Smitten Ice Cream

Category:	Ice Cream Shop
Address:	5800 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618, USA
Phone:	+1 510-594-7630
Site:	smittenicecream.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	12–10PM 12–10PM 12–10PM 12–10PM 12–11PM 12–11PM 12–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 19

Lisa Heyer

This "Ice cream" store expects its customers to be so impressed with its cutting edge process, they wont notice that their unfriendly customer service policies. I dropped in for a couple of scoops on a very quiet afternoon (I was the only customer in the place) and asked for two different flavors on my 2-scoop "small" cup of ice cream for $5. I was told I couldnt mix flavors, as they tend to melt together when its busy, but I could buy TWO child size scoops for $3 each. So, if I wanted two flavors, I had to pay an extra dollar, and waste another cardboard container. This is clearly a case of peoples opinion of themselves getting too far ahead of common sense. A person buying ice cream should not be told they CAN"T have what they want -- that ruins the whole experience. And then be asked to pay extra for what EVERY OTHER ice cream parlor does happily -- put two flavors in one cup -- is beyond the pale. I will never know whether their ice cream is good or not, but Im not at all worried about finding excellent ice cream -- two flavors-- elsewhere.

Jessica Sneed

Rude, unhelpful person at register Thursday evening. Rushed us and answered with as little words as possible, was not interested in explaining menu/prices/toppings and then didnt give us what we ordered. Way overpriced for the poor experience. Also ice cream really wasnt that great here- weve had their ice cream in the new mission store and it was extremely delicious (nice employees brought free samples over to our shop) so not sure what the problem was at the Oakland Location. Also the gross malt powder and other fake ingredients displayed on shelf in kitchen is very confusing as I was under the impression that they had a focus on local/organic.

Jeff Aguero

Being familiar with the sister store in Hayes Valley, I knew what to expect coming in and as usual - Smitten didn’t disappoint! The ice cream and toppings are delicious and such a treat (especially on a hot day). Only downside for this location (and likely just a function of the fact I showed up on a weekday right after school got out) was only two people were working - including the person at the register. This meant a relatively long (15-20 minute) wait, but they have plenty of seating so it wasn’t a big deal at all.

Sophia Yuen

I’m always skeptical when there is some kind of novelty to a place – this one being that they make your ice cream with nitrogen right in front of you. I’m glad this place proved me wrong as the ice cream was delicious. I got the cookie dough with pretzels and it was cool to watch the ice cream being made. The ice cream was super cream, had a great vanilla flavor and had good chunks of cookie dough and pretzel bites for some sweet and salty and texture. Overall, I’m a fan. I love well made ice cream.

Kim K

Thank god I don’t live in Oakland or else this place would be dangerous with a capital d! I ordered the “Dough My Goodness” with a cone and it absolutely did not disappoint. In fact, it was beyond heavenly. The only complaint if you could even call it that is that there isn’t much seating, but other than that, the ice cream was absolutely incredible and I am borderline salivating just thinking about that creamy goodness!

Charlene M

One of my favorite ice cream shops. They have different flavors every month, but this location always has vanilla and I believe chocolate. I got to try the cold brew flavor which was amazing. Not too bitter, not too sweet, and really tasted like cold brew coffee with milk. The flavor I always get is Vanilla with brown sugar caramel and almonds (or whip cream) and it never disappoints.

Enny Tran

Such good ice cream! I tried the Crème Fraîche with Pear Caramel (PEAR CARAMEL!) and the boyfriend tried their Mint Chocolate Chip. It was one of the best ice cream I have ever had! Everything was made to order and the parlor was a site to see (because of the nitrogen and dry ice)! It was about $5 for a small 4oz and I believe the flavors change from season to season.

John Heylin

The ice cream is great, but a bit expensive. I get it, the nitrogen is a gimmick that is entertaining. And making each batch when the customer orders it is pretty interesting. But it takes forever doing it that way. Long lines when the poor staff are working with difficult machinery stresses me out just looking at them. At least worth a visit.

Lucille Yee

Totally over rated! They wont let you get two flavors in one cup because they cant time the making of two flavors to come out at similar time. The Tcho flavor tastes just like rocky road ice cream minus the marshmellow and nuts that you can get anywhere. Theres no where to sit except for the benches outside. Just a novelty thing.

Jessica Eskew

Really good ice cream, very creamy and very unique flavors. Does take a few minutes for them to fresh make the ice cream with nitrogen. I enjoyed the lemon/gingersnap flavor - very different! The ice cream is pricey though, and parking is street in the surrounding neighborhoods, or the BART lot.

Henry Kim

Always a go-to when I am around the area. The liquid nitrogen makes the ice cream very smooth. The flavors change around, but I always go for the vanilla since they always have that, and it is my favorite flavor. The price is also very reasonable for the way they make the ice cream.

Winter Wolf

They have a unique way of making the ice cream on the spot with liquid nitrogen, which is fun to watch happening. Theres a small selection to choose from which they rotate around on a regular basis. The ice cream itself was great and had a very smooth texture to it.

Joe Goldstein

This is some of the most expensive ice cream Ive ever had, but the texture is extremely smooth, their flavors are inventive, and their attention to detail is high. All the sauces cost extra and their portions are tiny, but its still great for a treat.

Ron Klassen

Unusual concept -- liquid ingredients are mixed in front of you then flash-frozen into ice cream. Inefficiently run, long wait, rather pricey, out of most flavorings (we were there kinda late, but well before closing). I wouldnt go again.

Jason Tsuyemura

First visit. At first I thought this may just be another quickly fading fad, but I hope not. Ordered the Brown Sugar w/ Cinnamon Shortbread and the ice cream was creamy, consistent and delicious. The prep machine and process is fun to watch.

Steven Ogilvie

Probably some of the best Ive cream Ive ever had! Ive tried 6 or 7 different flavors but vanilla is still one of the best. Great toppings and fun to watch them make it fresh to order. Parking can be tough around the neighborhood though.

frances chau

Love this place. Staff are super friendly and will try their best to describe the taste of the ice cream. Each ice cream is made to order, unless they are super busy then i think they make it in a bigger batch.

Mike Wilson

I am a HUGE Smitten fan! I live close to the Hayes Valley location and was so excited when this location opened. What a great addition to the area. Yes it can be a little pricey, but it is so worth it. Get some!

Nora Xu

Such creamy perfection! The cookie dough and pretzel at this location is amazing. Also this place is opened pretty late for this stretch of road (1130). Bigger indoor space compared to other smitten locations.