I Scream for These Ice Creams
Bi-Rite Creamery (San Francisco) - This place got me hooked on ice cream. I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with any of their flavors but make sure to try their seasonal ones because those are only available for a limited time! Only complaint is that they don't make their own waffle cones...oh and that the line curves around the block and takes 4ever. Pro tip: if you're not down to wait in line, there's a window next to the store that offers soft-serve and baked goods. They only offer 3 flavors of soft-serve so better hope you like one of them.
Fave flaves: Roasted Banana and Balsamic Strawberry
Cookiebar Creamery (Oakland & Alameda) - Move over CREAM, Cookiebar is the new go-to spot for ice cream sandwiches. Not only do they have better ice cream flavors than CREAM (like ube, fruity pebbles, jasmine milk tea and more) but they also have fresh baked cookies that aren't overly sweet so you can actually taste them. Pro tip: ask them to warm up your cookies as long as you're not getting them in a sandwich...unless you want the ice cream to melt all over you. This place is my current ice cream obsession and I'll eat 3 scoops, possibly 5, any day (no lie).
Fave flaves: Ube, Oatmeal Cookie, Black Sesame
Tin Pot Creamery (Palo Alto & Los Altos) - Looking for all natural, artisan ice cream? This is your spot. Their ice cream case is mainly shades of white and brown, which I love but my brother thinks is boring. The store smells of waffle cones which they make in store and are not to be missed (trust me, it's worth paying extra for). They also have delicious cookies and a few baked goods that they make in store as well. The scoops are definitely on the small side and pretty pricey, but at least you won't feel guilty afterwards!
Fave flaves: Roasted Almond and Four Barrel Coffee with Cocoa Nib Toffee
Amorino Gelato (Livermore) - Home of the flower gelato. I first tried this place in Paris, then in New York, and then they finally opened one in the Bay! Kind of in a random location but whatever. The best part is that you can choose as many flavors as you like regardless of the size! Not really sure how that works out logistically but hey, I'm not complaining.
Fave flaves: Amaretto, Coconut, Hazelnut, Tiramisu, Coffee (basically all the brown and neutral colored ones that unfortunately don't make for pretty pictures)
Willow Glen Creamery (San Jose) - No need to go to Disneyworld when you can get Dole Whip right in the Bay! They literally have everything: custards, ice creams, frozen yogurts, ice cream sandwiches, concretes, banana splits, milkshakes, floats, and more. Many of their flavors change daily with the exception of the classics such as vanilla, chocolate, and original tart. If you're a fan of soft serve like I am, then you have to check this place out!
Fave flaves: Dole Whip and Vanilla Custard
Rocko's Ice Cream Taco Truck (Bay Area) - If you ever happen to find this truck, it's your lucky day. Anyone ever eat those ice cream filled tacos called Choco Tacos?? Well Rocko's lets you customize your own with gourmet ice cream flavors and different dippings and toppings. Soo good but kind of pricey at ~$7 for a tiny taco.
Fave flave: Peach ginger ice cream dipped in half peanut butter and half white chocolate and topped with almonds
What are your favorite ice cream places in the Bay? Comment below and let me know!
