Los Angeles Milkshakes Worth Seeking

Summer screams for cold, refreshing beverages, and the King (or Queen) of that category could very well be the milkshake. The blended drink, which often features ice cream, milk, or both, is cooling comfort in a cup. Learn about 12 of my favorite Los Angeles milkshakes, which appear in alphabetical order.

25 Degrees Caramel Milkshake ($7 – 13)


Milkshake Los Angeles

This “Bordello meets burger” concept from Tim and Liza Goodell resides on Hollywood Boulevard side of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The space features textured red wallpaper, high-backed red leather booths, a red pressed tin ceiling, and black chandeliers. My favorite shake incorporated ribbons of house-made caramel that streaked the side of the glass, vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and Red Alea Hawaiian sea salt on top. Each shake comes with a stainless steel container featuring more ice cream and sea salt. Yes, this shake is available spiked, and 25 Degrees also serves alcoholic Guinness, Bananas Foster and Night Owl milkshakes.

The Counter Shake ($6.50)

Milkshake Los Angeles

Jeff Weinstein’s custom burger empire, which extends from L.A. to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, carries some kooky Adult Shakes with vanilla ice cream, all $9, including a Mimosa Shake with sparkling wine and orange juice; a Chocolate Cherry Pinot Noir Shake with pinot noir, chocolate syrup and cherries; and Sweet Peach with Riesling and peach nectar. However, focus on shakes that fall closer to classic: Birthday Cake, Caramel Apple Crumble and my personal preference, Banana Split Shake with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, banana, caramel, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream. Since The Counter prides itself on customization, you can also build your own shake or malt.

G&B Coffee + Go Get Em Tiger Shake ($7.50)

Milkshake Los Angeles

Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski co-own a pair of progressive coffee bars, at downtown’s Grand Central Market, and in Larchmont Village. The duo’s also rethought the milkshake, which is undoubtedly one of L.A.’s best, and comes with an added jolt. The G&B Shake starts with two double shots of rotating single origin espresso, which joins luxurious McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams vanilla ice cream and fresh ground espresso beans, all served in a glass Kern jar.

Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars Bomba ($4.25 – $6.75)

Milkshake Los Angeles

Priciliano Mateo’s fruit-fueled empire is now four locations strong, with the Culver City branch conveniently located above the Ballona Creek bike path. The colorful establishment touts plenty of fresh fruit, cartoon paletas and wall-mounted menus. Invest in the ice cream-free licuado that Mateo calls the Bomba, a milkshake with whole milk, mamey, banana, papaya, strawberry, coconut, walnuts, honey, granola and raisins, all blended to form a nourishing pink beverage.

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Joshua Lurie

Joshua Lurie founded FoodGPS in 2005. Read about him here.

Blog Comments

Have you tried the milkshake at The Fix Burger in Silverlake? I usually order a shake whenever I see it on the menu, and few come close to this one IMO.

Wayne, it’s been quite awhile since I’ve been to The Fix Burger. What’s your favorite shake flavor there?

When it comes to chocolate milkshakes, most places add chocolate syrup to vanilla ice cream. Two places (there are probably more), however, use chocolate ice cream instead, and it makes all the difference.

The 101 Coffee Shop on Franklin does a killer chocolate milkshake (not to mention a great expresso version too), but my favorite is surprisingly Burger Lounge on Sunset. Deeply, richly chocolatey — I’ve yet to find a better chocolate milkshake in LA.

Ben,

It’s been too long since I’ve checked out 101 Coffee Shop. I’ve also heard good things about their meatloaf. Thanks for the input.

I absolutely LOVE Short Order’s milkshakes. Great round up.

Also, do you mean to strikeout Three Twins? Just wondering… definitely going to try their shake soon!

Rochelle,

Thanks for reading my milkshake round-up. Hopefully you get some use out of the list. Also, thanks for letting me know about Three Twins. That was just a formatting error. All fixed.

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