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Mitchell's Ice Cream

4.5 star rating
based on 1345 reviews

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Noe Valley
688 San Jose Ave
(between 29th St & Valley St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-2300
Hours:

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

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

1345 reviews for Mitchell's Ice Cream

Review Highlights   

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"I mean the Mexican Chocolate ice cream was heaven." (in 148 reviews)
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"All of them were delicious, but I went with the buko and ube." (in 263 reviews)
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"the halo halo ice cream and banana ice cream are very good." (in 125 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Mike J.

 

10

42

Mike J.

New York, NY

5 star rating
11/20/2009

Simply the BEST ice cream in the Bay Area and 2nd best, IMHO, that I've tried in the country  ( sorry guys but Cones in NYC is better ).

New York Cherry  ( with bit half-cherry pieces )  and  Buko  ( with definite coconut shavings )  are my all-time favorites but also try  ( you get 3 tastes for each trip there if you wish )  all of what they offer and make your own determinations.

If you are in a rush and are heading home shortly there-after, bypass the long lines and simply get a half-gallon  ( or 2 )  out of their in-store freezers and just pay them right away without having to  " take a number "  ( may save you 20-30 minutes ).

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Photo of Tramy V.

Elite '09

38

170

Tramy V.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 11/19/2009

I intentionally scheduled lunch in the area, so we can head over here after!

BOYYIEE, i miss this place!! Pear sorbet, mMmm... chunks of pear, tasted soo fresh and yummy! What a treat!!

Young coconut ice cream... nice, creamy, smooth texture...

I want MORE! even if its ice cold, raining, or snowing outside.. LOL

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    2/9/2009

    This ice cream sure brightens up your day!! It is soo good you can't help put a smile on your face.… Read more »

Photo of Ray-Ray B.

 

542

17

Ray-Ray B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/16/2009

Am I the only person that likes eating ice cream on a cold day?  Really?  Then I guess I'm just a weirdo.

Sorry folks, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Bay Area has ice cream on lock.  The best ice cream in the country is at Mitchell's in San Francisco, California.  That's right, I SAID IT!

Where else can you have freshly made in-house ice cream?  Where else can you find an assortmant of flavors from Vanilla to Avocado, from Chocolate to Mango?  Where else can you find an ice cream shop that represents Filipinos and actually makes Halo Halo in the Spring and Summer time?  As my friend Paul McGuire would say, "What's Halo Halo ice cream dude?"  If you don't know, you better learn to swim.  'Nuff said.

As I mentioned above, their selection is pretty diverse, but I'd say the two best flavors they offer are Mango and Avocado.  For all of you n00bs hitting up Mitchell's, you better make sure and get one of these two awesome flavors.  Trust me, it's aces.

Seriously, the ice cream here is the best I have ever had.  In other words, their ice cream is like a left hook from Manny Pacquiao...IT'S A KNOCKOUT! So unless your name is Floyd Mayweather, then you have no reason to be scared of this awesome ice cream shop.  LOLz..

Best. Ice Cream. EVER.

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Photo of Steve H.

 

17

16

Steve H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/16/2009

1 word.  Grasshopper.  It's simply the best.  A mixture of all the great flavors in history: Mint, Chocolate Chips, Oreos, Brownie, Fudge.  I had to take a pint to go or else I knew I would have regretted it for life.  

I really like the ice cream here.  Its super creamy, which is a different texture than bi-rite, but the richness of the flavor is everlasting.  I tried a few flavors before ultimately choosing toasted coconut and cantelope.  The taro was overwhelming.  Many of the flavors here are exquisite like jackfruit, mexican chocolate, avocado, toasted pistachio.  There wasn't a flavor that I sampled I didn't enjoy.  

The only thing sucky about this place is the long wait during peak hours.  Yes, its that good!  If you're really G, slip the guy at the counter a Benji and the yummy goodness will be yours!

*nom nom*

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Photo of Cassie J.

Elite '09

227

173

Cassie J.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/12/2009 6 photos

y u m m y  !

What more can I say about Mitchell's that hasn't been said a thousand times before me?  Not much more.  

After missing a UYE dinner with a few fellow Yelpers this evening at Esperpento due to work, I was able to meet up for dessert with Daniel L, Maybelline C, Paul K,  Brendan H, and Amy C to name some.  There's nothing better than enjoying ice cream on a chilly San Francisco night with laughs and great company.  So thanks you guys!

Skeptical of ordering something new here at Mitchell's, as I'm so in love with their Banana flavor, I took Daniel's advice and ordered the Pumpkin flavor in celebration of the Holidays among us.   Y U M M Y!  Loved pumpkin, absolutely had great flavor and tasted like it was fresh pumpkin pie.  

It's seasonal, so definitely try to make it over soon to try pumpkin. They also have other seasonal holiday flavors like Cinnamon, Peppermint, and Egg Nog flavors.  

$2.85 for a single scope on a sugar cone! Can't ask for a better deal!

Great company and   y u m m y   ice cream was the perfect end to my long work day.

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Photo of Paul K.

 

143

254

Paul K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/15/2009

What else can I really add to the reviews here?  I think it's all been said... Personally, I think Mitchell's has the best ice cream in town.  It's all about quality not the exotic combinations of flavors.  I came here with Daniel L, Maybelline C, Brendan H, Cassie J. and Amy C.  That evening I had the Ube, purple yam which was fantastic.  I ended up back at Mitchell's last night with a half gallon of the Chocolate Caramel Crackle to bring to a party which was a huge hit.  That was possibly the best ice cream I've ever had...Wow.

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Photo of Ashley O.

 

111

48

Ashley O.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
11/4/2009

Holy cow, this place is unreal!  What more can I say about this classic ice cream establishment that hasn't already been said?!  Navigating our way through the city to find Mitchell's, we knew we reached our destination by loads of people (on a Tuesday night no less) spilling out of this quaint creamery.  

As a first-timer to Mitchell's, I was excited and overwhelmed by the plethora of creative, off-the-wall flavors.  As I waited my turn to approach the counter, my head was spinning trying to figure out those select few flavors I wanted to sample.  If I didn't risk getting glared at by the people in line behind me, I would have tasted every flavor because they all sounded so awesome.  We had no idea what to order and I loved hearing workers' and customers' recommendations.  Everybody has their own personal favorite, and I can see why; there wasn't a single flavor I tried that I didn't like.  

Service was amazing, especially considering they deal with consistently long lines day in and day out.  All the workers were friendly and enthusiastic.  They were patient as they dished out my samples and I never felt rushed into making a decision.

A few notable fun flavors: thin mint, mexican chocolate, rum raisin, white pistachio, kahlua mocha cream, caramel praline, chocolate caramel crackle, grasshopper pie

This creamy smooth treat packs a serious burst of flavor and left our tummies full and taste buds satisfied.  I can't wait to come back to enjoy more of this frozen delight.  Mitchell, you know how ice cream is done right.

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Photo of Dale C.

Elite '09

28

68

Dale C.

Berkeley, CA

5 star rating
11/5/2009

Wowzers.

I'm a sucker for ice cream, and I'll scream any day for it. So naturally, after a full stomach in the city, I wanted to top it off with some sweet ice cream and found Mitchell's to be our final destination. After circling around for parking, we stood in line waiting our turn. Unbeknownst to us, the line was actually a pseudoline of people looking at what to order when their number is called. Be sure to grab a number next to the door as thats the way they handle business there.

I sampled a number of flavors: coffee, white pistachio, caramel praline, run raisin, mango, and toasted almond. And let me tell you, each sample spoon had at least one nut on it if the flavor contained it. They want you to get the full effect of their product. Werd! Each flavor had a distinct taste that resounded its title, but had a consistent smooth texture that really could almost turn you on.

The service was fast and friendly, and they were more than willing to provide any number of samples your heart desires. I ended up buying a half gallon of the coffee ($9.25), which is a great deal if you have a favorite you want to bring home with you. Mitchell's adds to the great culinary experience the city provides, so be sure to come with your ice cream craving on full blast.

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Photo of Yvonne C.

Elite '09

703

636

Yvonne C.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 10/28/2009

Dear Mitchell's,

I feel that we have grown apart. For years, I have driven 35 minutes, just to taste you. Every time I come over, I need to take a number. I do not like being at the bottom of your list. It's not your fault that you are so popular. After all, you are terribly sweet, creamy, and delicious, but  I am impatient and needed to find something more. Treat Ice Cream has all the goods I will ever need to satisfy my sweet cravings. Treat has been making my sundae afternoon- oh so delightful.  I have been rolling out of bed, and over to Treat for months now. I realize that you are busy, and have probably not even noticed. While I am in love with Treat,  I can't promise that I won't be back for a taste. It sure was fun while it lasted.  

Ciao Baby,

xoxo *chocolate covered*
Yvonne C.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    7/31/2006

    I make the trek to SF just for a couple of quarts of Mitchell's regularly. You know an ice cream… Read more »

Photo of Misha T.

Elite '09

73

403

Misha T.

Westwood, CA

5 star rating
11/8/2009

DAMN MEXICAN CHOCOLATE YOU SO TASTY!!! WHAT DID YOU SAY? I CAN HAVE YOU BETWEEN TWO COOKIES?! YOU LIE

but you can

and you should.

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Photo of Sabrina A.

 

2

4

Sabrina A.

Vallejo, CA

3 star rating
11/12/2009

I had ice cream here with my friend on her birthday (Halloween). We stood in line for over half an hour (which I hear is the norm). It wasn't that bad of a wait. Being Halloween, we stood on the sidelines and watched an assortment of people walk by in their costumes.

Once it came time to choose flavors, I was sticking to my vegan principles and went with the blood orange sorbet. It was great and I thought the flavor kept to the spirit of the holiday.

My friend went with the traditional chocolate. Mitchell's has been in the city for decades and from what I understand, their ice cream is made with an 18% butter fat base. I think it's the thickness of the ice cream that gives it that great taste. It doesn't have the air that store bought ice creams have and is probably why people will wait close to an hour for a scoop of the stuff.

A little advice: if you want to make a quick stop, buy it in the prepackaged half-gallon containers. You don't have to wait in line in the case that you buy it that way.

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Photo of Hrundi B.

 

36

72

Hrundi B.

Santa Clara, CA

2 star rating
10/27/2009

Maybe I'm the only one in the world that hates this ice cream and maybe that makes me an idiot. I've been called worse.

I don't like the aftertaste of this ice cream. It's like something artificial like an ingredient they use to thicken it or whatever. I'm not a dairy expert so I don't know. I just don't like the way it tastes. It was fresh and the stuff they use was good (I didn't get sick) so they get one extra star for this.

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Photo of dermot c.

 

2

13

dermot c.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
11/19/2009

I'm so glad I came across this place again. I used to go there as a kid so nostalgia plays a part, but this is the best Ice Cream on the peninsula.

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Photo of John c.

 

6

35

John c.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/10/2009

Very good ice cream. The purple yam was really different, I think I would get it again.
The line was out the door but went quick.
A huge variety of ice cream to choose from. Good luck choosing.

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Photo of Sarah B.

 

20

54

Sarah B.

Daly City, CA

5 star rating
10/29/2009

I've been patronizing Mitchell's since I was a kid and the excitement of coming here has never died.  They have a variety of ice cream to choose from and all flavors are available in half gallons.  They even have seasonal flavors as well!  With Thanksgiving approaching, they currently have Pumpkin ice cream and Cinnamon Snap ice cream.  I purchased a half gallon of each and they are to die for!  

If you're in the area, be sure to stop by Mitchells, for an ice cream cone, sundae, or banana split.  You won't be disappointed!

Note:  They do accept credit cards, but only if your purchase is $9 or more.

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Photo of Natasha Anna W.

 

7

21

Natasha Anna W.

Pacifica, CA

4 star rating
10/23/2009

Best ice cream I've ever had. They have so many flavors you can't even imagine, fruits you have never heard of, combinations of flavors you'd never imagined would be good. They also have the good ol' standbys, like vanilla, chocolate, Mexican chocolate, pumpkin, cookies and cream, grasshopper, mint chip...okay, those aren't the most common standbys, but I swear by them. Oh, and around the holidays their eggnog is to die for!

The negative: they are always packed and if you go on a weekend night the wait is crazy, parking can be a complete pain, and there is no where to sit and enjoy your scoop - you have to take it and eat it on the sidewalk, in your car in the parking lot, or on the drive home.

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Photo of Chantal D.

 

41

179

Chantal D.

San Luis Obispo, CA

5 star rating
10/19/2009

AS GOOD AS IT GETS!
I adore all the more exotic flavors. And the basics. Ok ok, I love it all.

I'm from the peninsula, so a visit to Mitchell's is definitely a treat. Whether it's spontaneous with a friend or a bunch of us on a group outing, Mitchell's never ceases to please, no matter the weather, no matter the wait.

Yum.

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Photo of Diana W.

Elite '09

170

152

Diana W.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
10/8/2009

The wait here is RIDICULOUS. My boyfriend kept telling me this place was great and I don't know any place that's really worth the 30-45min wait (since EVERYONE tries EVERY damn flavor there is). But he was totally right.

Whatever flavor he got (it was a new one, sorry I don't remember the name) made the wait TOTALLY worth it. I don't know the name but it had chocolate & coffee flavor to it (ok not the best description). Should've just ordered my own instead of taking it from the bf

All I know is, I would come back and wait 45 minutes just to find out what flavor made this place worth 5 stars to me.

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Photo of Chelsia L.

 

9

15

Chelsia L.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
10/30/2009

Despite being number 77, with the current number 40ish, mouth parched, taste buds dry, staring at every melting creation that walked past me was all I needed to keep me in that line.

It was well worth the wait being able to try out several new flavors.  Here they are below:

Thai Tea:  I merely sampled this one, but as a frequent drinker of thai tea, the coldness of this dampened the sweet bitter taste that I'm used to when drinking this as a beverage.

Taro: Typical of most taro flavors I've had when buying Magnolia ice cream or Polly Ann's from the ice cream.  Probably not worth the wait in line if you're going to be ordering this.  Better bought at a grocery store :).

Halo Halo: I ended up deciding on this one, eager for something a little different.  The purple color matches taro ice cream, but is sweeter and has less of a coconut flavor.  The halo halo is sugary, and not fruity, and managed to be relatively creamy.  Dispersed within the the ice cream, there were bits and pieces of jelly and sweet beans that my taste buds found as little surprises. I liked how these added to vary the consistency of the ice cream.

Overall the ice cream was good, but in terms of price and quantity, but I probably won't be going back here unless they offered a really hard to find/new flavor.  I'd rather pay for a creation that I couldn't quickly walk out with from a convenience store (ex. Ici's, Buyrite)

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Photo of Ling H.

Elite '09

58

226

Ling H.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
10/17/2009

I've sampled a few of their flavors and my favorites are the ones I always take home: Macupuno (coconut) and the Kahlua Mocha. YUM! Ice cream here is SO much better than your regular store bought kind or most other ice cream shops. I knew I wouldn't be back for a while so I bought a half gallon (YIKES says my waistline) of the Macupuno, a pint of the Kahlua, and even a pint of this great chocolate one with peanut butter swirls with the peanut butter cups mixed in for the bf, which he LOVED. YUM.

Mitchells just tastes so much richer with bolder flavors partying with your taste buds. If you've never had it, GOOOOOO!

Awesome flavors, great service, and a brighter, newly remodeled shop is like changing that new light bulb and we're the bugs moving towards that light...

Note: Just remember to walk in and grab that number from that machine to the left so you're serviced!

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Photo of gareth l.

 

9

20

gareth l.

Alameda, CA

5 star rating
10/15/2009

GRASS HOPPER PIE!!!!.  
When it comes to sweets I'm more of a candy fan, but when I go for some Ice cream it has to be Mitchells Grass hopper pie.  Mint chocolate chip with oreos.  

The wait for a scoop is sometimes ridiculous but you can buy quarts or gallons.

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Photo of Christanes C.

 

2

14

Christanes C.

Hercules, CA

5 star rating
11/5/2009

Okay so I underestimated this place.  I thought it was only known for the Filipino ice cream.  Because I am Filipino, I've tried the mango, the ube, the coconut etc.  I wanted something different that day and preferred going to Bi-Rite Creamery.  But this guy I'm currently dating said that Mitchell's was to die for...their ice cream was "bomb".  I must admit he was right!  It turned out that Mitchell's  wasn't just known for their Filipino ice cream but for other American flavors as well.  I got a Biscotti flavored ice cream.  I cannot recall it's exact name but it was DELISSSSHHHH!  I decided to add another scoop of ice cream which was mango.  I topped it off with hot fudge.   OH.  MY. GOSH.  It was like heaven!

I secretly have been wanting to try this place ever since I saw it on the Travel Channel.  It was jam packed with no Asians except for me and my boy.  It was cool though.  It was nice to see different cultures taste a piece of the Philippines.  

I wonder how their HOT MANGO topping taste like.  Can't wait to come back!

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Photo of Eric M.

Elite '09

46

235

Eric M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
11/3/2009

I've been trying forever to come here and have just never made it out until tonight.  Service was good, but a bit slow at times.  Flavor selection was  a bit over whelming.  I ended up with a chocolate peanut butter number that was a rich and creamy.  Definitely want to come back and try something else, like their purple yam.

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Photo of Patty P.

Elite '09

423

308

Patty P.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/20/2009

Ice Cream of the Universe: Grasshopper Pie. This one is a showstopper. Mint ice cream, swirls of fudge, chocolate chips, and huge hunks of oreo. So delicious it doesn't even make sense.

First Runner Up: Mexican Chocolate. Perfect combination of rich dark chocolate and cinnamon.

Honorable Mention: Ube (purple yam). Bright purple ice cream is awesome, I don't even care how it tastes.

Other notable performances: Oreo Cookie, Chocolate Caramel Crackle, Peanut Butter Indulgence, Avocado.

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Photo of Matt W.

 

0

25

Matt W.

Alameda, CA

4 star rating
11/11/2009

First time visit tonight, the line was out the door but moved very quickly.  
Enjoyed carmel marble and ny cherry.

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Photo of Sugar V.

 

3

20

Sugar V.

Antioch, CA

5 star rating
9/30/2009

This is another childhood favourite place for me. The hour long lines, are the only downside. Their creative flavours, and the fact that the ice cream is fresh and home made, has won state fair awards for years, and the portions make the alps look like mole hills, all combine to equal one simple word:

FOODGASIM!!!!!!!!!!

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Photo of Jason S.

 

13

29

Jason S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/17/2009

i go here whenever visiting a friend in the neighborhood.  And thats more than enough, cause the ice cream is like crack.  And I'm not even a big sweet tooth.

Like the reviews say in excess its good.  why, cause its got creative flavors that can't be beat.  Yes, the grasshopper is better than Mint chip.  

There is a whole section for different Chocolates.

And now I'm getting into the Coconuts, which there are 3 types.  THREE!

And a pint is only $5.50.  So much cheaper than bi-rite.

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Photo of Natalie M.

 

15

44

Natalie M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
10/12/2009

Their numbering system is chaotic and a bit dumb. Someone will take a number and all of a sudden they and their fifteen friends are ordering and sampling EVERY ice cream for the next thirty minutes. Bi-Rite's system of ordering is a lot better than Mitchell's..maybe they should look into it.

Plus, when it was very crowded (and I waited thirty minutes for my ice cream), they only call ONE number at a time. That means they wait until the person is finished before they start again. Why not do two at once, it would speed up time. They also go SOOO slow.. I swear I watched the people behind the counter move like sloths when scooping out ice cream and walking around, they obviously don't care.

In the end was it worth the wait? Nope.

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Photo of Gary E.

Elite '09

125

84

Gary E.

Fairfield, CA

5 star rating
9/13/2009 1 photo

After I picked up the girls from school they were craving for some ice cream. Without hesitation, we headed to Mitchell's Ice Cream.

This place has been around since 1953 serving up some of the best ice cream delights in the city.

There were only a few people ahead of us when we got there so we quickly picked our flavors. A line can build up pretty fast so I suggest you take a number.

Lots of flavors you can choose from. They even have milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes & pies and pre-packed half gallons for take home.

I got one scoop of Mango and Ube (Purple Yam/Taro) on a waffle cone, the girls got the single scoop of Ube.

We all sat on a bench outside and enjoyed the creamy, yummy, and wonderful goodness until it was time to go.

Thanks again my fellow Yelpers!

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Photo of JöHnNy A.

Elite '09

175

88

JöHnNy A.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
9/11/2009

:-)

One word:  UBE

Its purple, its tasty, and its made from Taro. I can't even describe its flavor.. Its mild and unique.. Not too sweet, and not at all fruity.

If your a pacific islander you'll know what I'm talking about. If your not.... well, you'll just have to experience it yourself.

Not many places serve "exotic" and unique flavors of ice cream, but Mitchell's does. It's been around for years, and you'll find the lines out the door on evenings and weekends.

Give yourself a break, and get over to Mitchell's! It's worth the drive, the wait, and the money. One lick and its like a mini vacation to some faraway land. I guarantee you'll be back for more. And don't forget to take a ticket as you enter... or you'll be bummed waiting... and waiting.. as numbers are rattled off, and your not served.

Remember the "UBE."

pronounced:  "OOOOOOOOOOO BEH"

mmmmmmmmmmm.....

4 Woofs!  I've always been a fan.....

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Photo of Jen W.

 

7

78

Jen W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/6/2009

this review is long overdue.  i was just reminded of this place when my bff said she wanted to go out and get some ice cream.  so i said why don't you go to mitchell's?  where else would you go in san francisco besides mitchell's?  baskin robbins?  polly anne?  noooooooo way...mitchell's ice cream is the best!  accept no imitations!!!

i stick to the 3 core filipino flavors...ube, macupuno, and mango.  there is just something about the yummy creaminess and freshness and something elseness about the ice cream here that is so unforgettable.  what ice cream place has a freakin half hour wait???  this place is special...the real san francisco treat.  100 stars, if possible.

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Photo of sara l.

Elite '09

57

440

sara l.

North Hollywood, CA

5 star rating
9/12/2009

Mitchell's is like San Fran's better answer to Di Di Reise. Only with a little Scoops thrown in.  The Mexican chocolate and the chocolate peanut butter are amazing.  So are the avocado and calamansi (kudos to them for HAVING calamansi).  I thought I could hande a 2 scoop cone after stuffing my  face with Vietnamese food, but I was wrong.  Luckliy I had a friend there to pick it up.

The wait here can be long, but rather than a crazy line they give out numbers.  Like a Jewish bakery.  Gotta love that they serve cream all day and night but don't make the customers feel like cattle.

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Photo of matthew l.

 

13

77

matthew l.

Santa Clara, CA

5 star rating
10/24/2009

My friend said this place was in the book of one of the places you must visit before you die and damn it was right! I ordered the young coconut and OH MY it  was heaven! I swear it was soo good. If you ever visit SF you have got to check this place out. I've been to many ice cream joints before and by far this is the best one I've been too. They have a wide selection of flavors to entice your taste buds. I only wish they had more locations but I guess that is what makes Mitchells unique.

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Photo of Stephy Y.

 

17

38

Stephy Y.

Alameda, CA

5 star rating
10/9/2009

The first time I came here was many man years ago when I was a kid, and a family friend who lives in the area took us there. I recently went back for ice cream and it's just as phenomenal as I remember as a kid.

Yes, the wait IS ridiculous, but it is WORTH IT! Some places are just a hype and the line is ridiculous but the food isn't phenomenal. Well, this place IS. Bring some friends, grab a number and just hang for a lil bit. You'll be called soon enough. The workers there are really fast so the line can be deceiving.

I love the UBE and MACAPUNO ice cream! They have a ton of other funky flavors too like Thai Iced Tea and I think when I was a kid my favorite was Lychi but I didn't see it this last time I went. Anyway, regardless, I settled for other flavors.

What makes their ice cream good is it's all freshly made. The texture of the ice cream is a bit chewy but very smooth and not overly sweet. Some people like the really creamy Dreyers texture but this isn't any of that. It's almost refreshing and light. Not like the creamy sweet gooey stuff that weighs you down. It's how I like it.

Anyway, if you've never been, you must go at least once in your life!

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Photo of Sunshine S.

 

9

16

Sunshine S.

Salinas, CA

4 star rating
9/25/2009 2 photos

What I like about Mitchell's:
You are not stuck with the same old chocolate chip or mint chip ice cream sandwich.  You can have any flavor you want in the middle.  Plus the semi-soft large cookies are just plain good.

They have Filipino flavored...wait that sounds like Filipino is a flavor.  Well I know our skins can be a delicious chocolate brown, but I bet we Filipinos would either taste like adobo or dinuguan. Tropical flavored ice cream from the P.I.  Ehh little better.  Anyways I think it is great thy hav those flavors.  Helps the nanays, tatays, lolos, and lolas feel at home.

What I don't like about Mitchell's

The parking.

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74

153

Ankur P.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/22/2009

Just delicious.  It was rich and creamy.  The peanut / fudge was delicious.

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Photo of Elizabeth H.

 

17

162

Elizabeth H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/18/2009

I thought to myself I thought "Self, I wonder if maybe I should go try that baby coconut ice cream at Mitchell's before I head back out of the city?" And then myself and I discussed that I'd cruise by and make my final decision based on how easy parking was.

Well let us tell you something, Yelp: The ice cream and parking Gods must have been shining down on me and myself because HOT DAMN -- not only do they have a PARKING LOT, but there was a SPOT in said parking lot AND when I pulled my paper number I was #76 and they were currently serving #74!

I was about to win the ice cream lottery!

Assuming the ice cream was all it was cracked up to be, of course.

So: Baby coconut ice cream is on the Big Eats SF list and therefore MUST be ordered.

Problem: There were a BILLION flavors that I would have loved to try (yam? non-baby coconut? strange fruits I'd ever even heard of?) but I had to limit myself so I had a junior scoop of the baby coconut and (OINK) two-scoop cup of some sort of coffee-ish, cookie-ish pie flavor and the Mexican chocolate.

Report: The baby coconut was perfectly tasty but it paled in comparison to my other flavor selections. I took a few bites and tossed it even before I had paid for my two-scoop bonanza because A) I sure as hell don't need the calories and B) I was going to be driving-while-eating and that's a maneuver I wouldn't be able to do "safely" with an ice cream in my hand and another one in my lap.

The other two flavors were KICK ASS. Especially the Mexican chocolate. Highly recommended.

Bottom Line: I'm glad I didn't know the glory of Mitchell's while I still lived in San Francisco because otherwise I think I might have developed an obsession. I'm officially adding it to the list of things I want to eat when I DO make it back within the 7x7.

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0

189

Tom L.

Clayton, CA

4 star rating
11/6/2009

super creamy ice cream. tons and tons of choices from traditional flvaors (butter pecan, mint, rocky road), seasonal (pumpkin) and the tropical (ube, avocado, jackfruit) You can get banana splits, sundaes, waffle cones, you name it!

But two words; Sweet macupuno. go get some now!

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Photo of Maybelline C.

Elite '09

87

70

Maybelline C.

San Leandro, CA

5 star rating
8/31/2009

I'm a sucker for good ice cream.  And I'm a sucker for Mitchell's.  If you're thinking about going to this place on a warm San Francisco day, be prepared to stay a while.  I remember walking in with a friend on one of those San Francisco days where you could actually wear shorts out; grabbed a number...#19...cool.  But as I looked up, they were on #75!  WTF?! Seriously?! You tellin me I gotta wait for that thing to go back to zero?! Luckily, there are those who give up the wait, and the numbers go through fairly quickly.  Just be patient...ice cream will come.  

Three good tips about Mitchell's.  Number one: avoid going on hot days.  Go on a regular weekday just as the fog starts rolling in...I guarantee you'll have your ice cream quick.  Number two: if you are stuck in the wait, and find your ice cream desire in one of those tubs...grab it.  There's no need to wait for your number to be called to purchase the tubs.  Number three: if you are waiting to order, LISTEN for your number! They call it once, twice if you're lucky.  They really practice the art of "You snooze you lose".  

My favorite flavors: chocolate caramel crackle (taste like a CRUNCH bar in ice cream form), mocha fudge, Claire's Pie (no questions, just get it), Butterscotch Marble, Kalamansi, Lychee, and Macapuno.

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Elite '09

62

136

Kimberly S.

Daly City, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 8/29/2009 1 photo

Fresh cantaloupe ice cream is delish! Taste almost like their mango ice cream, but with real cantaloupe pieces!

This day I tried their halo-halo - not the ice cream, but the real Filipino dessert. They definitely fill it with all the authentic ingredients - various sweet beans, jackfruit, kaong (sugar palm fruit), and more topped with shaved ice, pinipig (rice with Rice Krispies texture), a splash of evaporated milk and ube ice cream! The ice cream is your choice, but if you want to do it right get mango or ube - the others won't do this dessert justice.

I overheard a little girl ask her mom to try a sample of ube ice cream =) I guess the purple color attracted this girl's eye rather than make her look away. I love non-picky and adventurous eaters!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    4/23/2009

    Ahhh yes, the infamous Mitchell's Ice Cream of San Francisco...your tropical flavors like mango and… Read more »

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