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Swensen's Ice Cream
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
1999 Hyde St(between Union St & Warner Pl)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhoods: Nob Hill, Russian Hill
(415) 775-6818
- Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
S K. said: "The pistachio gelato is delicious. It gets busy here, but its well worth it!" read more »
558 reviews for Swensen's Ice Cream
Review Highlights
"I love the lychee and sticky chewy chocolate."
(in 51 reviews)
"I love the coconut pineapple and the swiss orange chip."
(in 27 reviews)
"Other flavors to note: toasted almond and lychee."
(in 16 reviews)
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558 reviews in English
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Review from Kristina I.
Solana Beach, CA
2/8/2012
I ate about it.........
Cookies and Cream is the only reason I have to take so many spin classes each week- it's really that good. Skip the line and get the pre-made bucket and a spoon on your way out! -
Review from Vera W.
1/22/2012
I had this Scoutmob (I think) coupon for a free scoop. First of all, this ice cream shop is pretty cute and located in a quaint neighborhood. I decided to try to be "healthy" (yeah right... at a ice cream shop)--so I ordered the LOW FAT sticky/chewy chocolate flavor. I was surprised how generous one scoop was, despite me getting it for free. Anyway, I don't blame Swensen, but the sticky chewy chocolate was alright. I guess that it was low fat that the consistency was off.
However, I did try my roommates' banana and orange swiss chocolate ice cream scoops (normal, not low fat). They were very good! The banana one tasted like real banana, not the gross artificial flavoring kind. The orange swiss chocolate was my favorite. What a great flavor combination that was so refreshing yet luxurious. I would come back again to try other flavors. -
Review from Wendy M.
Oakland, CA
1/17/2012
Is the ice cream worth the 20 minutes it might take you to find parking? Debatable. I circled around forever, eventually had to have my friend get out and get us ice cream....continued to circle, eventually found her waiting at the corner as I was circling, and ate it on the drive back home.
I wasn't particularly impressed with the mint chocolate chip ice cream I had. The little chips of chocolate were so hard and chewy. I'll just say that I've had a lot better, e.g. Bi rite.
Lots of good ratings so I want to try it again with other flavors, but I'm not sure if I can justify the parking for another try.
Didn't include price in my rating, because I wasn't able to get out of my car to buy it. I will say that the line looked long and I thought I was going to have to circle around forever, but the line went pretty quickly. -
Review from Julio G.
Dallas, TX
2/9/2012
This is a must-try for anyone in San Francisco. They have a simple menu of ice cream at a decent price but the taste is amazing! It is very rich and creamy and old fashioned. Get a double scoop cone and enjoy walking along Russian Hill!
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Review from Sam H.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2012
Came in here to enjoy some ice cream on a somewhat long walk back home with the boyfriend. The place is your average looking neighborhood ice cream shop, more old fashioned. Ice creams were all covered up (I think they were closing soon) so I didn't get a chance to look over all the flavors lol. Got to try two and chose the toasted almond. It was delicious, very creamy and more traditionally flavored than Bi-Rite, which tastes lighter and airier. Got it scooped into a waffle cone and enjoyed!
Boyfriend got the root beer float and seemed to like it. I'm not much for root beer so my judgement is clouded by that, ha.
I will definitely try to come back when in the neighborhood. -
Review from Aaron L.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012
Come have the Rocky Road. Your mouth will literally explode. The end.
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Review from Emily P.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Swensen's is my local ice cream shop, and it's very good. I love the old-fashioned look & feel, and it's hard to beat one of their scoops in a cone (especially mint chocolate chip, sticky chewy chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, ginger, and peppermint when it's in season).
But the 4 stars instead of 5 is because something CAN beat it, and that something is called Bi-Rite. It's probably a good thing that I don't live near Dolores Park, because I would surely gain 100 pounds on Bi-Rite's ice cream alone (or some combination of that and Delfina's pizza right around the corner).
My guess is that if you're just looking for good old traditional ice cream, Swensen's would be your place. But if you dig the more inventive flavors and the super creamy texture of Bi-Rite's ice cream, then, well, Swensen's can be your neighborhood next-best that is within walking distance (but is separated from you by a big hill, preventing you from going multiple times per week). -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
Never had Swensen Ice Cream before and I didn't crave any desserts from Zarzuela across the street so decided to venture here.
I got the toasted almond $2.95 for a 3oz small cup or cone but I wasn't too impressed with the overpowering flavor.
I sampled the "sticky chewy chocolate" and "chocolate malt". Both were okay.
No seats inside this corner store. Hard to find parking.
I still prefer Bi-Rite. -
Review from she q.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
I love ice cream. I had the mocha fudge and caramel marble...pretty good. I would have loved it on a cone but they handle the money and your cones bare handed...bleh...sorry but not for me.
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Review from Albert H.
12/12/2011
Drawn in by a scoutmob offer for free ice cream. Though Swensen's is a widely distributed, though not all that big, worldwide chain - this shop is old school - a small space with just a counter and flavors posted up on a board. Surprisingly, they have some very creative flavors available - and some nice seasonal stuff as well. Got Swiss Orange Chip - we almost never like chocolate flavored ice creams, but this one was very good. Also tried Pumpkin, which was decent. The ice cream is not quite ... high end ... but the flavors are strong and the texture is good, if slightly chewy.
However ... be warned that THERE IS NO PARKING. Well, there's a $15 garage just next door actually, but no street parking within many many blocks and many many vertical feet. It's nearly at the top of the hill. We drove around a bit, but the only reason we'd come back is if we were in the neighborhood already and needed ice cream. It's a pity for those of us coming from far away that there are some gems in San Francisco which are nearly impossible to visit simply because there's no place to put a car anywhere reasonably close.Listed in: Cold Comfort
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Review from Ann L.
12/11/2011
CASH ONLY! Today Sun 12/11/11 is the last day for the FREE ice cream scoop from Scoutmob app at Swensen's! They're open until 10pm tonight! They're at Hyde & Union.
Went twice this weekend. Got my Scoutmob deal on Sat 12/10/11 and got the Sticky Chewy Chocolate. Tasty chocolate ice cream I got on a sugar cone. I liked it. There's no seats indoors, so ate the ice cream standing up outside.
Next day went back w/ hubby. He got me a scoop of Spumoni with his Scoutmob deal, & paid for his scoop of French Vanilla Custard small for $2.95. It's a lot of ice cream, but tasty enough. Spumoni is tan w/ dried fruit & some candy pieces throughout. I liked it.
There's a single drinking fountain in the shop & pre-packed quart/gallon size in the case behind you when you order.
Tip: Sticky Peanut Butter actually is Chocolate Peanut Butter - I want that next time.
Christmas Special flavors: pumpkin, egg nog, spumoni, rum raisin.
Egg nog drink sold out until 12/16/11 - $4.25 quart.
Bus 45 stops right in front. We walked, several hills but manageable.
Note: Get a receipt & if it has a Red Star on it, your purchase is FREE up to $5.
Hrs:
Closed Mon
Tues-Th 12-10p
Fri & Sat 12-11p
Sun 12-10p
Closed Thanksgiving 11/24; 12/25 Xmas; 1/1 New Year's Day
Special Store Hrs:
12/24 12-6p
12/31 12-6pListed in: desserts, CASH ONLY places
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Review from Jason B.
Updated - 12/13/2011
Sticky.
The awesome "sticky chewy chocolate" light ice cream.
The Muni ride home if you decide to indulge without proper napkins.
The history. Stuck on SF since 1948.Listed in: Dessert
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/16/2007
I was in the area for dinner (see Pesce review) and since I LOVE ice cream, thought it would be the… Read more »
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Review from Tom K.
Lexington, MA
1/13/2012
I paid $5.95 for the smallest scoop of ice cream I have ever seen. It was the size of a golf ball.
Was it good, sure, it was pretty good, but I couldn't get past the price and that I had just been hosed.
I have eaten ice cream at some great places across the country, this isn't one of them. Go to Coldstone's. I know it's a chain, but the ice cream is just as good and you get your money's worth.
Swenson's, you have your kool-aid drinkers to bilk and you ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Good luck with that. -
Review from Andrew M.
12/20/2011
Swensen's has the look and feel of a classic ice cream shop, and delivers a solid scoop.
Although it was difficult to find parking around the neighborhood with many of the spaces being one square too short, the Swiss Orange Chip scoop that was free courtesy of Scoutmob made it a worthwhile venture. The sweet, creamy flavor and fresh, crispy sugar cone seemed perfect for the holiday season.
I will definitely consider Swensen's if in the area! -
Review from Valerie H.
Burlingame, CA
12/13/2011
Next time, I'm just gonna go for it and not screw around with the light flavors..
My boyfriend's raspberry marble was delicious, but my thin mint was so not the business. -
Review from Stephanie W.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
NOM NOM.
The lychee and the thin mint ice cream were bomb. Considering these were the only two flavors that I have had there, I am sure the other ones are bomb too.
NOM NOM. And it was even better because we got the regular scoop for free courtesy of ScoutMob
homemade ice cream for free? WINNING in my book -
Review from seXiness Fa ShO B.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011
I can't believe this is the only Swensens left in California!
I LOVE the food, ice cream treats & ambiance SO much that I am seriously considering opening another location in the South Bay (where I live).
The staff is ultra friendly & if you want excellent & flavorful comfort food topped off with the best ice cream sundaes you can imagine then this is definitely the spot to come to.
See you this weekend, Swensens. : ) -
Review from Kim S.
1/7/2012
Good old fashioned ice cream served by friendly folks. The Sticky Chewy Chocolate w/peanut butter was amazing. Of course parking in Russian Hill is nearly impossible - tho walking up the hill will help "earn" your scoop. =)
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Review from Pb J.
Oakland, CA
12/10/2011
Its really truly hard to say anything negative about free ice cream!
After being blessed with a free small ice cream from Swensen's, compliments of ScoutMob, I went one frozen night to reap my rewards. I tried the chocolate peanut butter in a sugar cone, which was pretty good. I say "pretty" instead of "spectacular", "fantastic", or even "delightful" because I found mine to be a bit too sweet and rich. My friend noted that my decision was based on the fact that I chose a richer flavor, since she thoroughly enjoyed her cup of cookies and cream! Unfortunately, I was not able to finish my whole cone (even tho it was a small) and was disappointed, although I blame the near snow-like weather for putting me in a less than interested ice cream mood! That is not to say I would not be back if I find myself in the neighborhood on a warmer, more "ice cream friendly" day. -
Review from laura f.
11/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Swesons, I love you and your ice cream. Whenever we have a warm day it's so much fun to walk up Hyde to grab a cone or scoop at swensons. Gotta love the cherry ice cream (YUM! big chunks of dried cherries) and anything with chocolate is good as well.
My fingers are always crossed that I get a red star on my receipt... still trying though! -
Review from Rose A.
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was my first time trying Swensen's. Thanks to Foodspotting, I discovered how good Swiss Orange Chp ice cream it. I had expected...as the name suggests...orange colored ice cream or at least vanilla ice cream with orage chips. But it was actually swiss chocolate ice cream with chocolate orange-flavored chips. It was pretty creamy and although the orange was subtle, it was really tasty.
FYI...CASH ONLY -
Review from Allie E.
Danville, CA
Updated - 10/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I must add.. The ice cream stays creamy even after sitting in your freezer for a week or two! (I probably shouldn't be eating 2 week old ice cream, but it still tastes fresh!) Now, that's quality :)
Oh, and CASH ONLY (I don't remember if I said this in my first review).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2011
The young boy behind the counter didn't seem to be enjoying his part-time minimum wage job, BUT the… Read more »
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Review from Chelsea J.
Seattle, WA
10/5/2011
Best ice cream I've had in my entire life. Especially the banana.
We had a scoop each of the banana and Rocky Road flavors. I didn't know ice cream could taste so heavenly. I can't put into words how much I loved Swensen's!
I only wish there was one closer to where I live. The same state would be preferable!Listed in: San Francisco
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Review from Sandy T.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I saw that Yelpers came here for the sticky chewy chocolate and lychee. I also noticed swiss orange chip and was rather intrigued!
So I looked over the menu and decided to get a small double (2 small scoops) of sticky chewy chocolate and swiss orange chip in a waffle cone, mmm... P:
I really liked the orange chip! It tasted a LOT like the orange-shaped chocolate candy. They should consider making it an orange color with the chocolate chips. I'd dig that a lot more than the brown on brown. But I would definitely come back for this one!
The sticky chewy chocolate tasted too much like chocolate fudge for me. The waffle cone was yummy since it wasn't TOO sweet.
I also got to try my friend's green tea and lychee. The green tea tasted a lot like matcha so it was a bit bitter. I like the sweeter green tea flavor.
The lychee was quite good! It had lychee bits in it! I liked the orange chip more though (may be because I wasn't in the mood for lychee aha).
The total for the two small double scoop in waffle cones came out to be $11. They sold gallon tubs of their ice cream favors for $10.95! I was quite tempted to get the orange chip one for my family to try ahah -
Review from Karin Z.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2012
I loved the Lychee ice cream. Refreshing, light and tasty!
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Review from David U.
San Diego, CA
10/24/2011
When we had a dessert failure at a nearby restaurant we came here.
I had a licorice ice cream. It was fabulously good, the best ice cream I have ever had and am planning future trips to San Francisco just to go there. However, I'm guessing they only have it with the pumpkin at this time of year - Halloween. I forgot to ask. Yelp* it if you find out please.
P.S. Licorice is BLACK! It's not red, green, cherry, strawberry, orange, mango, tutti-fruity, et al. IT'S BLACK! JUST BLACK!
Don't remember what my date of 34 years had but I know she liked it. -
Review from Joyce B.
12/19/2011
been wanting to come here for a while. just a note, this place is actually a bit far from public transportation. my friends and i walked here from north beach and it was heck of a hilly walk.
they have a good variety of ice cream flavors and i sampled several. my favorites were swiss chocolate chip, lychee, and mango bc i was feeling fruity that day. ended up getting the lychee. their ice cream is not like bi-rite or mitchell in the sense that they're not very creamy and overly sweet. for someone who prefer a lighter taste, this is a good place to try! -
Review from Melody L.
Irvine, CA
12/25/2011
My roommate had one of those scoutmob deals, so we trekked all the way here to get some free ice cream! I got the banana flavor in a cone, which tasted like very authentic, fresh banana. My roommates got the orange chocolate and the chocolate, which were also yums. I'm not sure if it's the best ice cream I've ever had, but I like their fun flavors!
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Review from Jean L.
Torrance, CA
12/6/2011
I love this mom&pop ice cream shop! The staff is pretty friendly and will let you try different flavors. They definitely have a great selection of unique flavors such as taro and red bean. It is a bit of a walk from the Embarcadero area, and uphill I might add, but I have done it a few times. However, once I tasted Swensen's ice cream, the difficult hike to get there was well worth it.
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Review from Arnold N.
South San Francisco, CA
9/8/2011 1 photo
Deeeeeeelish! Finally found a convenient parking spot near Swenson's today so I parked my car and ate some ice cream! It's a cool little ice cream shop with nice workers inside who are real friendly. There's no seating inside (probably only room for 3-4 people standing) and they have no benches outside to sit on...it's definitely not a place to sit and eat. But once again, I only came in because I found street parking.
A lot of flavors to choose from. I got a single scoop of Toasted Almond in a Waffle cone for $4.20 and it was amazing. They also have a fridge full of ice cream in pints and tubs for people to take home. CASH ONLY.
Swensons is really close to the Wharf, about 5 minute drive, and there's a few cool dinner spots to check out within a few blocks of the ice cream shop so check it out.Listed in: City Ice Cream
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Review from Jeff C.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2011
The ice-cream is creamy and very tasty. I am torn between giving it 4 or 5 stars. Bi-Rite is 5 stars in my books, but I haven't been back there in too long.
The sticky chewy chocolate will definitely satisfy any chocolate craving and the chocolate cookie dough is always good.
Since this place is just up the street, I will definitely be coming here when I have an ice-cream craving. I no longer need Ben & Jerry's anymore. -
Review from Jonathan N.
Chino Hills, CA
8/25/2011
Homemade ice cream.... that is sold... not in a home... WHAT IS THIS SORCERY?!
Swensen's does some magic making in the back or SOMETHING because their ice cream has such a homey and refreshing taste. It seriously reminds me of my child hood. Simple, clean, tasty flavors. You can't go wrong. Especially when you get two scoops of mango ice cream in a waffle cone.
Who just bought their ticket to heaven? I did. :)!
Tips: Park wherever you can! Although...this tip applies to pretty much all of SF. -
Review from Molly A.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2011
Uh oh.. I shouldn't have come here. It is far too close to my apartment.
Sometimes when I am hungover I just really want a milkshake against my better judgement. Lactose... either a great idea or the WORST idea, you know? So I walked up the hill to Swensen's and was slightly overwhelmed by how many flavors and options they have. I tried the banana (my usual fav) and it was delicious, but in this moment I needed a cookies n cream milkshake and I was even more amped that they have a "light" option... made me feel better about my shamble of a Sunday.
Unfortunately for my skinny jeans... I will be back. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mocha Fudge. Creamy, fudgey, coffee. Yum.
A variety of flavors that will appeal to all. Parking (as always in the city) can be difficult though.Listed in: I Scream..You Scream...
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Review from Sarah T.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2011
love it - they serve:
green tea
mango
lychee
mocha fudge
egg nog!!!
use scoutmob if you are going this early december 2011. then tip the guys - they're so nice and work hard -
Review from Judy M.
Daly City, CA
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Got the Scout Mob deal. Free ice cream! Besides getting it for free, the ice cream was very creamy and smooth. I got the Sticky Chewy Chocolate, my brother got the Mango, and my other brother got the Spumoni. The Sticky Chewy Chocolate is great for chocolate lovers. Mango was nice and Spumoni was different, the first time I had Spumoni. Overall great place, it has that old fashion feel and the staff are very friendly. The prices are decent too, not over charged.
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Review from Jackson Q.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2011 1 photo
It's no surprise that going out for a sweet scoop of ice cream in San Francisco is usually a shock-and-awe affair-- swirly flavors of salty and savory mixed with fantabulous concoctions of bizarre ingredients from around the globe.
It's nice that a place like Swensen's keeps it old school, just straight up American style parlor ice cream with no-frills flavors. I am a little disappointed to report that they were out of "Black Raspberry Marble" which sounded off the chain, oh well.
I got Peppermint Stick & Mocha Fudge. The peppermint stick was simply spectacular, would come back and get it without so much as a second glance at my waistline (you poor thing). -
Review from jennifer l.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2011
There is absolutely positively nothing like Swensens Ice Cream! Forget Bi-rite and all their unique different flavors! Swensens is the original stuff, the real deal! They have about 20 different flavors from mint chocolate, cherry garcia, strawberry, turkish coffee (which is the BEST flavor), all those original yummy flavors.
This place has been around since my dad was a kid and let me tell you that was a LONG time ago! (Sorry Dad) He's lactose intolerant and he still wants swensens all the time! I have been coming here since I could remember and it has never changed, not one bit. There is still the tile black and white flooring, with their ice cream maker off to the left side, the freezer to the right side for the ones who want a half gallon full, and the friendly workers behind the counter. Theres just nothing like it.
When I come here I usually don't just get a scoop, I'm guilty of getting the whole shabang of half a gallon. Its about $3.25 for one scoop and $9.50 for a half gallon, for $6 more, you may as well get it all :) In my house of four, it'll be gone in about 4 days, it is TO DIE.
The only downside is the parking here, it sucks. Most customers just double park in the driveway of the car repair shop next door to run in for some heaven. Oh, and its cash only!
Give it a try, you will keep coming back over and over again! -
Review from mark m.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
This place is awesome. I have come a couple times and the ice cream is always great. It is very creamy and with great simple flavors. I got this marble swirl ice cream this time. It had a ton of fudge in it which was great. I used the scout mob deal so I got a free scoop. No hassle, the staff was super fast and I was in and out in under 2 min. Great neighborhood ice cream parlor.
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Review from Diana C.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2011
Fresh, flavorful, extra-creamy. I love Swensen's ice cream so much, I can no longer eat Ben and Jerry's ice cream. It makes me sick (I wrinkle my face in disgust) to open a pint of Ben and Jerry's and look at it because it looks and smells bad (too sweet, not fresh) compared to a fresh, hand-packed pint of Swensen's. Even Mitchell's is so-so to me now.
Favorite flavors: Lychee or Cookies 'n Cream
