When the sun is shining in San Francisco, get thee to an ice cream store! Today's guide on ice cream will take you to 3 ice cream shops — where the locals go. While there are many tasty ice cream shops across the city we'd like to give props to ones that visiting tourists may not commonly come across. Each of these shops have an interesting history so be sure to visit the websites to read more.

1) Mitchells Ice Cream (map)
"Mitchell's Ice Cream has been a San Francisco favorite for over 50 years.  Generations of families have enjoyed our rich and creamy homemade ice cream, made right in our store.  Stop by and see us. You're sure to leave with a smile!"

On a warm evening, there will be a long line going down the street. It's worth the wait.. just take a number and hang out with everyone. Kids, dogs, couples, cops, old hippies, yuppies, everyone. This place is classic and an SF institution. Their menu is organized by Regular, Tropical, Sorbet, and Seasonal flavors. The Mitchell's website has some great info on their history and their ice cream making process. Pumpkin Pie ice cream rocks.

photo credit: akarmy

2) Bi-Rite Creamery (map)
"Bi-Rite Creamery products are lovingly handcrafted in small batches. We strive to use local, organic ingredients when available, and are committed to operating in a sustainable manner. Our ice cream is made from Straus Family organic dairy products. The fruit and flavorings we use are organic whenever possible and our packaging is made from biodegradable materials."

Bi-Rite is perfectly located across from Dolores Park and on a warm day the line will stretch around the block. This is not your traditional ice cream. This is a whole new level of ice cream. My favorite is Honey Lavender!

The Bi-Rite website has some great info on their commitment to creating ice cream in a responsible and sustainable manner.

photo credit: The Kozy Shack

3) La Copa Loca (map)
"La Copa Loca! Is literally translated as The Crazy Cup! Why crazy? Ah, the freedom to savor scrumptious tropical fruits or other old country flavors mixed in sundaes using unconventional combinations. Gelato and sorbet are our specialty- freshly hand made served and packed in the Mission District in San Francisco! We honor the traditional process of making gelato with only the freshest ingredients and seasonal fruits undoctored with chemicals, artificial powders or coloring. THE ESSENCE OF AUTHENTIC GELATO IS FRESHNESS!"

This shop is located in the Mission and is the freshest, yummiest sorbet ever. I especially love 2 scoops of Banana and Hazelnut in a waffle cone. Then we like to walk around the mission with our cones.

Read more about Mario and how he got his shop started on the La Copa Loca website.

There is also a really great review of La Copa Loca by Vegansaurus. Sounds like La Copa Loca is vegan approved!

photo credit: carlos

One of our guests recently asked about vegetarian & vegan restaurant recommendations near our home, so I thought we'd share some of our local faves. I've also included links to their Yelp.com reviews (a great SF restaurant and business guide)

Peasant Pies:
• vegetarian and vegan options
• lunch or to-go, meager dining experience
• 24th Street @ Castro, walkable or 48 bus. parking so-so.

Cafe Gratitude:
• excellent raw vegan
• Harrison Street @20th Street, quick drive to the Mission, parking so-so. probably bus-able if you want to map it out.
• usually a wait

Udupi Palace:
• vegetarian indian - really effing good dosas!
• Valencia @ 21st Street, long long walk or 48 bus to Valencia @ 24th. parking sucks.
• usually a wait.

Pasta Pomodoro:
• chain restaurant, decent italian
• vegetarian options
• 24th St, bus or walk. parking so-so

Firefly:
• california/american cuisine
• vegetarian options, cozy/romantic
• 24th St @ Douglas, short walk
• reservations usually required, spendy

Pomelo:
• asian fusion & brunch
• might have veggie options
• Church @ 30th, take 48 bus, then J Church down to 30th. parking ok-ish.

Noe Valley Farmers Market:
• walkable or busable on 24th @ Sanchez
• we have an awesome fully equipped gourmet kitchen!

SF Farmers Market:
• Ferry Building on Market, walk/bus to Castro St underground MUNI station and take any to Embarcadero.
• we have an awesome fully equipped gourmet kitchen!