Top 15 Bay Area Ice Cream Shops You Must Try

From artisan gelato to wild, flavor-packed creations, the Bay Area ice cream scene offers something for every sweet tooth. Whether you’re craving a classic vanilla cone, a vegan sorbet, or a bold fusion flavor with unexpected twists, this curated list spotlights 15 must-try Bay Area Ice Cream Shops. Each shop has its own specialty—some with cult followings, others hidden gems—all worth the indulgence. Time to grab a spoon and taste your way through the coolest corners of the Bay.

Bay Area Ice Cream Shops

1. Humphry Slocombe 

Known for its bold, eccentric flavors like “Secret Breakfast” (bourbon & cornflakes) and Earl Grey Sundae, this cult favorite is perfect for flavor adventurers. Their Mission flagship plus locations at the Ferry Building and Oakland make them easy to find. Vegan options now available. 

Address: 1 Ferry Building Shop 8, San Francisco, CA 94111  

Price: $5–7 per scoop; $8–12 for shakes/sundaes 

2. Bi‑Rite Creamery 

A hand-crafted icon near Dolores Park, Bi-Rite offers rotating seasonal flavors like salted caramel, basil-strawberry, and carrot cake—all made from local farm ingredients. Try the ice cream “flight” to sample multiple flavors. 

Address: 3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110  

Price: From $6 per scoop; $11 for a flight of 3 

3. Mitchell’s Ice Cream 

Serving since 1953, Mitchell’s is known for Filipino, Latin, and Asian flavors like ube, avocado, coconut, and mango. Their nostalgic charm and generous scoops make it a favorite among locals and families. 

Address: 688 San Jose Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110  

Price: $4–6 per scoop 

4. The Ice Cream Bar 

Styled like a 1930s soda fountain, this spot offers malts, floats, and boozy milkshakes alongside ice cream—ideal for photo ops and social meetups. A grown-up ice cream bar with retro flair. 

Address: 815 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117  

Price: $5–7 per scoop; $8–12 for drinks 

5. Fentons Creamery 

Founded in 1894 and credited with inventing Rocky Road, this Oakland favorite delivers giant portions in a classic setting. Great for families and celebrations with a side of old-school charm. 

Address: 4226 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611  

Price: $4–6 per scoop; $7–10 for sundaes 

6. Hometown Creamery 

Run by two brothers who craft every batch by hand. Alongside staples like Mint Chip and Earl Grey, the rotating menu features creative combinations and homemade dessert pairings. 

Address: 1290 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122  

Price: $5–7 per scoop; $11 for a 4-scoop flight 

7.Milkbomb Ice Cream

Milkbomb Ice Cream, located in Potrero Hill, is known for its over-the-top ice cream creations. Their signature item features handcrafted ice cream scoops tucked into freshly made donut sandwiches, topped with playful garnishes like marshmallows or cereal. While the Instagram-worthy desserts grab attention, many fans rave about the ice cream itself for its smooth texture and rich flavor.

Address: 1717 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Price: $6.5 per scoop 

8. Smitten Ice Cream 

Each scoop is frozen to order with liquid nitrogen, making the texture ultra-smooth. Ingredients are natural and low-sugar. Watching the foggy prep is part of the fun! 

Address: 2276 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (also in Oakland)  

Price: $6–8 per scoop 

9. Salt & Straw 

A Portland transplant famous for creative, small-batch flavors—Sea Salt Caramel, Honey Lavender, even Olive Oil or Bone Marrow Cherry. A haven for foodies and flavor risk-takers. 

Address: 745 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110  

Price: $5–7 per scoop; $15 for a 3-scoop flight 

10. Cauldron Ice Cream 

Known for its puffed “Puffle” cone and dramatic liquid nitrogen freezing method, this Fremont favorite merges ice cream with milkshake texture. Kids love the experience—and the Instagrammable presentation. 

Address: 46503 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539  

Price: $6–8 per scoop (with specialty cone) 

11. Frankie & Jo’s 

Founded in Seattle and now in Larkspur, this all-vegan creamery is dairy-free, soy-free, and preservative-free. Made with oat milk, standout flavors include Brown Sugar Vanilla and Beet Strawberry Rose. 

Address: 37 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA 94939  

Price: $7–9 per scoop 

12. Koolfi Creamery 

A Reddit favorite, this non-dairy brand offers creamy, full-bodied ice creams with global inspiration. Try their CardaMOM (cardamom) or rose flavors. Both San Leandro and SF locations attract loyal regulars. 

Address: 1574 San Leandro Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577  

Price: $6–8 per scoop 

13. Fairfax Scoop 

A small-batch gem in Marin’s Fairfax, known for rotating flavors made with local dairy and fruit. No additives—just clean, farm-fresh taste in every bite. A must-try on weekend drives. 

Address: 63 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930  

Price: $5–7 per scoop 

14. Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory & Soda Fountain 

Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, this classic parlor serves rich sundaes made with real Ghirardelli chocolate. Great for tourists and locals alike, especially paired with a coffee or hot chocolate. 

Address: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109 

Price: $7–10 for sundaes 

15. Marianne’s Ice Cream 

Santa Cruz’s seaside favorite since 1947 with over 250 rotating flavors—from Almond Cookie and Citrus Mint to Black Sesame. Great for a coastal stroll with a scoop in hand. 

Address: 1020 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060  

Price: $4–6 per scoop; $7–9 for sundaes 

The Scoop on Bay Area’s Best Ice Cream 

Whether you're craving nostalgic flavors, plant-based scoops, or Instagram-ready creations, the Bay Area is packed with ice cream experiences for every palate. From long-standing legends like Fentons and Mitchell’s to bold innovators like Humphry Slocombe and Smitten, these 15 ice cream shops offer more than just dessert—they deliver a taste of local creativity, culture, and craft. 

Next time you're looking to beat the heat, impress out-of-town guests, or just treat yourself, skip the chains and support these locally-loved, flavor-forward parlors. Your next favorite scoop is probably just around the corner.