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ZipPicks Awards

Best Ice Cream in San Francisco

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Salt & Straw (Fillmore) 8.1
Pacific Heights
Seasonal and chef-collaboration flavors alongside stalwarts like Sea Salt w/ Caramel Ribbons. Lines form late but move quickly; flights help sample limited runs.
Must-Try Dishes: Sea Salt w/ Caramel Ribbons, Strawberry Honey Balsamic w/ Black Pepper, Monthly chef-series scoop
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rotating, creative flavors served with tasting spoons for discovery.
Who should go: Flavor hunters and collab collectors
When to visit: Late night after dinner crowds thin
What to order: Sea Salt w/ Caramel, a seasonal, a flight
Insider tip: Ask about split scoops to sample two flavors in one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Fillmore and nearby residential blocks; expect tight spots during dinner hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual—anything from jeans to post-dinner outfits fits in fine.
Noise level: Moderate street chatter and hum from the line; easy to hold a conversation once inside.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on season or special flavor drops.
Weekday lunch: Usually no line before 3pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—almost all flavors are vegetarian except those with bacon or similar mix-ins.
Vegan options: Yes—2–3 rotating plant-based options each month using coconut or oat milk bases.
Gluten-free options: Several options—ask staff for gluten-free flavor guidance; cones may contain gluten but cups are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's playful, quick, and perfect for casual conversation while sampling creative flavors. The line gives time to chat without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed; counter service only with a few benches outside for lingering.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—staff are patient with indecisive kids, and tasting spoons make it easy for families to explore flavors together.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, chef-collaboration flavors and limited editions that change monthly—ideal for those chasing novelty and buzz.
Skip if: You prefer straightforward classics or want quick grab-and-go soft serve without the line.

Hours

Monday11am - 11pm
Tuesday11am - 11pm
Wednesday11am - 11pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 11pm