Get your weird on with experimental flavors at this crazy-popular Mission ice cream destination that’s been slowly expanding throughout the Bay Area. The most-talked-about flavor is Secret Breakfast, made with vanilla, cornflake cookies, and Jim Beam bourbon, but there’s no shortage of wacky options to explore from evil ice cream genius Jake Godby.
Uji Time Dessert
Uji Time, which began in Berkeley and has since expanded to San Francisco and beyond, is known for its adorable fish-shaped cones stuffed with soft serve. The famed cone, called taiyaki, is a take on the traditional Japanese dessert. Here it’s filled with flavors like matcha, black sesame, and ube, along with a seasonal option and a multitude of toppings. In addition to the taiyaki cones, which take extra time to prepare, other choices include waffle cones and cups.
Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream
Few Black-owned businesses in the Fillmore District have lasted as long as Miyako. Since the early 90s the shop has sold a cornucopia of goodies — ice cream, yes, but also sandwiches and armfuls of candy. Head here for vintage vibes and locally-made scoops from Mitchell’s and Dreyer’s, or be a smartie and throw your order in as a banana split. Cash only.
Toy Boat by Jane
Toy Boat by Jane is the revived version of Clement Street’s longrunning classic ice cream shop, courtesy of Amanda Michael, the owner of mini-chain Jane the Bakery. Michael went to great lengths to preserve the nostalgia of Toy Boat, including the vast toy collection, and opened in September 2020 selling Jane’s bakery breads, cookies, and pastries, and, excitingly, adding Double Rainbow Ice Cream.
Joe's Ice Cream
This no-frills classic scoop shop doesn't pull any punches, offering Americana standards such as rootbeer swirl and rum raisin, or more unconventional flavors like wasabi and chai tea. One thing’s for sure: It’s still serving up ice cream straight from your San Francisco childhood.
Smitten Ice Cream
If the excitement of dining at a chef’s counter is your idea of a good time, head to Smitten where the ice cream is made in front of you in about 90 seconds, using liquid nitrogen for a smoother, denser cream. Owner Robyn Sue Fisher created and patented the machine, which churns out flavors like salted caramel and chocolate ganache as well as seasonal options.
The Ice Cream Bar
Head back in time at this classic 1930s-inspired soda fountain shop serving malts, boozy milkshakes, ice cream soda floats, and ice cream sandwiches — there are even a few vegan options, too. Check out owner Juliet Prie’s Castro location the Castro Fountain for more of that old school jukebox energy.
Nieves Cinco De Mayo
Head to this unassuming Mexican ice cream shop tucked into a Mission market for flavors like corn, guava, and leche quemada (burnt milk). Order it by the scoop, in a banana split, or go for a combination of fruit and toppings like a mangonada made with mango sorbet, fresh mango, chile, lime, and tamarind. There’s a sister shop in Fruitvale, too.
San Francisco's Hometown Creamery
There are plenty of reasons to head to Hometown Creamery. At the top of the list, of course, is the ice cream, which brothers Adar and Saadi Halil make themselves. There are standards such as fresh mint chip ice cream and outstanding rotating flavors that make the case for stopping by year-round. The pastries are another draw.
