Favorite Ice Cream?

In the spirit of the heat (finally!), I am adding this thread to the general discussion. What are your favorite ice cream places in SF/the Bay Area, now that it is finally warm enough to eat ice cream comfortably?

I'll get the ball rolling with Bi-Rite on the northeast corner of Mission-Dolores Park. It is part of a locally-owned market and creamery, and the flavors are funky, in a good way. I particularly enjoy the Honey-Lavendar flavor, but I'm weird about ice cream. Nonetheless, they will give you free samples and have flavors for every taste (Salted Caramel, Brown Sugar, Roasted Banana, and the standard Chocolates and Vanillas of the world for those who are feeling less adventurous).

Be prepared to wait in line for about ten minutes before you are actually served. Don't let it serve as a deterrent, but rather a testimony to how good it is.

And they have the cutest photo on the homepage of their website: http://www.biritemarket.com/4.html

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Tracypie 2yrs+

Well there's ice cream and then there's gelato.

Ice cream - I would have to say Mitchell's in the Mission or Swenson's on Hyde (Russian Hill).
Gelato - my favorite place is Gelato Classico Italian on Union St at Stockton. (576 Union St) They have a giant 3D ice cream sundae sign outside their door.

But what I really miss is water ice, which is like Italian shaved ice but creamier. Only in Philly.

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StephSF 2yrs+

Are there any good gelato places in North Beach (aka Little Italy, as I just learned)? I used to always to go to the NYC Little Italy for Gelato, but North Beach seems to have more bakeries/pastry shops, at least from my recollection. Are there any must-sees (or rather, must-eats)?

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Tracypie 2yrs+

@StephSF - Yes, Gelato Classico Italian on Union St at Stockton is in North Beach. (576 Union St) They have a giant 3D ice cream sundae sign outside their door. You can't miss it.

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StephSF 2yrs+

Awesome! I'll have to check all of these out. I was also reminded the other day that although it is a bit cliche, in a pinch, Coldstone is really really good too. Although I tend to think that all ice cream is really really good.

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NightOwlnOrinda 2yrs+

Speaking of ice cream, I have heard that Baskin Robbins is no longer going to have French Vanilla as one of their choices. That's my favorite--can this really be true or are they just trying to get some attention? I hope this isn't a trend.

I will second Bi-Rite by the way--its great!

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StephSF 2yrs+

Weird. Do they have Baskin Robbins out here?

Being an East Coast girl, I will always have a soft spot for Ben & Jerry's - which I haven't seen as much of out here, except when you buy it in the pints. I know that they have had instances of retiring flavors and getting enough requests from customers that they have brought them back. Not sure if BR has the same policy but it's a thought.

What's your favorite Bi-Rite flavor? Oddly enough, I'm into the honey lavender which is weird, I know. I love getting a cup of it and walking to Dolores Park to eat it and play on the slacklines on the southeast corner.

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StephSF 2yrs+

I've also been enjoying frozen yogurt - you know, the Pinkberry/Red Mango kind where you can add your own toppings. I always feel better about that and sometimes just pile on the fruit and use it as a meal substitute, if I am on the go. Maybe I'll add a forum post devoted specifically to that topic soon.

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FlowerGirl 2yrs+

@Nightowl: Is it Baskin Robbins or 31 Flavors that is getting rid of the French Vanilla? I doubt they will actually do it--but is it really that different they are all pretty much Vanilla aren't they.

I'll go with Salted Caramel this week. I tend to not have favoirites really.

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StephSF 2yrs+

@FlowerGirl, are you a Bi-Rite fan, or are there other places that have this unique flavor?

I have to agree...I doubt BR will get rid of one of their staples like that.

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NightOwlnOrinda 2yrs+

@Flowergirl: I personally find regular vanilla, well, rather vanilla. French Vanilla is a whole different experience for me with at least two or three different flavors. on the other hand, I am one of those people with aversions to new kinds of foods--I generally find one plate at a restaurant and stick to it. (I also don't like the whole ordering experience at most restuarants--too many choices so many decisions. I know its a little crazy.)