Neveux Artisan Creamery & Espresso Bar: Where You Need to Go for Great Ice Cream Mid-City

I haven't really shopped on this stretch of Melrose since college. Nowadays, though the budget hasn't much improved since then - I'm more likely to be closer to the less...edgy...side, not at all shopping for designer-wear - but for farm fresh eats or amazing food by artisanal producers like bacon bread pudding by Creme Caramel LA at the Melrose Farmers Market. 

But there is a hidden gem for foodies here on the 'grittier' side of Melrose: Neveux Creamery serves up some fantastic ice cream in unusual flavors like Cinnamon Date Tahini, Rosemary Butterscotch, Blueberry Chevre, Honey Lavendar, Strawberry Balsamic, etc. 

Made from Straus Creamery ice cream base, but baffling-ly not a fact that's promoted anywhere on their site or in their PR efforts back in 2011 when the store opened (the only vague reference is to owner Leo Neveux being inspired by popular artisanal ice cream shops Bi-Rite and Humphrey Slocombe in San Francisco, which also use the Straus Creamery base).  

Given the high quality, artisanal production and fresh flavors - I actually think Neveux would have been more at home on the stretch of Melrose that's closer to Sweet Lady Jane, ink. and ink.sack.  It would fit right in if they had ever wanted to host a stall at Melrose Farmers Market.  But possibly because it's in a more...grungy...part of the neighborhood, I feel like unfortunately it gets a little lost with its immediate audience. 

I don't really know much about the science or technique behind good ice cream - but what I do know is that Neveux ice creams taste to me smoother and creamier than most in the city. I'm still partial to gelato and addicted to Gelato Bar & Espresso Cafe in my own neighborhood, but when it comes to ice cream Neveux is a new go to for me.


On a 7 point scale:
Flavor - 6 bites
Presentation - 5.5 bites
Originality - 6 bites
Ambience - 5.5 stars
Service - 6 stars
Overall experience - 6 bites
Price - $ (1 bite mark)
Probability of return visit - 100% 
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Neveux Artisan Creamery & Espresso Bar
7407 1/2 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Ph: 323.951.1002

Parking: meters on Vista St.

Website: neveuxartisancreamery.com
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