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San Francisco Creamery Co.
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
San Francisco Creamery Co.
8.0
Old-school parlor and diner known for house-made ice cream, hot fudge, and oversized sundaes. The famous Kitchen Sink challenge adds a bit of TV lore to downtown dessert runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Fudge Banana Sundae, Kitchen Sink Sundae, Banana Split
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: House-made ice cream and the Man v. Food ‘Kitchen Sink’ challenge.
Who should go: Classic parlor sundae lovers
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or late evening after dinner rush
What to order: Hot Fudge Banana Sundae; Banana Split; Kitchen Sink (share)
Insider tip: Split sundaes and add warm brownie or pie for a value boost.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated two-hour street parking and nearby public garages at Plaza Escuela and Broadway Plaza; free with validation from some shops.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are from shopping or dinner downtown.
Noise level: Lively during meal rushes; conversational once the dinner crowd thins.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for tables, longer for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several sundaes and desserts without gelatin or meat-based toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan ice cream, but fruit sorbets may rotate in seasonally.
Gluten-free options: Partial—ask for sundaes without brownie, cone, or cookie components.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's nostalgic and playful. Sharing a sundae or tackling the Kitchen Sink can make for a lighthearted first-date stop, though it’s more casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—they operate on a walk-in basis. Expect waits on weekends, especially during dinner and dessert hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, high chairs, and kid-sized sundaes make it ideal for families. Kids often love watching the Kitchen Sink challenge.
Best For
Better for: Classic parlor nostalgia, oversized sundaes, and social dessert experiences that newer creameries can’t match.
Skip if: You prefer artisanal or plant-based ice cream—try Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery or Lottie’s Creamery instead.
San Francisco Creamery Co.
7.6
Old-school diner and ice-cream parlor that also turns out hefty burgers and fries. It’s a kid-approved stop where you can pair a griddled patty with sundaes and shakes in a booth-lined setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Boy Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Build-Your-Own Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Retro diner energy with a full burger list and sundaes.
Who should go: Families and nostalgic burger fans
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before peak dessert rush
What to order: Big Boy Burger, Mushroom Swiss, shake
Insider tip: Check daily hours—some weekdays open later than lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and nearby garages on Civic Drive; typically open spaces mid-afternoon but tight after 6 pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and family attire fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; expect conversation over background chatter and dessert orders.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during peak dessert rush after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger, salads, and grilled cheese available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify the garden burger and fries; shakes not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial—lettuce-wrap burgers and several ice-cream options are gluten-free, but shared surfaces apply.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun and nostalgic rather than romantic—great for casual or playful dates that end with shared sundaes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; larger groups may wait during weekend dessert hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—booths, high chairs, and an ice-cream case keep kids entertained; best for ages 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Dessert pairing and old-school diner atmosphere—few burger spots nearby match the sundae lineup.
Skip if: You’re seeking craft-beer selections, gourmet burger builds, or a quieter date-night setting.