Best (super high quality) Hot Fudge Sundae?

[veggietraveler]

I've been cutting back on sweets lately, but have been nursing a mad craving for a hot fudge sundae. I know it's all about the sauce (and yes, I know the Lawry's chain has the CC Brown's sauce, etc. etc.), but I actually think it's kind of all about the ice cream too. And, really, all about the whipped cream. Good quality, freshly whipped cream ... oh, my.

I recently had a really good sundae at Little Dom's, but there were two problems: A. It was gelato and not ice cream. I prefer ice cream in a sundae. And B. The sundae is topped with the dreaded hazelnut (I'm not a fan) and they are a NO SUBSTITUTION kitchen.

I guess I'm looking for someplace that serves Carmella's quality/level of ice cream (burnt caramel - yum!), with great fudge, freshly whipped cream (no cans, a pox on whipped cream from the can, please don't even suggest a canned whipped cream "ice cream parlor" for their sundaes), and some peanuts on top. Is that too much to ask, chowsers? Anyplace that really and truly has the whole package -- the nirvana of sundaes?

You don't know how grateful me and my sundae-seeking sweet tooth would be!

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Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

[latindancer]

The nirvana of sundaes....

Sweet Rose Creamery on 26th in the Brentwood Country Mart.
Made with their salted caramel ice-cream.
Seriously, nirvana.

[maudies5]

I recently tasted Sweet Rose Creamery's and it was beyond delicious. I tasted it with vanilla ice cream. Fortunately, another family member ordered it. Thus, the taste.

[isofood]

This is the best thread, ever.

[PayOrPlay]

The mention of CPK above reminded me that we had an excellent "turtle sundae" at the CPK-founders current venture, LA Food Show in Beverly Hills.

Twohey's is a paradigmatical "coffee shop" sundae--not gourmet, but very good.

We used to make Fair Oaks Pharmacy a regular stop in South Pas, but the last time we tried it (a year or so ago?) we thought it had slid noticeably.

Lucky Devil's is good, but I'd prefer to spend my ice cream calories there on a milkshake (so thick it's almost the same thing).

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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

Lucky Devils
6613 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

[Will Owen]

What I like most, perhaps, about Twohey's is how very ANTI "no-substitutions" they are. Anything they have that CAN come with your ice cream treat is yours for the asking. There may be better ice cream, toppings and extras out there, but theirs is damn good, not expensive, and lavish.

[jackattack]

Actually I think canned whipped cream is pretty darned good. One of the better fast-convenient-easy food products EVER!!!!

[jackattack]

Lucky Devil's

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Lucky Devils
6613 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

[Servorg]

I have to admit that I haven't had one here in quite some time, but when I did they were excellent (anyone know if they still have them, and how they are if they do, as I don't see them on their online menu?)

Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills

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Grill On the Alley
9560 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[jamtoday]

My current fave is Nichols in Marina del Rey. All components are good, but sauce is really excellent. I never asked about the whipped cream but it tastes fresh.

[Servorg]

I have a REALLY hard time not getting either the hot fudge sundae or the brownie sundae at Nichols (and if it's the brownie sundae I pay to have a little ramekin of the hot fudge sauce brought along with the normal caramel sauce that goes on this dessert).

[jamtoday]

good idea, I'll have to try that!

[ipsedixit]

If you want the best housemade whipped cream, I think your best bet would be Wolfgang's Steakhouse. Get the hot fudge sundae and request the Schlag.

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Wolfgang's Steakhouse
445 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[katkoupai]

A friend of mine recently ordered the Kona Sundae at the Yardhouse in Pasadena. I was actualy very impressed. The fudge was thick and delicious, the ice cream was good; it had macademia nuts in it, and the cream seemed like it was real whipped cream (not from a can, but hand whipped). I had a couple of bites of this and was pleasantly surprised. I don't think the Yardhouse has great food, nor do I think it is horrible, but this sundae truly stood out.

Other than that, the ice cream at Fosselman's is the best that I've had in this area, and if you can find a Farrell's ice cream parlor near you, go for the kitchen sink, or whatever the name of that tub of ice cream is, that comes with the band and every flavor of ice cream on the menu.

If you gotta make one yourself, go for Breyer's, Hagen Daas or Thrifty ice cream, and buy all the fixings yourself.

[nachosaurus]

this may be just a throwback to being the most "special" event i had as a kid - but going to the beverly hills hotel and having a sundae in the fountain room is amazing! so beautiful, so old school, so decadent.

http://www.beverlyhillshotel.com/the-fountain-coffee-room

http://www.beverlyhillshotel.com/uplo...

[Emme]

Don't shoot the messenger, but California Pizza Kitchen actually does a really great HFS served in a massive goblet... the fudge gets perfectly chewy and warm over the ice cream as it melts... *sigh* how i wish i could indulge in that tonight...

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California Pizza
16960 Van Buren Blvd Ste D, Riverside, CA 92504

[Jwsel]

I second the CPK sundae. They do the caramel-fudge sundae with pecans.

Another chain with a great sundae is the Cheesecake Factory. I think they use Haagen Daaz ice cream, the fudge is very good, and they don't scrimp on the whipped cream. Even better is the Factory Mud Pie, which is a sundae over a very rich chocolate cake, served warm. It comes with coffee ice cream, but I usually substitute vanilla.

[dvsndvs]

I third CPK---I am not even a big fan of the sandae, but I can't resist theirs. The fudge is so very, very chewy and delicious!

[Jack Flash]

I really like the HFS at Twohey's in Alhambra. I'm not sure what ice cream brand they use (it's not the local Fosselman's, but it's good). Their hot fudge sauce is exceptional, and I'm pretty sure they whip their own cream. Perhaps the best part is the cherry; I believe they make their own, as they are not bright red, and they actually taste like cherries. They have two sizes. The hot fudge is really thick and rich, but not overly sweet.

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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

[Layne Murphy]

I agree that Twohey's is one of the best around but I have always suspected that the cherry topping is...er...canned pie filling. Which, with a tad of mind control, doesn't prevent me from enjoying it.

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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

[Jack Flash]

Hmm, you know, now that you mention it, the cherry is more like pie filling. Except that I've never had cherry pie filling except in a completed cherry pie, so I have no idea what it looks or tastes like coming out of the can! Perhaps that is their secret. I'm just trying to remember if they have stems, which would undercut the pie filling theory. It's been a while since I had one there (an oversight I should soon correct!), so I can't say for certain. Interesting theory. In any event, the bottom line is the same: I like the cherries that they use on the sundaes at Twohey's much more than traditional, jarred maraschino cherries.

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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

[Will Owen]

Twohey's has been my HFS of choice... I just never really considered Fosselman's as a source of those for some reason. So now I know of TWO places, pretty close to each other actually, where you can get chocolate ice cream under your fudge. O joy, O rapture, O happy happy day...

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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

[ipsedixit]

... don't forget Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain just up the street from Twohey, and probably a equidistant to Fosselman's ...

http://www.fairoakspharmacy.net/index...

[Will Owen]

I would never forget them. However, unless I've parked and am walking around SoPa anyway (which I do fairly frequently), the other two are easier for me to get to. They have more room inside, too.

[Jack Flash]

We're certainly spoiled in our part of the world, at least as it pertains to the convenient availability of a good hot fudge sundae! Things were even better when Soda Jerks was around (though to be fair, I like Central Park restaurant).

[toitoi]

Today, I had a Hot Fudge Sundae at Fosselman's.

Two scoops of dark chocolate ice cream, topped with ambrosial hot fudge and whipped cream - $5.32.

Declined the nuts, but got a luscious red cherry.

[aching]

I had the best one about a year ago at Gulfstream in Century City. I don't know if I was just particularly craving it that day or what, but if anyone at a nearby table was listening, I must have sounded totally high ("Oh my God, this is the best thing I've ever had - mmmmmmm!!!"). Gulfstream is owned by the Houston's people and I think Houston's offers the same sundae (but I've never had it there).

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Gulfstream
10250 Santa Monica Blvd 656, Los Angeles, CA

[Servorg]

I don't think Houston's offers a hot fudge sundae (at least on their regular menu). They have their brownie sundae and their incomparable apple walnut cobbler.

[aching]

Hmm, maybe I was thinking of the brownie sundae. Anyway, the hot fudge sundae at Gulfstream was the best I've had in a long time!

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Gulfstream
10250 Santa Monica Blvd 656, Los Angeles, CA

[Ernie]

I agree about Gulfstream's sundae, it is excellent. I like how they give you the extra fudge on the side and those pecans are outstanding

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Gulfstream
10250 Santa Monica Blvd 656, Los Angeles, CA

[Dogbite Williams]

I have never been to Gulfstream, but I would definitely hesitate at paying $10.00 for a hot fudge sundae. At that price, it had BETTER be great.,

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Gulfstream
10250 Santa Monica Blvd 656, Los Angeles, CA

[Ernie]

Given the quality and size I think it is worth it. It is enough for two people to share

[ipsedixit]

Most hot fudge sundaes, heck most desserts, at restaurants nowadays are at least $10 -- good or bad.

[veggietraveler]

Will try Ivy's. *Very* underwhelmed by Glacier in MB and pretty underwhelmed by Milk -- in both cases ice cream quality / yummyness isue. At Glacier, hot fudge was good but not amazing. Will try Fosselman's (have been meaning to), but have been worried it will be just be more of the same.

Scared of the word "messy" vis a vis an amazing quality hot fudge sundae, but you never know. Liked Ghiradelli's as a kid, but since growing up have found it only so-so. Thanks for the replies so far!

[annapurna7]

That's some very high standards....well then, def try Fosselman's, but if they disappoint you, I suggest buying a pint of Carmela ice cream, some CC Brown's sauce, and whipping up your own cream. :)

[veggietraveler]

I would, I would, but then I wind up making hot fudge sundaes for a week ... you see the problem ;).

[annapurna7]

Yes, I would have a problem with that too. :p

[choctastic]

Based on your stated criteria, Fosselman's sundae will disappoint you, imho. It's a decent but not mindblowing sundae.

[Burger Boy]

You know that many places use the aerasol/cartridge type can where you put in your own cream, sugar & vanilla. Sometimes it might have that in a can nozzle look but it is actually fresh.

[maudies5]

Very best hot fudge sundae is at The Ivy. Perfection!

[korndog]

Definitely the Ivy; hands down.

[OCAnn]

Not quite upscale, but how about Farrell's in Mission Viejo?

http://www.farrellsusa.com/locations-...

[Servorg]

It's been a loooooooong time since I made a pig of myself... soooooooey! ;-D>

[annapurna7]

Try Glacier in Manhattan Beach. Both the ice cream and hot fudge are made in house. The whipped cream is not the out of the can type, I'm assuming it's freshly made as well.

http://www.glaciericecream.com/manhat...

[Nicole]

Glacier's ice cream is great, but their hot fudge is dismal...more like a so-so chocolate syrup.

[solecurious]

Update - guess this shop has shut down. Tried ringing but the number had been given up. My husband and I had been devastated since Nichols upgraded to become J Nichols and removed our fave Hot Fudge Sundae -- rich, gooey hot fudge with candied walnuts and generous scoops of vanilla ice cream... I don't even like walnuts! We try to minimize our indulgence to once a month.
I have been scouring websites for an alternative. So far, it is California Pizza Kitchen and Gulfstream in Century City. We'll check them out soon...

[Peripatetic]

It's now a hot dog place called Hot Doggers, the recipient of yesterday's scathing-review-of-the-day:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845588

I liked Glacier but they were too far from me to visit regularly. Never tried the sundae there, though.

[ipsedixit]

Milk. http://www.themilkshop.com/

Fosselman's. http://fosselmans.com/

Both have fresh whipped cream and high quality fudge. Enjoy.

[attran99]

Ghiradelli's Ice Cream parlors have terrific sundaes.

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Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
110 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

[Peripatetic]

I believe the Ghirardelli shop in Pasadena closed some years ago. The nearest one is in San Diego.

[Servorg]

Their own website agrees with you: http://www.ghirardelli.com/shops/shop...

[AAQjr]

Hah, I wish I knew how they made the CC Brown's HF sauce! There are not that many places that have excellent ice cream, and good warm fudge sauce is even harder to find.

Fords Filling has a really nice take on the banana split with Toblerone chocolate ice creams IIRC, yummy. Not Hot Fudge though!

[wienermobile]

You can buy CC Brown's hot fudge sauce from Lawrys on line. It is $30 a case for 4 jars. Or you can buy a single jar at Lawry's resturant.
http://www.lawrysonline.com/e-store/p...

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Lawry's Prime Rib
100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

[Burger Boy]

I think it is $6 a jar at The Tam O'Shanter or Lawry's.

[solecurious]

To update, CC Brown's is owned by Lawry's now. It's $32 per box of 4 or $8 per bottle. The price had gone up since earlier postings. You can order online if you buy the box.

[AAQjr]

I wish someone would spill the beans on the CC Brown's recipe! Soo good

[wienermobile]

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza in Rolling Hills has their Messy Sundae, a gigantic hot fudge sundae with walnuts and carmel sauce for $8.50. It's big enough for four. Really messy and really good.
http://www.sammyspizza.com/menu.html

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Sammy's Woodfired Pizza
2575 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505