Mitchell's Ice Cream

Update Review, September 2022

I still have not ever been to the Mitchell's store in the Mission, but, I recently discovered that Mitchell's has a stand at Spark Social, a food truck park, not that far from my house. Danger, danger.  

The Spark Social location serves up a basic menu of 8 rotating flavors, available in bowls or cups, or as a sundae or float.   Prices are high, but maybe that is just compared to the little sketchy Tenderloin deli I normally get my Mitchell's fix at (ICU Market, 6th & Mission, for the record, great Mitchell's lineup by the scoop, super cheap!).

Double Scoop: Macapuno & Mango. ~$9.

I was happy to see some slightly interesting flavors on the lineup, in addition to basic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.  While none of my favorites were there, macapuno and mango are always good.  I got a double scoop, one of each.

Macapuno

"Sweet, meaty coconut imported from the Philippines."

I've had the macapuno before.  This is good coconut ice cream.  Smooth, creamy, decent coconut flavor.  It paired beautifully with the mango ice cream, and I think would go nicely with fresh mango as well.  I've also enjoyed it with taro cake, and mango sticky rice.  ***+.

Mango

"We’ve been importing the world’s finest mangoes from the Philippines since 1964."

My scoop of mango ice cream came from the very bottom of the tub, and was really quite melted.  I like melty ice cream, but, this was even slightly too melted as it was handed over, and quickly was just liquid given the hot day.  It was good, don't get me wrong, nice and fruity, paired great with the coconut, and oh so creamy, but, they lose a point for serving such melted ice cream.  ***+.

Double Scoop: Thai Tea & Grasshopper Pie. $~9.

My next visit, I was there early enough in the day to opt for caffeinated options.  I remembered liking the Grasshopper Pie before, and absolutely love the Thai tea, even though I knew they wouldn't really combine together all that well, I wanted them both.  And thus, I got both.

Thai Tea

"Thai Tea infused ice cream."

The first time I had Mitchell's Thai tea ice cream I wasn't that impressed, and I'm not sure why.  I've had it several times since, and love it.  Such strong tea flavor, sweet from condensed milk but not cloying, really, it tastes exactly like a Thai tea ... just, as ice cream.  I think it would pair well with coconut ice cream too (but yeah, did not really go with the mint and chocolate notes in the Grasshopper Pie ...).

This one remains a favorite for me these days.  Solid ****.

Grasshopper Pie

"Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream with Oreo Cookies and fudge swirls."

I remember adoring this one before, so I was pretty happy to see it offered.  I didn't like it nearly as much this time.  It didn't have much mint flavor, and really was just like cookies & cream ... and I don't like cookies & cream that much.  Not sure why I loved this so much before.  It was fine ice cream, don't get me wrong, just not my flavor.  ***.

Single Scoop: Grasshopper Pie Cone. $7.50.

"Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream with Oreo Cookies and fudge swirls."

Another visit, I decided to give the Grasshopper Pie another try, thinking I must have just not been in the mood the last time.

And ... hmm, yeah, I felt the same.  I didn't taste much mint, and while it was very, very generously loaded up with Oreos, I don't actually like Oreos (or cookies & cream things), and so that wasn't a draw for me.  I did love the fudge swirls, which somehow stay perfectly runny, but, overall, I'm really not sure why I liked this so much before.  Off my rotation!

***.

Original Review - 2018 - 2021 Visits

If you live in San Francisco, or have visited, and like ice cream, chances are you have at least heard of Mitchell's Ice Cream.  While Mitchell's may not have the crazy lines of famed Bi-Rite, the crazy flavors of Humphry Slocombe, and it isn't made with liquid nitrogen like Smitten, it is a Bay Area staple, for good reason.

Mitchell's has been around since the 1950s, and although their flavors have expanded, they still just have a single storefront, although you can also find their pints in grocery stores around town, or carried by restaurants and cafes.  If a restaurant serves a dessert with coconut, mango, or ube ice cream, chances are high it comes from Mitchell's.   Nearly every Thai restaurant with ice cream on the menu sites Mitchell's as their source.  Mitchell's is credited with bringing filipino flavors to the Bay Area ice cream scene, and their mango is their top seller to this day. 

"Our super-premium ice cream is rich and creamy, made with 16% butterfat cream. Choose from 40 flavors daily. Most of our flavors are gluten free and do not contain eggs, but please call us to ask about specific flavors if you have a gluten or egg allergy."

Mitchell's is a premium ice cream, all flavors use 16% butterfat, and the quality is obvious.  Some of these flavors are downright addicting, and I seek out Mitchell's wherever it can be found.

Ice Cream

Mitchell's makes 40 "Standard" flavors, in addition to a handful of Seasonal offerings (think: fresh peach in summer, all your standard Pumpkin, Eggnog, Cinnamon Snap, Peppermint Candy, etc in winter, and Irish Coffee for St. Patty's).  If you visit their shop, they are made fresh daily, along with homemade toppings for sundaes, ice cream sandwiches with fresh baked cookies, and yup, they make halo halo too.

I've never been to Mitchell's myself, but I've had their ice cream many, many times, ranging from as part of dessert at a restaurant, to a scoop from a cafe, to getting pints from a local market.  My favorite place to get Mitchell's at is ICU Market, a tiny corner store on 6th just past Mission, definitely NOT an area I would go to for any other reason, but, they always have 8 flavors of Mitchell's available, and have the best prices I've ever found.  A single scoop at Mitchell's itself is $5.  At ICU Market? $2.75.  And the scoops are HUGE.  They always offer samples, yes, even in Covid times.  I always order online in advance, and pick my flavors when I arrive, so I don't need to deal with paying cash.  They also deliver on all the standard platforms (Mitchell's directly, or, ICU Market if you want the better prices!)

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While there are a few flavors I didn't care for (dulce de leche was just too sweet), for the most part, I've really enjoyed most flavors.

ICU Market Line-up: Tropical 4, Mango, Coconut Pineapple, Oreo Cookie.

I sampled the "Tropical 4" and "Oreo Cookie" but did not get them.

Tropical 4:

"A delectable combination of mango, guava, banana and pineapple fruit."

This had potential, as I love mango and guava, but, I didn't really tasty any distinct fruits, just, kinda fruity.  The different fruits rather muddled each other it seemed.  This is a case where the sum of the parts didn't add up for me.

**+.

Oreo Cookie

"Madagascar bourbon vanilla blend with Oreo cookies."

Standard cookies-n-cream flavor, not really. my thing.  It had huge hunks of Oreo though, so kudos on that.

**.

Pineapple Coconut.

"Macaroon coconut and pineapple fruit imported from the Philippines."

Unlike the Tropical 4, Pineapple Coconut was a hit.  A lovely fruity flavor.  

Both the pineapple and coconut were quite noticeable in this, the fruity pineapple balanced by the slightly nutty coconut.  Definitely one you need to be in the mood for, but when the mood hits (the same kind of mood that inspires a piña colada?), a great flavor.

***+.

Update: I've gotten this again, and, it really grew on me.  Fruity but not too sweet, I found it very craveable.  ****.

Mango.

"We’ve been importing the world’s finest mangoes from the Philippines since 1964."

Mango.  Their signature flavor, the one that is still their number one seller, and really put Mitchell's on the map way back in the day.

The mango was, well,  mango.  Decent mango flavor, creamy quality Mitchell's base.  No surprises here.  Pairs nicely with sticky rice, fresh mango, and coconut cream.  You'll find this served at many Thai restaurants in SF.

***.

ICU Market Line-up: Thai Tea, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Ube.

I've gotten every flavor in this lineup:

Vanilla:

"Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla blended with Indonesian Vanilla."

This may not be an "exciting" flavor, but, the vanilla from Mitchell's is quite reliable.

Very high quality vanilla, rich, creamy, just, very good.  Far above average vanilla ice cream, recommended if you want a quality vanilla to pair with anything.

****.

I get this regularly, as it really is a great match for a warm piece of pie, a sticky toffee pudding, etc.

Thai Tea.

"Thai Tea infused ice cream."

The tea flavor in the Thai Tea is decent, with sweetness from condensed milk, some depth from black tea, but it was less intense of a flavor than I expected.  It was tasty enough used in a sundae with toasted coconut and coconut milk drizzle, but I wouldn't get it again, and wished I had sampled first.

**+.

Chocolate Chip.

"Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla blend with chocolate chips."

Mitchell's chocolate chip is exactly what you'd expect: their above average vanilla, with flecks of chocolate (not chips!).  No more, no less, but good distribution of nice sweet dark chocolate.

***.

Ube.

"Purple yam imported from the Philippines."

Much like taro, I adore anything ube, so I was thrilled to finally visit  ICU when they had ube to offer.

It was decent ube ice cream, creamy, rich, but not particularly strong ube flavor.  I was expecting more, honestly.  I like the (seasonal) Trader Joe's version more ...

***+.

ICU Market & Deli:
Spumoni, Halo-Halo, Oreo Cookie, Strawberry, Butterscotch Marble,
Chocolate Caramel Crackle, Cinnamon Snap, Coconut Pineapple.

One day in the winter, the offerings included a few seasonal options, "Cinnamon Snap" and Spumoni, along with some other greats.  I left with multiple large containers that day!

Butterscotch Marble

"Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla blend with butterscotch swirls."

I sampled the Butterscotch Marble one time, quite excited to see it, but found it too sweet.  This wasn't really a problem though, as I was plenty excited by the others.

A few weeks later though, forgetting I had sampled it, I got it without sampling, and enjoyed it more.  Still sweeter than I'd really like, and interestingly, Mitchell's has removed it from the menu.

**+.

Halo Halo.

"Based on a traditional Filipino dessert, Halo Halo includes buko, langka, ube, pineapple, mongo beans, sweet beans and kaong (palm fruit)."

Finally! Halo Halo, the flavor I was most excited for, that everyone raves about, that was, really right up my alle!  It was ... fine.  Honestly a bit disappointing.  This is what I get for not sampling it first, I'm not sure I would have gotten it if I had.

I didn't find all the promised goodies in it, and the base ube/taro (?) flavor wasn't nearly as strong as other flavors from Mitchell's.  I likely wouldn't get it again.

***. 

Halo Halo (May 2021).

Except of course I did get it again.

I liked it considerably more this time, as it seemed actually loaded up with goodies.  Red beans, sweet beans, and bits of this and that could easily be found.  All set against a creamy ube base.

I still think the ube flavor isn't as strong as I'd like, and I do find this one is best if you let it get a bit softer, not necessarily melty, but, the red beans and other bits can be a bit too hard if you have it direct from -12*F freezer.

***+.  Good, but just not as great as I want it to be.

Spumoni (Winter Seasonal).

"Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla blend and chocolate ice cream with natural rum flavoring, roasted California almonds, raisins, cherries and other dried fruit."

One day I went for the seasonal winter only Spumoni, without sampling first, drawn in by the promise of goodies in this one too.

It was ... very sweet. Very, very, very sweet.  I wish I had sampled it before getting it.

I did like the bits of dried fruit, and the cherry flavor, but, yeah, too sweet for me really to just have on its own.

**+.  I won't get this one again.

Coconut Pineapple, Mocha Fudge, Mango, Halo-Halo.

Another day, another visit to ICU.

I already had mango and coconut pineapple at home, so my order was easy this time: I'd get the other two!

Mocha Fudge.

"Colombian coffee with fudge swirls."

Mocha fudge was a totally random pick from me, and done without sampling first.  You'd think I'd know better.  But in this case, I was seriously rewarded for my "risk".

The fudge in here is LEGIT!!!  So thick, rich, and, well, chocolately.  Tons of it. Lovely mocha flavor in the base, lightly bitter, which went great with the fudge.  I loved this one.

****.

Update: 

I get this regularly.

The fudge is what makes this one, so much of it, and it manages to stay this perfect consistency, not hard, not too soft, just, perfectly melty.  The coffee flavor is far better than average as well, and together they form a really lovely treat.  I'd gladly get this again.  ****+.

Grasshopper Pie, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Caramel Praline.

I skipped vanilla and chocolate chip this time, as I still had some at home, sampled the caramel praline, and immediately fell in love.

Caramel Praline.

"Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla blend with caramel swirls and pralines (candy coated pecans)."

I sampled this, and fell in love.  I thought it would be like the butterscotch marble or dulce de leche that I didn't care for, but, this one was a sweet winner.

Yes, a sweet offering, no question, but I really enjoyed the crunch from the candy coated pecans, and the generous, gooey caramel ribbon.

A lovely sweet ice cream without any need for embellishment.

****.

Ube, Caramel Praline.

Update: Both Ube and Caramel Praline are repeat orders for me.  They aren't on my "must get" list, but, I enjoy both, and get them frequently when they come up on the rotation.

The ube I always wish was a bit more like the Trader Joe's version (I know, I know, but I really like the Trader Joe's one!), but it does have a subtle complexity to it, sorta like, well, uh, "complex vanilla", if that makes any sense.  ***+.

The caramel praline is super sweet, particularly when you get hunks of praline, but it makes it an easy "complete" ice cream. ***+.

Grasshopper Pie.

"Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream with Oreo Cookies and fudge swirls."

I ordered the Grasshopper Pie without sampling, and it was an odd choice for me as I don't care for Oreos, but, the fudge swirl called out to me, as I had loved it so much in the mocha fudge.

I'm glad I got this flavor.  It had a LOT going on - super minty base, chocolate chips, a generous fudge swirl, and huge chunks of Oreos - but it did come together nicely.   The mint even made me tolerate the Oreos, but I could do without the Oreos, as I expected.  The minty base and fudge swirl were enough to make me still really enjoy it.  Mitchell's really has nailed the fudge swirl.

****.

Thin Mint

"Peppermint ice cream with chocolate chips."

I've also had the Thin Mint, a more simple chocolate and mint flavor.  It had a base of fairly minty ice cream, with little flecks of chocolate.  Not that interesting, just simple mint chip, but not bad either.

***.

Grasshopper Pie.

Update: I got rather addicted to this flavor, and found myself actually craving it.  Sum of the parts, clearly much better than the parts themselves!

I've since gotten it a few times, and loved it every time.  The minty base starts it off well, the hunks of Oreo keep you digging, and the generous fudge swirls keep you coming back for more ... <3

****+.

Pistachio.

"Pistachio ice cream with California pistachios."

This is a lovely pistachio ice cream.  The base didn't have tons of pistachio flavor to it, and it wasn't unnaturally green like many other brands, but that was absolutely fine.  Super rich, creamy, quality ice cream base, and *tons* of whole pistachios studded throughout.

Far above average for a pistachio ice cream, and the generous amount of whole pistachios really made it fun to eat.

****.  Gladly would get again.

Cakes

Where there is ice cream, there is cake!  And even better, ICE CREAM CAKE!  

"Each of our decorated cakes is made with a layer of ice cream (choose from any of our currently available flavors), a layer of white or chocolate cake and a coating of vanilla or chocolate frosting. You can also personalize the cake with a message or name and add extras like almonds, chocolate crunch, fudge, fruit, and Oreos." 

Mitchell's of course makes ice cream cakes, very easy to customize with your choice of any of their ice creams, white or chocolate cake, frosting (again, chocolate or vanilla), and extra goodies to coat the sides or top.  They come in 7" or 9" rounds, or 1/4, 1/2, or full sheet cakes.

Custom 9" Round Cake. $47.

To celebrate our summer interns, one of the hosts created a custom cake.  He ordered from Mitchells because it was *his* favorite, and he picked all the flavors *he* wanted.  His choices were non-offensive, anyone would like them, but, not what I would have picked.  Of course, if I was ordering, I would have done something like the epic custom ice cream cake we had from Shakedown a few years prior (also for our interns, they make great excuses for parties!).

He put in the notes that he'd like it to be topped with frosting in the colors of the Chrome logo, and we were blown away with the result.  They didn't just put on some red, yellow, green, and blue, they actually made a stunning Chrome logo on top!

The choices he made were: chocolate cake, vanilla frosting, chocolate chip ice cream.  He splurged an extra $2 to put Oreo crumbles along the outside.

By the slice ...

So, breaking it down:

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: "Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla blend with chocolate chips"
Since Mitchell's is an ice cream shop, this is where they were expected to shine.  And shine they did.  It was just really decent ice cream.  Creamy, obviously premium, good distribution of quality chocolate chips.  Not the ice cream flavor I would have picked, but I liked the crunch from the chips and really enjoyed the ice cream.

Chocolate Cake:
Now this I didn't really care for.  It was just kinda dry, hard (because partially frozen), kinda boring cake.  No deep chocolate flavor.  That said, I'm really not a cake girl, and I rarely like cake.  My favorite ice cream cakes are Carvel (I know, judge away), because of ... the magic crispies, and, well, lack of layers of actual cake.  Come on, you know you love the crispies too.  Crispies in ice cream cake are awesome, dry, hard cake, not so much.

Vanilla Frosting:
Sweet, fluffy frosting.  Not particularly "vanilla" flavored, but I liked it.  The layer was quite thin though, so I would have preferred even more.  Again, comparing to Carvel (I can't help it!  These are the ice cream cakes I grew up with, for every single birthday), Carvel always has more extensive sweet fluffy frosting.  I wanted more.  More!

Oreo:
The crumbles on the outside added a great crunch and additional chocolatelyness, so that was a smart addition, and went well with the chocolate chips.  I'm glad he opted to spend the extra $2!

Overall, this was quite enjoyable, just sans the chocolate cake.  Given that ice cream is their speciality, I wonder why they don't offer an ice cream only version, where you can pick two flavors of ice cream, instead of a layer of cake?  I liked the mint chip ice cream cake from Bi-Rite considerably more (less cake, more frosting/toppings), even though I prefer Mitchell's ice cream.

***.