For those of us who understand the profound difference, suggesting frozen yogurt as a substitute for soft serve is simply unacceptable. When that craving for a light, airy, and supremely creamy swirl hits, nothing else will do. Let’s be clear – fro-yo just doesn’t compare.
The distinction goes beyond the tangy flavor profile of frozen yogurt. A key difference lies in fat content. Frozen yogurt typically contains a milk fat percentage of just 0.5–3%, whereas soft serve generally boasts around 4–6%. Traditional ice cream, for comparison, often clocks in at 10% or higher. This higher fat content in soft serve is crucial; it allows the mixture to hold more air, resulting in that signature light, soft, and incredibly creamy texture. Fro-yo, with its lower fat content, tends to be icier and less smooth. While some high-quality frozen yogurts can surpass low-grade soft serve – especially those made from cheap powdered mixes or insufficiently aerated – a truly disappointing vanilla soft serve will often be yellowish in hue and icy, betraying its low-quality origins.
But the allure of soft serve extends beyond mere taste and texture. In its purest form, especially when dispensed in that iconic swirl onto a simple cake cone, it evokes powerful childhood memories. It’s the taste of summer rewards, the perfect pit stop on a hot road trip, and a quintessential treat at amusement parks and family outings. Even when elevated in a fancy restaurant, served in a cup and adorned with gourmet toppings like olive oil and sea salt, soft serve retains its nostalgic charm, hitting that sweet spot of simpler times.
While soft serve is increasingly appearing in cafes and on dessert menus, it remains less ubiquitous than traditional ice cream or frozen yogurt. That’s why keeping a mental list of reliable soft serve spots is essential for any true enthusiast. And with summer in full swing, it’s the perfect moment to share a curated guide for fellow soft serve aficionados searching for “Soft Serve Near Me.”
This list encompasses the best soft serve locations I could find within Berkeley and Oakland, and includes a few notable mentions in nearby East Bay cities. For the purpose of this guide, I’ve intentionally excluded large chains like McDonald’s and IKEA, although we can all admit they sometimes satisfy a desperate soft serve craving in a pinch.
So, to all my fellow soft serve lovers out there – let’s dive into the best spots to find your perfect swirl in the East Bay!
Berkeley Soft Serve Hotspots
Amausaan Uji Matcha
Matcha soft cream in a taiyaki cone, showcasing the vibrant green color and unique fish-shaped cone, highlighting a specialty dessert from Uji Time in Berkeley.
A recent addition to Berkeley’s dessert scene, Amausaan Uji Matcha is a Chinese international chain specializing in Japanese matcha-flavored sweets. True to form, they offer exquisite soft serve as part of their menu. You can enjoy their soft serve in classic chocolate cones or incorporated into their more elaborate, topping-laden dessert creations. Flavor options include their signature Uji matcha and a rich black tea. For a truly immersive experience, consider pairing your soft serve with their taiyaki cones or parfaits.
Amausaan Uji Matcha, 1950 Shattuck Ave (at Berkeley Way), Berkeley
Brown Cap
For those familiar with the iconic East Coast soft serve trucks like Mister Softee, you might have wondered why this mobile dessert haven hasn’t yet reached the East Bay. While there is a Mister Softee truck based in Redwood City available for Bay Area events, Brown Cap offers an even more compelling local option for your mobile swirl fix. This Berkeley-based soft serve truck features Straus organic soft serve in both vanilla and Dutch chocolate. Choose from various sizes, cones, or bowls, and enhance your treat with delightful toppings like Maldon sea salt and raspberry powder. Brown Cap also innovatively serves their vanilla soft serve as an affogato with Jittery John’s cold brew coffee or as a refreshing float with Stewart’s root beer or orange cream soda. While available for private events, you can often find Brown Cap parked at popular spots around the East Bay, including regular Thursday appearances at Jewell’s Terrace Park in Albany at 3 PM during the summer.
Follow Brown Cap on Twitter for the latest updates on their locations.
Cheese Board Pizza Collective
Close-up of buffalo milk soft serve, highlighting its creamy texture and served in a simple cone at Cheese Board in Berkeley.
Cheese Board’s soft serve is a personal favorite and widely regarded as exceptional. Made with buffalo milk from Petaluma’s Double 8 Dairy, known for its higher fat content compared to cow’s milk, this soft serve achieves an unparalleled richness and velvety texture. Cheese Board’s pizzeria consistently offers two rotating seasonal flavors, which can be combined into a delightful swirl. For those curious about the “plain” flavor – it’s not vanilla, but rather a subtly sweet “sweet cream,” as described by Cheese Board staff. Pro-tip: Order your soft serve alongside your pizza to skip the dessert line later. Simply present your receipt at the counter when you’re ready for your post-pizza treat.
Cheese Board Pizza Collective, 1512 Shattuck Ave. (at Vine), Berkeley
Fosters Freeze
Classic soft serve cone, showcasing the iconic swirl shape and simple presentation at Fosters Freeze in Berkeley.
Sometimes, the simplest cravings are the strongest. One evening in Berkeley, searching for a late-night dessert, the illuminated neon sign of Fosters Freeze on University Avenue promised a fast, affordable, and satisfying “old fashion” treat. And it delivered! While perhaps not made with the most premium milk base, Fosters Freeze soft serve, according to their website, uses “real milk” and impressively maintains a classic coiled shape with a light, creamy texture, outperforming some pricier artisanal versions. While they offer chocolate-dipped cones, the chocolate coating might be less appealing. However, their soft serve shines in shakes, parfaits, sundaes, Freezes, and Twisters. For a nostalgic experience, the chocolate-vanilla swirl cone remains a timeless choice.
Fosters Freeze, 1199 University Ave. (at Curtis), Berkeley
Funky Elephant
West Berkeley’s Funky Elephant Thai restaurant is a hidden gem for unique soft serve experiences. They utilize Straus organic soft serve base and creatively blend it with fresh fruit purees or teas. Their flavor offerings rotate frequently, typically once or twice a month, depending on popularity and seasonal ingredients. Toppings are also dynamic, complementing the featured flavors. Past pairings have included sweet sticky rice and coconut cream with Thai tea and mango soft serve, Froot Loops with matcha, and chocolate Pocky with strawberry soft serve. A cooling cup of their soft serve is the perfect conclusion to a spicy Thai meal at this vibrant and flavorful spot.
Funky Elephant, 1313 Ninth St. (at Gilman), Berkeley
Lexie’s Frozen Custard
This Berkeley-based mobile business brings creamy frozen custard directly to you from their food truck. Owner Lexie LeCount aspires to open a brick-and-mortar location soon, but for now, you can track down her truck for a taste of authentic frozen custard. Lexie’s uses Organic Straus dairy, real vanilla, and egg yolk to create a custard with an exceptionally rich and creamy texture and flavor. Because frozen custard is best enjoyed fresh, Lexie’s makes batches directly on the truck throughout the day, ensuring peak quality. Lexie’s Frozen Custard’s schedule varies seasonally, so consult their online calendar or follow @lexiesfrozen on Twitter for their latest locations and times.
Super Duper Burger
Kid-size vanilla dipped cone, showing a smaller portion perfect for children or a light dessert at Super Duper Burgers in Berkeley.
Consistent with many top-quality spots on this list, Super Duper Burger utilizes Straus organic mix for their chocolate and vanilla soft serve flavors. Served in classic cake cones, available plain or chocolate-dipped, Super Duper’s soft serve makes for a perfect dessert after their delicious burgers and fries. If you’re feeling less hungry, their kid-size option is ideal for a smaller sweet treat without overindulging. Find Super Duper locations conveniently in Berkeley, Emeryville, and Concord.
Super Duper Burger, 2355 Telegraph Ave. (at Durant), Berkeley. Also at Public Market Emeryville, 5959 Shellmound St., Emeryville and 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord
Uji Time
Uji Time in Berkeley is renowned for its unique taiyaki cones. These cones are inspired by traditional Japanese pancakes, filled with sweet adzuki beans and cooked in charming fish-shaped molds. At Uji Time, the taiyaki cones are filled with either red bean paste or Nutella before being generously filled with soft serve (referred to as “soft cream” here). Soft serve flavors include matcha, black sesame, tofu, and a rotating seasonal option. For a more elaborate Japanese-style dessert, try their parfait, featuring layers of soft serve, sweet red bean, mochi, mini taiyaki, Castella cake, crispy crepe, and corn flakes. Of course, you can also enjoy their soft serve in a simple waffle cone. Note their operating hours before visiting, as they are open from 3-9 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays; 1–9 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; and 1–11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Uji Time, 2575 Telegraph Ave. (at Parker), Berkeley.
Zazzi Foods
Vanilla and chocolate soft serve cups, featuring caramel sauce and caramel corn toppings at Zazzi Foods in Berkeley.
Zazzi Foods café in Berkeley offers a delightful soft serve experience from morning to afternoon, serving cups or cones of vanilla, chocolate, or swirl from 8 AM to 5 PM. Owned by Cassandra Chen, also the owner of Café Fanny granola and C.C. Made caramel sauces, Zazzi’s offers these gourmet toppings to elevate your soft serve. Sprinkles are also available for a classic touch for a small additional charge. For a caffeine boost, try their vanilla soft serve as an affogato.
Zazzi Foods, 1398 University Ave. (at Acton), Berkeley
Oakland’s Outstanding Soft Serve Options
Arthur Mac Tap & Snack
Longfellow’s popular pizza and beer garden, Arthur Mac Tap & Snack, keeps its dessert menu simple yet satisfying with their malted vanilla soft serve in a classic cake cone. Using a Darigold vanilla-flavored soft serve mix, they enhance it with malted milk powder for added richness. For the ultimate experience, add sprinkles or chocolate sauce. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a savory pizza and beer outing.
Arthur Mac Tap & Snack, 4006 MLK Jr. Way (at 40th), Oakland
Curbside Creamery
Swirl of vanilla bean dairy and mint chocolate vegan soft serve in a chocolate waffle cone from Curbside Creamery, showcasing both dairy and vegan options in Oakland.
Curbside Creamery in Temescal Alley stands out for offering both traditional hard-packed ice cream and exceptional soft serve. They also cater to smaller appetites with smaller serving sizes and are conveniently open until 10 PM daily. Their soft serve menu features two rotating weekly flavors – one dairy and one vegan, often featuring unique and uncommon flavor profiles. Their vegan soft serve, made with a cashew base, is remarkably creamy and rich, avoiding the overly thick texture sometimes found in cashew-based creams. Flavor options are served in cups or your choice of cone, including cake, sugar, or premium waffle cones (regular or chocolate).
Curbside Creamery, 482 49th St. (between Telegraph and Clark), Oakland
Flavor Brigade
This beloved Philly-based frozen dessert brand has established two East Bay locations, in Oakland and Pleasanton. While famous for their vibrant rainbow of Italian ice flavors, Flavor Brigade also offers creamy chocolate and vanilla frozen custard for those seeking a richer frozen treat. Perfect for those who appreciate both icy and creamy dessert options.
Flavor Brigade, 3540 Fruitvale Ave. (at MacArthur), Oakland. Also at 929 Main St., Pleasanton
4505 Burgers & BBQ
The Oakland location of San Francisco-based 4505 Burgers & BBQ arrived just in time for summer, bringing with it not only delicious burgers and BBQ but also fantastic malted soft serve. Using Double 8 Dairy from Petaluma, their malted soft serve is a must-try. A family-friendly perk: kids who order a meal receive a complimentary cone, a nod to the owner’s favorite childhood BBQ spot tradition.
4505 Burgers & BBQ Oakland, 3506 MacArthur Blvd. (at 35th), Oakland
Timeless Coffee
Vegan soft serve at Timeless Coffee, highlighting a dairy-free dessert option available on weekends at their Piedmont Avenue location in Oakland.
Timeless Coffee playfully warns on their website about potential “addiction” to their soft serve. This all-vegan café offers soft serve exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays at their Piedmont Avenue location. (Their Berkeley location features scoops and affogatos using vegan ice cream from Curbside Creamery). Timeless’s soft serve flavors are always dairy-free and change regularly, sometimes soy milk-based (using Chicago Soy Dairy base) and sometimes fruit-based. Enjoy it in a cup, as an affogato, or in a coffee float. Despite being soy-based at times, Timeless manages to avoid the plant-like aftertaste often associated with soy cream, delivering a surprisingly delicious and classic vanilla and chocolate swirl.
Timeless Coffee Roasters and Bakery, 4252 Piedmont Ave. (between Glenwood and Echo), Oakland
Soft Serve Beyond Berkeley & Oakland: East Bay Highlights
Benchmark Pizzeria
Beyond Berkeley and Oakland, Kensington’s Benchmark Pizzeria offers not only exceptional wood-fired pizzas but also Straus organic vanilla and Dutch chocolate soft serve. Enjoy it in a cup with a variety of toppings like rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate or butterscotch sauce, or even olive oil and sea salt for a gourmet twist. For a decadent treat, try the Benchmark Sundae, featuring vanilla soft serve, your choice of sauce, whipped cream, almonds, and an Amarena cherry. For a lighter option, the Coke float combines vanilla soft serve with refreshing Mexican Coke.
Benchmark Pizzeria, 1568 Oak View Ave. (at Colusa), Kensington
Boss Burgers
Boss Burgers in Albany, sister restaurant to Little Star Pizza, recently updated its menu. While previously focused on gourmet fast food-style burgers, the new menu features more burgers, sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian-friendly fries. They’ve also updated their soft serve, switching from Straus organic to Darigold organic for their vanilla and chocolate flavors. Enjoy it in a cone, bowl, or as a milkshake.
Boss Burgers, 1187 Solano Ave. (at Cornell), Albany
Gott’s Roadside
While a bit further afield in Walnut Creek, Gott’s Roadside is a worthwhile East Bay destination for Straus organic soft serve. Available in kids, small, and large sizes, and in Dutch chocolate and vanilla flavors, you can customize your treat with additional toppings and dips like rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, almonds, and chocolate or peanut butter dip.
Gott’s Roadside, 1275 Main St. (at Botelho), Walnut Creek
This guide was updated for summer 2024, ensuring the most current information for your soft serve adventures.
