Swensen’s

As a food reviewer in the bustling culinary scene of Restaurant World, let me introduce you to the iconic brand Swensen’s. This charming ice cream and frozen yogurt shop, located at 1999 Hyde St in San Francisco, offers a delightful array of flavors and treats for all dessert enthusiasts.

Swensen’s is not just your average ice cream shop; it is a hidden gem that has been enchanting locals and tourists alike for years. With options for delivery, takeout, and even catering, Swensen’s ensures that their delectable creations are accessible to all.

What sets Swensen’s apart is its commitment to quality and variety. From creamy chocolate to fruity lychee, their ice cream flavors are rich, fresh, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. And if you’re looking for something extra special, their signature Swiss Orange Chip Ice Cream comes highly recommended by loyal customers.

Not only does Swensen’s provide a wide range of flavors and toppings, but they also offer an inviting atmosphere that harkens back to classic ice cream parlors of yesteryears. The cozy corner shop in Russian Hill exudes charm, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely indulgence.

Whether you’re a local who fondly recalls childhood visits to Swensen’s or a first-time visitor eager to discover a San Francisco gem, Swensen’s promises a memorable experience. So, next time you find yourself in the Lombard/Russian Hill area, don’t miss the chance to treat yourself to a scoop or two at Swensen’s.

Swensen’s Menu

Location

Address: 1999 Hyde St San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 775-6818

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WED 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
THU 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
FRI 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SAT 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SUN 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Business info

  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Dairy-Free Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    Yes
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Open to All
    Yes
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • Drive-Thru
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Compostable containers available
    Yes
  • Plastic-free packaging
    Yes
  • Bike Parking
    No

Last Reviews

  • Author: Helen L.

    26 September 2024

    Sticky peanut butter. Or sticky chocolate (same but without peanut butter. I got the chocolate with chunks of peanut butter. Creamy chocolate. Not too sweet. peanut butter is like fragmented slabs. I ended up biting the ice cream with the chunks. In a regular crunchy cone. This is the best signature San Francisco ice cream. The problem, how to get here? It's on a hill. Uber? Bus 45? Walk? Cable car? Scooter? Cab? Such steep SF hills! No place to sit but stand and enjoy. I always want to try the lemon custard and the lychee but I always get the same. Tasting allowed.

  • Author: Walt P.

    08 September 2024

    Small location but I think it's the only one left in the United States. I remember this place from my childhood so it was cool to revisit it. I of course got my favorite Swiss Orang Chip ice cream. It was just as I remember super silky and creamy with a delicious orange flavor. I highly recommend coming here. The ice cream is top tier

  • Author: Ned I.

    05 September 2024

    While on our honeymoon, my wife and I wanted ice cream. We ended up choosing Ghirardelli, but found it disappointing. So much so, we wanted to find a locally renowned, hidden gem before leaving town. That's how we came across Swensen's. Swensen's was franchised many years back. However, this location, the original, remained exclusively owned by Earle Swensen until 1993. At that point, Richard Campana, who began working at Swensen's in 1959 at the age of 15, took over. Richard handed the business over to his daughter and her husband, Diane and Jim, in 2020. This location remains the only Swensen's left in the U.S. The ice cream, sorbet, and even the cones are all made in-house. My wife and I shared cups of cookies and cream ice cream and orange sorbet. Both were to die for. After coming here, I have a newfound respect for ice cream shops that still make their own product. If you're looking for a dessert shop in San Francisco, this should be your choice.

  • Author: Sarah C.

    26 August 2024

    raspberry chocolate brownie was so good! this time, the server was so generous and gave me a huge scoop :")