Bi-Rite Creamery
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
Neighborhood: Mission3692 18th St
(between Dolores St & Oakwood St)
San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 626-5600
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
51 reviews
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
"Make your way past the ice cream counter and rows of candy and cocktail mixers (I love that they do little sandwich bags of a mixer and…" read more »
1014 Reviews for Bi-Rite Creamery
Something happened since I first visited this place a year ago! Last time, we went right in and took our time sampling flavors like toasted coconut, banana, plum sorbet, and coffee toffee. But this time we waited in a line that stretched all the way around the corner, and by the time we reached the counter I couldn't say "1 scoop-chocolate and cookies n cream in a cone, in a bowl" fast enough! Even though I was rushing and the counter was packed, our ice cream-scooper took the time to talk to us, as how we were and carefully pack scoops into my cone. The cookies n cream was amazing, with big chunks of cookie (that must have been home made, because it didn't taste like Oreo) hidden in the cream and was reasonably priced at $3.50....mmm....Bi-Rite is on my permanent list of places to go every time I'm in SF!
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I'm a lucky bastard. I live just a few blocks away from Bi-Rite and have the devilishly good advantage of coming here after early Sunday brunches, thereby beating the crowd and completing my Sunday meal.
I came for the first time last Sunday--perfect weather to eat a cone in Dolores Park! I tried the Toasted Banana and Lavender Honey... OMG, yum! I haven't had fantastic home-made ice cream since my days in Pittsburgh, and their flavors are rich but not overpowering, and most importantly... simple! They made for the perfect Sunday. At $2.25 for a "single scoop" (two mounds of cream, i.e. two tasty options), it's plenty of high quality ice cream at about the same prices I remember paying for commercial places like Baskin Robbins.
With a stamp card and appetite in hand, I am a return customer, guaranteed.
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After a fantastic meal down the street, I walked by Bi-Rite to find the place empty. I was so excited I picked up 2 pints to take home and forgot that I had no cash on me. But have no fear, they took my plastic ATM card and off I went to polish off my pints of salted caramel & coffee toffee. My husband now has a little bit more of me to love after my visits here.
GOOD! SO GOOD! SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOD!!! did i make my point?
Yes, this place has a line out the door on any given night and you can count on it if its the weekend. But it's definitely worth the wait if you really want ice cream, or something sweet after dinner. Their ice cream are all homemade so i don't think you can find these flavors anywhere else. I actually came here 2 days in a row because I had to get my hands on the other flavors! :P
The Almond Joy Sundae is a good choice if you're into coconut, almonds, and chocolate. If you're choosing by the scoops, one scoop of the roasted banana and one scoop of the honey lavender is a great combo.
Staffs are friendly and energetic, it made the environment fun! Ice cream and enjoying it right outside on the benches at night sets the evening right.
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Today was one of those rare super warm San Francisco days - perfect for ice cream, even though we stuffed ourselves with brunch.
It actually worked out to our advantage - made the wait more pleasant basking in the summer sun, deciding which of the *18* mouth-watering flavors to try. Would be great if they had a 'Bi-Rite sampler' on the menu - lil' melon ball scoops of heaven.
I ended up choosing the Coffee Toffee and the Brown Butter Pecan, both were delicious - but the Brown Butter was palate blowing! I'd go back for an extra large scoop of that next time (which hopefully will be soon).
I also purchased a pack of chocolate chip cookies - they are scrumptious - soft, fresh, and milk-chocolaty.
Definitely worth waiting in line for. Who knows, you might even make a new friend.
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Returned here the other night. Got my favorite flavor- the brown butter pecan. Others in my group tried the balsamic strawberry (which she enjoyed but said didn't taste any different than regular strawberry) and my other friend tried the honey lavender (which he enjoyed but could not get over the fact that he was eating a flower that he uses to scent his br!). Anyways, the staff are really friendly, even took a pint home all for myself to enjoy =)
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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07/20/2008
Finally tried this place last night after living in SF all my life! I knew this place was good even… Read more »
I love this place! This is my favorite ice creamery in the city and believe me, I've tried practically all of theml - Swensen's, Mitchell's, Bombay, Polly Ann, etc. I love their malted vanilla ice cream with peanut brittle and milk chocolate bits. Heaven in a cup!
I've tried their honey lavender, balsamic strawberry and snicker doodle flavors -- not bad, though I still prefer the malted vanilla.
Every time I'm in Dolores Park I make it my mission to go here.
Salted caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery is a dangerous addiction. I've risked parking tickets, and swerved between homeless and hipsters just to get my mitts on a bowl full of that treat. I have a second stomach that extends just for occasions such as these, always happy to find a little more room for just one more spoonful.
#1001 (for BRC)
The heavens parted.
Angels wept.
Choirs sang.
The church bells rang.
Democrats & Republicans got along for a minute.
Salted caramel & honey lavender graced my home, 1.5 readers. Please note, my tummy will accept no other cream than ones made at Bi Rite. Thanks for the indulgent memories.
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Why, in god's name, in the bazillion times I have been here, have I not written a review? I guess I was too busy eating.
II think my twitter from a few weeks past says it best:
"Near the end, please wheel me and my oxygen tank into Bi-Rite Creamery. I will pass there, happy, salted caramel dripping from my chin"
I feel bummed that I discovered Bi-Rite ice cream just now... now that I am moving out of the city. Bi-Rite is absolutely the best ice cream in San Francisco! I have been living in the city for over 3 years now and my partner before we started cohabitating even lived a few blocks from Dolores Park along 18th St. It's so sad that I did not get the chance to indulge on roasted banana, toasted coconut and salted caramel ice cream during the past three years.
I wonder how much it is to franchise this place. Or do they even franchise? Spreading Bi-Rite's ice cream goodness can be my real calling in life.
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Solid but not five stars for me.
Likes:
- smily server
- close proximity to Dolores Park
- biodegradable cups and spoons
- yummy plum sorbet and soy choc. options for us vegans
- cute boy that treated me (and conveniently, works here)
Dislikes:
- only two non-dairy options... with Maggie Mudd's offering many, it's kind of disappointing... and MM is so far! :(
Four solid stars. Can't wait to try more and more as the non-dairy flavors roll out (hopefully!).
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I'm baffled by all these 5 star reviews? If you like an icy texture to your ice cream and a snooty staff that's doing you a big favor by coming to the counter to wait on you - go for it!
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if i can creatively express the goodness of bi-rite creamery with books I've read...
For example, Baskin Robbins is like "where the wild things are" by Maurice Sendak- simple, full of colors, craziness, nostalgically childish.
where as Bi-Rite Creamery is like "the prophet" by Kahlil Gibran - wanting, philosophical, insightful, full of perspective.
They uniquely handcraft ice-cream flavors and you can mix and match the flavors just the way you like it, in two scoops or more.
So be creative and go to Bi-Rite Creamery, and get some perspective!
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This place combines two things I love most. Waiting in line and something strange on the menu.
You gotta get the special thats got the sea salt and olive oil on it. Disgusting sounding yes, but it is a very unique test that makes me want to throw up and cry, in a good way.
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OK, so tonight was the first time I actually went to Bi-Rite for ice cream...mostly because it always seemed so yuppy, and I already have my go to ice cream spot. That said, I had had ice cream sandwiches from here, and they were delicious, but not amazing.
Tonight I walked the fluffy to Bi-Rite,waited in the line, an
d had my first ice cream cone of amazingness.... cardamon orange,SO GOOD!!!
Now, yes, it is yuppy, trendy, and overpriced.... but I'll be back when I don't want a sundae from you know where ;)
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I've heard a lot of people rave about bi-rite and their organic ice cream, so it was really hyped up to me way before i had the chance to visit. I was excited to try it but wasn't really expecting much.
I got the roasted banana and the salted caramel on their hand-made cones and can i just say YUM!!!!! The salted caramel is super creamy and sweet, but not TOO sweet. I'm not a fan of bananas but the roasted banana ice cream was really good with chunks of banana right in there. What a perfect pre-dinner snack this was!
Get ready to cream your pants ... eww! Get your heads out of the gutter.
This place is so stellar you might drop your cup causing you to spill your ice cream all over your pants and exposed feet.
I went with a visiting friend from Texas. He's a bottomless pit and claims he knows the best places for all food groups. Seriously, he claimed Cold Stone Creamery holds top reign (what a fool).
So we were sitting in Dolores Park and watching a drunkard harass a group of stoners in front of us. And then, I began to crave ice cream (it could have been the man's bourbon bottle). So I pulled him over to Bi-Rite across the corner. The line extended all the way to the corner of Dolores and 18th. I cannot stand lines but I vaguely remembered a coworker mentioning this place as the best spot for local homemade ice cream. I skeptically stood with my arms crossed and sneered at the crying baby to my right.
My pessimistic self reached the counter and chose the Toasted Coconut as my friend ordered Malted Vanilla. Boring right? Far from anything simple. The flavors of churned cream coated my mouth as my sweet spot sang for joy. The bits of coconut were chewy and nutty (I needed a moment). Now just saying, if you are going to do it, cream your pants over this. Not yanking your chain...or anything else for that matter.
I love getting an ice cream cone here and then walking over to Dolores Park, sit on the grass and enjoy my ice cream as I people watch.
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It's always worth waiting in line to try a different and insanely delicious flavor of ice cream at Bi-Rite!!! My current favorites are the roasted banana and the salted caramel. They go great together, by the way. My boyfriend is hung up on the Mexican Chocolate with Salted Peanuts and the Ricanelas. I adore every gorgeous scoop I've ever tried at this little gem of an ice cream shop.
I walk it off as I make my way back to the Lower Haight and then it really feels like I did myself a favor by going there. =)
Oh.My.Gosh! On a beautiful Sunday afternoon I was CRAVING for some Bi-Rite Honey Lavender Ice cream and my stubborn Taurean self kicked in while looking for parking. I literally drove an hour looking for parking and after being frustrated decided that I could park in the BUS ZONE across the street from Bi-Rite and just stop in for 5 minutes.
Don't try this at home fellow SF folks! I parked in that bus zone for literally 5 minutes and when I popped out with my yummy honey lavender ice cream cone in hand, I had a $250 PARKING TICKET waiting for me on my windshield. Honey lavender ice cream from Bi-Rite may be the only reason that is worth getting a parking ticket that high but still $250 for a bus zone?
Does someone know an SF cop who can write this off for me?! I kid. I kid.
I'm actually going to contest this and use the folks at Bi-Rite as my witness. If that doesn't work, I'm going to bribe the judge with some YUMMY bi-rite honey lavender or salted caramel ice cream.
So note to all you fellow yelpers ~ don't park in the bus zone across the street while going to bi-rite for ice cream. Those SF meter maids/cops don't show mercy.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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07/14/2007
I love love love Ice cream! My friends and I were here on a late Friday night to try out the goods.… Read more »
This is not frozen yogurt, you SoCal-wannabe, faux-health-food-eating, spandex-while-jogging-with-your-baby-stroller-wear ing, froyo-eating weirdos. This is ICE CREAM. The real deal. Best g'damn ice cream since the last ice cream I made myself at home. I am not messing around - this ice cream is ridiculously good. At $4.50 a pint it's hardly any more expensive than Haagen Fruzen Daazle Shizzle Wizzle - but WAY WAY WAY better.
If you're walking by Bi-Rite, do yourself a favor and get some.
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The ethics behind this place really makes it the best of the best... The fact that it is superbly delicious, has excellent and down to earth service, and also is conveniently located is just the cherries on top! YUM YUM YUM. Enough said.
I was initally drawn in by the out the door line on a cold day. It's a good thing my follower instinct kicked in, otherwise I wouldn't have discovered ice cream nirvana. Ricanelas=orgasm in my mouth, minus the mess. Salted caramel is another favorite! Me and my friends now say things like this "Oh my god I think I found the Bi-Rite of burrito places"; hello new gold standard
1 star for hitting the "all natural" buzz word.
1 star for hitting the "home made" buzz word.
That's all. The net result is I should have just gone to Mitchell's like my wife was saying to do.
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Chalk. That's what it taste's like near the end of the bite, and after. Mitchell's tastes creamy and yummy, during, and long after the bite (or lick). This doesn't happen with the Strawberry, so perhaps their method is best left to the fruit flavors. And perhaps Mitchell's uses some naughty bits. Given that I'm eating ice cream either way, I'll take the naughty bits and have something I can enjoy, thank you very much.
I can't help but think the big draw here is the "fancy" flavors (yawn... enough already with the honey fig and the jasmine cow nut... just make something that tastes good!). Example, the Mexican chocolate Ice cream with salty peanut. This is no chocolate and peanut butter combo... it's clearly done to sound fancy, because the peanut over powers what little Mexican chocolate taste there is. The end result is it tastes like salty peanut with a bit of chocolate... that ultimately ends up tasting like chalk. I absolutely love Mexican chocolate, yet Bi-Rite found a way for me to want to dump it in the trash... that's no easy task. The other combo flavors I had also sucked and I'll just leave it at that.
Blah blah blah... it's not really worth going on about it. I tried this place twice wanting to love it and both times wished I'd just gone to Mitchell's.
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Being that I had joined the froyo revolution, I felt like I was cheating on my cause when I came to Bi-Rite. But seeing the line that was out the door, I couldn't help but to line up and found out what the deal-o is. As we lined up, we saw a chalkboard list of flavors...which is a great sign because they claim they make all their flavors in small batches so their flavors rotate. Thumbs up for them on that. I thought I'd play it safe and go with the honey lavender...I liked it and I literally tasted lavender which is strange for me since I usually take whiffs of it in the bathroom.
Next time, I'm coming here to try the balsamic strawberry flavor and maybe that snickerdoodle one too...Please forgive me froyo gods for my future unfaithful transgressions...unfaithfulness has never tasted so sweet!
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I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream!
Okay, up until today, I thought Marianne's ice cream in Santa Cruz had to be my fave. Well, now I think there is enough room in my heart for two places. Opposite ends of the Bay at that! If I had a heart necklace, I would break one half off for Bi-Rite and the other half for Marianne's. One day hoping that the two would unite in creamy goodness.
Line felt long but it actually went fast. A friend I was visiting in SF happens to live a few blocks away. I wasn't in the mood for dessert until she mentioned Bi-rite and my ears perked up. This place was on my radar and I thought, well, what would a little ice cream hurt, huh? (I like to convince myself that sweets are a primary food group).
Staff were incredibly nice and fun too! I can't believe anyone could be thin after working there, but the people behind the counter were young, friendly and thin. Go figure!
The ice cream was unique in that it reminded me of the consistency of gelato more than a traditional ice cream. I am not sure if that is why it felt like it melted fast, because it was a little chilly and windy outside, so there was no reason for it to melt quickly. It didn't deter me from drinking my serving though! hehe. The flavors more than anything were what won this ice cream a place in my heart.
I really enjoyed the salted caramel, malted vanilla with peanut brittle and chocolate, and the roasted banana!
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I've been here several times, and the icecream is beyond compare. BUT The service was appalling on my visit last night. I asked for 2 tastes of flavors I had never had before, and the server said he had run out of spoons, so i settled on my old time favorite salted caramel.
well, what do you know, the person behind me asked for a taste and the very same server (named Andre) miraculously produced a tasting spoon and proceeded to give everyone else on the queue tastes. i asked why, and he said it was because they were new customers i didn't quite get that rationale as 1. i hadn't mentioned i was an old customer and 2. why does a regular customer deserve any less courtesy than a new one?
I was hopping MAD. and am going to call the manager to complain. But i must say the salted caramel ice-cream is a like scoop of salty heaven.
I got there five minutes after closing and the guy let me in to buy ice cream. Thank you. It tasted better than ever.
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1 Previous Review:
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03/23/2008
The Popsicles are not to be missed. The citrus Popsicle tasted like 10 blood oranges on a stick.
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It's just so so good, you can't stop thinking about it.
The salted caramel is tasty.
Balsamic strawberry tastes amazing, like nothing you've ever had, and it's memorable.
We went for the coffee toffee sundae with everything... delicious.
What else is there to say?
It's good ice cream... good enough to go out of your way for.
There's pre-packed pints you can take home.
They also sell cookies and brownies which I have yet to try.
Not much area to sit.
Just a counter with four stools and a couple of benches outside.
Now that I think about it...
Walking around dolores park + ice cream = working off some calories (less guilt?)
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There are 3 ways to win me over. Give me some ice cream, give me some cookies or give me some cake. Really that's all you need.
Bi-Rite definitely has some bomb ass ice cream. I'm not sure how to describe it exactly...maybe its the cream they use...but the ice cream is so creamy yet not overly heavy.
The other night, I was lucky enough to have the bro-in-law bring back a pint from Bi-Rite.
Why hellooo you Malted Vanilla with Peanut Brittle and Milk Chocolate Pieces of yumminess!
I told myself I just wanted a tablespoon of the ice cream...but after the first bite i HAD HAD HAD to get another bite. 4 spoonfuls later I stopped myself.
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You know, it was good...but it didn't blow my mind.
I thought it was SOOOO SWEET! I had the Coffee Toffee and the Mayan Chocolate. Both had good flavor, but like I said. SWEET.
Major pluses: compostable cups, friendly servers, and they take credit cards even for a $3 purchase. And a small was $3.25 and I thought it was a pretty good size serving. Also I know they use all organic milk and cream which is pretty awesome.
Minuses: Overwhelming sweetness. It just didn't rock my panties off.
Overall I enjoyed my experience, but I definitely wouldn't stand in the normally gigantic line for it. Honestly, when it comes to ice cream in SF, I'd rather go to Mitchells or grab some gelato.
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I've got two words for you: Salted Caramel.
The End.
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I went there around 10pm tonite. hella people on the line.
my friend ordered toffee coffee, and i ordered the honey lavender ice cream.
they both are pretty good! taste good and texture is good too.
around $3.25 for each single scoop. ORGANIC!!
don't miss this~
Bi-Rite Creamery is, as the 5 stars indicate, as good as homemade crafted ice cream and sundaes gets in San Francisco. But if I could give a half star I would give them 4 1/2, only because they don't make shakes and malts - maybe that will change....
Bi Rite always has great flavors to choose from. Yes, it's expensive but suck it up and go all out and get one of their sundaes. My recommendation would be the banana split, it's pretty big so it's great to share. But I guess if you were really ambitious you could power your way thru it all by yourself...but you will have a tummyache after!
One of the things I like about this place is the ability to get two flavors in a single scoop serving. This may sound trivial but it really is great, especially if you only want one scoop but have a hard time deciding on a single flavor.
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Get there. Stand in the line. Dodge the people who want to "try things". Get the brownie sundae. That's it.
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Amazing flavor combinations with a hand-cranked consistency. Without a doubt the best ice cream I've had the pleasure of experiencing.
I always make sure to stop here after dinner when entertaining out-of-towners and Bi-Rite Creamery never fails to impress.
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I have had a series of trips with friends to bi rite to enjoy their ice cream. It is a real treat to have such unique flavors and great ingredients, Strauss cream dominates all dairy. The salted caramel is always the first for anyone new and afterwords you can go for more avaunt Gard flavors such as balsamic strawberry. Mexican chocolate is very good, not to spicy but enough to clear your nose. The Snikerdoodle flavor is ballen. its like some took millions of snicker doodles and compacted them, froze them, and offered it on a cone.
go to bi rite for something good. If anyone is a Mitchell's Fan, perfect. But that doesn't mean you cant enjoy good ice cream. Don't compare, just sample.
Tucked on a side street near Dolores Park, Bi-Rite is a bit secluded from clear eyesight. This tiny little shop occupies only enough seating for three and their cabinet of assorted flavors so expect to grub outside.
They have a wide selection of ice cream and sorbet. The presentation of their goods is similar to that of a gelato shop's. I constantly had to remind myself that it was ice cream instead of gelato. They allow for sampling with their own metal tasting spoons, yet I always just go for the kill.
There are several people there to help you. As I went to order a guy taps me on the shoulder. Wahhh? What's getting in my way of dessert?!
"Hey I was here in front of you", a man begrudgingly states.
"Duhhh, I came in here with her??", I reply as I point to the lady with a stroller and three kids. I had opened the door for this lady talking on her cell phone while pushing her cart of kids. I had even let this lady order before me and now this guy was tapping on my shoulder? How impatiently could this guy be? There were two servers and only two people in front of him! Anyways...
I ordered plum sorbet and orange cardamom in single cup ($3.25, pretty standard fare for gourmet ice cream). The plum tasted like it was straight out of a starburst packet. It was good, just not great. The plum flavor wasn't that discernible mostly because it was overrun with sweetness. It was so sweet that it slightly burned the back of my palette.
As for the orange cardamom...oooh yeah. This flavor was sooo good. It was creamy and luscious. I wouldn't mind going for a cup of this by itself.
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A tiny gourmet ice cream shop with interesting flavors. A friend of mine tells me that most of the flavors are really saturated and deep, so I maybe pre-tasting would be a good idea.
-Does it have enough to distinguish itself from other shops?
A: Not sure? I guess you'll have to visit to find out.
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I just want to say I hate ice cream. I just do. It's cold, and a lot of times it doesn't taste good, hurts my throat, cold stuff makes me cough a lot, potential diabetic risk, and blah blah blah.
I fell in love with ice cream when I had some of Bi-Rite's ice cream. Pretty cheap too considering it's all homemade. I swear to god, ice cream will never be the same because of this. I almost wish I could order some right now. *salivate*
Lame part? The bizarre line. I tell you, if there's one thing I cannot stand it's standing for long periods of time.
Second to that is standing in a line.
The WORST is standing in line for long periods of time which is exactly what happens with Bi-Rite.
It wasn't so bad...once you had the ice cream.
Also, we had to deal with some Orange County bitches (they MUST'VE come all the way from SoCal to piss me off, otherwise I have no idea who these fucking people thought they were) who with their pearls and wrinkled botoxed skin had to hold up the entire line and then merge into the second line which was JUST to pay and cut in front of several people and then conveniently say "oh I'm sorry did I cut in front of you my bad" and then just stay there.
You evil bitches. Take your fat babies and die. Choke on that ice cream! You have tainted the vibe!
*foams at mouth*
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