Garden Creamery
The Verdict
"Saturday afternoon is prime time but also the longest wait. Friday evening is a better window for the same selection with fewer people in line."
What you need to know
Garden Creamery makes small-batch ice cream and vegan sorbet from scratch in the Mission. Owner Erin Lang opened it in 2014 with a focus on organic dairy, seasonal fruit from local farms, and unusual flavor combinations. Six vegan flavors and 15 dairy flavors rotate through the case daily, with new flavors dropping weekly.
The Food
The dairy flavors lean playful with combinations like Black Sesame Mochi, Hong Kong Milk Tea, and Ube. The vegan options use a coconut base sweetened with agave, creamy enough to hold their own against the dairy. Seasonal fruit drives the rotation in summer.
The Space
Small Mission storefront with a counter, a few stools, and lines on warm afternoons. Corner location that catches the sun.
Practical Info
Reservations: None. Walk in and order.
Hours: Wed-Thu 6pm-10:30pm, Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-9:30pm. Closed Mon-Tue.
Address: 3566 20th Street
Getting there: 16th Street BART is a 10-minute walk. 14 Mission and 49 Van Ness Muni lines run nearby.
📍 Location: This restaurant is in The Mission District. Explore the neighborhood →
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