Review: Mitchell's Ice Cream in San Francisco, California

Mitchell's Ice Cream isn't new to San Francisco- it has been around since the late 1800s- but it was definitely new to my sweet tooth. Located on 688 San Jose Street near the lower end of downtown San Francisco, Mitchell's has been a local tradition of the working population who would like nothing more than an out-of-this world ice cream treat in the middle of a tough day.

I had seen Mitchell's Ice Cream on a Food Network show that featured eateries that served unusual and non-traditional flavors. Mitchell's was definitely an example of such an eatery with their broad and expansive ice cream menu. Not only could you get regular combinations of chocolate, caramel and vanilla ice creams, Mitchell's features tropical flavors you don't see every day. For instance, Ube is a signature fruit of the Philippines. It is basically a purple yam that isn't grown in many places around the world. I had a scoop of this ice cream and was instantly transported back to my childhood days in the Philippines. The Ube was just so creamy and sweet I couldn't believe I was eating this thousands of miles away from Manila!

You can also get Langka fruit ice cream, which is jackfruit. This is a fruit grown in places like Peru. And if you are really feeling brave, you can try out ginger, avocado, or Halo Halo ice cream (another traditional Filipino dessert) that includes different beans.

Just in case one scoop of Ube isn't going to satisfy you, Mitchell's will sell you a gallon of it for around $10. Not a bad price for locally made ice cream! They have almost all of their flavors for sale in half pint, pint and gallon sizes for take home. I bought a dulce de leche flavored half pint for my wife. It survived a two hour trip back home; all of the expected double caramel sweetness was easily retained. She almost didn't get any because I couldn't help but taste test while I was fighting San Francisco traffic.

It is everything you ever wanted in an ice cream shop: fresh made scoops, quick service, and plenty to take home. It is no wonder that Mitchell's has won dozens of awards and is one of Al Roker's favorite stops. I will gladly visit Mitchell's again the next time I am in San Francisco. I can't wait to try some ginger ice cream!