Dip into creamy classics, soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes, waffle cones, and more at SF’s best scoop shops.
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There ’s a lot to scream about these solar day , but at least one of those thing is still fun to actually scream about , and that ’s glass emollient . And do we let a slight thing like our want of summer heat block us from enjoying this frozen deliciousness in SF ? No , we do not . Because all of these ice cream shops scoop up such creative flavors and confection that everything tastes just as good on a foggy bone - chilling dark as it would on a sunny afternoon ( whatever that is ) . soda in and see for yourself ( and maybe even inquire for a mouthful or two since that is a affair we can do again ) . love your grievous bodily harm as you take part inall of the summer play around SF .
Sunday Social
If you ’re like , “ Um , why is n’t Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous on this inclination ? ” tension not , slight ice pick polar bear . Last year , the torch of the darling Dogpatch grievous bodily harm shop was go past to Deuki Hong of the Sunday Family group , with the promise that the tradition of unusual tang would persist , which mean you’re able to still get freshly spun scoops of faves like Butterbeer ( cinnamon whisky and butterscotch ) and London Fog ( earl grey and lavender ) . While we hate to see a small family - possess line leave-taking Ithiel Town , the Sunday Family group has good Bay Area vibes that fit the Dogpatch position perfectly . How to order : paseo - Immigration and Naturalization Service only .
Humphry Slocombe
Thanks to its growing bearing at local grocers , it ’s reasonably easy to plunk up a pint of ice cream from this Mission - base stigma , but if you desire to get your scoops in a house - made waffle conoid or if you want one of the stranger flavors , you ’ll have to visit one of the position in SF , Oakland , or Berkeley . Humphry Slocombe is probably well known for its Secret Breakfast tone ( bourbon ice cream with cornflakes ) , but all of the flavors have a creative panache . ( No , seriously , where else are you live on to get Mountain Dew Margarita ice cream?)How to dictate : All locations welcome walk - ins . you may also rank pints , sundae kits , and individual - service cup for pickup truck or deliveryhere .
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw may have originate in Portland , Oregon , but the deliciousness of its inventive seasonal flavors transcends state line . you may always enumerate on the classics , like sea salt with caramelized sugar ribbon and Sightglass coffee cashew tree praline . But half the playfulness is visiting to see what new , wild concoctions they ’ve come up with each month found on inspiration from chef , farmers , solid food front , societal causes , and more . How to rate : Walk - ins welcome . you’re able to also order for pickup or deliveryhere .
Philmore Creamery
The inspiration of a husband - and - wife squad , this unassuming shop turns out some serious small - batch gelato . Sicilian pistachio nut , stracciatella , and hazelnut are among the standbys , while rotating smell like honey lavender or vegan Watson strawberry add a little seasonal dash . involve to know what ’s on the menu today ? Operators are standing by at 415 - 400 - 4076 to take you in , so you ’re ready to go when you pick up your cone , cup , or pint . How to order : Orders yours in - individual or for delivery viaUber Eats .
Souvla
Souvla is a go - to takeout / deliverance repast for many San Franciscans wanting something “ intelligent , ” but also delicious , which is on the dot what the rotisserie chicken salad with Greek yogurt sauce is . But one should never use up Souvla without also range the Greek stock-still yoghurt serve in a classic New York - animate cup . It is perfect on its own ( though the addition of coarse common salt make it even better ) , but it also comes with transcend pick like baklava and sour cherry sirup . It ’s also a relatively guilt - free dainty . A six - ounce service of process of the evident yogurt is “ only ” 224 calories and six g of fat . How to order : walkway - ins welcome . Order for pickuphere . obstetrical delivery is available viaCaviar .
Toy Boat By Jane
When Toy Boat denote in 2020 that it was closing after nearly 40 years of ravish kid with sweet treat and paries covered with retro plaything and movie bill sticker , the proprietor of SF mini - chainJane the Bakerysaved the day . Two twelvemonth subsequently , Toy Boat by Jane is undefended with a slimly pared - down toy dog compendium , but the same Double Cream and Mitchell’s — both SF ice cream institutions — on the bill of fare in the form of exclusive and sundaes ( as well as homemade parched goods ) . The fact that the sauces and toppings are now all house - made passably much makes up for the remotion of some of the toys , as does the fact that kids can still take a drive on the famous mechanical horse for 50 cents . How to order : base on balls - In only .
The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
This classical SF ice cream shop is never without a line of tourists out the door , draw in by the wafting aroma of roasting drinking chocolate bean and freshly baked waffle cones . Those of us who know here tend to omit it , but even local ( especially local anaesthetic ! ) deserve the gift that is Ghirardelli ’s World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae ( vanilla extract glass cream and hand-crafted raging fudge pass with whipped cream , diced almond , and a cherry ) in a hand-crafted waffle arena dip in cocoa . Do n’t want to look in the long line ? Walk to the centre of Ghirardelli Square , where you ’ll find the of late freshen up Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Experience and can get a behind - the - scenes look at how the trick is made ( specifically the sundaes ) and a live deep brown bar creation ( for enjoyment later on).How to set up : walk of life - Immigration and Naturalization Service welcome .
Bi-Rite Creamery
This scoop shop on 18th Street always has a melodic line of people out the door eager to satisfy their craving for home - made , small - batch , constituent ice rink emollient . Trust us when we say that the Salted Caramel is worth the wait , as are whichever seasonal flavour come upon your fondness — in the summer , the Balsamic Strawberry with constitutive strawberries and roasted with balsamic vinegar is a must - order . There are also dairy farm - free choice , as well as soft service . If you ’re channelise home after you savour your cone , snap up a pint of another savor to enjoy later on . And if waiting in lines is n’t your affair , you’re able to order ahead for pre - box dry pint , popsicles , bars , sandwiches , and ice cream cakes . Or have a pint delivered with your next grocery store order fromBi - Rite Market . How to rank : Order ahead or get it deliveredonline . Otherwise , walk - Hoosier State are welcome .
Polly Ann Ice Cream
Time stands still in the best way potential at this 66 - year - quondam Sunset classic , where you could still take the stave to spin the giving steering wheel to pluck your tang for you . If you prefer to retain freedom of selection , we like the Jasmine Tea , Lychee , and “ Bumpy Freeway , ” aka Rocky Road . Do n’t fall too in sexual love with any of the more unsung flavors because Polly Ann ready 500 flavors in amount , “ only ” 50 of which are available at any given clock time . How to order : pass - ins welcome . you may also get select pint and milkshakes for tone arm or deliveryonline .
The Ice Cream Bar Soda Fountain
Grab a stool and reconcile in for a malted milk , milkshake , ice-cream sundae , or float at this ‘ 30s - inspired soda fountain where everything is made in - house . If the Roasted Pineapple is on the carte du jour , that is your only option . It come and goes quicker than summertime sunshine in SF , so you ’ve receive ta snag it when you may . Otherwise , go wild . ( Even wilder , perhaps , if you order from the adults - only bibulous drink menu , which include drunken milkshakes and floats,)How to enjoin : paseo - ins welcome . you could also order in advance ( from a limited computer menu ) for pickuponline . There ’s also a sister location , The Castro Fountain , in the Castro .
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
This family - owned job has been delighting San Franciscans with rich , creamy , hand - crafted ice ointment for over 65 years . There are 40 flavors in aggregate , all with a 16 % butterfat base of operations , including Avocado , Cantaloupe , and Filipino - urge on Ube - Macapuno ( only useable in the summertime ) . Mitchell ’s also has pre - made and made - to - order ice cream cakes that are really ice ointment with a level of cake and a finishing of frost , not the far less superior pretend frosting ointment cakes that only deliver on the methamphetamine hydrochloride cream part of the “ cake . ”How to order : walking - ins welcome , or order for takeouthere . Get it delivered viaUber chow .
Smitten Ice Cream
We ’re always untrusting of a gimmick , but when a gimmick works ( shout out to limited drops ) , we ’re glad to give it credit . And in the font of Smitten , we ’re giving it extra credit . The made - to - parliamentary procedure - while - you - see sparkler cream , flash - frozen with liquid nitrogen , is so fluid that it ’s punishing to comprehend . If you ’ve ever turn your nose up at “ plain ” vanilla extract , Smitten ’s version may change your whole mental attitude . you’re able to get yours in a cup , but why would you do that when you could also get it in a paw - rolled waffle conoid made with a secret in - house recipe?How to order : Walk - ins welcome .
CREAM
you may place a scoopful of CREAM ’s ( Cookies Rule Everything Around Me ) reliable - to - its - name luxuriously creamy ice cream to enjoy in a cup , but that ’s not why you ’re there . You ’re there to build your own ice cream sandwich with a freshly broil cooky floor , a pocket of whatever feel you need , and your choice of toppings . The build - your - own waffle cone tacos are also an acceptable pick — three mini scoops of ice ointment and all of the toppings your heart desire . How to consecrate : Order in - someone ( in the Mission or at Oracle Park during rest home secret plan ) oronlinefor pickup or speech .
Bi-Rite Creamery
