Mitchell's Ice Cream
(415) 648-2300
688 San Jose Ave
San Francisco,
CA
94110
37.7442
-122.4227
Neighborhoods: Central, Noe Valley
What People Are Saying About Mitchell's Ice Cream
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
A true slice of San Francisco, Mitchell's has been scooping and serving in the same location since the mid '50s. Lines are longest on those rare, hot, sunny weekend afternoons, but no matter how chilly the day, get ready to take a number at the door. Freezer cases at either end of the small shop are filled with pre-packed quarts and gallons, as well as birthday- and holiday-themed ice cream cakes.
The Food
There aren't any gummy worms, chocolate cows or other goofy gimmicks mixed into the ice creams here. Flavors are straightforward and true, with real, fresh fruit flavors in the cantaloupe, mango and peach ice creams and an irrestible dose of cinnamon in the Mexican chocolate. But what really makes Mitchell's special is the tropical flavors, from a mix of pineapple, guava and passion fruit to ube (purple yam), mango and everyone's favorite, macapuno (baby coconut).
User Reviews
microjudas
February 24, 2009
Forget picking the ideal warm sunny day perfect for munching on ice cream. When you are accustomed to highs in the 40s, such a day in San Francisco is a mere rarity. Yet there is a place where people flock to devour their favorite sub-zero treat. You?ll find this oasis of flavor at a place called Mitchell?s. Serving the Bay Area since 1953, Mitchell?s has won the hearts of ice cream connoisseurs young and old along with recognition from a number of publications. Mitchell?s tantalizing flavors have been featured in Travel Magazine, The Food Network, San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. ?It?s the best. People from all over come here for it?s old neighborhood feel. There?s lots of places in the city and lot?s of change, and this is one of the few icons left in the city,? said Cristian Flores, at Mitchell?s for an after-work snack. ?Plus the parking is a plus, plus!? Whether its during its in the late afternoon when school gets out, or on a Saturday night as families go out for a late night treat, or a pit stop for a couple after a date, Mitchell?s packs the people in as well as the ice cream. ?I?ve been coming here for over 20 years and I?ve been bringing him here since he was 3,? said city resident Wendy Storch as she huddled out on the front bench with her son Nigel, 9. ?We come here when it?s hot or cold,? said Nigel when asked if he and his mom had a tradition. Not only through its consistency with its service, hours, and a pleasant experience, Mitchell?s has maintained its success in becoming as dynamic as the neighborhood it is located in. ?We?ve served special flavors since the sixties,? explains current manager Linda Mitchell, daughter of founder and owner Larry Mitchell. ?A Filipino fruit importer sampled our ice cream and talked with my dad about using imported mango to create a new flavor. He took a chance, and with a changing neighborhood, we found ourselves with a positive turnout.?
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nmoreno
October 03, 2008
I loved this place when i was young. they have some of the best ice cream and now i live in oregon and miss it sooooo much. i love the butterscotch prailine. its the best. you gotta try it!!
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anza
August 04, 2008
We stopped at mitchells after dinner while visiting san fran. I was hoping for something really special and from the line forming I was sure. However I was a little disappointed in the taste. I had the mexican chocolate which as a nice cinnamon flavor but all the other flavours I tried were just sweet tasting to me. I expected more of the real fruit taste or mint flavor, etc, to come through. Was fun to try but wouldn't go again. I've had much better in Italy and Vancouver.
read full reviewThe Details on Mitchell's Ice Cream
Where to Sit:
There's no inside seating. If you're lucky, you might get a seat on the bench outside. Otherwise, snag a seat on a nearby curb or stoop.
Save Time:
Buy pre-packed items, such as half gallons, and hightail it to the express lane.
When to Go:
Don't miss the seasonal flavors. During the autumn months, the pumpkin ice cream is pure spicy-sweet bliss.
Category:
Restaurants, Ice Cream Parlors, Dessert Shops, Wholesale Foods, Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Manufacturers
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining
