East Bay’s Top 10 Locally-Owned Ice Cream Shops

Written By Brentwood Ice Cream Co .

The East Bay is home to some of the most iconic and innovative independent ice cream shops in Northern California. From 100-year-old drive-thrus to modern shops blending global flavors with local farm-fresh produce, here are 10 of the best locally run spots.

1. Fentons Creamery (Oakland)

An Oakland landmark since 1894, Fentons is perhaps the most famous ice cream parlor in the East Bay. Known for its massive, over-the-top sundaes and appearances in Pixar’s film Up, it maintains a nostalgic, century-old charm.

  • Fruits Offered: Bananas, Strawberries, Pineapples, Cherries, Blueberries, and Raspberries.

  • Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

  • Address: 4226 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611.

  • Website: fentonscreamery.com

2. Tara’s Organic Ice Cream (Berkeley)

Tara’s is renowned for artisanal, small-batch organic ice cream. The shop is famous for experimenting with inventive and savory herbs and spices, but their fruit-based sorbets and ice creams are equally exceptional.

  • Fruits Offered: Organic Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, and seasonal local Plums and Peaches.

  • Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

  • Address: 3173 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705.

  • Website: tarasorganic.com

3. Curbside Creamery (Oakland)

Located in the trendy Temescal Alley, Curbside Creamery serves both traditional dairy and cashew-based vegan scoops. They are best known for their "Curbside Sandwiches" made with freshly baked cookies.

  • Fruits Offered: Young Coconut, Blackberry, Strawberry, and Lemon.

  • Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

  • Address: 482 49th St, Oakland, CA 94609.

  • Website: curbsideoakland.com

4. Brentwood Ice Cream Co. (Brentwood)

This family-owned shop is a celebration of East Bay agriculture, specializing in "Farm to Scoop" flavors. They partner with local Brentwood farms like Bacchini’s and Frog Hollow to create seasonal offerings that highlight the region's best harvests.

  • Fruits Offered: Local Cherries (Lapin), Blueberries, Albion Strawberries, Peaches (Spring Snow/Arctic Star), Olallieberries, Dragon Fruit, Raspberries, and Bananas.

  • Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM.

  • Address: 5421 Lone Tree Way, Suite 101, Brentwood, CA 94513.

  • Website: brentwoodicecream.com

5. Meadowlark Dairy (Pleasanton)

Meadowlark is a 104-year-old Pleasanton institution. It is one of the few remaining drive-thru dairies where you can roll down your window to order creamy, old-fashioned soft-serve that many consider the best in the state.

  • Fruits Offered: Orange (Creamsicle style), Strawberry, and Pineapple.

  • Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

  • Address: 57 W Neal St, Pleasanton, CA 94566.

  • Website: themeadowlarkdairy.com

6. Nieves Cinco de Mayo (Oakland)

Tucked inside the Fruitvale Public Market, this shop specializes in nieves de garrafa—traditional Mexican ice cream hand-churned in wooden barrels. It’s the go-to spot for authentic, fruit-forward flavors with a handmade texture.

  • Fruits Offered: Guava, Mango, Strawberry, Mamey, Cactus Fruit, Pineapple, Guanabana (Soursop), and Coconut.

  • Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

  • Address: 3340 E 12th St, Suite 2, Oakland, CA 94601.

  • Yelp: Nieves Cinco de Mayo

7. Koolfi Creamery (San Leandro)

This wife-and-wife-owned creamery blends Indian-inspired spices and ingredients with high-quality California dairy. Their "Koolfi" flights allow customers to sample a wide array of bold, global flavors.

  • Fruits Offered: Mango, Guava, Cherry, Watermelon, Dates, and Figs.

  • Opening Hours: Wed-Thu: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sun: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Mon-Tue).

  • Address: 599 MacArthur Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577.

  • Website: koolficreamery.com

8. Loard’s Ice Cream (Orinda)

Founded in 1950, Loard’s is a nostalgic staple of the East Bay. The Orinda location maintains the classic black-and-pink aesthetic and serves premium ice cream that has been a local favorite for generations.

  • Fruits Offered: Cherries, Strawberries, Pineapple, Banana, and Raspberry.

  • Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

  • Address: 230 Brookwood Rd, Orinda, CA 94563.

  • Website: loardsorinda.com

9. Little Giant Ice Cream (Oakland)

A modern favorite in Uptown Oakland, Little Giant focuses on small-batch production with funky, high-intensity flavors. They are known for using top-tier local dairy and seasonal produce.

  • Fruits Offered: Strawberry, Lemon, and various seasonal fruit swirls.

  • Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sun: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

  • Address: 1951 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612.

  • Website: littlegianticecream.com

10. Cookiebar Scoop Shop (Alameda)

Cookiebar is celebrated for its unique South and East Asian flavor profiles. From Mango Sticky Rice to Lychee, the shop offers a refreshing alternative to traditional flavors, often served with their signature cookies.

  • Fruits Offered: Mango, Lychee, Calamansi, Durian, and Coconut.

  • Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

  • Address: 1608 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501.

  • Website: cookiebarscoopshop.com

Brentwood Ice Cream Co .
Next

The Top 50 U-Pick Farms in Brentwood