This article was updated on June 11, 2019.
As the Bay Area finally starts to warm up, it’s time to shift our diets to seasonally appropriate fare like tomatoes, corn and--of course--ice cream. Here’s our guide to ice cream options in Berkeley, Oakland and Emeryville, highlighting four relatively new places that offer exciting, non-traditional ice cream options. Not interested in branching out from the classics? We’ve also included a list of other nearby ice cream spot, so you can pick one that matches your preferences (plus, don’t miss our old list for other East Bay shops).
We’ve tried to be as comprehensive as we can, but if we missed your favorite spot, let us know.
I'm a sucker for a handwritten sign. If there’s a handwritten sign--whether for a book, wine or dog at an animal shelter--I am 95% more likely to purchase the item in question. While the signs at Secret Scoop, which Funn Fisher opened earlier this year in Berkeley, aren’t handwritten, they have the same earnest, convincing tone as they gently guide you through your visit. Their iced tea? “Not too sweet.” Their salted tamarind sorbet? “Very South East Asian!” Time to pay? “We prefer credit card :)” Their specialty is ice cream with a scoop of sticky rice, which adds a chewy textural contrast to their innovative flavors. I couldn’t resist trying chocolate lemongrass, whose modest, straightforward sign informed me that “We have created this.” The herbaceous flavor was unusual yet compelling, while a scoop of Thai iced tea gelato featured the eponymous drink’s combination of creaminess and bitterness.
Secret Scoop Thai Gelato
1922 M.L.K. Jr Way Suite B [Map]
Berkeley, CA 94704
Ph: (415) 939-2832
Hours: Mon-Thur, 1-9:30pm; Fri-Sun, 12-9:30pm
Facebook: Secret Scoop (Thai Gelato) - Gelato Shop
Twitter: @SecretScoopSF
Instagram: @secretscoopgelato
Yelp: Secret Scoop Thai Gelato
Price range: $ (Entrees $10 and under)
Every weekday around noon, Emeryville’s Public Market is flooded with crowds of hungry office workers, their key cards swinging from lanyards as they choose between ramen, sushi or sandwiches. Now, those hordes have a new option for dessert. Mr. Dewie's Cashew Creamery, from owners Ari and Andrew Cohen, opened its second location there in March, with a cheery staff serving up their cashew-based ice cream from a zhooshed-up shipping container. A sign informs you that it’s dairy-free, additive-free, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and organic, but lest that scare you off, let me reassure you that this ice cream isn’t just good for vegans, it’s good, period. It’s full-bodied and rich, with none of the watery grittiness of other dairy-free ice creams. Their roasted cashew flavor had a deep, sweet flavor from the roasted nuts, while their mocha chip was creamy and decadent.
