Is there parking at Stella Jean's in University Heights?

Street parking is available on Park Blvd, though it can be tight during peak hours. The spot is small, so arrive early or go during slower times if parking stress isn't your thing.

How long is the wait, and is it worth it?

Expect a line—it's a neighborhood staple that draws crowds. The good news: they keep you entertained while you wait, and if you're just grabbing a pint to go, you'll skip the scoop line entirely. Pro tip: go weekday afternoons for a shorter queue.

What flavors should I order first?

Start with something that shows off their range: Mint Stracciatella, Mango Sticky Rice Sorbet, or Baklava are crowd favorites that lean into their creative approach. If you want something creamier, the Milk and Cookies is rich and satisfying.

Is this place good for kids and families?

Absolutely—it's tagged as kid-friendly for a reason. The small, casual vibe works well for families, though the wait can test young patience. Consider going during off-peak hours to make it easier on everyone.

Do they have options for dietary restrictions?

They offer sorbets alongside ice cream, which covers vegan diets, and the rotating menu leans toward interesting flavors that happen to work for various restrictions. Call ahead or ask in-store about current offerings if you have specific needs.

Can I buy a pint to take home?

Yes—and this is the move if you want to skip the scoop line entirely. Pint purchases bypass the wait, so if you know what you want, go straight for a takeout pint instead of ordering by the scoop.

Is there outdoor seating or a patio?

The shop is small and casual, designed more for grab-and-go than lingering. No patio, but you can enjoy your cone outside on Park Blvd or take it home.

Stella Jean’s Ice Cream — Ice Cream & Dessert in University…

“Stella Jean's proves San Diego can do seasonally creative ice cream without defaulting to cereal-milk nostalgia or Instagram bait.”

What sets Stella Jean's apart from other craft ice cream joints in the city is the kitchen's willingness to execute actually ambitious flavors — baklava, mango sticky rice, ube toffee — without the safety net of vanilla swirl or cookie dough fallbacks. This isn't novelty for novelty's sake; it's technique applied to ingredients that most parlors wouldn't touch. The **Mint Stracciatella** doesn't lean on extract — it tastes like actual mint, shredded chocolate folded in like they give a damn. The **Mango Sticky Rice Sorbet** nails the coconut-cream richness you'd expect from the Thai dessert, not the watered-down fruit ice you get at chains.

The retro-diner setup — checkered floors, counter service, vintage signage — reads more earnest than kitsch. Lines form fast, especially weekends, but they keep first-timers entertained with flavor descriptions and samples. If you're just grabbing a pint to go, there's a separate checkout that skips the wait entirely.

Practical notes: parking on Park Boulevard is a nightmare after 6 p.m., so either walk from the neighborhood or circle the block twice. The menu rotates seasonally, which means your favorite might vanish — but it also means there's a reason to come back. They don't do classic vanilla or chocolate as standbys, so if you're bringing someone who needs safe options, check the current lineup first. The **Strawberry Oat Milk** and **Clementine Cake** lean lighter if you're not in the mood for butterfat overload.

This is the spot University Heights families hit after dinner when Dairy Queen won't cut it, and the place date-night regulars swing by when they want something sweet that isn't a cocktail. It's not cheap, but the scoops are generous and the flavors are dialed in. No need to hype it — the line speaks for itself.