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Powder
Master Critic Review
Powder
8.2
Lower Haight shop specializing in Taiwanese shaved snow—light ribbons that split the difference between ice cream and shaved ice. Toppings and rotating flavors keep it playful without feeling heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cereal Snow with cinnamon sugar, Black Sesame Snow, Croffle with Snow
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Shaved-to-order snow made with Straus dairy and inventive toppings.
Who should go: Dessert fans who prefer lighter, creative scoops
When to visit: Late afternoon to early evening for the shortest waits
What to order: Cereal Snow; black sesame; croffle + snow combo
Insider tip: Order first, then decide toppings—the line moves quickly and options rotate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Haight and Fillmore can be competitive, especially evenings and weekends. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most guests stop in post-meal or while walking the neighborhood.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly conversational hum from the open counter and small crowd.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dessert hours (7–9pm).
Weekday lunch: No wait—service is fast and takeout-friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nearly all base flavors and most toppings are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes—rotating non-dairy bases (like coconut or almond) are offered weekly.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—snow bases are gluten-free, but some toppings (like cookies or cereal) contain gluten; staff can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its light, playful desserts and small seating area make for a relaxed, low-pressure first date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations; seating is first-come, first-served, but turnover is fast since most guests grab and go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent Powder; flavors are creative but approachable, and kids enjoy customizing toppings.
Best For
Better for: Powder excels in texture and visual presentation—its shaved snow is lighter and more photogenic than typical ice cream or gelato.
Skip if: You’re craving dense, traditional scoops or large sundaes—this is about airy texture and playful style, not indulgent heft.