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21 Choices is like hybrid of Cold Stones' mix-in concept and the delectable tastes of the current frozen yogurt craze. However, it's not a rip-off--the first of its four storefronts opened in 1989.
Last week, LAist's Caleb Bacon highlighted Menchies and Yogurtland in his weekly Recession Obsession post. "Menchie's and Yogurtland have stepped it up the frozen yogurt game a considerable notch," he wrote. "They acknowledge that their lone product (don't say "froyo" please) is dessert. And dessert should be gluttonous -- not just some light calorie snack with half of a diced strawberry atop it. (At least, that's the way this Recession Obsessionist sees it.)"
A decent serving size at the two self-serve shops can run you $2 or $3, but some commenters were not all too happy that their favorite yogurt shop was left behind.
"Menchies? PInkberry? They're copycats!" snapped trojan2002. "Best frozen yogart [sic] in the entire southland (and WORLD) can be found at 21 Choices in Old Town Pasadena! ... Without tasting 21 choices and giving a review of frozen yogarts [sic] is like reviewing burgers and claiming the Big Mac the best without tasting an In N Out burger!"
Prompted by this, a recent trip to Pasadena included 21 Choices. And yes, it was delicious, definitely earning its spot on the top of the list alongside Menchies and Yogurtland.
Six homemade flavors--we had the insanely good Animal Cookie flavor--are made each morning on a rotating basis (check their website for today's flavors). Prices run $3.25 for a small and one dollar more for each size bigger up to large. But one big bummer for the salivating crowds looking for a recession obsession deal is that each topping costs 95-cents extra If you're feeling cheap or looking to eat less, the uber tiny tre-small size costs $2.75.
The line at 21 Choices bled into the streets last Saturday night, but that doesn't mean it's more popular than Menchies or Yogurtland. Albeit deservedly popular there is a reason to that line. Staff are very attentive to each customer's needs, letting you sample as many flavors as you want before you make a decision. If you get a topping, then they must take the time to mix it in so you can have an ultimate gluttonous experience.
There are only four storefronts, but they do cause quite the sensation and we look forward to any new locations in Los Angeles they are planning. The most recent one opened at USC, building quite the line from students in its first few days. Other locations include Old Town Pasadena and two in Claremont.
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I feel tickled that you took the time to check it out.
Totally unexpected, thanks for making the effort.
See there Trojie?
Them thar liburl blogger aint so bad!
They don't bogart those yogart reviews.
if i recall, they also have eco-friendly containers/bowls and utensils. i don't go there often enough, considering i work right across the street. i just might have to today...
Big ups to Zach for waiting in that line! If I'm ever in Old Town I'll check this place out. If I'm ever in Old Town.
The line "bled into the streets ..., but that doesn't mean it's more popular than Menchies or Yogurtland"? If you had known about 21 Choices even 10 years ago, you would have know there is ALWAYS a line out the door and down the street every weekend evening and most week nights (weather permitting, because even when it's chilly out, people love their frozen yogurt). I have never driven down Colorado Blvd and not seen that place looking like a total circus.
Because it's awesome!
Yeah, there has always been a line there, even before the yogurt revival began with Pinkberry. The fact that people are willing to wait in line each time is a testament to their product.
Oh yeah, 21 Choices is awesome. I try to hit it up every time I find myself in Pasadena.
BTW, another place that beats the pants off of Yogurtland is The Yogurt Stop in WeHo.
I used to eat at 21 choices way back in the day, it was alright. And I tried out that Menchie's place, not impressed.
Yogurtland is unfuckwithable. Its the only one where I have like almost all the different flavors they have, and as I mentioned in the other post, nothing beats their Taro flavor. Good luck getting Taro at places like Menchie's
I love your use of the word "unfuckwithable."
The tres small size is "uber tiny"? You must have a big appetite for frozen yogurt because I find the tres small to be more than enough. I'm not thrilled about the texture; it's too runny for me. But I like the creativity with flavors.And yes, the spoons are compostable, at least at the USC location.
"And yes, the spoons are compostable, at least at the USC location."
They are compostable at all of the locations. So are the cups.
MMmmmm yum!
BUT I mentioned Lulu's Beehive a while ago in response to a turkey sandwich post and it never got review!
HMPH! *storms off