavors and rotates in seasonal choices to keep things fresh. And yes, they give out samples so you can find your perfect match.

Handel’s has stayed true to its promise over the decades: don’t compromise on quality. Whether you’re savoring a banana split with three custom scoops or diving into a waffle bowl topped with nuts, sprinkles, and whipped cream, this Redlands gem proves that small shops can have the biggest heart.

Host: Stefani

If you’re craving something creamy, but want more than your standard scoop shop, Theron’s has you covered and then some. What began as a small custard stand near the Barton House has grown into a lively community hub where dessert, deli sandwiches, and local coffee all come together under one roof.

At its heart is the frozen custard. It’s richer and silkier than ice cream, thanks to egg yolks and a slower freezing process. They make it fresh daily and serve it in everything from cones and cups to pints-to-go. Top picks include:

• The Blackhawk Bash (a nod to Citrus Valley High)
• Theron’s Original with caramel, bananas, and almonds
• Terrier Treat (for the iconic RHS), a peanut butter and banana blend beloved by Redlands locals

Seasonal creations keep things exciting, with monthly specialties like Pumpkin Cheesecake and upcoming flavors such as Peppermint and Gingerbread.

But Theron’s is more than dessert; it’s a culinary family. They have expanded the concept over the years; the marketplace now includes Freddie’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, Biscuit Betty’s, Señor Theron, and the soon-to-open Not Just a Cookie. There’s even Tulip’s Coffee for breakfast and a menu of twisted sodas, malts, banana splits, and sandwiches for every craving.

With a cozy event hall in the back, Theron’s also hosts gatherings and offers catering with at least a week’s notice. Their vegan-friendly shave ice, customizable mixers, and fun monthly specials keep regulars coming back for something new.

Since opening during Covid, Theron’s has become a true neighborhood favorite, a place where families meet after school, friends gather for weekend treats, and everyone leaves a little sweeter than when they came in.

Supporting Your Favorite Ice Cream in Redlands

Whether it’s a late-night Dole Whip run at Lappert’s, a colorful rolled creation from Taco ‘Bout Sweets, a creamy cone at Handel’s, or a custard from Theron’s, one thing is clear: Redlands takes its ice cream seriously (but never too seriously).

Each of these local businesses brings its own story and personality to the table or waffle cone, showing that great treats and great people go hand in hand. So next time you’re out and about, skip the chain drive-thru and stop by one of these local favorites. Support the scoop shops that make Redlands just a little sweeter, one cone at a time.

Beyond being a loyal patron, you can also maximize your support by sharing your sweet treat online. Post a picture or video of your visit, tagging both the business and About Redlands. We’ll re-share your post to maximize exposure. It’s amazing what a positive review can do for a locally-owned business.