The Top Local Ice Cream Shop In Berkeley California

With summer just around the corner, everyone is looking for the perfect ice cream shop. Luckily, Downtown Berkeley can satisfy all your ice cream needs. Berkeley is filled with college students, business people and families, all of whom can’t resist a yummy treat. The best five ice cream places are all small storefronts, guaranteed to have the most unique flavors and coolest environments.

CREAM

Ice Cream Parlour, Pastry Shop, Ice Cream

Known for their ice cream sandwiches, this Berkeley shop welcomes you into a high intensity environment. CREAM (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me) started the ice cream sandwich phenomenon on Telegraph Avenue, and people from all over come to experience the original. With the line always out the door, this shop makes everything close to perfect and at affordable prices. The menu also includes shakes, malts and sundaes. Many gluten-free, vegan or sugar-free products are also available.

Ici Ice Cream

Shop

The line out the door at Ici’s clearly indicates that you have come to the right spot. While waiting in line, you can check out the chalkboard on the tree with all of the flavors, as they change every single day. Right off College Avenue, Ici is a place that you can’t miss. They make all their foods in-shop with all organic ingredients, and they offer gluten-free cones as well. In addition to ice cream, they also sell other yummy treats and coffee. Don’t let the line intimidate you; never pass up the opportunity to get Ici.

Tara’s Organic Ice Cream

Shop

Located right down the street from Ici’s on College Avenue, Tara’s makes their small-batch ice cream with only pure ingredients. Just like the first two ice cream shops mentioned, they also include gluten-free options. Everything is made right in the shop, including their cones and ice cream cakes. The choices Tara offers are unlike anything you’ve had, and include flavors such as Green Chile and White Pepper Chocolate Chip.

iScream Ice Cream

Shop, Store

Walking up to this shop, you can smell the homemade waffle cones, which draw you into the store before you even realize it. iScream uses only organic ingredients and foods from local suppliers to make their flavors, which are seasonal and change daily. The shop gives off a modern retro vibe, with chalkboards on the wall to keep you busy and seats scattered throughout. iScream is a great environment to meet friends or bring the family.

Smitten Ice Cream

Shop, Store

This shop sits on College Avenue but a little further South, in North Oakland (which is often considered Berkeley). This ice cream shop is a little on the pricey end, but you really get a bang for your buck. Smitten is especially unique because it is a liquid nitrogen ice cream parlor. Liquid nitrogen plays a huge role in the consistency and creaminess of their ice cream, which often features unique flavors. The charming store is just like their ice cream; new but traditional. How could you pass up the opportunity to try liquid nitrogen ice cream, maybe for the first time?
Smitten, 5800 College Ave. Oakland CA +1 510.594.7630 © Kennejima/ Flickr

About the author

Aimee Rose

Aimee is a Northern California native but fighting the heat in Arizona to finish up her senior year at Grand Canyon University. After she graduates with a degree in Sociology, she’ll head back to the Bay to start graduate school. She’s an avid blogger and hiker with a deep love for black coffee, independent books, weird music, and Jesus.