Summer is finally here! The Bay Area has been waiting for the weather to start to heat up and it has this week. But with the hot weather, many might be looking for a way to cool down. And what better way than enjoying one of San Francisco’s numerous ice cream shops.
You could probably categorize ice cream shops into two categories in San Franciso: the old guard, featuring familiar flavors, like old fountain shops. And then there’s the new school with unique flavors and ingredients, the anti-Baskin Robbins. Here are some of the most interesting and unique shops in San Francisco.
Old School:
Swensen’s: The only stop on this list that is a chain, Swensen’s first store opened in San Francisco in 1948. Having grown up remembering Fenton’s Creamery in Oakland, this is the closest to that experience. There is food, plenty of traditional scoops and an array of sundaes to choose from.
Joe’s Ice Cream: Opened in 1959, the Murashige family has run this neighborhood gem since 1979. Much like Swensen’s, there is both a food and ice cream menu to choose from. The ice cream includes very familiar flavors, but there is always a flavor of the month and the shop offers sherbert, sorbet, fat-free ice cream and yogurt.
New School:
Humphry Slocombe: Oh, how to describe Humphry Slocombe to the outsider? The two words I always tend to come up with when thinking about this shop are unique and creative. Chef/owner Jake Godby doesn’t abide by a standard; he’ll basically make any flavor based on what he thinks works best together and tastes good. And he’s willing to try different things which many people would never think of, part of what makes this Mission hot spot so great.
These are just some of the options to quench your ice cream craving this summer. But be careful, one taste and you’ll be bound to go back for seconds.