Are you a die-hard ice cream aficionado? Well, hold onto your taste buds because San Francisco is about to blow your mind with its incredible ice cream scene! Our intrepid explorer has combed every nook and cranny of the city to unearth the absolute crème de la crème of ice cream parlors. Get set for an exhilarating expedition through the frozen wonderland that is San Francisco’s ice cream galaxy. In this epic journey, we’re unveiling 27 sensational ice cream shops that will not only satiate your sweet tooth but have you yearning for more with every delectable bite!
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Did you know that Humphry Slocombe’s famous flavor, Secret Breakfast, combines bourbon and cornflakes? It’s like having a cocktail and breakfast cereal in your ice cream – the perfect San Francisco treat!
Humphry Slocombe is known for its inventive flavors like Secret Breakfast, which combines bourbon and cornflakes, and Cornflake Crunch, featuring cereal milk ice cream with cornflake cookies. Their cinnamon tres leches is also worth trying, and they continuously churn out crazy seasonal flavors that are bound to surprise and delight.
Cannot Miss: Secret Breakfast – It’s the best flavor at Humphry, perhaps because it’s bourbon-in-your-breakfast-cereal ice cream, or maybe because the chunks of corn flakes are well-dispersed and delicious. The cinnamon tres leches is also worth trying too.
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Hours: 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM Daily (Mission District) 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily (Ferry Building) 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Daily (Dogpatch)
Website: Humphry Slocombe Instagram: Humphry Slocombe on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Hila Gelato embraces Sicilian hospitality with the saying “tavola è trazzera,” creating a welcoming space where strangers gather to enjoy gelato and coffee. Plus, they’re dedicated to sustainability, powering their shop with solar panels.
Matcha Café Maiko’s soft serve is perfection, and their boba sundae is a must-try, generously topped with boba, housemade kuromitsu syrup, and all the toppings you want. All their products are imported straight from Uji, Japan, known for top-notch matcha.
Cannot Miss: Try unique flavors like lychee, green tea, black sesame, or durian. It’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss.
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Phone Numbers:
Hours: Vary by location
Website: Matcha Café Maiko Instagram: Matcha Café Maiko on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Hila Gelato embraces Sicilian hospitality with the saying “tavola è trazzera,” creating a welcoming space where strangers gather to enjoy gelato and coffee. Plus, they’re dedicated to sustainability, powering their shop with solar panels.
Hila Gelato offers incredibly creamy Sicilian-style gelato with a variety of fun and always-changing flavors. The blueberry is a standout, packed with bits of fruit straight from a farm stand. Plus, Hila embraces the philosophy of gathering around food and is committed to using natural, sustainable products.
Cannot Miss: Try the blueberry gelato, and you’ll be transported to a farm stand in the Central Valley.
Neighborhood: Mission District
Address: 951 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Website: Hila Gelato Instagram: Hila Gelato on Instagram
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‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Lush Gelato is all about freshness! They’re the first facility licensed to make gelato from scratch in San Francisco. The secret to their creamy texture? Making gelato fresh daily to keep those ice crystals small and the texture smooth.
Lush Gelato offers small-batch, unique flavors made fresh from scratch daily. Their gelato has a smooth texture that’s a result of being made fresh daily. They prioritize sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible.
Cannot Miss: Don’t miss their brown butter & chocolate honeycomb or dulce de leche flavors. You can’t go wrong.
Neighborhood: North Beach
Address: 520 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Hours: Sun-Thu: 12-10 pm, Fri-Sat: 12-10:30 pm
Website: Lush Gelato Instagram: Lush Gelato on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ The Castro Fountain, created by the Ice Cream Bar’s Juliet Prie, not only offers delicious ice cream but also an array of cakes and baked goods. And one of their ice cream flavors, Yass Queen, has actual bits of rainbow cake inside – talk about a sweet surprise!
A second sweets shop from the Ice Cream Bar’s Juliet Prie, the Castro Fountain has an extensive menu of cakes and baked goods on top of fresh-churned ice cream.
The Castro Fountain combines cakes, baked goods, and fresh-churned ice cream in an old-school soda fountain style. Try their ice cream flavor, Yass Queen, which even has bits of rainbow cake inside it.
Neighborhood: Castro
Address: 554 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone Number: (415) 834-5457
Hours: Vary by day
Website: The Castro Fountain Instagram: The Castro Fountain on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Mitchell’s has been dishing out delicious ice cream since 1953, but did you know they use a 10-gallon Emery Thompson batch freezer to craft their creamy delights? That’s some serious ice cream magic!
Mitchell’s is a classic shop known for its Mexican, Peruvian, and Filipino-inspired ice cream flavors. From horchata to ube, their flavors are rich and diverse. Their commitment to quality is why they’ve been a San Francisco landmark for more than 69 years.
Cannot Miss: Try the bright purple ube or any of their unique fruit-inspired flavors.
Neighborhood: Mission District
Address: 688 San Jose Ave. @29th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 648-2300
Hours: Open Every Day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Website: Mitchell’s Ice Cream Instagram: Mitchell’s Ice Cream on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream brings a taste of Asia to your gelato experience. They’ve got flavors like durian, a fruit so stinky it’s banned on public transit in Singapore! But here, it’s a creamy sensation. Hold your nose and enjoy!
Named for the explorer said to have introduced Italy to ice cream by way of China, Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream serves its frozen treat the other way around.
Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream offers creamy gelato with Asian-inspired flavors like lychee, green tea, black sesame, and durian. The black sesame flavor is a nutty delight that you won’t be able to resist.
Cannot Miss: Go wild with flavors like durian, mango, or lychee, and experience the real taste of these unique fruits.
Neighborhood: Sunset District
Address: 1447 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone Number: +14157312833
Hours: Mon-Fri 12 pm-10 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-10 pm
Facebook: Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ – Salt & Straw’s inventive flavors are legendary, but did you know they once tried mashed potatoes and gravy ice cream? Yep, it happened! While it might not be for everyone, their commitment to creative scoops is undeniable
Salt & Straw is known for its inventive seasonal flavors, from classics like sea salt with caramel ribbons to wild concoctions like mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s a must-stop for ice cream lovers.
Cannot Miss: Don’t miss their monthly-changing flavors; you might just discover a new favorite.
Locations:
Phone Numbers: Vary by location
Hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily
Website: Salt & Straw Instagram: Salt & Straw on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream is a treasure trove of flavors. With over 100 to choose from, it’s like a flavor adventure. Try the ube or rich Mexican chocolate, and you’ll be in ice cream heaven.
Miyako Ice Cream offers over 100 flavors of locally made ice cream, making it a paradise for ice cream lovers. The ube and Mexican chocolate flavors are particularly excellent.
Cannot Miss: With over 100 flavors, there’s something for everyone, but definitely try the ube and Mexican chocolate.
Neighborhood: Fillmore District
Address: Phone: (415) 931-5260
Hours: Vary by day
Instagram: Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery doesn’t just serve ice cream; they do it from a cool 1970s VW bus named “The Cream Machine.” Talk about a groovy way to enjoy your scoops
Adar and Saadi Halil opened their Inner Sunset ice cream shop out of a former Japanese restaurant space in 2014.
San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery offers inventive flavors, sundaes, churros, cookies, and more. Don’t miss their unique sufganiyot ice cream or cocktail-inspired sorbet.
Cannot Miss: Try their sufganiyot ice cream or caipirinha sorbet for a flavor adventure.
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Phone Number: (415) 682-4977
Hours: 12-9 pm, 7 days a week
Website: San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery Instagram: San Francisco’s Hometown Creamery on Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Double Rainbow is back in the Castro with creamy classics and inventive flavors like peanut butter and jelly. It’s a great spot to get your ice cream fix, and you might even take a pint home to enjoy later.
Double Rainbow, a beloved SF icon, has returned near its original location. This small storefront serves up a rotating menu of classic and creative flavors like “It’s A Goody” (vanilla, peanut butter, and fudge). Don’t miss their thick, creamy shakes or a pint to take home.
Cannot Miss: Indulge in the classic “It’s A Goody” or opt for something adventurous like peanut butter and jelly ice cream.
Neighborhood: Castro District
Addresses: 415 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: +14157570657
Hours:
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Bi-Rite Creamery is known for its heavenly ice cream and long lines. But did you know they also make some of their own inclusions, like snickerdoodles for Ricanelas? That’s a sweet touch to their delicious treats! Expect lines, but it’s worth it!
Bi-Rite Creamery, located near Dolores Park, is known for its incredible ice cream. Try the salted caramel and ricanelas (cinnamon-ish). They also offer soft serve, sundaes, popsicles, and ice cream sandwiches.
Cannot Miss: Don’t leave without tasting the seasonal Balsamic Strawberry or the classic Salted Caramel.
Neighborhood: Mission District
Address: 3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-626-5600
Hours: 12 PM – 9 PM (Every day)
Website: What Goes into the Best Ice Cream in SF | Bi-Rite Creamery
Instagram: Bi-Rite Market (@biritesf) • Instagram photos and videos
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Philmore Creamery takes gelato to the next level with affogato options. Enjoy your favorite gelato flavors drowned in a shot of espresso. It’s a tasty caffeine kick and dessert in one! ☕
Philmore Creamery offers classic Italian gelato flavors like pistachio and stracciatella. You can even add a shot of espresso to your choice. They take pride in making fresh gelato and sorbettos just hours before you taste them.
Cannot Miss: Try the tangy mangonada, a cup filled with mango sorbet, topped with juicy mango, chamoy sauce, and Tajín.
Neighborhood: Fillmore District
Address: 1840 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 400-4076
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Website:Philmore Creamery
Instagram: Philmore (@philmorecreamery) • Instagram photos and videos
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ At Polly Ann, you can spin the flavor wheel for a random ice cream adventure. But here’s the real scoop – the wheel never lands on “broccoli surprise” or “anchovy delight.” It’s a win-win!
Polly Ann is the ultimate ice cream destination for the adventurous. Spin the wheel and let it decide which of their 500 rotating flavors you’ll try today. From durian to rocky road, they’ve got it all.
Cannot Miss: Embrace the unknown and try the flavor the wheel chooses for you. It’s all part of the fun!
Neighborhood: Sunset District
Address: 3138 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 664-2472
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Website: Polly Ann Ice Cream
Instagram: instagram.com/pollyann.sf/
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Nieves Cinco de Mayo takes you on a chilly journey with tejuino – a rare Mexican cold beverage blend. It’s like the ice cream shop’s secret handshake for the adventurous.
Craving Mexican-inspired frozen treats? Nieves Cinco de Mayo in the Mission has you covered.
This unassuming Mexican ice cream shop tucked into a Mission market offers flavors like corn, guava, and leche quemada (burnt milk). Try a mangonada, a refreshing concoction of mango sorbet, fresh mango, chile, lime, and tamarind.
Cannot Miss: Don’t miss out on the tejuino, a unique cold beverage mixture of masa, helado de limón, and a dash of salt.
Neighborhood: Mission District
Address: 3052 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 843-9102
Hours: Vary, so check the schedule
Instagram: nievescincodemayosf
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Toy Boat not only serves up fantastic ice cream but also lets you ride a coin-operated pony. Why? Because nothing pairs better with ice cream than an impromptu pony ride!
Toy Boat by Jane combines classic ice cream from Double Rainbow, Mitchell’s, and SF’s Hometown Creamery with creative sundae combinations. From marshmallow fluff to meringue pieces, they take ice cream to the next level.
Cannot Miss: Indulge in a sundae with creative toppings like marshmallow fluff and graham crackers.
Neighborhood: Richmond District
Address: 401 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM (Every day)
Website: Toy Boat by Jane | | Jane in San Francisco, CA.
Instagram: Jane (@eatatjane) • Instagram photos and videos
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Smitten’s Brrr® machine isn’t just a high-tech gadget; it’s a magical micro-ice cream factory. They turn liquid ingredients into ice cream in just 90 seconds. It’s like ice cream alchemy for your taste buds.
Smitten uses state-of-the-art Brrr® machines to make insanely delicious, FRESH ice cream TO-ORDER using liquid nitrogen. Seasonal options like pecan pie and blueberry corn are must-tries.
Cannot Miss: Dive into the seasonal options for a taste sensation like no other.
Neighborhood: Mission District
Address: 904 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 636-9852
Hours:
Website: Smitten Ice Cream
Instagram: Smitten Ice Cream (@smittenicecream) • Instagram photos and videos
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Powder brings the best of two worlds – ice cream meets shaved ice. It’s like enjoying a snowstorm of sweetness on a sunny California day.
Powder offers Taiwanese shaved snow, a cross between shaved ice and ice cream. Try the cereal snow with cinnamon sugar—it’s like frozen cinnamon toast crunch!
Cannot Miss: Indulge in colorful ribbons of Taiwanese shaved snow topped with your favorite goodies.
Neighborhood: Lower Haight
Address: 260 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: +1 415-923-8183
Hours: Vary, so check the schedule
Website: Powder – San Francisco
Instagram: POWDER (@powdershavedsnow) • Instagram photos and videos
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Swensen’s classic flavors are a hit, but the real game-changer is their house-made waffle cone. It’s the cone that dreams are made of, and nobody leaves without one.
Swensen’s on a classic corner spot in Russian Hill, has been scooping up joy since 1948. Swensen’s is a San Francisco classic serving unique, nostalgic flavors like Swiss Orange Chip and Sticky Peanut Butter. Don’t forget to request a house-made waffle cone!
Cannot Miss: Try the Bordeaux Cherry flavor, especially in a milkshake or root beer float.
Neighborhood: Russian Hill
Address: 1999 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: +14157756818
Website: Swensen’s Ice Cream
Instagram: Swensen’s® Ice Cream (@swensensicecream) • Instagram photos and videos
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Garden Creamery’s ice cream is a labor of love. They source the best local ingredients and even have a vegan sorbet that might just transport you to dessert heaven.
For interesting flavors and a taste of Asian and Hawaiian-inspired ice cream, head to Garden Creamery near Dolores Park.
Garden Creamery hand-crafts frozen desserts in small batches with the best local ingredients. Their ice cream is made from scratch, pasteurizing their dairy and modifying each recipe for vibrant flavors and superior textures.
Cannot Miss: Try the arroz con leche with Dandelion cocoa nibs mixed in—it’s like eating rice pudding in ice cream form.
Neighborhood: Mission District
Address: 3566 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours:
Website: gardencreamery.com
Instagram: Garden Creamery (@gardencreamery) • Instagram photos and videos
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact’ Souvla isn’t just about delicious Greek food; their Greek frozen yogurt is a hidden gem. Whether you go for baklava or sour cherry syrup toppings, it’s a guilt-free treat that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Souvla, a Greek eatery, isn’t just about savory dishes; they’ve mastered the art of frozen Greek yogurt. Served in a classic New York-inspired cup, this yogurt is divine on its own, but the addition of toppings like baklava and sour cherry syrup takes it to the next level. And the best part? It’s not a guilty pleasure! A six-ounce serving of the plain yogurt is surprisingly low in calories and fat.
Cannot Miss: Don’t leave without trying their Greek frozen yogurt flavors: Sour Cherry Syrup, Greek Olive Oil & Flaky Sea Salt, Baklava Crumbles & Honey Syrup, or Cretan Wildflower Honey.
Neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, NOPA, Mission, Marina District, Dogpatch
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Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11 am – 10 pm
Website: SOUVLA
Instagram: Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ The Ice Cream Bar is not just about ice cream; it’s a trip back in time to the 1930s! Enjoy your boozy milkshake while soaking in the nostalgia of a bygone era.
The Ice Cream Bar is a nostalgic delight with a 1930s-style soda fountain setting. They take pride in serving ice cream and baked goods made from locally sourced ingredients. While they offer classic flavors, their real stars are the boozy milkshakes that add a grown-up twist to your sweet indulgence. Try the PX Pie with pumpkin ice cream and beer or the Dublin Honey with Guinness and port combined with honey ice cream. Their ice cream flavors change seasonally, so there’s always something new to explore.
Cannot miss: Make sure to sample their unique ice cream soda floats and ice cream sandwiches, including some vegan options.
Address: 815 Cole Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone Number: (415) 742-4932
Hours:
Website: The Ice Cream Bar
Instagram: Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Uji Time introduced the first taiyaki ice cream to the Bay Area. These adorable fish-shaped cones have made a splash on social media, and they’re as tasty as they are Instagram-worthy!
Uji Time is famous for its taiyaki soft serve, a Japanese-inspired dessert served in fish-shaped cones. These cones are stuffed with flavors like matcha, black sesame, and ube, and they even offer seasonal options. Beyond taiyaki, you’ll find waffle cones and cups to satisfy your ice cream cravings. Uji Time has successfully combined elements from various traditional desserts to create affordable and delightful treats.
Cannot Miss: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try their black sesame and matcha soft serve.
Address: 22 Peace Plaza #440, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone Number: +1 628-444-3003
Hours:
Website: Uji Time
Instagram: Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Over the Moon takes ice cream to the next level by serving it in a cup made of cookie. That’s right – you can enjoy your ice cream and eat the container too! Cookie-lovers’ dream come true.
Over the Moon is where dreams of ice cream served in cookie cups come true. This delightful spot is famous for its ice cream cookie cups and ice cream sandwiches. With flavors like Espresso Oreo and Cherry Basil, you’ll find modern twists on classic favorites. Pair your chosen ice cream with Grandma Millie’s freshly baked cookies for a match made in dessert heaven.
Cannot Miss: Indulge in their sensational ice cream cookie sandwiches. Try flavors like Funfetti or Honey Lavender for a unique twist on a classic treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a shake or an old-fashioned root beer float.
Address: 2144 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone Number: (415) 359-0055
Hours:
Website: Over the Moon
Instagram: Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Milkbomb doesn’t just serve ice cream; they create edible works of art. Try their Fruity Pebbles or White Rabbit flavors sandwiched between a donut for an unforgettable treat.
Milkbomb Ice Cream, located in Potrero Hill, is a petite sweet stop that takes ice cream to the next level. They’re known for their inventive flavors like Fruity Pebbles, White Rabbit, and Mangonada. But what makes them truly special is their donut ice cream sandwiches, a delightful combination of two beloved treats.
Cannot Miss: Indulge in the Fruity Pebbles ice cream sandwiched between a fluffy donut. It’s a heavenly combo that will make your taste buds dance.
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
Address: 1717 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (408) 646-9976
Hours:
Website: Milkbomb Ice Cream
Instagram: Milkbomb Ice Cream Instagram
A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ Ghirardelli’s iconic ice cream shop in Fisherman’s Wharf has been drawing tourists and locals alike since 1966. Indulge in their World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae in a handmade waffle bowl dipped in chocolate – a San Francisco tradition!
The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Fisherman’s Wharf is a San Francisco classic. Established in 1966, it’s a place where sundaes reign supreme. With 15 different kinds of sundaes, including the iconic Ghirardelli’s World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, this place is a paradise for chocolate lovers. Don’t miss the replica San Francisco cable car inside or the live chocolate bar creation.
Cannot Miss: Treat yourself to the Ghirardelli’s World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. It’s a dessert masterpiece that will satisfy your sweetest cravings.
Neighborhood: Fisherman’s Wharf
Address: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 567-8317
Hours:
Website: Ghirardelli Square
Instagram: Ghirardelli Instagram
‘A Cold Hard Fun Fact:’ CREAM, short for “Cookies Rule Everything Around Me,” lets you build your own ice cream sandwich with freshly baked cookies and inventive ice cream flavors. There’s no wrong way to make an ice cream sandwich here!
Freshly baked cookies, inventive ice cream flavors like caramel cinnamon, and endless topping choices await you.
Here, you’re the creator of your ice cream destiny. Start with a freshly baked cookie base, add a scoop of your favorite flavor, and pile on the toppings. They even offer options like waffle cone tacos! It’s a choose-your-own-adventure for ice cream lovers.
Cannot Miss: Build your dream ice cream sandwich with freshly baked cookies, your favorite ice cream flavor, and a mountain of toppings. It’s a delicious adventure you won’t forget.
Neighborhood: Mission District
Address: 3106 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Website: CREAM San Francisco
Instagram: CREAM Instagram
San Francisco’s ice cream scene is a delightful journey for any frozen treat enthusiast. We’ve combed the city’s every nook and cranny to bring you the crème de la crème of ice cream parlors – 27 absolute gems that will redefine your ice cream experience. From the classic flavors that evoke nostalgia to the innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, these establishments have something for everyone.
As you embark on your own ice cream adventure through the city, remember that it’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories you create with each delicious bite. Whether you’re a local exploring your city’s sweet side or a visitor seeking a taste of San Francisco’s culinary wonders, these 27 ice cream shops are a must-visit. So, grab a cone, savor the moment, and let the joy of San Francisco’s ice cream scene sweep you off your feet.
