North Park, San Diego — An’s Dry Cleaning, despite its deceptive name and whimsical decor featuring shirts on hangers and ironing board tables, has been crowned the best independent ice cream shop in the nation by USA Today readers.
Co-owner Kris Warren expressed pride in their achievement, attributing it to years of dedicated effort since the shop opened in 2018. Originally a former dry cleaners on Adams Avenue, the decision to retain the name “An’s Dry Cleaning” came after considering numerous alternatives, ultimately settling on its memorable and playful nature.
The ice cream flavors at An’s are as unconventional as its theme, with offerings like Canvas—a blend of olive oil and rosemary gelato topped with black salt—and Velour, which combines salted caramel, chocolate, and waffle cone pieces. Customers are treated to a ginger and lime sorbet palette cleanser before sampling these unique flavors.
To commemorate their USA Today accolade, An’s Dry Cleaning hosted a special promotion offering $1 gelato scoops, drawing a substantial crowd that eagerly lined up around the block in anticipation.
Among the excited patrons were Teresa San Miguel and her children, who made the trip from Jamul to experience An’s for the first time, drawn by the promise of a refreshing treat amid the summer heat.
Beyond North Park, An’s expansion includes locations like An’s Hatmakers in Del Mar and An’s Athletic Field Services at Petco Park. A forthcoming addition, An’s Electronics Repair, is currently under development in Ocean Beach, highlighting the shop’s quirky naming tradition and growing popularity across San Diego.
As An’s Dry Cleaning continues to innovate and expand, its commitment to creative flavors and community engagement remains a cornerstone of its success in the competitive world of artisanal ice cream.
