Bi-Rite Creamery

When it comes to ice creameries in the Bay Area, I’ve always been a Mitchell’s Ice Cream type of girl. The down to earth vibe, the endless queues of eager customers waiting outside no matter how chilly the night is, and the straightforward, classic and tropical flavors have always appealed to me.

But when a new batch of ice creameries began popping up around San Francisco a few years ago, I got curious. I’d been hearing rave reviews about Bi-Rite Creamery in the Mission for months, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that I finally tried it out.

Like Mitchell’s, the line is almost always exceptionally long at Bi-Rite, and well worth the wait. The staff is super laid-back, humorous and create a fun atmosphere. But let’s get down to what we’re really interested in: the ice cream.

If I could sum up Bi-Rite’s flavors in one word, it’d be “intense.” They’re not playing around here, folks. I had the salted caramel ice cream, while my friend Ario opted for the brown sugar. And lo and behold, both flavors actually tasted like what they were purported to be, albeit ten times stronger in flavor.

Bi-Rite carries a changing rotation of seasonal flavors, which gives me plenty of reason to go back for more. I’m especially interested in trying out the roasted banana, Earl Grey, and coffee toffee. For those who aren’t head over heels for ice cream, not to worry. Bi-Rite also serves popsicles, cakes, brownies and cookies.

It may have taken me a while to finally sample Bi-Rite’s ice cream, but better late than never, right? And now that I know, I’ll gladly stand outside in the cold if it means there’s a scoop or two of delicious, creamy ice cream waiting at the end.