After an original post on Chowhound followed by many delays (including a shattered gelato case that had to be re-shipped from Italy), the ICE CREAM BAR is finally due to open in Cole Valley on Saturday January 21st. Owner Juliet Pries says the mostly organic menu will focus on sweets at first and savory items will follow after they open. There will be a dozen ice cream flavors such as roasted pineapple.
If the thought of eating ice cream in this weather gives you the chills, not to worry. The Ice Cream Bar is seeking a beer and wine license to warm you up with a little alcoholic refreshment such as raspberry lambic floats, prosecco sorbet floats, and caramel ice cream floats with lager. As reported in Eater, Pries brought on Russell Davis of Rickhouse to help develop the drinks. Bartenders will be behind the soda fountain creating daily specials and custom drinks from more than 75 herbs, spices, and tinctures. In addition to traditional milkshakes and malts, Ice Cream Bar will serve an old-fashioned drink made with cream, flavoring, ice, and a whole raw egg—but no ice cream!
Pries (who received her first ice cream maker at age six) studied pastry at the California Culinary Academy. So expect to see candies, cookies for ice cream sandwiches, and ice cream cake by the slice. Her savory menu will include items such as grass-fed hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches made with local cheeses. Take a look at Ice Cream Bar’s beautifully remodeled interior—it’s like stepping back into the 1930s (Eater has some fun details about the history of the bar). Open daily 12pm-10pm. 815 Cole St. at Frederick, 415-742-4932.
The exterior. Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.
