Loard’s is old-school ice cream done right. This isn’t artisanal small-batch whatever — it’s the kind of ice cream parlor where kids press their faces against the glass and parents remember doing the same thing decades ago.
The Loard’s Experience
Scoops are generous, flavors are classic (with some fun options), and the vibe is pure Americana. After youth sports, after school, after dinner at a nearby restaurant — Loard’s is where Moraga families end up.
Why Locals Love It
- Consistent quality for years
- Kid-friendly atmosphere
- Quick service
- The kind of place that makes a neighborhood feel like a neighborhood
Local Lore
Loard’s isn’t just a Moraga thing — it’s a Bay Area original. Founded in 1950 in the East Bay, Loard’s grew into a beloved regional chain before most locations eventually closed. The Moraga store is one of the surviving outposts, making it both a local treasure and a piece of mid-century Bay Area history. When longtime residents talk about Loard’s, they’re often remembering childhood trips to now-vanished locations across the East Bay.
Seasonal Note: Memorial Day Weekend 2026
With the upper-70s weather, sunsets past 8:15pm, and Moraga’s youth baseball and softball seasons wrapping into end-of-season tournaments and trophy ceremonies, the next few weeks are Loard’s peak. Memorial Day weekend (May 23–25) is essentially the kickoff — expect a line on Saturday afternoon, especially the post-game wave around 3–5pm and the post-dinner wave around 7–8:30pm. The Friday and Saturday 9pm close is your friend if you want a quieter scoop after the family rush dies down.
Heads-up: Loard’s is now closed Mondays (a recent change from year-round daily hours). If you’re planning a Memorial Day Monday treat after the Moraga Commons crowd thins out, pivot to Tuesday instead.
Good to Know
- Closed Mondays — confirm hours if you’re planning a Monday stop
- Cash and cards accepted
- Expect a line on warm evenings and after youth sports games
- Great post-dinner stop after eating at nearby Moraga restaurants
- Been serving Moraga families for decades