Swensen's Ice Cream
San Francisco, CA 94109-2040
Phone: (415) 775-6818
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Union Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Ice Cream 2006, Ice Cream 2005
- Hours:
- Sun, Tue-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Swensen's Ice Cream – by Citysearch Editors
In Short
Since its 1948 opening, the flagship location of the Swensen's chain hasn't changed much. With its classic neon sign out front, and traditional parlor decor inside, the staff serves dessert lovers of all ages. The menu features traditional flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, as well as pistachio almond, yam and other more offbeat recipes. Waffle sundaes come in cones with generous amounts of whipped cream and hot fudge.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingParking on Russian Hill can be grueling. During peak hours, parking near Van Ness and taking the Union Street bus up the hill may be your best option.
Know Before You GoIf you're craving ice cream on a Monday, you'll have to go elsewhere as Swensen's is closed.
User Reviews for Swensen's Ice Cream
02/08/2008 Posted by Nickkellermom
I am a 43 year old mother of two and I have been enjoying Swenson's Ice Cream since I was a little girl growing up in San Francisco. Being a native San Franciscan as well as an avid ice cream connoisseur, I have tasted all ice cream in San Francisco, and none compares to Swenson's!! One of our favorite family things to do in the City is to take the kids on the cable car and stop off and have an ice cream and take the cable car back down the hill to Fisherman's Wharf. My children absolutely love this tradition...Swenson's has been their favorite ice cream too. Our favorite flavors include Mocha Chip and Thin Mint. ENJOY!
09/08/2006 Posted by jkregear
After a breath-taking hike up Union Street sits Swensen's in a pleasant quiet neighborhood along the cable car line. The fading neon sign hardly does the fantastic ice cream justice. Through the front window is an industrial ice cream maker adding to the old fashioned homemade decor and, following tradition, the opposite wall is lined with mirrors. Although there aren't quite 31 flavors, there is definately something for everyone from classic to gourmet to sherbet. If you are feeling adventurous though, definately go for the waffle cone sundae. The staff is talkative and friendly and will gladly let you taste anything you please. The place must undoubtedly be crowded on a sunny afternoon but on a cold cloudy evening the place is almost empty. Beware though, they don't have anywhere to sit so be prepared to walk and lick at the same time (unless you prefer the much less enjoyable cup route). The portions here are huge, the price is reasonable and the staff is great so drop on by but don't let the server talk you into a $10 scoop (he's just kidding though).
Pros: Great ice cream, friendly staff
Cons: no where to sit
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