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Joe’s Ice Cream & Burgers
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Joe’s Ice Cream & Burgers
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Sweet Treats Escapes
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family-run parlor serving house-made ice cream since 1959, plus burgers and fries for simple meals. It’s an easy after-school stop or casual dessert outing with plenty of classic flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot fudge sundae, Patty melt, Banana split
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: House-made ice cream tradition with a simple grill menu.
Who should go: Families craving dessert plus easy eats
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings
What to order: Hot fudge sundae, patty melt, banana split
Insider tip: Grab a pint to go for Ocean Beach sunsets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available along Geary Blvd and nearby side streets; generally easy on weekdays but tight around dinner and school pickup hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; families often stop in after school or the park.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dessert hours with happy chatter and kids; otherwise calm enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at peak dessert rush after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several burger and salad options can be made vegetarian, plus plenty of egg-free ice cream flavors.
Vegan options: Limited — usually one or two non-dairy ice cream flavors; fries and salads are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated fryer or prep area, but ice cream is safe if you skip cones.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for playful and nostalgic — it’s more casual and family-oriented than romantic, but sharing a sundae can be fun and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with counter ordering; tables turn quickly even on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely — high chairs available, simple menu items for kids, and quick service make it ideal for families with toddlers or school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick dessert stops, casual family meals, and nostalgic neighborhood vibes.
Skip if: You’re seeking gourmet desserts, gluten-free assurance, or a quiet sit-down dinner atmosphere.
Joe’s Ice Cream & Burgers
8.3
Richmond District institution serving house-made scoops and classic sundaes since 1959. Locals come for dependable flavors, friendly counter service, and fair prices that make an easy dessert stop any night of the week.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Fudge Sundae, Banana Split, Mint Chip
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: House-made ice cream served since 1959 with old-school sundaes.
Who should go: Families and classic-sundae fans
When to visit: Early evening before the after-dinner rush
What to order: Hot fudge sundae; banana split; mint chip scoop
Insider tip: Ask for a split cup to sample two flavors in one small.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Geary and adjacent residential blocks, typically available within a block except during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—come as you are, from park strolls to post-dinner dessert stops.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to chat over the hum of families and soft jukebox tunes.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes at peak; seats turn over quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: No wait; steady but light neighborhood traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetarian options including fries, veggie burgers, and most ice creams.
Vegan options: Limited—occasionally carries non-dairy sorbet or vegan ice cream flavors, but not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options available (e.g., sundaes without cones or burgers without buns). No dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re after a relaxed, nostalgic vibe—sharing a sundae in a vintage parlor setting is charmingly low-pressure and playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always—Joe’s runs on walk-in counter service; grab a booth or stool as they open up.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, kid-sized scoops offered, and families are the core clientele, especially early evenings.
Best For
Better for: Classic sundaes, affordability, and a warm retro feel unmatched by trendier dessert spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking artisanal or plant-based ice cream with experimental flavors—this is traditional Americana at heart.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm