It may be 60 degrees and foggy for most of San Francisco’s summer, but we can all still appreciate a good dose of ice cream. Yesterday was National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, and we’ve decided to round up our favorite chocolate treats for our readers. So put on those shades, head to the park, and enjoy these exceptional scoops.
Bi-Rite Creamery (pictured above)
On those warm Dolores Park or Alamo Square days, sunning San Franciscans will line up around the block for a Bi-Rite cone. Their chocolate ice cream is traditional and satisfying. For something a little more daring, try their signature “Sam’s Sundae”: a sweet and savory concoction of chocolate ice cream with bergamot olive oil, Maldon’s sea salt, and whipped cream.
Photo by Jonathan Kauffman of SF Weekly
Smitten prides itself on its rotating seasonal flavors, like Strawberry White Balsamic and Sweet Corn with Summer Berries. But they know you can’t go wrong with a classic, like their TCHO 60.5% Dark Chocolate, made here in San Francisco. This flavor made number five on SFoodie’s list of 50 Favorite Dishes. Try it in a handmade waffle cone with homemade spicy syrup or pistachio brittle.
Photo by Foodspotting user Lacey Matherne
Mitchell’s extensive list of ice cream flavors puts most other creameries to shame. This family-run business concocts batches of avocado, black walnut, horchata, and other obscure flavors from the Philippines, China, and South America. Aside from their traditional chocolate produced from cocoa beans grown in the Ivory Coast, Brazil, and Indonesia, Mitchell’s offers a Mexican chocolate, spiced with cinnamon, and chocolate caramel crackle, with caramel swirls and crispy chocolate candy pieces.
Photo from One Good Scoop
Humphry Slocombe is known for their signature flavor, Secret Breakfast. Corn flakes and bourbon make up this tantalizing treat. But for an extra kick to your cone, pair this flavor with their Chocolate Smoked Sea Salt. The corn flakes, salt, and booze are a combination you just can’t resist.
This North Beach sweet spot offers everything from pastries to ice cream. More than just unique, their flavors are plain surprising, like pesto, goat cheese and fig, and quince poppy seed. But, focusing on the basics, their Chocolate Obsession truly is worth obsessing over. Also try their Four Barrel Mocha, Choc Nut, and White Chocolate Champagne.
