6 Must-Try RivCo Ice Cream Shops: Shakes, Malts And Cherries On Top

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Where do you go for dreamy, creamy ice cream treats in Riverside County? Patch researched the ice cream shops with the top customer reviews and curated this list of five favorite spots, plus one new opening to look forward to. Each shop offers a variety of flavors, drinks, sundaes, and scoops, and excellent customer service is the cherry on top.

Whether yours is around the corner or worth the drive to a nearby town, here are the top ice cream shops near you:

1. Lappert's Super Premium Ice Cream: 73221 CA-111 Bldg. C, Palm Desert

The Lappert's Super Premium Ice Cream store is a local favorite with over 545 four-star and higher reviews or above on Google. The ice cream shop, which opened in 1981, is true to its Hawaiian roots with Dole soft serve, date shakes, and 41 flavors of gourmet ice cream. Look for Kauai Pie — a Kona coffee ice cream — Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel, Macadamia Nut, Knoa Mocha Chip, and more. Fans say this is "authentic Hawaiian ice cream... worth a stop and a break from the heat." Find them online at www.lappertspalmdesert.com.

2. La Michoacána Ice Cream: Visit them in Banning, Beaumont, and Lake Elsinore

Residents across Riverside County love La Michoacána Ice Cream for their ice cream bars and customer service. According to online reviews, it has "the best ice cream and milkshakes and the yummiest Mexican treats in the area."

The most recommended items are passion fruit ice cream, horchata ice cream, Arroz con leche ice cream (rice pudding), and mangonadas. Find La Michoacana Ice Cream online.

3. Tocumbos Ice Cream Shop: 39381 Los Alamos Rd STE A, Murrieta

When it comes to ice cream shops, Tocumbos in Murrieta has it all from ambiance to authentic Mexican American flavors and snacks. The prices are reasonable, and the ice cream is made with natural ingredients and fresh fruit, according to the proprietors.

Reviewers love the mangonadas and the number of choices on the menu. "Super family friendly and great customer service," one reviewer wrote. Another raved, "very authentic, and they have tejuino, which I don't see too often." Find them online at Tocumbos Ice Cream.

4. Mariposa Homemade Ice Cream: 29073 Overland Drive, Temecula

For homemade-style ice cream, Mariposa Ice Cream is the place to go. Expect the classic flavors of Vanilla, Strawberry, Cookies' n' Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chip as well as Vegan Peanut Butter, Chocolate Malt, Cherry Pie, and all types of sorbets.

The flavors may vary when you go, but if you are vegan or gluten-free, there are options here to satisfy any ice cream craving. Find them in the Margarita Crossings shopping center at the corner of Overland and Jefferson Avenue or online at www.mariposahomemade.com.

5. Richie's Diner: Three locations in Riverside: Temecula, Murrieta, and Rancho Cucamonga.

If you want the 1950s diner experience complete with a cold shake and pie a la mode, head to Richie's Diner in Temecula, Murrieta, and Rancho Cucamonga. With banana splits, thick shakes, sundaes, and their signature rootbeer float, Richie's Diner checks all the boxes.
Come for dinner and order a shake that comes with a silver-overflow cup. For dessert, try a split, sundae, or pie a la mode at this retro-diner that reminds many reviewers of the "good old days."

Find your nearest Richie's Diner on their website: www.richiesdiner.com.

6. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream: 41377 Margarita Road, Temecula

The famed Handel's Homemade Ice Cream will soon open its newest location in Temecula's Promenade Mall shopping center.

Stay tuned to Patch for their grand opening date, and look for Alice Handel's signature strawberry and unique flavors such as Lemon Bar, Black Raspberry Chunk, and Peach, when you go.

"Handel's Ice Cream proudly continues to serve her secret recipes to this day," according to the company.

Did we miss your favorite ice cream place? Which is your go-to spot for ice cream, and what's your order?