Mariposa Ice Cream in Normal Heights

Mariposa Ice Cream is a teeny little shop in the heart of Normal Heights, a block east of the giant “Normal Heights” neon sign (and therefore about a block east of Jyoti Bihanga Restaurant). The owners of Mariposa ice cream make some of the best ice cream this side of the Sierras.

The definition of gourmet ice cream, according to the American Ice Cream Association, is that the ice cream must contain at least 40% butterfat. That is what ice cream makers mean when they say gourmet. The gourmet ice creams have no regulations regarding quality or freshness, only a minimum fat content. Mariposa Ice Cream does not make gourmet ice cream by this definition. However, their ice cream is fresh, home made in small batches right there in the store, with a huge variety of creative flavors, made with all natural and high quality ingredients.

They offer all the usual flavors like chocolate, vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chip, as well their more imaginative flavors. Some of the more unique flavors that are not to miss are the white chocolate blackberry ripple, the Mexican chocolate, the maple walnut, and the peanut butter.

Their ice cream is egg free (except cookie dough). The ice cream is lower in sugar than most commercial ice cream, and it has less air! This means it has more real flavors and is not too sweet! The sherbet contains a small amount of low-fat milk, but the sorbet is all dairy-free!

The owners are a married couple. They create the flavors, make the ice cream, and serve it up. They do it all! They are super-friendly, and great supporters of the community. They support San Diego and the Normal Heights community in many ways, by donating ice cream, time, and money to local organizations, and especially local schools! They also give students of all ages a discount (with Students ID).

In addition to offering delicious ice cream they have really reasonable prices. It’s only $2 for a scoop unlike the gourmet places that are closer to $5. And Mariposa has a weekly special, making a special treat for a special price. They make ice cream pies for birth days and special occasion, sell their ice cream by the pint to take home, and even sell three-gallon tubs for really big parties! Mariposa also offers a full range of classic soda fountain ice cream dishes, like root beer floats, sundaes, banana splits, and so on. So if you’re looking for a fresh, quality, all natural ice cream, head over to little Mariposa and experience an ice cream lover’s dream come true!

Mariposa Ice Cream
3450 Adams Avenue
Normal Heights, San Diego
619-284-5197

Open most days 12pm-8pm
Saturdays and Sundays 2pm-8pm
Closed Tuesdays, major holidays, and occasionally for local events