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Fenton's Creamery & Restaurant

4 star rating
based on 893 reviews

Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Diners  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: North Oakland, Piedmont Ave
4226 Piedmont Ave
(between Entrada Ave & Glenwood Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 658-7000
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Price Range:
$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Dessert
Alcohol:
None

893 reviews for Fenton's Creamery & Restaurant

Review Highlights   

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"cookies n cream+choc chip cookie dough+coffee= Coffee Cookie Dream." (in 35 reviews)
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"Heaven is a black and tan ice cream pie on a hot day." (in 106 reviews)
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"Their toasted almond ice cream is delicious -- not too sweet." (in 30 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Dawn L.

 

6

7

Dawn L.

Emeryville, CA

5 star rating
11/22/2009

Fenton's, I've loved you for years. This is my go-to place when I need my sweet and salty needs met.  Delicious ice cream, delicious diner food, service with a smile no  matter how crazy-busy it is. I love this place so much that the "Happy Birthday" singing (that seems to happen every time I am there) doesn't even get to me.  

Fenton's forever!

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Photo of Sarah K.

Elite '09

56

63

Sarah K.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
11/19/2009 2 photos

Fenton's, I will keep this review short and sweet.

I've been going to Fenton's since I was a wee freshman at Cal (2005).  Never had a bad experience with Fenton's.  Of course there's a wait, but the servers and other workers are so accommodating and nice, always with a SMILE on their faces :D

Scratch that, I've had one bad experience: I didn't finish the Fenton's Challenge.  Womp.

Quality Service & Quality Food, the things I miss most about local restaurants near Berkeley.

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Photo of Greg G.

Elite '09

1089

283

Greg G.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
11/16/2009 7 photos

Fenton's, where have you been all my life?

Living in the East Bay my entire life I've heard about this magical place they call Fenton's. Ice cream upon whipped cream upon ice cream upon almonds- upon more ice cream! All I had ever heard was how mesmerizing the ice cream at Fenton's was.

And so, being the total lame that I am- never went to Fenton's! That was until last week when, of course, the Disney/Pixar movie UP! came out on DVD. And so, again, being the total lame that I am- totally geeked out and went on a FENTON'S MISSION the day after watching said DVD.

If you've had an Ice Cream Sundae before, that's great. Good for you. Congratulations. But guess what? Your Ice Cream Sundae doesn't compare to anything you'll find at Fenton's! Fenton's Sundaes put all other Ice Cream creations to shame! I nearly exploded out from my seat when the waitress served me my Mocha Almond Fudge/Raspberry Swirl w/ Whipped Cream, Nuts, Strawberries and Cherry!  It was a sight to behold! A thing of beauty, I tell ya!

Definitely a great place for kids- definitely some amazing ice cream. I'm a fan for sure and will be back soon.

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Photo of Britney K.

Elite '09

12

135

Britney K.

San Leandro, CA

5 star rating
11/18/2009

So of course, they have amazing ice cream. Try it out.

But what I love is that they have delicious diner food! My favorite is the egg salad sandwich, and it comes with CHIPS instead of fries! It makes me feel like ive stepped back in time.

And then, like I said, some amazing ice cream to finish it all off and you have one happy tummy!

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Photo of ABBY A.

Elite '09

316

318

ABBY A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/20/2009

Fenton's is THE SPOT to stuff your face with ice cream. I'm not saying they have THE BEST ice cream, I'm just saying...their portions are humongo. This is a great place to come with a large group (or a small group of pregnant women; either/or). It would also make a cool birthday party spot for your kid(s), as they can reserve a private area for you in the back. Not only can you order food such as hot dogs, fries, burgers, wings and sammiches--but you can also enjoy ice cream creations not available elsewhere, such as the famous BLACK & TAN, THE FENTONS SPECIAL, or one of their homemade ICE CREAM PIES! And where else would you get ice cream flavors such as Apple Pie, Egg Nog and Cherry Vanilla? Mmmm...you know you want it.

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Photo of Rowena D.

Elite '09

19

192

Rowena D.

Pasadena, CA

4 star rating
11/16/2009

This creamery is more like a DREAMERY (padum-ch!). Be prepared to wait in an obscenely long line to get your ice*cream*freak*on (especially on Sunday afternoons) - but I promise you:

1.) It'll move fast.
2.) It's totally worth the wait.

PS - You know a place is good when my BF of the lactose intolerant persuasion will risk a potential bellyache to have a serving all his own.

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Photo of TIM M.

 

3

27

TIM M.

Pleasant Hill, CA

4 star rating
11/18/2009

Great late lunch today so the crowds weren't bad and we actually got parking in their small lot.

This is a great place for some of your favorite Ice Cream and diner treats, though the food is given a lot more care than any greasy spoon.  Fenton's uses care in preparation of their fare and leaves me  rarely disappointed.

Before today, I thought I'd never say something like this:  

Fenton's Egg Salad sandwich with sweet pickles is perhaps the perfect combination of comfort food flavors.  

If there is a down side, it would have to be the Chicken salad. It is chopped so fine and so dry by that point that it could be mistaken for a bland version of a tuna sandwich.

Go for the ICE CREAM!

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Photo of Karen L.

 

14

32

Karen L.

Fremont, CA

3 star rating
11/12/2009

I had the pistachio ice cream sundae with caramel. I looked over at my friend having the one with roasted almond ice cream. tried it and regretted my decision. the roasted almond ice cream was heavenly!!.  which made mine taste only mediocre.
Also, the prices were high for ice cream. I use to work at an ice cream shop that was also home made and a big sundae that fentons sold for about 10 bucks was only 5 bucks at my old ice cream shop. half price!. Fenton's Ice cream is good but...... not during time of recession!.

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Photo of Virginia L.

Elite '09

73

154

Virginia L.

Emeryville, CA

4 star rating
11/7/2009

Magical... just... the most amazing soda fountain I've been to since Fair Oaks Pharmacy in Pasadena.

Good, old-fashioned American food for simple eaters and food snobs alike.  Though the portions can be a bit overwhelming, for what it was, the food was perfection.  Come hungry, don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves, get a little chili on your face, and let go of your raw/high-protein/low cal/organic diet.  This one's worth it.

The crab melt (crab salad, monterey jack, lettuce, tomatoes and avocado on a french roll) was surprisingly light and clean.  At $2 to substitute for onion rings, I wouldn't recommend it.  Way too bready.  Go for the fries instead - like a tastier version of Burger King's - each individually the perfect shape and color.  The chili cheese dog was amazing, and the ice cream... oh lordy, the ice cream!  Now, I love me some Ici and Tara's, but this is some old school goodness.  Get the most ridiculous sounding, over the top sundae you can find on the menu and you won't be disappointed.  Enough to serve 4, all under $10!

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Photo of Nick B.

Elite '09

26

59

Nick B.

Fremont, CA

5 star rating
10/22/2009

"First time I saw you girl, you turned me upside down. I can't stop thinkin bout you, my head is spinning round."

Yes I did take it back to '98 with some NU FLAVOR! Heaven is the only thing I can think of when I am in, near or around Fentons.

Its hands down the greatest Ice Cream Parlor EVAR!! Now the food will not be winning any awards any time soon but that doesn't even matter. I usually get a grilled cheese sandwich just because. It's kinda like my pre-ice cream tradition.

I have not had any ice cream that I don't like here. My current favorite combo is a Saddle Back Brown with a scoop of Rocky Road and a scoop of Mocha Almond Fudge. Feel free to sub in some Toasted Almond if you though. You really can't go wrong!

ALSO - do me a favor people, get the Banana Special at least once in your lifetime. I did it once and I can truly say that I am a better person for it.

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Photo of Marti L.

Elite '09

185

357

Marti L.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/9/2009 3 photos

Its a couple years late. But I've been dying to do the ice cream challenge at Fenton's. I keep hearing about its monstrosity, the humongous scoops and overload of toppings. Finally!

On the menu, its the Banana Special. Scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream on top of a banana. Then topped with pineapple, strawberry and chocolate fudge. Then topped with almonds, whipped cream and cherry. My blood was coursing through my veins in excitement.

Then it arrived and disappointment set in. Really? That's it?? (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) I've been spoiled by Man vs Food. But still, I eat more ice cream than that sitting in front of the TV.

If I known it wasn't that big of a challenge, I would've ordered something else. Those Sundaes for the Sophisticate looked a lot more appealing.

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Photo of stephen c.

 

4

90

stephen c.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
11/5/2009

Ordered the Alaskan crab sandwich ~$12-13
It was quite small and came with a cucumber and Ruffles potato chips. Overpriced, and the sandwich tasted good, but not better than a $5 crab sandwich I get from Cafe Espresso Experience.

The attraction is probably Fenton's Challenge. It was fun watching mixed,brown ice cream slide down my housemate's nose/mouth area.

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Photo of natalee s.

 

0

4

natalee s.

San Leandro, CA

5 star rating
11/15/2009

WONDERFUL -- for adults and children!  

Place looks great after remodel job and the YUMMY ice cream creations are worth every nickel.

Ice cream is rich and creamy...not like many of the cheaper brands you find in the supermarket today.  

BIG PORTIONS so come hungry!

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Photo of Johnson N.

 

8

65

Johnson N.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
10/26/2009

The Good:
Delicious "home" made ice cream - choose any kind and you'll love it / Upbeat atmosphere.  Specific recommendation that you will not regret: the Black & Tan

The Bad:
If you don't get a booth, pray that your arse is small and that you have great posture.  The chairs are tiny and the backrests consist of thin metal wires that feel like they're going to give as soon as you lean back.  Also, if you go there on Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait 30 mins or so.  Lastly, the food.  You don't go to Fenton's for dinner.  You go for their ice cream.

The Ugly:
The parking lot.  Save your car the nose dive into pavement by parking on the street.  Observe the exit curb that leads onto the street.  You'll see spare car parts there because of how steep that driveway is.  

There is a reason why Pixar decided to reference Fenton's twice in their latest movie "UP"

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Photo of Eric L.

Elite '09

9

65

Eric L.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
10/14/2009

I've been here a few times during various times of the day so that I could try different kinds of foods. My advice? Stick to the ice cream. That's what this place is about, not their crab sandwich or burger or whatever else they claim fame for.

Ice cream is what these guys do best. Have a scoop, cone, bowl, bucket, shake, 'a la mode', anything you want, you can get. They also have some pretty unique seasonal flavors...but I stick to the classics. Come hungry though, because with some of these dishes, there's enough ice cream to fill a whole meal!

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Photo of Amiee H.

 

8

141

Amiee H.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
10/21/2009

Ordered "cookie connection" and boy was I served up a HUGE connection to some awesome cookies! I don't even know if that made sense but it just means it was BIGGER than my freaken HEAD!

I just went with one other friend and we nearly DIED trying to finish two scoops of ice cream on top of a cookie. It doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me, they really do top it off!

The ice cream is a big softer than I normally like it, but overall, it was REALLY good! I just got REALLY sick trying to finish what we ordered. If you go, I suggest you bring a few friends with you (at least) to help you out so you don't get sick from ice cream overdose.

This place was featured on "Up"! So that was cool! :)

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Photo of Beetle B.

 

0

60

Beetle B.

Richmond, CA

5 star rating
9/28/2009

Wow! I've been avoiding this place because of the lines. And because I know I'll suffer for it the next day.

We went on a warm Saturday night. There was a line down the block but as a 2-top but we got a seat within 10 minutes. The servers and greeter were as pleasant and chatty as can be despite the zoo atmosphere. The sundaes appeared pretty quickly.

I got a Black & White with toasted almond instead of the vanilla ice cream. It was heaven!  (That toasted almond ice cream is better than any I've had elsewhere- very almondy without getting into marzipan territory, and not too sweet.)

My companion got the Black & Tan sundae, which was very good but the caramel sauce was so sweet it ended up derailing the experience half-way through. Lesson learned.

We were never rushed.  Our server, Brad, was attentive, funny, and hadn't gone into automaton mode despite the crowds and having to dash the full length of the restaurant about once a minute.

All-in-all, it was completely worth the next day's hangover.  

AAAA++++ Would over-indulge again.

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Photo of POHALbD H.

 

1

78

POHALbD H.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
11/10/2009

There is not much to say about this place besides the fact that they are great spot to get some good ice cream. The one bad note is that some of the people that work their are not the friendliest. They have some weird rules to how they run the place so it is better to get the ice cream and leave so you don't have to deal with the place.

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Photo of Jennifer W.

Elite '09

225

300

Jennifer W.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 9/13/2009

Mytle's Creation of September 2009: 9.95 (10.92 w/ tax)

2 scoops ice cream topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherry, sprinkles, fudge, caramel, and rice krispie treat

subbed in mint cookie + spumoni for the default flavors

Fenton's is one of those places that you'd see on Unwrapped or Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. For all I know they have have been featured already.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/1/2009

    I went vegetarian for half a year and my first bite of meat was into a Fenton's burger. It tasted… Read more »

Photo of Cynthia C.

Elite '09

81

349

Cynthia C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/19/2009

After hearing friends rave about this place - we went here last night to try it out. It was a super hot the whole day so it was the perfect way to finish the night.

There was a huge line and honestly I don't see what all the hype's about. It's ok ice cream and it's super creamy but it's nothing like by-rite where you can actually taste the flavors playing with your taste buds.

I think it's overrated and definitely won't drive all the way to Oakland for this again. There are many other great place for ice cream in the city to try! :)

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Photo of Kenny L.

Elite '09

69

352

Kenny L.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
9/16/2009

The ice cream is pretty good, but far from spectacular.  Their ice cream isn't fundamentally good like Tucker's nor are their flavors inventive and new like Ici.  What makes this place good are the sundaes.  I tried "the Captain," portions of the proceed benefit Ken Korach's (A's radio broadcaster) charity to build baseball field and fund youth baseball programs in Oakland.

That sundae is humongous.  Almond (tasted like a Chinese desert, a plus) and swiss chocolate ice creams with fudge, caramel, maraschino cherry and a rice krispie treat.  I was glad I had somebody to share the sundae with.

The service will try hard up-sell you.  Don't listen to them, all their portions are big.

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Photo of minda w.

 

69

226

minda w.

Diamond Bar, CA

5 star rating
9/17/2009

Fenton's had a cameo in Up. You know it'll be good.

Fenton's is great all american ice cream. Shakes, banana splits, ice cream cake, sundaes, create your own and so many flavors!  Swiss milk chocolate...mmmm.....You can't really compare it to places like Ici because they're two totally different concepts.

Fenton's has pretty decent food too but definitely come for the ice cream.

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Photo of Elms M.

 

1

24

Elms M.

Elk Grove, CA

5 star rating
10/29/2009

Let me tell you...the first time i came here was with a friend who got lost for nearly 2 hours. I almost gave up but I'm glad I didn't..This creamery lives up to it's name. Creamery it is!!! I always order the chocolate chip flavor and it is sooo creamy. I always order the mini cup but they fill it up so much, that it ends up being 2 scoops!!! I never dined in for food, but their ice cream is definitely one of the best ice cream parlor I've been to. Must try!

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Photo of stella j.

 

4

99

stella j.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/9/2009

review for the ice cream only!

i had the black and tan sundae........let me tell you....this sundae beats ghiradelhis sundaes any day. its a given that's its pretty damm far. but for a sundae from fentons its very worth it. theres really rich and creamy ice cream with nice fresh toppings! plus its a huge! you do get what you pay for size and quality wise.

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Photo of Maureen D.

 

21

25

Maureen D.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
10/14/2009

Have you seen the Pixar animated movie UP? At the end of the movie you see the main characters eating ice cream on the curb of Fenton's Creamery! When I watched the movie I thought that the ice cream looked super yummy, and then my cousin shared with me that it actually existed! Boy was I excited!

I thrive on locally and family owned businesses. The ice cream is delicious and fresh and the restaurant food is delicious, in great portion, and super tasty. However, if you can't stay for the food, I STRONGLY suggest to get dessert...specifically the black and tan (you can never go wrong with caramel). Yummy. Luckily if you only have time for ice cream, there is a separate ice cream parlor for your convenience!

So if you want to recreate the ending of the Pixar movie UP, then I suggest you stop by Fenton's Creamery, purchase an ice cream scoop in a waffle cone, and sit outside on the curb. For a technical touch make sure you have a balloon in hand! : )

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Photo of Online R.

 

2

18

Online R.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
9/23/2009

Fenton's makes Piedmont Avenue a destination.  I have been going to Fenton's as long as I can remember.  Look at the photo of the five year old on the right hand side of the wall.   That is me in 1956 after a movie at the Piedmont, and a Sundae at the 41st Fenton's location.

Life time patron of Fenton's, even through the Foremost stage, Fenton's is still the winner.

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Photo of Vincent K.

Elite '09

159

393

Vincent K.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/7/2009

Before "Up" I don'tt hink I even knew what Fenton's was.  Yes, I know....what a shame.  a 114 year old classic joint in the Piedmont area and all I know it as is from some line by a wilderness explorer CAW CAW CAW.

Anyways, better late than never.  And yet this place turned out to be pretty awesome.  Definitely has a old classic feel to it.  The ice cream...very light and creamy, just the way ice cream should be well enjoyed as if it was fresh out of the carton.  And what else goes well with that gigantic monstrosity they call the Banana Split, chili cheese fries.  I've been here twice now and both times we've always enjoyed the Banana Split and have surprised the waiter in our victory burps.  

And thanks to all the recommendations from the other reviews because they were right on target: Cream Caramel Almond Crunch and Coffee Cookie Dream were like none I've ever had before.

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Photo of Leah E.

Elite '09

127

247

Leah E.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 8/31/2009 3 photos

(JULIA Z. reminded me that Fenton's was shown in the movie, "Up!"  Thanks, Julia!)

August 29, 2009 @ 9:20 pm, Ice Cream Date Night

Ooooh!!!!! Aaaah!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!

You would think we were at a fashion show admiring the artsy fashion parading in front of us. Actually we were seated by the long open counter where the ice cream sundaes were being made and picked up by servers.

Cherry pink and cocoa brown sundaes. With nuts. With whipped cream. With cherry on top.  Some petite. Mostly ginormous!

Even if you grew up to be the most jaded and life-hating person,  you will find that happy inner child in you when you go to Fenton's now celebrating its 115 years of making delicious ice cream.

Make sure to go at past 9 pm on a hot Saturday night when everything is in full swing.  You will find a modern but old-fashioned ice cream parlor/soda fountain.  Packed with people, loud and very festive.  You will hear people bursting into "Happy Birthday" songs every 18 minutes. Make sure to sing along.

You can also order an ice cream scoop on a cone if you don't want to eat one of their TOWERING ice cream sundaes.  Grab a cone and eat at one of the benches by the fountain in the parking lot, or the sidewalk or on the church steps across the street.

So, BF and I decided to walk to Piedmont Ave at 9:20 pm last night.  The place was packed and happening but we only waited for 15 minutes for a table. I was glad to come here than hang out at a bar. It seems like all of North Oakland had come out of hibernation last night.  Best place to go people watching from Oakland Firefighters, young couples on a sweet date, families with babies and to gramps/grannies.

BF ordered the  "Lend a Hand Chip and Cookie Sundae." ($9.95) Proceeds go to Oakland Unified School District to help Oaktown kids stay in school. http://www.yelp.com/bi...

I had  one scoop of Rocky Road on a cone. ($5.95) Gigantic scoop! http://www.yelp.com/bi...

BF also had the appetizer platter ($10.95) and I had the Turkey BLT (8.75).  The appetizer platter of jalapeno poppers, mozarrella sticks and boneless chicken is always good. http://www.yelp.com/bi... However, you go to Fenton's for the ice cream not really for the food. Our server was very friendly despite being very busy.

The ice cream here is made fresh on site and very, very yummy!  They serve the traditional flavors of your childhood.  

Eat ice cream and do your good deed for the day! (Open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.)

(Tab: $43.79 with two diet cokes and tax not including tip.)

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    9/1/2008

    Living few blocks away from Fentons feels like being a kid again. I am  so thankful that I  can eat… Read more »

Photo of Christina O.

 

36

124

Christina O.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/28/2009

Fantastically vintage! LOL jk...well the art around the walls are, but other than that I just needed a good laugh & said that.  The place is reallllly nice! I have been dyinnnng to come to the infamous Fenton's after hearing all the hype of how great this place is & the reviews.  Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I expected =\ I really wanted to like Fenton's too!

I may have or DID order the wrong thing.  Two scoops: Butter Pecan & Butter Brittle (creamy, but nothing special).  Yeaaaaa, too much butter in my order, didn't realize until I was repeating it to myself as I waited for it to come.  Sigh, why didn't I order something more...how do you say..LESS BORING? At least now I know to order something with syrup & brownies or a banana split.  My friend got the Black & Tan, yea yea & enjoyed it, whateverrr there's always a next time for me LOL.  

Overall, Fenton's was perfect for the Saturday heat! Our waiter was pretty cool, good service, got seated right away, even while it was packed.  Being packed & all, it wasn't such a great time to chit-chat because I couldn't really hear shit, but kids & people talking really loud, BUT I'm sure that's not a problem if you order the right thing considering you'll be busy making love to that ohhh so good order I didn't order.

I'll be back!

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Photo of Nuri K.

 

23

203

Nuri K.

Berkeley, CA

3 star rating
9/27/2009

Old-school and old-timey things immediately attract me, but I can't help but wonder just how much of the evergreen allure of Fenton's is fueled by the actual products and how much by the tradition and the weight that the name carries. I do appreciate long-standing institutions for the community that they inadvertently create around their business but am slightly glad that Fenton's is plopped in Piedmont rather than Berkeley.

The decor of the creamery, having absorbed all of the flavor of locality in its 100-plus years of operation, is sublime, with relics from many pasts. Sitting in a plush booth or wooden chair hearkens back to times unknown for me in a soothing, appreciative manner and I could stick around all day were it not for the mediocre to dreadful food that is served here and the less-than-impressive ice creams. The famous crab salad sandwich is a cold, underwhelmingly boring pile of shredded crabmeat that no amount of lemon seems to help. The scoops are overly sweet and airy, much like those of Dreyer's (another local favorite).

I appreciate others' appreciation for this local favorite but will opt out for the most part. I give Fenton's an extra star for the immensely giddy feeling of satisfaction I encountered when I recognized its facade in Up.

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Photo of Pauline L.

 

39

274

Pauline L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/27/2009

Ever since UP came out, this place has been stratospherically  packed. But that doesn't mean that quality of the desserts have went south, it just means that the wait is thaaaat much longer.

I'm surrounded with ice cream goodness everywhere I turn. But that's not all I'm surrounded with, by the looks of the muffin tops sported by most of the customers sitting around me, this place is as Americana as one can get (unless you hit McD's).  

By all means, if you feel like you can expand your waistline prior to gorging on the desserts, then please do try the other offerings on the menu. I stupidly thought eating a slider sampler (3 bbq with fries) would be okay...HA! What planet was I on? Thankfully I selected the Black & Tan in a junior sized portion (...I didn't care how much ice cream I glass scraped but I made sure I went all in...if I could, I'd do my trademark dishware tongue licking.  The almond flavorings reminded me of chinese almond jello...which is a good thing, cause that's my favorite dessert beside Mango Mousse.

Parking here is interesting...it's got a parking lot, but it's always full. So squire around the neighborhood, there's freebie down the block.

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Photo of Eric F.

 

8

15

Eric F.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
10/4/2009

YOU KNOW WHY YOU'RE HERE.

You're wondering if you're up for the challenge.  You better be.

-1 pound vanilla. 1 pound chocolate. 1 pound strawberry.
-Cherry, nuts, fruity + chocolate syrups, and the FREAKIN BANANA on the bottom.
-15 minutes.
-Free t-shirt
-Bragging rights
-Serious stomachache, food coma, slowed reflexes, chills, numbness.

Worth it.  Totally worth it.  The challenge is something a true Berkeley student needs to take on.  It ranks up there with seeing a football game from Tightwad Hill.  No, even better.  I don't mind if you don't care about football of don't want to climb hills, but how are you gonna turn down ice cream?

I believe the ice cream flavors rotate every month, and you are guaranteed something delicious any time you go.  The food is regular diner food.  I had a BLT there--different day than the challenge, you do NOT want extra food blocking your progress--and I've had better diner food in the bay area as well as Los Angeles.

Oh, Fenton's.  I wouldn't be Kirby without you.

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2

57

Alina C.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
11/2/2009

This is a review of their actual food, not their desert creations.  Basic greasy diner food, in an establishment that just looked tired to me - atmosphere, employees, food... It was just a meh experience.  I generally like places with a bit of old charm and character, but was not impressed by Fenton's.  I also thought they were quite expensive for their not so good food.  Will be back, but for dessert only.  I want to try one of those concoctions in a bowl or a big glass drenched in syrup and with the proverbial cherry on top.

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Elite '09

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173

Christian M.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
9/7/2009

This place is AMAZING.  I went here with the recommendation from my brother who told me it was featured in the movie UP.  I found it in North Oakland and found some parking on the street.

I was welcomed by the greeter and saw so many people in the restaurant.  There was also a film crew inside the joint to film a piece for TV, I believe.  I ended up ordering the black and white sundae.  I'm usually not a fan of chocolate but it was so good over here.  It came with caramel and fudge topped with whipped cream and nuts to go inside for texture.  One of the best sundae's I've ever tried.

If you're in town, check this place out.  Coincidentally, I was driving through Vacaville and saw the other location by chance.  I didn't get to go in but thought it was crazy that I saw both locations in one trip.  Awesome place!

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Elite '09

35

112

Polly D.

Oakland, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 8/28/2009

I still like this place, I recently had a sandwich here that nearly brought me to my knees. But man did I freakin wait for that thing..

The kitchen staff busts ASS. I know that the reason I had to wait 5 million years to place a drink order and our food was not their fault.
They had like 30 plates sitting on the counter for table delivery within minutes- amazing.

It gets crazy busy and I know how challenging that can be to get everything where it needs to be in time. But it was exaggeratedly delayed.

Like I said, still like ol' Fenton's, but it makes me think twice about sitting there waiting for food until I'm retired.

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  • 4 star rating
    4/22/2009

    Even though it's home to one of my top most embarrassing moments, (thank you Frances), I think it's… Read more »

Photo of helen f.

Elite '09

51

458

helen f.

Sunnyvale, CA

1 star rating
8/24/2009

This is purely a review on their service! I guess they figure they have enough business, and don't need to be nice to their customers.

My friends already had a table there, and we joined late. The waiter kept being mean to us, and don't want us to join the table. He gave a bunch of excuses about blocking the doorway etc, but they had another smaller table right in front of the fire escape door!

We left and didn't order any ice cream, but the ice cream looks good from other tables.

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718

1001

Greg D.

College Station, TX

5 star rating
8/24/2009

Fenton's gave us a good excuse to jump on the BART in Hayward just to come here.   This place has been around for like 100 years or something and if you live in the bay area you -should- know about it.  

Some of the best Ice Cream I have ever had.  Certainly memorable.

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Elite '09

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132

Scott L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/9/2009

I can't believe I've never written a review for this place.  I've had some great ice cream in my day - all from outside of the US - and Fenton's is one of the tops in the US.  

All of their flavors are rich and the texture is creamy.  The sorbets turn out perfectly as well.  I come here for one thing only and that's the Black and Tan.  Toasted Almond Ice Cream with Caramel and Hot Fudge.  No place does Toasted Almond better and their Hot Fudge is really good.  There's always a line but you can call in to get your name on the list if you want to sit down.  

The portions here are large as well so opt for the petite if you're just getting a scoop.  I'm a faithful follower of Fenton's ice cream!

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5

93

Megan C.

Milpitas, CA

4 star rating
9/19/2009

I was soo stoked to come to this place after having seen it in the movie, Up. I was sort of disappointed with the ice cream, but I guess it was because I was expecting something really spectacular. I mean there's nothing wrong with it. It was creamy and really good. I had the swiss chocolate. Mmm little mini flakes of chocolate. Delicious.

I wished I was hungry when I came there though. They had a bunch of stuff to offer on their menu. There's 7 different choices of salad, burgers, a column list full of grilled burgers, fries and cheese fries and a bunch of others. They have a lot of different choices of ice cream. If only I lived closer!

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Elite '09

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163

Dorothy F.

Fremont, CA

5 star rating
8/5/2009

I don't know anyone who doesn't love ice-cream. And no, being lactose intolerant does not count. Coming to Fenton's that love could be not be more clear. Young, old, black, white, men, women, all clamor to get a taste of the handmade signature ice-cream.

And it's everything they claim it to be: creamy, rich, thick, tasty, dairy goodness. Flavors range from cookies 'n' cream to pomegranate, as well as a selection of sherbets. If you're on the indecisive side the selection of sundaes (2 pages) doesn't make it any easier.

They also offer a full dining menu packed with standard burger and fries and the not so standard: appetizers, salads, and a breakfast menu.

As cliche as it sounds, inside the creamery, it's pure nostalgia. The tables, chairs, decor, it all takes you back. And speaks to the universality of ice cream. As kids we all loved it, and as adults we can still attest to the simple pleasure a bowl of ice cream brings.

When it comes to ice cream, Fenton's knows how to give us what we love.

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