Love those aioli grilled cheese with melted cheese over Fritos and Cheetos. That's where it's at! That's Andre! read more

See all

a bird pooped on my head while i was walking. i asked to use the restroom and they denied at first but this one worker who is male, has curly hair, and is tall, allowed me. i was in a panic because there was no other restroom nearby and it was the first time ive ever been pooped on. his "i got you bro" was a very lighting moment and was the "savior of my troubles." he deserves a raise and i respect him a lot. i recommend this store and whenever you're there say "hey savior of the kid who got pooped on" read more

The ice-cream was too sweet. You want to patronize non- chain brands but not when they cannot get the basics right.

they put everything in cups it was not good the sundae was yummy, but it was in a cup read more

Amazing spot for ice cream with very personable and friendly staff. Love this place so much.

This is my go-to comfort spot for coffee, lunch, and getting my work done. I love the local, throw-back feel and the workers are young and fun. The sandwiches, salads and coffee are super yummy. I love the artichoke grilled cheese, the soup, any of their salads, and the Tuscan chicken sandwich. I'm not a dessert person, but people seem to rave about the ice cream whenever I'm in. This place is an old Marin staple for those of us who want a neighborhood joint, not the next trendy gastro whatever where nobody knows your name. Those are fun for a treat but this is my every-day spot, my home away from home. read more

A penguin was driving down from Ukiah on a hot July day. But heading down 101, he noticed an ominous black smoke coming from his hood. Luckily he was approaching an exit ramp - Central San Rafael - and managed to coax his car, sputtering and spewing all the way - to one of the garages on Andersen Drive. The mechanic popped the hood. "Wow, it's a mess! I'll take a look at it right now, but it'll take me an hour or so." Not good news for our flightless Antarctican. It was over 100 degrees, and he needed to cool down. "Well, there's an ice cream place up a ways on Forth Street called Double Rainbow. Got decent ice cream, and if you want something more than that, their coffee and sandwiches are pretty good too. And they've got Italian soda - might be just the place for you to cool off on a day like today?" Then penguin was sold. He waddled up there, struggling in the hot Californian sun. But he just made it, collapsing against the counter. "Get me some ice cream!!" our intrepid wee hero begged. "Plain old vanilla will do! And please, hurry!!!" He sat down to a decently sized, but somewhat expensive dish of tasty frozen goodness. Without hands though, the spoon was useless. He just buried his face in the dish, and slurped it up. Even though it was pricey, he ordered a second, and feeling rejuvinated, headed back to pick up his car. When he walked into the garage, the mechanic brought him around to go over what he'd found. "Well, son, it looks like you blew a seal." The penguin thought for a moment, dabbed his beak and said "Nah, it's just ice cream." read more

You know life is good when: -the most difficult decision you've made today is whether or not to get two scoops or one -whether or not pumpkin and peanut butter ice cream really do go together, or even if you care that they don't because they both start with the letter "P" and therefore must share something in common -what size cup to pick so that your rainbow sprinkles don't fall out as you mix them in your delicious goodness....."Hi my name is Danielle and I'd like some ice cream with my rainbow sprinkles please!" Yes, I'm a sprinkles addict. -whether or not you danced enough to today to work off the caramel and chocolate sauce on your brownie sunday with whipped cream -you can't decide to sit inside or outside on a November night because it's so damn warm you're sittin' in a t-shirt after consuming Sol Food for forty minutes straight -you're biggest concern is that you are looking for napkin access immediately because one of your best girls you're consuming calories with tonight has made you laugh so hard that rainbow f'in sprinkles are going to soon emanate from your nose read more

PROs: - Open late in San Rafael - Really comfy silver-vinyl old-school diner chairs - Great friendly service - Did you know you could eat 3 meals a day here? (Breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, etc.) I guess it's not just for ice cream any more! - Coffee and tea, in addition to ice cream - Soft-serve fro-yo for the dieters - Good (not the greatest, but solidly good) ice cream - A nice selection of flavors and toppings, not the overwhelming 30+ choices CONs - It's September 27th. There are ALREADY Christmas decorations in the stores. But there is NO seasonal Pumpkin ice cream at Double Rainbow. Humph! (The pumpkin ice cream was the reason we went there in the first place ... if you haven't had it, DO try it -- it's also available by the pint at your local Trader Joe's) - When did the teeny-tiny kid-sized cup of ice cream become $3??? - They do NOT give you free ice cream on your birthday!!!! ... but the manager was clever to suggest you bring a FRIEND with you on your birthday, and have him buy you an ice cream! read more

Ice cream parlors have become nostalgic. I don't never if they'll ever lose their place in this world but whenever walking past Double Rainbow in San Rafael you can't help but smile. Memories flood back of drippy cones and licked fingers while we all hope not to let it drop to the floor. trust me, many-a-tears have been shed over dropped cones. The flavors are plenty and the portions are bountiful. You get what you pay for here and the decor has you sticking around for more. read more

I think Nick's review is ridiculous and completely false. Double Rainbow is a great, locally owned cafe. The food is delicious, the ice cream is awesome, and the atmosphere is fun. The place does not smell like poop. And if you are reading this, Nick, maybe if you try not to act like an asshole to people, you might get a better response from folks. Calling the health inspector because an employee wanted you to buy something while you were in the cafe using their wireless is a real dick move. read more

I've been eating this stuff for about 10 years now, and IT'S A GOODY is still one of the most delicious flavors in the world...those hunks of sweet peanut butter and dark chocolate swimming in the creamiest vanilla ice cream you can imagine. It would be part of my "last meal" if I could plan it. Anytime I have dinner in San Rafael, I pass on dessert so I can come to Double Rainbow for a couple scoops to finish the night. Only downside is I'm not the only one who loves the stuff -- there's usually a line out the door after 10pm and the service is not drive-thru style. It's an old-fashioned ice cream shop, so prepare to wait for your reward. But, totally worth it! They have about 30 flavors, which soy options and fro-yo, too. read more

Climb into this way-back machine and be transported to a simpler time before Starbucks and gastropubs invaded San Rafael's 4th Street. Double Rainbow serves the famous San Francisco gourmet ice cream...voted "Best Ice Cream in America"...in a friendly old-fashioned soda fountain atmosphere. It's a popular hang out for all ages and has counter service for sandwiches and salads. On a weeknight, college kids home for the holidays connected until late night. Sidewalk tables beckon, and friendly service keeps folks coming back year after year. read more

I give it five stars because its really good food for a cheap price. I love the frozen yogurt and ice cream choices that they offer. Its Yum-O! Its 10 times better then the cold stone ice cream place down the street from this joint (they are really gross). But over all a good place to hang out with your friends and family. read more

After a disappointing meal one night, we were craving some satisfaction and were loathe to spend another dollar where we dined, only to experience further disappointment. So we whipped out our phones and followed Yelp's helpful suggestions for dessert on a Saturday night. Our first stop was in San Anselmo, but everything was closed. So back home to San Rafael we went, cruising down 4th street at an admittedly annoying 20 mph pace scanning the storefronts. When I saw those two rainbows in the window I knew we'd hit the jackpot. "Stop!" I commenaded and we screeched into a parking spot. Their mind-boggling number of ice cream flavors nearly distracted me from the dessert case, but the two-layer boston cream pie caught my eye and held it. A very generous piece, two forks and two decafs later, we were hunched over the plate in our formica table oblivious to anything but the sweet cream and chocolate taste sensation washing over us. This place could definitely use some modernization, but its soda-fountain counter with built-in stools is especially charming. Slightly grungy but definitely satsifying. And even better, open until midnight! I may never give $9 dessert in a restaraunt another chance again. read more

Updating my review after eating tons of baked goods at this place and having a far better experience with them prior to my last review. Their tuna salad sandwiches are bomb. This place is a must-visit for any form of basic human joy. read more

So one week night, sorta late, I was desperate for ice cream. After perusing Yelp for a bit, and consulting a friend, I hopped in the car (in my PJs) and drove the short distance to Double Rainbow on 4th St. When I arrived, I discovered that my craving was more specifically for sorbet... and they just happened to have red raspberry. I waited anxiously as they heaped the goodness into my waffle cone. TASTE EXPLOSION!! Needless to say I was leveled by the sorbet. Perfect sorbet consistency and packed with flavor. It was gone within minutes and I was sad. I'll be back for you... red raspberry sorbet. So watch out. read more

Love the decor and artwork on their walls and tables. We got 2 cookie sandwiches but he ran out of cookies for the both of us so my bf got 1 cookie and some ice cream. The cashier wanted to charge the full $6 for his "cookie sandwich" too even though it was missing a whole cookie until I said something, I think he only took off 50 cents though so that wasn't worth it. Prices here are very overpriced. The cookies were good. The ice cream was nothing special- they don't make their own ice cream if you were wondering. read more

I love Double Rainbow for the delicious ice cream, but also for the atmosphere it provides to 4th St. San Rafael is such a great small town, I especially love the lighting at night with all the lights strung over the road...and I don't think it would be the same without Double Rainbow. I always take out-of-towners here, and I especially love the trivia question of the day that I can never seem to get right. The ice cream is obviously the best part, but everything else is toppings on the sundae. Mmmmm. read more

Note: My review is based on customer service and the espresso bar drink I ordered. I have NOT had ice cream or anything else here. We went here late one night because we were craving espresso and it was the only place still open. The chick behind the counter was incredibly snotty, rolling her eyes when I asked if I could put a lump of sugar in beforehand, and didn't listen to half the request I made for my latte (extra hot - didn't happen, low fat milk - nope). When I finally got the drink in hand, it was GRAY (WTF?!), had no foam and was barely warm. Yes, it tasted as bad as it looked. I can honestly say without hesitation that this was by far the worst coffee drink I've ever had. I really hope they do ice cream better than bar drinks, but I don't think I'll take the time to find out. read more

I used to live basically a block away from this place, to the point that my fiancé and I were regulars. That's kind of embarrassing, to be a regular at an ice cream place, but the milkshakes were so good that we couldn't resist. We haven't moved very far, so I'm still here fairly often for a treat. We've switched to usually just getting ice cream in small cups which feels less decadent than weekly (semi-weekly...) milkshakes. Favorite flavors: coconut (with coconut flakes inside!), salted caramel, green tea, cookie vanilla, mango. My guy is a big It's a Goody fan! When getting milkshakes, you can mix flavors. My favorite is green tea & coconut, or really coconut with most things (like mango or coffee), but I know I might be in the minority on that! Maybe someday we'll actually try the food! read more

It's about time I praised this place on Yelp! I have been a regular at Double Rainbow since I started working at the Copperfield's Bookstore that opened just nearby. Nearly everyone on the staff knows me by name, and they go out of their way to make sure that I am comfortable and happy with my food. I have tried a multitude of goodies there, from the soups to the sandwich specials to the ice cream. There's so much amazing stuff on the menu, and a lot of variety if you happen to have certain preferences or dietary needs. Any time I am in downtown San Rafael, I stop by Double Rainbow, even if it's just to say hello. Nothing like a great Corn and Green Chile bisque or chocolate milkshake sided with good conversation with customers and employees. Friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and a top notch owner - even if he does have a higher regard for Matthew Broderick than I do. Stop by - you won't regret it! read more

So simple, but just as wonderful as it gets. Great ice cream, awesome sandwiches, and a friendly staff. This is as "Downtown San Rafael" as it gets. Love it! read more

***** PUMPKIN ICE CREAM ***** I heart all things pumpkin flavored. Minus one star, seems kinda dirty in there. Didn't stop me from eating my pumpkin ice cream though.... read more

This place is great. Let me say, the ladies who work here are just fabulous. I've never received so many compliments in such as small amount of time in my life. Adorable, hilarious, happy-go-lucky gals. Love them. The 50's diner feel is so great. Sitting at the bar makes me giddy. I had a 2 scoop, white pistachio/hazelnut truffle latte. SO GOOD. Their ice cream was voted 'Best in America' for a reason! The sandwich of the day was the 'Lois Lane' . I almost ordered it even though I wasn't hungry:) At night, they have a light oustside that shoots a giant double rainbow onto the ground. It's AWESOME. Clean, cute, delicious, go. read more

Yum yum and more yum. It tasted like a rainbow. The employee's were kind and helpful. Come here

Double Rainbow is a long time Bay Area business - since 1976! - which despite having expanded as a chain still feels like a high quality mom and pop business. Everytime I want a sundae fix I come here for a delicious glass filled with yumliciousness. Prices are very reasonable and most importantly the ice cream is outstanding! The menu here is surprisingly large with lots of locally baked goods and other treats. A wall full of posters and local events keeps you informed on the many interesting things to do in the area - kind of like having a Marin Weekly plastered on the wall. And don't forget to challenge your trivia addicted brain with the question of the week - if you're right you win a prize! read more

Great find on the way back from Point Reyes! Friendly awesome staff working with a huge selection of anything you could want, ranging from ice cream to sandwiches to smoothies. Love that they are open late, especially on weekends! Definitely worth stopping by! read more

Sandwhich is alright. Barely any chicken probably not even organics. For the portion and price I'd say 5/10 also not understanding of human needs is kinda janky. I DID NOT PURCHASE any thing today but did yesterday and would have tried other things and I'm sure if they know u you can use they bathroom any time. I was needing to go number one urgently and he informed me that if I purchased something I could use the facilities. Now I don't look like a bum and dress rather nice fresh clothes do my hair. He didn't recognize me from the day before and could care less. Sometimes it's me some times it's you probably a little more me today and I went here after three places said the same thing because ya know rainbow seems friendly and I was their the day before. Not going back not wasting my money. read more

Hahaha oh boy! So basically I HAD to come here the other night. Kristina S. and I were about to see a late night movie (which was too lame to even mention so I won't) but had an hour to kill beforehand and frozen yorgurt had to be had. Let me backtrack a bit. This night started with me in my Juicy tracksuit at home online shopping with a space heater on full blast listening to music from Gossip Girl that I downloaded either on itunes or one of those kind of sketchy free music download sites that usually give computers viruses (but I have a Mac so I'm pretty safe).... ANYWAY.... Kristina got on Gchat and told me that going out in a non-drinking way was necessary. So I told her I'd get fro-yo (frozen yogurt for those of you not in the know) at Woody's in Mill Valley. But she wanted to see a movie (a desire that we would both come to regret a couple hours later when we were sitting through the dullest, lamest, embarrassing-that-I-spent-$10-to-see-it movie ever). So we meet up and try to go to Woody's but it was closed by the time we got there (had we gone when I first suggested it instead of arguing over which movie to see-- an argument I clearly lost and should have fought harder to win haha) and there was some Creeper McShadowLurker kid there and he kept popping out of nowhere telling us to go to McDonald's for McFlurry or Coldstone or buy a pint of Haagen Daaz at Safeway.... I just took off running for the car because this kid freaked me the eff out. Anyway, coming back to the point of this review, Double Rainbow, Kristina and I went to San Rafael and hit up this old school little ice cream parlor. They have a decent selection of normal ice cream, and a pretty subpar selection of frozen yogurt, but if you're down for vanilla or chocolate you're taken care of here. I prefer Woody's frozen yogurt in Marin, based on the grander selection of soft-serve frozen yogurt, but in a pinch Double Rainbow saved the evening. read more

I love Double Rainbow on 4th Street in San Rafael. Been coming here on and off since I moved to Marin six years ago. It's the quintessential downtown ice-cream shop, but they've also got some killer cake/cupcake/dessert options, a few sandwich choices, and a lot of choices for coffee/chai/tea refreshment. Went here today with a friend to get in a great game of Scrabble (yeah, I keep my Diamond edition Scrabble and official Scrabble dictionary in my car) after breakfast. Had a killer vanilla latte and big-ole slice of apple pie while we played. The staff is really friendly and always smiling, (even when the line's stretched to the door some nights) which just makes coming here that much more enjoyable... read more

The best Chai shake I've ever had. Place had a real unique Cali feel to it. Wall decor was fun; rainbows and aliens. The order/check-out 'system' is complete chaos. Not at all organized in the sense, there's not a designated line to order- then they take your order and move you over to get the next person... THEN bring you back to squeeze back into the 'line' to pay. Also, hours were disappointing!! I REALLY wanted to go back the next day for another chai shake, because it was sooo yummy, but they were only open from 11am-12 on Friday. So, great chai BUT ya gotta be willing to 'work for it.' read more

I am from Austin, Texas, and thus compare all ice cream shops with Amy's, may its butter-tinted light shine forever. And while no others have equaled it, Double Rainbow is very good. May I recommend the Dulce de Leche (the real ice cream version, not the frozen yogurt). The sandwiches are quite nice as well. read more

LOVE it! I've been here 2 times and both experiences were great! Green Tea- good! if you're into green tea Chocolate raspberry- love love love this one! chocolate AND berry! Hazanut latte- it reminds me of that one chocolate hazelnut candy. recommend for a quick fix ice cream spot! read more

I can't see very well and the woman working the register was of no use when I explained my poor eyesight and she stared not telling me any flavors. I struggled and picked something but they were out of an ingredient so my friend asked what she would recommend she just stared once again, useless. I know customer service isn't a great job at times but I kept my tone friendly and just declined to order anything. Giving it a 1 star for terrible customer service. read more

I go here a lot with my two year old. We love their soup specials. That last soup we had was potato and ham. It was warm, comforting and delicious. My daughter finished the soup and their hot dog. Afterwards, we each get a scoop of ice cream. Her favorite is the chocolate. I pick whatever suites my fancy. The service is excellent. This place is a treasure. read more

The frozen yogurt at this shop is overpriced. I paid $4.25 for a 4oz cup. The yogurt is good, but a rip off. Nice people working there and great for ice cream! read more

Great ice cream, but food is just ok. Would love to come here more often for both, but sandwiches are just so-so. That being said, if you are looking for a delicious scoop of ice cream with a variety of flavors, it's great! read more

I go to Double Rainbow when I want a sugar high and stomachache (caused by myself of course - not by DR). I like the many selections and scoop-tacular amounts of ice cream you are served. I don't think I've walked out of Double Rainbow without some kind of food dropping on my shirt. Be careful of the random hordes of late night High Schoolers who want ice cream (the wait can be a bit), other then that I'd recommend it to anyone who wants their local ice cream fix. read more

One of the best thing about Double Rainbow is the fact that open until midnight. San Rafael doesn't have much open late excluding bars or Yet Wah (which I do not like anyways) on the same block. If you are hankering for a small treat and a cup of coffee just to hang out with your friends Double Rainbow is the spot. I notice a lot of high school age couples hanging out here at night which is so cute. It reminds me when I was back in high school with my first boyfriend getting a scoop of ice cream because that is all we could afford. I prefer the rainbow sorbet in a cone. Nothing beats this nightnap. read more