Bi-Rite Creamery
If you're looking for the best everything but the kitchen sink ice cream in San Francisco, look no further than Bi-Rite Creamery. Located in the trendy Mission district, this ice cream shop has been a local favorite for years. Their creative flavors and high-quality ingredients have earned them a spot on our list.
One of the most popular flavors at Bi-Rite Creamery is their Salty Caramel, a rich and creamy concoction that perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel with a touch of saltiness. But if you're feeling adventurous, try their Ricanelas, a combination of cinnamon and snickerdoodle cookies. It's a unique flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
What sets Bi-Rite Creamery apart from other ice cream shops is their commitment to using local and organic ingredients. They source their dairy from St. Benoit Creamery, a small farm in Sonoma County, and their fruits from local farmers' markets. This farm-to-cone approach not only ensures the freshest flavors, but also supports the local community.
Humphry Slocombe
Humphry Slocombe is known for their unconventional flavors and playful attitude. This ice cream shop, located in the Mission district, has a cult following and it's not hard to see why. With flavors like Secret Breakfast (bourbon and cornflakes) and Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, Humphry Slocombe is not afraid to take risks.
Be sure to try their Elvis: The Fat Years, a decadent combination of peanut butter, fudge ripple, and banana. And for the adventurous, their Balsamic Caramel is a must-try. It may sound strange, but the sweetness of the caramel and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar create a surprisingly delicious flavor combination.
In addition to their unique flavors, Humphry Slocombe also offers vegan and dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions. And if you can't make it to their brick-and-mortar location, they also have a food truck that can be found at various events and festivals around the city.
Smitten Ice Cream
Smitten Ice Cream is not your average ice cream shop. They use a liquid nitrogen process to create their smooth and creamy ice cream right in front of your eyes. This technology not only produces a fresher and creamier ice cream, but also allows them to customize flavors for each individual customer.
One of the most popular flavors at Smitten is their Salted Caramel, made with organic cream and sea salt. But for a truly unique experience, try their Malted Milk Chocolate, made with organic milk and chocolate malt. It's like drinking a milkshake in ice cream form.
Smitten also offers a seasonal menu that changes with the fresh ingredients available. So you can always expect something new and exciting at this ice cream shop. Plus, their minimalist and modern shop design makes for the perfect Instagram photo backdrop.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw may have started in Portland, but their ice cream has taken San Francisco by storm. This farm-to-cone ice cream shop sources their ingredients from local farms and creates unique flavors that change with the seasons.
Some of their most popular flavors include the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. But for something truly special, try their Wildflower Honey with Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies. It's a sweet and nutty combination that will leave you wanting more.
Salt & Straw is also committed to sustainability and community outreach. They use compostable packaging and donate 1% of their sales to local schools and non-profits. So when you indulge in their delicious ice cream, you're also supporting a good cause.
Three Twins Ice Cream
Three Twins Ice Cream may not have the most creative flavors, but what they lack in uniqueness they make up for in quality. This organic and fair trade ice cream shop sources their ingredients from local farmers and creates flavors that are simple, yet delicious.
Their Mint Confetti is a classic favorite, made with mint and chocolate chips. And for the chocolate lovers, their Mocha Difference is a must-try, made with coffee and chocolate chunks. But if you're feeling adventurous, try their Lemon Cookie, a tangy and refreshing treat.
One of the best things about Three Twins Ice Cream is their affordable prices. You can indulge in a scoop (or two) without breaking the bank. And with multiple locations throughout the city, it's easy to satisfy your ice cream craving.
Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous
Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous may be a mouthful to say, but their ice cream is worth the tongue twister. This small-batch ice cream shop in Dogpatch offers a rotating menu of unique flavors that change daily.
Some of their past flavors include Earl Grey Tea, Peanut Butter Curry, and even Avocado. But their most popular flavor is their Chocolate Smoked Sea Salt, made with smoked sea salt and dark chocolate chunks. It's a sweet and savory combination that will leave you wanting more.
Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous also offers vegan and dairy-free options, so everyone can enjoy their delicious ice cream. And don't forget to try their homemade chocolate chip cookies, the perfect accompaniment to their creamy ice cream.
Mitchell's Ice Cream
Mitchell's Ice Cream has been a San Francisco staple since 1953. This family-owned and operated ice cream shop offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic to unique.
Some of their most popular flavors include their Ube (purple yam) and Turkey Hill Butter Almond. But for a truly indulgent treat, try their German Chocolate Cake, made with chocolate, coconut, and pecans. It's like eating a slice of cake in ice cream form.
In addition to their delicious ice cream, Mitchell's also offers handmade cakes and ice cream pies for special occasions. And with two locations in the city, it's easy to stop by and satisfy your ice cream cravings.
Garden Creamery
Garden Creamery is a hidden gem in the Sunset district. This small-batch ice cream shop offers a rotating menu of unique flavors that change weekly.
Some of their past flavors include Matcha Oreo, Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Lychee Rose. But their most popular flavor is their Black Sesame, made with toasted black sesame seeds for a nutty and savory flavor.
Garden Creamery also offers vegan and dairy-free options, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. And with eco-friendly packaging, you can indulge in their delicious ice cream guilt-free.
Joe's Ice Cream
If you're looking for a classic and no-frills ice cream shop, look no further than Joe's Ice Cream. This old-fashioned shop in the Outer Sunset has been serving up delicious ice cream since 1959.
Their ice cream is made fresh in-house daily, using local and organic ingredients. Some of their most popular flavors include Rocky Road, Butter Brickle, and Peppermint Candy. But if you're feeling adventurous, try their Green Tea or Lilikoi (passion fruit) flavors.
In addition to their ice cream, Joe's also offers homemade waffle cones and milkshakes. And with affordable prices, it's easy to enjoy a sweet treat without breaking the bank.
The Ice Cream Bar
The Ice Cream Bar is not your typical ice cream shop. This retro and nostalgic spot in Cole Valley is a soda fountain and ice cream parlor all in one.
They offer a rotating menu of classic and seasonal flavors, as well as boozy ice cream for the adults. Some of their most popular flavors include their Vanilla Bourbon and Whiskey Caramel. And for a truly unique experience, try their Root Beer Float made with their homemade root beer.
In addition to their delicious ice cream, The Ice Cream Bar also offers handcrafted sodas, milkshakes, and ice cream sandwiches. So whether you're in the mood for a sweet or savory treat, this spot has you covered.