Best Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco

The East Bay has quietly become one of Northern California's premier ice cream destinations, offering everything from artisanal small-batch creations to beloved institution favorites that have been serving communities for generations. Whether you're exploring the vibrant creative scene around Berkeley's tattoo shops in San Francisco Bay Area or simply seeking the perfect sweet treat, these exceptional ice cream destinations showcase the region's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. From organic ingredients to innovative flavors, here are five must-visit spots that represent the best frozen desserts within easy reach of the Berkeley area.

Melt Me Creamery: Berkeley's Asian-Inspired Innovation

Melt Me Creamery at 1918 Martin Luther King Jr. Way brings unique, high-quality flavors that rotate monthly, making each visit a new experience. Owners Nutchapol Phaungjit and Suphaluk Moontha, both restaurant workers and natives of Thailand, opened this pink-hued shop specializing in Asian-inspired flavors that you won't find anywhere else in the Bay Area.

Their innovative menu includes Korean coffee swirled with corn jam and smoked corn, mango sticky rice, Thai tea brown sugar mochi, and even cheddar cheese with walnut praline. The shop also serves fruit freezes—a refreshing layered dessert with creamy ice cream sitting between slushy frozen fruits like guava, mango, or lemon. Their small-batch approach means they often sell out of flavors daily, with the campfire s'mores ice cream featuring graham cracker crumble, chocolate hunks, and mini marshmallows being intensely smoky thanks to caramelized marshmallows in the base.

Fentons Creamery: Oakland's Historic Landmark

Founded in Oakland in 1894, Fentons Creamery at 4226 Piedmont Avenue stands as California's longest continually operating creamery and a true Bay Area institution. This historic ice cream parlor has been serving its famous handcrafted ice creams and sauces to generations of fans, earning international recognition along the way.

The Black & Tan Sundae remains their signature item, made with Toasted Almond flavor – one of many original creations by Melvin Fenton, who also invented Rocky Road ice cream during the Great Depression. Fentons gained additional fame when it was featured in Pixar's "Up" and has appeared on numerous television shows including the Travel Channel, History Channel, and Food Network. The massive sundaes and classic atmosphere make it a perfect destination for birthday celebrations and family gatherings

iScream: Berkeley's Community Favorite

iScream operates two Berkeley locations—the original at 1819 Solano Avenue and a newer spot at 1809 Fourth Street—both serving handcrafted, organic ice cream made with quality ingredients. Owner Robin Devany opened the shop in 2010 to fill a gap in Berkeley's ice cream landscape and create a community gathering place.

The focus here is extremely Berkeley: artisan ice cream made with organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery and seasonal fruit from local farmers markets. Their dozen daily flavors taste notably fresh and vibrant—the strawberry truly captures the essence of the fruit, while the mocha almond fudge delivers rich, satisfying depth. They offer unique flavors like Earl Grey tea, honey lavender, and lychee, plus creative touches like including small triangle pieces of waffle cone even when you order a cup.

Curbside Creamery: Oakland's Inclusive Sweet Spot

Located in Oakland's popular Temescal Alley at 482 49th Street, Curbside Creamery combines the fun and nostalgia of a hometown ice cream shop with artisan-quality products. This boutique location serves both traditional dairy and excellent vegan options that go beyond simple sorbet.

Curbside offers weekly rotating flavors, including Earl Grey, roasted banana walnut, and soft-serve options like pistachio, blackberry, and Thai tea. The shop's commitment to inclusivity means they cater to all dietary preferences while maintaining the same high standards across their entire menu. The charming Temescal Alley setting provides the perfect atmosphere to sit and enjoy a cone while exploring one of Oakland's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Tucker's Ice Cream: Alameda's Classic Tradition

Serving traditional ice cream since 1941, Tucker's at 1349 Park Street in Alameda represents the classic American ice cream shop experience. This downtown Alameda destination offers more than 30 flavors at a time, with past seasonal specials including innovative options like blue cheese, zinfandel, and jalapeño that showcase their willingness to experiment.

Tucker's provides the full ice cream shop experience with scoops, sundaes, malts on sticks, and frozen bananas dipped in chocolate. Their ultra-rich and creamy texture has earned them a devoted following among locals who appreciate both their classic offerings and willingness to push creative boundaries. The extensive menu ensures there's always something new to try, making it worth multiple return visits.

A Sweet Connection to Bay Area Creativity

The East Bay's ice cream scene reflects the same innovative spirit found throughout the region's creative communities. Just as Old Crow Tattoo Shop has served the area since 2008 as a place where artistry, experience, and community come together, these ice cream destinations represent more than just dessert—they're gathering places where craftsmanship and creativity intersect.

Old Crow Tattoo, located at 2812 Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, has grown from a neighborhood favorite into an award-winning studio with a reputation for excellence, inclusivity, and unforgettable work. The shop features resident and guest artists specializing in styles from fine-line and geometric to traditional and black & grey realism, creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where all identities and backgrounds are celebrated. Their artists collaborate closely with clients to ensure each tattoo is thoughtful, personal, and precisely executed, while regularly hosting traveling artists from around the world who bring diverse styles and perspectives to the East Bay community.

Whether you're planning a sweet tour of the East Bay or looking for the perfect treat after visiting one of the area's many creative businesses, these ice cream destinations offer experiences that capture what makes this region special—a dedication to quality craftsmanship, community connection, and the kind of authentic artistry that keeps people coming back for more.

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