Kamaile E

Peppertree is the place my late dad would take me and my siblings after a long day at the beach. This is one of the few places I can go that is still as good as when he was alive. He’d always get the peanut butter shake, and naturally, that’s my favorite too. Thanks Peppertree for the childhood memories!

Casch52

A great old time ice cream shack. Lots of flavors and combinations. I have that chocolate and bananas shake and I thought it was great. Prices are good and it is crowded. So be prepared for it to take awhile to get service. Highly recommended.

Amber Leas

We visited the Pepper Tree after dinner on a weekend day and got a couple of ice cream cones and a sundae. The line was on the long side but worth it! They did keep switching windows and confusing others but otherwise good customer service as well. My hot fudge brownie sundae was huge and delicious. The amount of ice cream you get with the scoops too is generous. We love coming here! Perfect for taking the family out for a yummy treat or even a date night☺️ You won’t be disappointed!

julio gasson

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Vista, on historic Santa Fe Ave., lies a throwback drive-in gem known as Pepper Tree Frosty. As we approached the eatery, the quaint charm of the surrounding shops and buildings infused the air with a sense of nostalgia and timeless appeal. The street, lined with rustic architecture and inviting storefronts, exuded a welcoming vibe that promised a delightful experience. We arrived at Pepper Tree Frosty around 11:30 a.m., and to our delight, there was no line, allowing us to savor the moment without any wait. The anticipation grew as we perused the wide-ranging options on the menu, finally settling on a strawberry vanilla soft cone and a scoop of rainbow sherbet in a cone, each promising to be a sweet treat for the taste buds and the perfect treat to beat the summer heat. As we patiently waited for our order, we couldn't resist exploring the surrounding area. The seating area, located across the driveway from the ordering window, offered a perfect spot to relax and indulge in our frozen treats. The ambiance was idyllic, surrounded by colorful flowers, vintage benches, and the gentle rustle of leaves from the pepper trees, which gave the place its name. On one side of the restaurant, a separate window beckoned patrons with enticing aromas and sizzles. Here, a delightful array of options awaited, from mouthwatering burgers and hot dogs to scrumptious Mexican delights. The tantalizing assortment of mouth watering treats added a delightful twist to our visit, making us already contemplate our next visit to try more of their diverse offerings. Finally, our long-awaited treats arrived, presented with an artistic touch that mirrored the artistic spirit of Old Town Vista. The strawberry vanilla soft cone was a tasty combination of fruity sweetness and creamy decadence, while the rainbow sherbet, bursting with vibrant colors, refreshed our palates with a delightful tanginess. Pepper Tree Frosty proved to be more than just a pit stop on our journey from San Diego to LA. It was an unforgettable experience, an oasis of flavors and ambiance amidst our travels. The fusion of delectable treats, the charming setting, and the warm hospitality made this a culinary adventure to remember. As we reluctantly departed, we knew that we had found a place worth revisiting, eager to explore more of their tantalizing combinations of sweets and treats.For anyone seeking an enchanting food experience and a glimpse into the historical charm of Old Town Vista, Pepper Tree Frosty is an absolute must-visit destination. Go ahead and skip the Sonic down the way.

+3

Rafael Quinones Garcia

The locals know. It's cold outside but never too cold for some Pepper Tree Frosty. Delicious ice cream options, tasty results at reasonable prices. Pepper Tree is a must have when it comes to cravings. I always get the Strawberry Banana Malt with peanut butter.. sounds weird but it's a thick delite.

Sandy Hill

Well well well! This is a historic establishment that simply does an old school thing well and that thing is good ol' American ice cream. From cones to shakes to dipped cones to sundaes to banana splits, they've got it down. Enjoy a treat from this 70 y/o establishment.

Alyssa Padayhag

They have the best shakes/malts. I always get the Chocolate Chip Mint or Chocolate Peanut Butter with Reese's chunks in it, or something similar. They have two windows, one for ordering food and one for ice cream/shakes. Their food is pretty good too. I just tried the carne asada fries last week and it was so good! The staff is also very friendly. The environment is nice and comfortable. 10/10 do recommend 😄!

Very pleased with my first visit to this spot. Love the nostalgic look and feel. \n\nSmall banana split with marshmallow cream instead of pineapple was delicious. Not enough banana. Served in a cute …

The food and service are top tier. I cannot express how important this spot is to me. I grew up in vista and pepper tree has always been a location that locals enjoyed for several years. Fond memorie…

The food and service are top tier. I cannot express how important this spot is to me. I grew up in vista and pepper tree has always been a location that locals enjoyed for several years. Fond mem…

The food and service are top tier. I cannot express how important this spot is to me. I grew up in vista and pepper tree has always been a location that locals enjoyed for several years. Fond memor…

Faux burger Run Jan 10, 2026. Maybe the last run. Great time, at least 100 vehicles showed up. Good time.

Always a winner. Great turkey burgers; terrific ice cream items; plenty of parkingUsually a waiting line, so you know it's good

Always a winner. Great turkey burgers; terrific ice cream items; plenty of parkingUsually a waiting line, so you know it's good

Always a winner. Great turkey burgers; terrific ice cream items; plenty of parkingUsually a waiting line, so you know it's good

Five for nostalgia. Part of my childhood will die when this place is torn down. \nFour for ice cream (dipped cone and vanilla shake)\nThree and a half for hot food - good for the price.

What a menu for ice cream treats amazing and the best way to cool off. All of the staff are very nice and we usually go after playing pickleball and always jumping with business.

My wife showed me this place a while ago and it's become one of my favorite spots to get a sweet treat now! Great food and ice creams and anything you could imagine for a great price too. Great ser…

Best ice cream place in Vista! Just so busy! Lots of parking! No inside seating! Lots of choices including burgers and fries.

Went to the car show that was right there in the parking area. Donuts! YES! There is a line. found out this place has been around for many a year. I understand why. The coffee and donut was great.

Summertime classic. Nothing like going down to Peppertree on a warm night for soft serve or a sundae. A bit of living Vista nostalgia!

Went here for some ice cream. Place is straight out of the 60s. Ice cream was great and prices were fair. I'll be back!

Went here for some ice cream. Place is straight out of the 60s. ice cream was great and prices were fair. I'll be back!

Went here for some ice cream. Place is straight out of the 60s. Ice cream was great and prices were fair. I'll be back!

A visit to the Peppertree Frosty is like traveling back in time. It's a hometown jewel that serves ice cream and other frozen treats, as well as fast food (burgers, dogs, and fries, etc.). The buil…

A visit to the Peppertree Frosty is like traveling back in time. It's a hometown jewel that serves ice cream and other frozen treats, as well as fast food (burgers, dogs, and fries, etc.). …

A visit to the Peppertree Frosty is like traveling back in time. It's a hometown jewel that serves ice cream and other frozen treats, as well as fast food (burgers, dogs, and fries, etc.). The buil…

Great place to grab some ice cream or a shake on a warm summer evening. Lots of options so there is something for everyone. Nice little seating area with tables and plenty of parking. A must whenev…

Great place to grab some ice cream or a shake on a warm summer evening. Lots of options so there is something for everyone. Nice little seating area with tables and plenty of parking. A must whenev…

This place is definitely an old gem of the city. My husband and I got milkshakes and they reminded us of our childhood. Small spot but you can tell the workers take pride in it.

Best ice cream in town! They also have another window with lunch options like hamburgers and hotdogs, but I haven't tried those. The ice cream portions are huge! The service is fast and friendly,…

Best ice cream in town! They also have another window with lunch options like hamburgers and hotdogs, but I haven't tried those. The ice cream portions are huge! The service is fast and friendly, a…

Fun local place for soft serve ice cream. It has been a staple of vista for more decades than I can count - lots of families and kids go. Sit outside and relax to enjoy a cone or Sunday

Julie P

Welp this is the 3rd time we have shown up and their hours are wrong. Showed up at 9:06 PM on a Saturday night. Closed. Thanks for nothing. Call before you go I guess

Craving a cool treat and this place was the closest at the time. I appreciate the vintage vibes. parking was plentiful. You order through this tiny window. \n\nThere was a family enjoying their ice…

Shakes: 10/10\n\nService: 0/10\n\nWe came tonight and were the only ones waiting and ordered two shakes. There were 4 people working. Another couple came after us and ordered one shake. They got th…

This place is ok. Not the best ice cream, well priced but not worth the wait in line. Last time we went we waited about 30 minutes for an ice cream.

Joshua Silva

I came with family today order our ice cream cool . My wife asked a simple question if they had our last ice cream cone since it groups before us had gotten their ice cream and we were just missing a simple cone . The response was “ we have to charge you we don’t give away cones . We were just confused by the employees reaction instead of asking the young gentleman who was serving ice cream if he had the order . Right after a father came with his kids and he said hello at the window . Their response we’re working on receipts we can’t help you . The father stated “it’s okay I’m just saying hello “ After 5-7 mins the father got a little frustrated and asked if they’re helping soon and got no response from anyone . It’s just was just horrible to watch . Not a single one of those teenagers cared . He walked off and asked why one helped him and still no response from a single staff member . The quality has just gone down hill

Michael P.

Been going here for years as a Vista local, moved away before COVID year and came back in 2025, decided to go to Pepper Tree for old times sake and ordered a soft serve in a cup. Waited a good 10 minutes while seeing everyone else that ordered behind get their items. I kindly asked the young guy with the piercings for my order and dude gave a snappy attitude after I didn't understand him asking me "What flavor?" the second time. I let it slide and went about my day, ice cream was delicious but subpar service is definitely keeping me and my family away for the time being.

Milk shake was good, food not so good I tossed the burger because it had thousand island dressing on it which wasn't mentioned on the menu no tomatoes either, and the so called chicken strips¿? All…

I went to pepper tree tonight and one of your employees was so disrespectful when we waited longer then 20 min watched a party of 4 that we're behind me get there order first I was frustrated when …

Considering the fact that I only got three regular soft serve cones they were chocolate dip $17 seems to be a bit pricey when I only took a less than two minute walk to the car they were already melting and it just seems overpriced for the quality note to self will Stop coming here. The fact that they asked me multiple times how many combs and I told them it was supposed to be four and they only gave me three for $17. It’s just overrated. I don’t wanna spend that much for ice cream less than mediocre.

Used to love this place. Now people are rude that work here, even when it’s not busy at all. A little kindness goes a long way.

Heaven Morgan

The wishing well is cool and the picnic tables are neat but I’m pretty sure I got food poisoning eating a “veggie” burger from this place. I’m curious to see the packaging of whatever they sold me because I’m not sure what it was but I was the only one to eat food from there and that was the only thing different in my diet and well I have been very sick all week and last night was the worst yet which is why I am making a review. The fries also seem as if they were double fried. They just weren’t good at all. I ate the food because I was really hungry and my son and dad had ice cream but overall I would not recommend this place at all. To top it all off I was waiting in line with my son and an older man and his father(?) cut right in front of us as if we didn’t even exist. Overall not a great experience at all.