On a recent family trip, our first order of business for a birthday was to get great ice cream. Well we certainly found it here thanks to the recommendation of a friend. The Ice Cream Bar is popular, so prepare for a wait since they take the time and care to make your order. It's located on a nice block with street parking, but it's also a busy area in general and probably easier to walk to. They have menus and a small seating area outside. Inside is a great throwback to 30s/40s art decor style, with the main ice cream counter to the right and the actual bar at the back. They have different ice creams available by the scoop in a cold dish, or opt for a made-daily waffle cone. They have classic toppings as well. Once you order, you pay towards the back. The bar area itself offers alcohol, perfect for a Guinness float or to add a little something extra to a milkshake or sundae. Prices are reasonable for the quality. The servers were so welcoming and eager to please with special requests as well. If you're an ice cream fan, this one is worth coming to enjoy. read more

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Best ice cream store in the city. I time warp back to the 50s/60s. Everyone working here is so nice and they let you try all the flavors and will give recommendations. Open late and perfect for a final stop on a nice walk. Bar seating available if you prefer that vibe. The banana pudding and morello cherry ice cream are amazing. The mint chip is also super good. Home made waffle cones are my personal favorite. Also love a chocolate banana milkshake. Go! read more

This bar is so cute and fun. I've come in the past for the ice cream cake and that always hits the spot, so nice to have a spot that serves it by the slice. The line can get quite long, but catch them before it gets busy and it's always worth it. One thing I enjoy about the service is that even in a long line you don't feel rushed ordering. They're happy to grab you samples or make recommendations. I did try something new this time and it was just the perfect bite. I really like that you can get the brownie sundae half and full size because the half was the right size for me. The brownie was warm and soft. I got the banana pudding ice cream on top with their homemade caramel and whipped cream. If I could I'd eat this every day. My boyfriend got the rootbeer float and I tend to be skeptical about artisan or homemade rootbeer, but it was very good. It was elevated without trying to be too different. We want to try more of the floats and shakes in the future, but I fear the brownie sundae will make every order from here on. read more

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I've been trying to get to more ice cream spots in the city, so Ice Cream Bar in Cole Valley was definitely on the list. I love any place with an old school diner vibe, so this place already has a cool feel to it. I got the Bourbon Apricot which I really liked. It was very smooth and rich, and it had huge chunks of apricot which gave a nice texture and is pretty unique in general for ice cream. My girlfriend on the other hand got the hot butterscotch drink and absolutely loved it. She was super excited for it and it even exceeded her expectations! It was very sweet (even for me), but also very delicious. The staff were also very kind and friendly, especially since it was our first time. Overall I would definitely come back! read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Bourbon Apricot - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Ice Cream Bar is a fun old school soda fountain spot in Cole Valley and perfect for an after dinner treat. We got the Keller's Farm sundae with crème fraîche ice cream and cherry ice cream, smothered in morello cherries and served with shortbread cookies. Really unique and not overly sweet. The cherry soda was also great, and the service was friendly with solid recommendations. Overall, a unique little spot with a fun throwback feel. Definitely worth stopping by when you're in the neighborhood. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Kellers farm Sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Got the junior sized mint chip and banana pudding! Mint chip had a bit salty taste with dark chips which we enjoyed. Banana pudding was also good. Our first time here and we loved our experience. The theme of the place is nostalgic and cute. We felt welcomed. The girl who took our order was kind and explained each flavor we wanted to try. Yuxin, who also helped us, was soo kind and patient with us as we kept wanting to try new things. We sat by the front so we were got tempted to order a rhubarb pie, choco banana, and choco chip cookie. Will definitely come back again! read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

Dare I say this is the best ice cream I've ever had? The quality and flavors of their ice cream is insane! The flavors are super creamy, complex, and often not too sweet. They also have a rotating menu so it's fun to come back and try new flavors! I love the old school vibe in here, and if you eat in inside they serve the ice cream in old school silver bowls! I'd love to come back and try a milkshake, affogato, or banana split! We recommend this place to out of towners and they love it. Expect a bit of a line, but it goes by in about 10 minutes. Also limited seating on a busy day. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Macadamia nut and salted caramel turtle pecan (small scoop) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I have visited this place a couple times, the ice cream is very good. I recently had the L-O-L-A ice cream float and it was yummy. They also have chocolate covered bananas and rhubarb pie, I will have to try one of those someday. It is a pretty busy place, not much available seating. Service is fast and friendly. I like the whole old ice cream parlor vibe. read more

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This was a fun spot to grab a bite of ice cream, it was very lively and had a long line on a Friday night. Parking around the area wasn't too bad and the line moved quickly. I had the dark chocolate sorbet and really enjoyed the strong chocolate flavor of it. I do wish that there was more seating available inside, we were lucky to get a standing table to enjoy our ice cream. Loved the diner vibe of the shop and having the option to order the ice cream to dine in. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Dark chocolate sorbet - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

After a weekend dinner, my friends and I wanted to explore a bit of Cole Valley and stumbled upon this shop. I loved the aesthetics and the retro theme, with pretty green lights and the ample bar seating. I tried their Mint Chip ice cream in their smallest scoops size, and I got it in a metal bowl as I enjoyed my ice cream at their seating. It was creamy and refreshing, with a nice balance of mint flavor and chocolate chips. I also tried their hot chooclate, with was rich and cozy, and there was whipped cream that I mixed in well for an indulgent touch. Both items were well-made, and on a cold day, I equally enjoyed both the cold dessert and the warm drink. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Mint Chip ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

An old school aesthetic soda fountain and ice cream shop nestled in Cole Valley. I've tried their affogato, chocolate & pecan ice creams and enjoyed it. They also have a boozy menu for adults where I've seen small groups make a pit stop for (in the form of a bachelorette party bus). Staff are friendly and helpful. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this adorable retro-styled ice cream spot on a Friday night. The service was great and the flavor selection impressed me. I could tell the employees enjoy what they do, which adds to the vibe. The ice cream was delicious and so was my affogato! Whether you're in the mood for ice cream, sundaes, cakes, or even a drink, this place is fantastic for a cute date night. Their huge variety of sweets makes me want to come back and try more. Street parking from Friday to Sunday can be a challenge. I had to drive around for a while to find a spot. Overall, it's such a fun experience and definitely worth the visit. I do wish I had this as my first date idea... oh well :) read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Affogato - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

Look no further if you live in the area and need a fun spot to become a regular at! The banana pudding ice cream is insanely good, if I lived within walking distance I would without a doubt be here eating it weekly. This is coming from someone who's not even a fan of banana-flavored things! While not the cheapest ice cream option in the neighborhood, the retro vibes and the quality of the ice cream makes a visit here more than worth it. The staff was very friendly and kindly allowed us to add hot chocolate syrup after we had already been served. We loved sitting at the bar on these cute barstools, eating out of old-fashioned metal bowls, and taking in the vintage parlor feel of the shop's interior. It was like we were in an old movie! read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Banana Pudding - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

I passed by few times always buys this ice cream shop , Today I decided stop by get some ice cream, I got the vegan flavor taste so good , the staff is very nice ! read more

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Great concept for a place. Boozy shakes for adults and your regular sweet treat ice cream for the young'ns. Staff is super patient, friendly & quick! Super kind set the vibe. Space inside to sit and enjoy. We will definitely be back! read more

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Delightful 1930s styled-interior, ice cream shop with many flavors of delicious ice cream and sorbets. They have a soda fountain and make floats, shakes, and sodas. They also offer a variety of Sundays, hot drinks, boozy drinks and fruit pies. Their freezers carry ice cream cakes, baked Alaska desserts and pre-packed tubs of ice cream. We got a couple of bowls of ice cream. The small size is two scoops so you can mix flavors in the cup/bowl. We also got a Lola which is a cherry soda with cherry & vanilla ice cream. Then we also had a lemon phosphate. The staff is very nice and helpful and we love this place. read more

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Adorable ambiance and yummy ice cream Came just in time before a line started. Next time I'll try the apple pie read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Adorable ambiance and yummy - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is an absolute vintage dessert dream~ The retro seating, staff uniform with bow ties, metal bowls for ice cream without the weird unpronounceable ingredients, and tall glasses for floats all give you a blast to the past! They make their own cola soda which I dare say might be equal to or better than the original giant. The ice cream here is delicious and creamy and the floats are perfectly crafted with just the right amount of the right ingredients, even the boozy floats! Yes you read that right: they have boozy ice cream floats! A great place to bring friends visiting from out of town or a casual date or for an after dinner treat! read more

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Cute ice cream establishment with sundaes, floats, scoops and more! There is a variety of flavors - caramelized honey tasted a bit too caramelized for my taste but enjoyed banana pudding. Ice cream wasn't extraordinary but i liked the creative ambiance and menu! Got the ice cream sandwich with snickerdoodle cookies and the cookie was still fresh read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Ice cream sandwich - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Not afraid to admit that I'm a bit of an ice cream snob. Heard great things about The Ice Cream Bar and first time in this part of SF. Inside decor has a cute "diner/old-school" vibe, but the ice cream fell short. My visit took place a few Saturdays ago. The staff didn't offer any samples, even though I mentioned it was my first time, no suggestions. She was "whatevs". Ended up ordering the cherry, salted caramel turtle pecan, and butterscotch. The ice cream all tasted very artificial and melted rather quickly, even though the weather wasn't even warm. Lots of great ice cream options in SF, The Ice Cream Bar isn't it, probably won't be back. The highlight is that the Cole Valley neighborhood is definitely cute. #9/2025 read more

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Wonderful experience! Tasty dairy free options, very kind staff, great sized portions for the prices. Will definitely be back!

I'm obsessed with butterscotch so when I saw there was an ice cream spot nearby with my very favorite flavor, I knew what I had to do. Imagine my surprise when I saw signage for hot butterscotch as I approached! Never heard of such a thing, was so excited to try it. The people working were all so nice, the person who put together my order (a scoop of butterscotch and a hot butterscotch) sang a little song as they were working and I left feeling happy. The ice cream was good, not as strong a flavor as I expected but it was good. Perfectly creamy. The hot butterscotch was perfect. I've thought about it every day for the last week, it's all I want. Can't wait to be back in the city and go back! read more

The Ice Cream Bar is what dreams are made of, and if I lived in the neighborhood, would make this a tradition to come here all the time for special occasions and truly just those days where a sweet treat is needed and deserved. After a great brunch at Zazie's, we saved room for dessert after taking note of this spot. Such a nostalgic, old school vibe upon walking in. Retro yet classic, like the name, a true 'ice cream bar' or soda fountain bar from the 1930's (see pic with the stools and all). They mentioned everything is made in-house ~ ice cream, baked goods, ice cream cakes, chocolate dipped bananas, drinks like a hot butterscotch/hot chocolate, and also boozy floats to name a few items! The staff also look the part, with the hat, bow tie, etc. Love, love, loved the experience ~ true to its name and form, so fun. I've never had a boozy milkshake before, but figured if it was going to be done, this was for sure the perfect spot. I ordered the Guinness Stout which after researching, had actually received several accolades over the years. Essentially it's caramelized honey ice cream, Guinness, chocolate syrup, and a float of Graham's 10 year tawny port. Honestly, it was just what the doctor ordered post-meal..and of course, on a weekend of celebrating all things green :) Take a step back in time, try a few samples of delicious ice cream, grab a root beer float, sit at the bar stools, and honestly, just have a little SF fun exploring the sweeter side of life! read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Baked goods and a look at the menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Such a unique ice cream shop! I love the indoor decor that makes it feel like a retro ice cream shop. The staff here was super friendly and patient. I always get paralysis with picking ice cream, and the woman on Friday night wasn't annoyed with me at all, which I really appreciated. The flavors here are good and unique, but I personally didn't love any of them. I got a waffle cone, which was also a different texture and flavor from what I've had in the past. I enjoyed it! read more

There lots of bars around San Francisco. This bar has Boozy Floats with Guinness Stout and others with Sparkling Wine. The Ice Cream Bar is a place in San Francisco to grab ice cream in Cole Valley with or without alcohol. The inside of the Ice Cream Bar ambiance looks like a classic ice cream parlor from a television set from mid twentieth century. This place has one of my favorite ice cream flavors which is butterscotch. It doesn't have to be a Sunday to enjoy a Sundae at the Ice Cream Bar. Looking for the scoop of flavors in a cone or a bowl Go take a stroll to the Ice Cream Bar on Cole read more

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The shop itself is cute, clean, & nostalgic. The guys working were friendly, helpful, & authentic. The options were impressive & many - from build your own ice cream cookie sandwiches to sundaes, floats, & some incredible pre-made favorite treats. They also had yummy vegan options. We had trouble deciding, but were not disappointed! We loved it all. This was a great experience! Highly recommend! read more

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Amazing hidden gem! It's like walking back in time. The inside is very cool, the service was next level and the ice cream was absolutely delicious. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Ice cream sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Unique flavors, like nothing you have had before. The ambiance here is what stands out the most! A one of a kind ice cream experience

such a cute little ice cream shop that still looks & operates like an old diner!!! i absolutely love the ambiance of this place, perfect place to end a night with friends i got myself a little rootbeer float and they make it at the bar in the back!! the spices are very strong so it's not everyone's cup of tea but i enjoyed it! the workers are all so incredibly nice as well! read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Best ice cream spot in San Francisco. Hands down. I said what I said! The banana split is incredible with the caramelized fruit and unique ice cream flavors, and the vegan sorbets hit the spot (mango passion fruit blew my mind!). The line can be a bit long and move slow since everything is made to order, but it's totally worth it and the staff is very nice. This is a must visit spot in the city. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Mango passion fruit sorbet - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I loveddd the vibe here! One you enter, you will feel like u have been transported to a 90s diner! The lighting gives the illusion of a cold winter night but in a good way. The servers are very chill and polite. We got a hot brownie sundae. The brownie was a little salty for my liking. The morello cherry ice cream was pretty good and paired well with the brownie. Would go here again! read more

Perfect ice cream spot. Charming soda bar aesthetic, delicious flavors, ample seating, reasonable prices for SF, and nice staff. I had the banana pudding ice cream as a half size sundae and it was a great combo. Look forward to coming back! read more

Came here after a long time to celebrate a friend's birthday with a banana split. The line was pretty long but it moved somewhat fast with three employees working their best to take all orders. I got the caramelized honey, as this was my go to the last time I came here. Seating inside was nice and their bathroom was clean too. Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for good ice cream, a sundae, or a banana split with caramelized bananas read more

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Haven't been here in a few years, everything feels like the same still. I got their brownie Sunday with butterscroth ice cream and banana pudding ice cream, so bomb! The service was solid, team was very friendly and patient. We sat at the soda bar and watched them make our drinks and a few other drinks. Got to talk to a few team members and they were all super funny! Definitely a must try place! It definitely feels very retro. read more

First off: everyone raves about the waffle cone, so I got just a waffle cone to eat for $1.50 (without ice cream in it; I was too full by then); The waffle cone is amazing. It's the only waffle cone that tastes as great as it smells when they make it. It's also very light, so it crumbles easily. - 4.7: Fortunato's reviver milkshake: sherry, sweet vermouth, walnuts, cramelixed honey, vanilla ice cream. nutty from the sherry, bitter note from the sweet vermouth. Black walnuts work great, but float to the top. - 4.7: Sour cherry phosphate, made into a float with the addition of Crème fraîche ice cream. Worth a trip just for this. - 4.3: Lola ice cream float: Cola / cherry soda, with morello and creme fraiche ice cream. The Cola plus cherry syrup results in a muddled flavor. The Cherry ice cream doesn't work; all creme fraiche ice cream would be better. - 4.3: Royal red milkshake: red ale, sherry, morello cherry ice cream. It's a thick milkshake; a bit too thick. The flavor has an overly sweet/bitter flavor. - 4.3: Love it or hate it ice cream float: anise and herb soda with creme fraice ice cream. - 4.0: Snickerdoodle cookie is good. - 4.0: Angostura bitters phosphate: It has about a Tablespoon of angostura bitters, with a lot of sweetener. Stick with the sour cherry phosphate. - 3.8: Dublin Honey: ice cream float with guinness, caramelized honey ice cream, chocolate syrup, and a float of port wine. Not as good as the first time I had it. too dark/bitter. - 3.5: Too good to be true milkshake: concentrated butterscotch. Too intense in the butterscotch department. - 3.0: Caramelized honey ice cream. - 3.0: Vegan chocolate sorbet. - 2.0: New Orleans Hangover: Too sweet, can't taste the coffee. - 2.0: Root Beer float: Not strong enough root beer flavor, with too much vanilla. However: the blow-torched marshmallow that comes with it is great. - 1.5: Tropical Hot toddy: madeira, ginger/lime shrub, and angostura bitters. This is just bad. Should be removed from the menu. read more

A trip down memory lane. A nice selection of house made ice creams, sundaes, ice cream sammiches and more. Waffle cones are world class. Lots of non dairy options for dairy free. Dad approved. read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Interior - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

High quality ice cream and very unique flavors! I got the pineapple flavor and I really enjoyed it. Also super cute interior and I love the idea that they sell alcohol too. Only thing is it is on the pricey side for ice cream, but is definitely worth a try! read more

The Ice Cream Bar - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Francisco, California

Best old fashioned shakes In town. If you get there ice cream know that it's handmade and delicious. The morello cherry ice cream is a favorite and the sorbet is crisp and delicious. Service is fun and it's always packed so expect a line! The line lets you know it's worth it!! read more

This place is soooo adorable and delicious! Be prepared to be taken back in time in this gem. We got the alcoholic Fortunato milkshake with a root beer float. Both were excellent!! Also both were pretty large so you can certainly share one. You can tell they use high quality ingredients and make everything themselves. They take their craft very seriously here. It's great for a date or even something fun to do for out of towners. read more

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Anyone rating this less than an 11 (as in "turn it up to 11") is nuts. Hot take: best ice cream in Bay Area. I'm an ice cream snob and have my favorites. This wins, hands-down. My son just said, "if anyone doesn't like the ice cream here, they must not like ice cream." The waffle cones have a delectable nutty texture-- hard to describe but just right. Creme fraiche was appropriately sweet/tart. The banana puddin flavor knocked our socks off (we had no inkling we'd like it but saw great reviews about it). Friendly staff and adorable atmosphere-- especially the winter decorations. read more

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