Tropical Ice Cream

Small place but they’ve got your snack needs covered with plenty of chips, dozens of different frozen treats, and candy. I really like trying the fruity Mexican bars, but they’ve got the ice cream truck staples of my youth in the Midwest– Batman and Sonic. Bad gum and blue lips really take me back. The staff has always been friendly to me and you can always find street parking on Imperial. Buy the treats a la carte or a certain type per dozen if you want to stock up on your favorites for summer.

I visited some time back, but there was some lady working here who I’m just guessing is married or related to the owner because she was one of the rudest people I have ever encountered in a customer service situation, and I’m confused as to how she would have a job there.
When we arrived there, there was a car blocking the driveway to the back parking area and no immediate street parking, so I parked in front of the store. This car did not look like a customer car because they were stopped talking to the staff of the store. They said I parked on the sidewalk, but if you are in the front of the store facing Imperial, the «sidewalk» is the size of a driveway and connects to the actual driveway. I was not blocking anyone from walking on the sidewalk, any loading trucks, any entrance, nothing. And I really did not have patience to drive around the block looking for parking while they blocked people from entering their driveway. I planned to be in and out.
All of that is besides the point. They could have kindly asked me to move, and I would have had no problem with obeying their wishes. But instead this lady comes out and in a short, rude manner says in Spanish we have to «parquear» in the back. And just walks away before we can say anything. I can’t convey her tone on Unilocal,but it was pretty ugly.
First of all, «parquear» is not a word. Second of all, I will agree with the first review, People here were being ill-​bred assholes. We went inside to speak to her, and she, of course, scurries away like a scared mouse. If you’re going to run away like that, then you have no business talking down to people (I guess this is typical of asshole behavior). All she had to do was ask us to move POLITELY.
Then some dude comes out, and I explained to him what happened and he laughs, «We’ve never had someone park on the sidewalk before.» Maybe that’s because other people will be ok to drive around looking for nonexistent parking while you block them from entering, and I don’t actually have time for that!!! And maybe because the «sidewalk» is actually the size of a driveway? Maybe that’s why.

Love this place. Tucked away in a barrio in San Diego. Very nice man behind the register. I’m not no chocoholic but rather an ice cream addict. Walked out with an array of different kinds of ice creams. I will be back!

The first review of this place I found overly-​critical of a thriving, God-​blessed, business that has had its shares of ups and downs like any family business.
I’ve been there countless times and I received prompt, empathetic business. The prices are fair, and they’re willing to do specials in order to meet the needs of the community, in more ways than one.
This Rossi H. guy has called the owner an asshole, but knowing the character of the people that run the place, his opinion is grossly inaccurate. If anything, somebody who gives such a cruel review makes him an arrogant piece of dog$hit. Even if he caught them on a bad day, in relation to ‘ice cream politics’ (which is actually a quite serious thing: greed from rival small business owners), their hospitable attitude has always catered to even the one customer.
Things have been on the high note especially in the last couple years, with the influx of positivity, and how the owner (s) will say to you when you leave, «God bless you» and even if you don’t believe, they’re intention is never insincere.
May they continue to prosper in the midst of disloyal paleteros and greedy rivals who would like to see them go under. God bless ‘em.

K. Quick set up, before I get to the fact the owner is an asshole .
Got off work fairly early and practice was cancelled. So, like any good fat ass ‚
I figure I can splurge and go out for some carnitas, grab some popsicles (plural– I said I was a fattie), and watch Earth vs. The Flying Saucers.
Carnitas were from the best restaurant I know in San Diego, Las Morelanis or something.
2822 Imperial ave. 92 102. Anyways…
Don’t have time to hit Nevia or Oasis so I go where the ice cream vendors go: Tropical.
*Walks in
«Hey. You going to be long?»
Naw. Just grabbing a couple popsicles.
” alright. We are closing soon.“
Don’t you close at 6?
«Yeah.» *looks at phone 5:22
*owner to cashier — «We have to cut credit to that asshole Jose and his friend.»
«Their running up a debt. It is almost in the triple digits.»
*I laugh **get the evil eye
K. That’ll be it. *Pay my $ 3 and walk out.
The place doesn’t have a photo up on Unilocal,so I take one.
«Hey! What are you doing?»
Taking a photo of the store front.
«Why are you taking a photo of my business? I own this place and don’t want you around.»
Just taking a photo.
«Well. I got cameras on you right now.»
Oh. I hate photos.
«You better leave. I have your face on my phone right now.»
Is it a good shot? I don’t have any good pics of me. Can I see?
” Whatever, loser. I better not see you around here again.”
* Drives off in a suped up scirocco or something.
Yeah. I won’t be back for factory made $ 1 popsicles with an attitude.
F’in asshole.
Totally killed my good mood. I couldn’t even enjoy the popsicles. It tears a fat man’s heart to throw away any form of sugar, but I had to.
Should of just gone to the zoo. The animals never piss me off.