Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Chocolatiers and Shops [Edit]
Neighborhood: Gaslamp643 5th Ave
(between G St & Market St)
San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 234-2449
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
43 Reviews for Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
If you are in the Gas Lamp area YOU have to just HAVE to stop by one of the best chocolate spots ever. The ambiance is an old school fountain shop with samples of different chocolates you can try. The style is so cool from the outfits to the servers to the menu provided. You can even split a banana split if that's your thing LOL... The portions for the price are pretty decent too. You can never beat solid good ice cream and chocolate YUMMY!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I was greeted by the sweetest man who got even sweeter when he offered me a free sample of a Ghiradelli milk chocalate with peanut butter square. Unfortunately, that was the only sweet thing in the place.
I asked him if I could use the bathroom, and he said I had to get a token at the crowded register where everyone was placing their orders before sitting down. Ok. I nicely asked for a token only to get a 50 year old woman who probably hated her job snap at me for even asking.
"No. We don't have any more. (mean, aggravated tone) You will have to get someone to open it for you manually. Or maybe someone is in there and you will just have to wait your turn." Shit, I just needed to pee!
I go back to the front of the store and ask other staff members if they can open the bathroom for me. They explain to me in full, step by step detail that I need to go get a token at the regsiter. I tell them the register is out of tokens.
"Well, actually, we can't leave the front of the store. You will have to find one of the servers to open it for you. Anyone on the floor with a tray can help!"
God, I love being tossed around like a ping pong ball. By this time I could have built a bathroom to use. I was officially in corporate hell where some employees were disgruntled and others couldn't leave their designated areas.
I never actually got to pee. That was a deal breaker for me.
I would rather walk to San Francisco Ghiradelli, barefoot and without water, than visit this branch again.
The Jist: Perfect place to split an ice cream sundae after dinner or a movie
Day/Time/Reason for Visit: everyday of the week! ~ usually around 9:00 - 11:00
Monies: ~10/sundae (easily feeds 2-3 peeps)
Scene: Old fashioned ice cream parlor
Peeps: Young teenage groups, first date couples, families, tourists
Foodies: Chocolate Brownie, Peanut Butter and Classic Sundae
My 2 Cents: I am a BIG fan of Ghiradelli's in San Fran and the one that used to be in Waikiki in Hawaii. This one is just as good. Classic old fashioned ice cream parlor takes you back to being a kid no matter what your age. Young and old alike share deliciously goopy sundaes, all of them are safe bets. Free chocolate samples out front lure you in to be a little naughty and indulge. Don't buy water, just load up on the tiny cups of free water in the back (you might need like 6 though). Popular spot on the weekends but don't let the line discourage you as it moves fast and you'll always find a seat.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
We've been to Ghirardelli's twice (so far) in the almost two years we've lived here- once after dinner downtown and another time after a Padres game. I try to justify more frequent trips, but my thighs, hips, and belly aren't fond of the idea. So far we've tried the hot fudge sundae, the caramel sundae, and the hot cocoa. Of the two sundaes I prefer the hot fudge; I was also a fan of the hot cocoa. For just the ice cream it is a bit overpriced, but when you factor in the atmosphere it is well worth it. Can't wait to go back-I've got my eye on the banana split!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The sundaes and ice cream here are fabulous, so 5 stars for that! Make sure you split, because you won't be able to finish it by yourself. It's just that it's crowded and they try to sell you stuff as you wait in line. Plus, it's terribly overpriced and the tables are sticky and it's so loud inside!
I say, suck it up and pay the $8+ for a sundae, try to snag a table outside and enjoy!
Right before yesterday's LONG Padre game, I visited this ice cream and chocolate shop for the first time with my boyfriend and two friends. I feel lucky for living in a city that has a Ghirardelli shop. I liked the peanut butter chocolate squares the lady in the front of the shop gave us. The squares were slightly less sweeter than Reeses cups, but were good, nonetheless. I liked the vintage atmosphere of the shop. Some of the posters on the walls had amusing slogans. The four of us shared a Warm Brownie Sundae and a Banana Split. The Brownie Sundae was simply wonderful. I loved the sweetness of the strawberry ice cream on the banana split. I'm usually not fond of the typical tartness of strawberry ice cream too. The banana could've had one more day to ripen, but all sweets were great overall. I had to buy a bar of caramel chocolate squares for my sister as some sort of souvenir.
I am only removing one star because the high prices prevent my friends and I to visit Ghirardelli frequently. Chocolate squares are sold for much cheaper at supermarkets. I'm sure we're paying for the experience. It's really best to go here in a group for the unique dessert dining experience and to split costs.
I've been to this ice cream shop several times, and I've never been disappointed. The shop had a nice atmosphere, and their ice cream rocks! Being a big fan of chocolate, more specifically, Ghirardelli's, I had to try it. And of course, I went there more than once. The hot fudge just makes the ice cream more decadent. The selection is pretty good and the portions are great. The prices are a little bit more than other ice cream places I've been to, but it's so worth it every now and then. Love it.....Definitely a place to go if you have a major sweet tooth or have a craving for a sweet dessert late at night.
One of my favorite spots to hit up in downtown after a meal. You get smacked with the smell of chocolate when you walk in. The chick at door hands you a free sample of the ghiradelli chocolate--it's usually the caramel flavor (the best one). The sundaes are pretty big. I always share with someone, and we usually get the classic Hot Fudge Sundae (YUMM!). The hot fudge is the shizzles! But this place is always packed on the weekends, especially at night. Good luck finding a place to sit.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Must stop in the Gaslamp on your walk home. Even if you don't buy anything you have to get a free chocolate sample.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
ME: "I'd like a scoop of chocolate chip in a sugar cone, please!"
CASHIER: "You can only get chocolate chip in a cake cone."
ME: " -- "
CASHIER: "Just kidding."
Ice cream humor. Hmm. Good thing the chocolate is so great.
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Funny (22)
Cool (15)
Funny how I've lived in San Francisco for so long and have only been to Ghirardelli for ice cream once (but that's because the only time I'm in touristy Fisherman's Wharf is when I'm on a run)...so it took being on a touristy type weekend in san diego to actually enjoy a rich dessert from the famous Ghirardelli. They pass out free chocolates as you are waiting to order...death by chocolate!
minus one star because it's a bit of a zoo inside, but I guess that's the point of this place. Although at least the sf location has the full chocolate making machinery- to make you feel better for at least learning something while you ingest all those calories.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Rating subject to change if I ever have a hour of my life to make it back in. Sure I probably didn't go at the right time and SURE I didn't order the right thing to make it worth my while but the from what I experienced I think I saw enough to go to cold stones or Maggie Moo's next time I want a cold tasty treat.
That's my general synopsis read on if you care.
The line to order was fairly short and when it was my turn to place my order the employee behind the counter took it with an efficiency i can only describe as cold. A chocolate milk shake, not too much to ask, right? "Here's your number get over there and wait with all the other poor suckers." The staff was plentiful but unproductive as it seemed like only two were actually putting orders together, well actually assembling ice cream treats and setting them on the counter for some other employee to take off as an incomplete order. With every serving tray that went out it came back to the counter with at least one dish still on it with the server and the "chef"(?) exchanging confused looks at each other and then the item in question.
Finally when my number is called I shoulder my way through the crowd and the gal hands me my shake saying "I hope its worth the wait," realizing how bad that sounded, possibly from the utterly confused look I gave her she tried to recover by saying "I'm sure it is!" with a cheerful smile. Overall the wait pushed me passed my validation time and I had to shell out $2.00 to get out of Horton Plaza(15 minutes over)
Raohrsaghhhhhhhhh.
That's how I feel about this place. :)
(Down to the free chocolate squares.)
(And adorable waiter.)
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I love, love, love Ghirardelli! I was so sad when they closed down the one in South Coast Plaza. The chocolate here is so rich and delicious. I love getting 2 scoop sundaes here and they have the best mint chip Ice cream ever. The milk shakes and malts are super tasty too. Even all the candy is heavenly. It does get pretty crowded in this place whether its winter or summer but I don't care. To me, it's all worth it for the extremely gratifying desserts.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
So I'm pretty sure my New Year's Resolution was to eat healthy...but how can you resist Ghirardelli ice cream??? Answer: you can't.
This was a FANTASTIC ending to a fabulous evening in the gaslamp district. We got there at about 8:30 so it wasn't too busy, but there were still quite a few people slurping away at tasty milkshakes and trying to conquer sundaes with mounds of ice cream.
We ordered a mint chocolate chip sundae with dark chocolate hot syrup. When they brought it out (LOVE the tableside service) they had forgotten the whipped cream, nuts, and cherry (on top!), but quickly fixed the problem and our server was very nice about it. The sundae itself? Oh.my.gawd. Seriously, it was the best ice cream I have ever had and I don't really even LIKE ice cream (I'm a frozen yogurt kind of girl). If I had a Ghirardelli near my home--and a high metabolism--I would eat there all the time.
Oh, and they give you a free chocolate sample just for walking in the door. Awesome!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Aaaaaaaaaargh. So. Many. Kids.
The ice cream was good, if overpriced.
The staff looked as if they'd been working for about 30 hours straight.
It's probably good for what it is, which is a pseudo-retro fountain "shoppe", but I didn't care for it.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Awesome, just awesome. This is one of those places where if you find a wood chip or armpit hair in your ice cream, you still eat it with a smile. In N Out and Costco status: they have my complete trust. Garnish it with a side of dirt and I will still be a fan.
Everything is good here. All the sundaes, all the different scoops of ice cream, all the shakes, all the malts and everything they sell is supremo. My favorite is probably the hot fudge sundae. They definitely aren't stingy with the fudge which is actually hot and it's real fudge and not chocolate syrup.
At another ice cream, I would complain how the tables are sticky and stuff but at Ghirardelli's, it's just part of the experience.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Still recovering from having my tonsils out last week, I met some Yelpers out tonight for a UYE Ice Cream Social.....
I've been CRAVING ice cream for a week and was SO excited to finally get some! (By the way... I've been lied to my ENTIRE life! "When you get your tonsils out, you get to eat ice cream the WHOLE time!" NOT TRUE! My Dr. forbade me to eat ice cream until today! WTF????
So, after much deliberation - I decided on the Espresso Indulgence. 2 scoops of Espresso Chip Ice Cream, DARK Hot Fudge Sauce, Whipped Cream, Nuts and a Cherry (the last 3 I gave my mom...) only by the time I got the ice cream.... it was more like Espresso Soup. Okay, I take responsibility for the fact I did order hot fudge on it -- but it would have been nice for there to still be SOME ice cream left. Instead, I was left with rich, chocolate chunks and espresso liquid... Not too appetizing or soothing for my tonsil-less throat. In addition, the coolness of the former ice cream.... hardened the fudge so instead of gooey - it was thick and almost solid....Another time, I would have LOVED this new sundae thrill... but tonight, I should have stuck with a plain ice cream cone. I would have been happier.
The service however, was superb. In a place where customers order at the bar and their ice cream is brought to your table, we were treated extremely well. While most of us were in line ordering, a server brought over a double scoop chocolate dipped waffle cone - just because. I'm not sure if someone ordered wrong, paid and ditched or whether they were just being nice... it was thoughtful and a nice surprise to have the gift bestowed to us.
Fortunately/Unfortunately, they did mess up my order... in addition to my sundae, I had ordered a Root beer and a water (gotta keep those tonsils moist, ya know?).... Instead of a Root beer, they brought me a root beer float! SCORE! Actually.... I think I liked my float more than my sundae... and my ice water, was definitely THE hit of the night for me. Bizarre!?!?!
So in a nut shell:
Ice Cream Sundae - melted
Root beer - unexpectedly had ice cream in it
Root beer Float - yummy
Ice Water - YUMMY
The company - incomparable. Awesome. Made my night. (and my throat hurt from talking so much.. but it was worth it!)
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (5)
Cool (5)
What can I say about an ice cream sundae with dark chocolate sauce, marshmallow cream and lots of whipped cream? UMMMMMM! It was delicious and quite a splurge with the calories. Ghirardelli's is totally worth going to whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself to something really scrumptious.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
I love chocolate a lot! I went to this beautiful establishment on a recent Saturday night. What a great place. All that chocolate!
I had a sample, walked out, then in again, got another sample, did that a few times.
Then I ordered a mocha and a one scoop sundae, sat outside and watched Gaslamp walk by.
This is a very interesting place to people watch, because the underage people can come in, so you get to see all these awkward teens wandering in with their dates. And you get to see husbands sent in by their wives for free samples. Fun people watching.
My mocha was one of the best I have had in a long time, very chocolaty. I always hate it when I get a mocha from say, Starbucks, and it does not even taste like chocolate. Lame. The sundae was excellent too.
Of course, upon leaving, I immediately came back and got another free sample for the road. As I walked away, I contemplated just walking around the block for another free sample, but I resisted temptation.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Can something this good, hurt so bad?
After a very rich/filling meal at La Strada, I willed myself to the Ghiradeli's across the street. As we waited in the line of tourists, a worker gave us free samples of the caramel bar..... WOW that was rich. (not a good thing).
Anyway, fast forward to the front of the line and there I am with a stuffed tummy of Italian pasta and the horrible after taste of a candy bar I will dub as Caramel squared. (yes that is a math reference).
So what happened next you ask? My senses of logic and reason gets blown off the hemisphere by what I now dub as Bernie S. kryptonite....Hot Fudge on Ice Cream.
My thoughts with every bite:
"Soo good it hurts... literally"
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
Chocolate ice cream with the dark chocolate fudge sauce = major, delicious decadence! Service was excellent as well. A bit touristy, but who cares when you're in ice cream heaven? The free sample chocolate square was a nice touch, too.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
"Oh Ghirardelli...Ghirardelli...your sugary sweetness is ever so sweet." OK, so I got a little poetic there for a minute, but with so much sugar and sugar and sugar (and did I mention sugar?) in every bite of anything from this Shop, you can become a little delirious. LOL.
Nevertheless, this place is a stalwart for dessert in D'town. It can definitely be crowded on weekend nights, so watch out. But, how can you not beat the banana splits here...? Its like enough for 3 people...seriously.
Park at Horton Plaza or luck out on the street.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
I'll agree with most other people and reiterate that this is SO good when you're out late in Downtown and have a hankering for something sugary--and I DO mean sugary; as in, pick up a spoon, fill with straight white sugar, and dump in mouth. This is the sensation you will get when eating any given item at Ghirardelli's. Sugary and chocolatey, that is.
Yes, folks, chocolate is the best drug out there and they've got this in spades.
The banana split is definitely a good standby, along with the hot brownie sundae. Oh man, I'm getting hungry. Another winner? The Foghorn Sundae, with chocolatey goodness and raspberries.
FYI: They're open 'til 11pm during the week and midnight on the weekends, so you have plenty of time to digest dinner and hit up all of the late-night shops before heading over there.
Did I mention they have chocolate?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
We had ice cream for lunch and it was delicious.
Visiting from Boston, home of a disproportionately large number of high quality ice cream shops, I still could not resist a repeat visit to Ghirardelli's. Yes, the place is touristy, the desserts gigantic, and the flavors unsubtle. But it was the perfect first place to eat after our plane touched down.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
After a delightful early dinner in a nearby sushi joint, we strolled down downtown San Diego all jiggly and jolly, and to our amazement and happiness, we walked into Ghirardelli! As soon as we walked in, we were dazzled by the European style inside and atmosphere. As soon as we noticed the dark chocolate menu specials, we got even more excited and drooling all over. We ordered Espresso Escape Sundea and Very Berry Sundae and we dipped into a goodness of rich flavors and immensely dark chocolate. It matched perfectly with fruitiness of berries; it was all gone way too fast!!!
The store itself was selling great products, all kinds of chocolates, mixtures and fun fun stuff! I cannot wait to go back there again, this time in Pasadena!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ahh.. a pregnant woman's best friend :)
Seriously though, this is just a good place to take some visitors or go to with a group. I personally love to go here after a day of shopping downtown. I absolutely HATE the long line/wait that can sometimes build up - but to me (pregnant or not) it's worth it. I'm just a sucker for sundaes though.
Everything here is extremely rich and sweet - so be sure to get a soda or water to cut it back a bit.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
A little touristy, and you have to be in the mood for a sweet dessert. Not to sound cheesy, but it's kind of romantic, too -- say, for a date, or you can take your parents here. Get the banana split and enjoy the old school ambiance and Ghirardelli posters on the wall.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
The only reason this place doesn't get more stars is because it's not where I grew up going...Ghirardelli Square in SF! Because I am not a SD native, I'm probably more partial to the location in the city by the bay, but the ice cream is still good. I'm a chocoholic so it satisfies that craving when I need it. It's nice to have a piece of home once in a while.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I honestly can't think of one bad thing about this place. Yum.
...oh wait, yes I can. Parking's a bitch, I mean, it's downtown. So just park in the mall and validate at the newspaper stand by buying some gum.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Oh yum yum in my tum tum. My friend and I decided to share a sundae, and being the pig I am, I scarfed down the entire thing leaving her to lick the sides. (I also ate my free candy AND her free candy.) I don't normally like Ghirardelli chocolate, but their gooey chocolate sauce is irresistable. The coffee ice cream we had balanced the richness in the chocolate. Oh I want some now! Who'll bring me a shipment?
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
This is a very fun sweet shop to go to if you spending a night on the town in San Diego, but the desserts here are uber rich. Obviously you have to be a chocolate person to enjoy most of the meny items, I'm not a hardcore chocolate fan, so I don't like to go here for the food. I do however, think this is a great gift shop.
There aren't that many people who can resist the sweet and luxurious taste of Ghiradelli chocolate and with the holidays approaching, this is the go-to shop for many, many people.
Although I'm sure the desserts are to-die-for here, I just would rather have a non-fat yogurt instead. It is not a vanity thing, but I don't think my sweet tooth is sweet enough to handle Ghiradelli's treats.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
One summer night in San Diego, I found my San Franciscan-self at Ghiradelli's in the Gaslamp district in San Diego - what's up with that? Well, after a night at PetCo Park (sorry - nothing in comparison to Pac Bell Park/AT&T Park!), we found ourselves looking for something sweet to eat. Nothing - other then Ghiradelli - could be found. So, alas, I settled for their yummy ice cream and hot fudge - not a bad deal. Oh, and if you hang on to your Padres ticket stub, you save a buck! There's nothing exciting about this location, but gave an extra star just because...it's Ghiradelli!
People thought this was:
Cool (3)
This is a fun little place to hang out in the gaslamp quarter. If you go with a bunch of friends, get something called an Earthquake. It's like 8 scoops of ice cream, 8 toppings, some chocolate cars and whip cream and cherries. It's fun to eat. It kind of reminds me of that scene in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure when Napoleon eats that Piggly Wiggly thing! Just a bit of advice, eat it fast. Also, you should only eat this when you go with hygenic people. After all, you'll be sharing a big bowl of ice cream!
The ice cream here is good, but let's face it, what kind of ice cream is really bad?!!?
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Great place to take out-of-towners for dessert! Ghirardelli Soda Fountain is in the heart of the Gaslamp district, very close to the movie theater, restaurants, clubs, bars, etc. It's also fairly close to Horton Plaza (if parking is tight, just park in Horton's and walk over).
If you've got a sweet tooth, you'll definitely appreciate this place. They've got shakes, malts, ice cream sodas, floats, and sundaes. After dessert, stroll over to the gift shop and buy more sweets! :D
My favorite is the *Verry Berry Sundae*... strawberry cheesecake and blueberry cheesecake ice cream w/ strawberry and blueberry toppings, whipped cream, a chocolate dipped waffle roll, and chocolate berry blues! Fabulous!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This place is great. I walk in the door and am offered chocolate. (Yes, I have chick addictions, I like to call them human weaknesses)
I'm fifty feet away and I smell waffle cones. That sweet caramelized sugar wafting along and beckoning me to enter. I get free chocolate. Crack for the maniacal. My brain is already slowing with endorphins coating the neural network. And now it's time for lunch. A hot fudge sundae. This is the lunch of the mad. It's a mad, mad world and this is the cure to the madness of the everyday. Slow down and enjoy the small things. 'Cuz we can't do shit 'bout anything any how. The tyranny of the plebiscite will take care of that. Ice cream and chocolate is the cure.
Here in the heart of greed is a corporate entity that has the cure for the everyday.
The to your table server was pleasant and helpful. We were served quickly. Remember to tip these people they clean up after you.
I'm buggin'; need more chocolate...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
ok, you know how something good in excess can be bad? well i found this to be true when i went here for an ice cream.
please, don't judge me, I have a very resistant sweet tooth but when I ordered what i thought would be the best chocolate chip ice cream, my expectations were overpassed it was like god had prepared that ice cream, but I just couldn't do it, after what seemed like a million spoonfulls of it I was barely getting to the middle of my small cup and my tounge stinged with so much sweetness.
so yes, i had to stop, something I never thought I would have done when chocolate is involved.
the moral of the story is that if you are not certain of how much sugar you can hold then go with the regular chocolate bars and eat them as you would kiss Zidane (or whoever you love), you can wipe off later.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Tasty, fresh, sweet, good stuff!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ghirardelli chocolate is silky, milky and melts on your tongue like butter. If you walk by during the summer, tourist months, there's a good chance you'll get a little square handout--a delicious free sample!
I used to walk by like five times right in a row. I'd stop once they recognized me. Just a little embarrassing.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I'm a bigger fan of Scharffen Berger Chocolates, but they don't have an ice cream shoppe. If you've been to Ghirardelli Square in SF, then don't bother going to this one. The one in SF is much nicer. That being said, this place, located in the Gaslamp district, still serves up famous Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes. They've got just about anything to satisfy your sweet tooth.
You enter through a small gift shop where you can buy Ghirardelli chocolates in a variety of styles. I think they do this to tempt you and get you ready to eat some ice cream. You simply stand in a line to order, receive a table flag with your number on it, and sit down to wait for someone to bring your dessert to you.
The only complaints are that the tables are not clean and it takes a long time to get your order. That means sticky tables, people. I understand it's an ice cream shoppe and they're often rushing, but there is something to be said about wiping down the tables so they aren't sticky and dirty. Also, it took quite a while for our orders to come out. One of people in my party had ordered a simple ice cream cone and picked it up himself at the counter. He was almost done by the time our sundaes came out.
