When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Humphry Slocombe Berkeley
Why Humphry Slocombe Berkeley is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Humphry Slocombe Berkeley, located at 2948 College Avenue, is a distinctive ice cream shop renowned for its inventive flavors and artisanal approach. This local establishment stands out as an exceptional spot to meet up with friends due to its creative flavor offerings like the famous Secret Breakfast—a bourbon ice cream with cornflake cookies—as well as Honey Graham with raw honey and house-made graham crackers, and rich Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple. The shop makes its ice cream fresh and in-house, emphasizing quality and unique taste experiences to create memorable outings. The inviting atmosphere features seating options like a bench outside, enhancing the casual and friendly vibe for social gatherings. Beyond just standard offerings, Humphry Slocombe Berkeley also features specialty items such as the Complete Breakfast Ice Cream Cake, which combines multiple signature flavors layered with creme fraiche cake and Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream, topped with cornflake cookies, ideal for celebratory events or group sharing. Its location in Berkeley makes it a convenient and accessible neighborhood gem, perfect for those looking to explore innovative dessert options while relaxing with friends.
Here's what people think of Humphry Slocombe Berkeley
As of recent, Humphry Slocombe Berkeley holds a 4.2-star rating based on 143 reviews.
User reviews of Humphry Slocombe Berkeley present a generally positive consensus with a rating of 4.2 based on 143 reviews. Many reviewers praise the shop's unique and inventive flavors, highlighting favorites like Secret Breakfast and the high quality of the homemade ice cream. Positive reviews often mention the creativity and richness of the flavors, the freshness of the product, and the appeal of artisanal ingredients which set it apart from typical ice cream parlors. The charm of sitting outside on the bench and enjoying a scoop contributes to a pleasant customer experience. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out issues such as higher prices compared to other ice cream venues and occasional inconsistencies in flavor quality, with some visitors describing certain days' flavors as mediocre. The overall feedback suggests that while the shop is slightly on the pricier side, customers who appreciate gourmet and imaginative ice cream find the visit worthwhile. In conclusion, Humphry Slocombe Berkeley is regarded as a creative and high-quality ice cream destination that appeals to adventurous taste buds and groups of friends seeking a unique social treat, despite minor concerns over cost and occasional flavor variability.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Barry Hashimoto
Humphry Slocombe on College Avenue is one of Berkeley’s best ice cream spots—friendly vibe, consistently delicious, and reliably creative. If you’re a chocolate fan, the hot fudge parfait and fudge brownie delight are both standout choices. The fudge is rich without being overly sweet, and the brownie is dense and satisfying. The floats are fantastic, too. Blue Bottle cold brew float is perfect if you like a caffeine kick; it’s creamy, refreshing, and nicely balanced. The bourbon coke float adds a little boozy fun—great for an afternoon treat when you’re feeling laid-back. Even the Fanta float hits a nostalgic sweet spot, bright and cheerful. Don’t miss the boozy affogato either. Espresso and a splash of booze turn it into something special—for when the right mood hits. Humphry Slocombe is exactly what you’d expect in Berkeley—casual, friendly, with top-notch ice cream and creative combinations. Always worth dropping by.
P. I.
It's nice when a local place that I missed lives up to the hype. Humphrey Slocombe's makes Exquisite small batch ice cream with some original playlist, but, in a breath of fresh air and an area filled with exotic choices oh, they keep it simple, and that is a good thing. I went with the Tahitian vanilla, and chocolate, and ice cream was well-tempered, not too sweet, and soft because it is hand-packed. Ideally located for an after-dinner snack, given the amount of great restaurants within one block. Good stuff
Catherine Jude
What to think about an ice cream shop where the waitress, one hour before official closing time, locks the door to the face of several customers, then closes the store for 30 min and leaves “because it is her break time”!! Very poor service, it was just unbelievable! This place does not deserve business. Of course we did not wait and therefore did not try the ice-cream.
Marcel Nienhuis
They’ve got some unique flavors like goat cheese and honey. Scoops are generous in portion.
Manuel Hernandez (Manny)
For those who knew Ici Ice Cream on this spot, it must be hard to imagine that anything could be as good. But this spot did it. The flavors are not as unique as Ici's, but the quality is up there. It reminded me of the flavor of EFE ice creams, back in Venezuela.
How to reach Humphry Slocombe Berkeley
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Website: None
Why rally at Humphry Slocombe Berkeley with your friends? This is not just an ice cream shop—it’s a vibrant gathering spot where creativity and community blend as smoothly as their famously unique flavors. Located on College Avenue, Humphry Slocombe Berkeley offers a chic yet casual ambiance that invites groups of friends and families to relax, savor, and socialize. Whether you're catching up with longtime friends or celebrating a special occasion, this is a place that elevates the simple joy of sharing ice cream into an experience worth coming back to. The eclectic flavor menu, featuring inventive options like Secret Breakfast (bourbon ice cream with cornflake cookies) and Vietnamese Coffee, sparks conversation and delight, making every visit memorable. The welcoming atmosphere is perfect for groups, providing enough space and a setting that encourages lingering and laughter. Plus, their reputation for high-quality, locally made ice cream means you’re indulging in some of the best treats around, making it an ideal rallying point for creating new memories with the people you care about.
What are the must-try ice cream flavors at Humphry Slocombe Berkeley that make it perfect for sharing?
Humphry Slocombe Berkeley specializes in gourmet, adult-focused ice cream flavors that are perfect to share with a group because they’re not your typical vanilla or chocolate scoops. Among the favorites is the Secret Breakfast flavor, which combines bourbon ice cream with crunchy cornflake cookies—a unique blend that both intrigues and satisfies diverse palates. For coffee lovers, the Vietnamese Coffee ice cream is a standout, featuring chicory, sweetened condensed milk, and Giant Steps Blue Bottle Coffee, offering a bold and authentic taste experience. Other crowd-pleasers include their Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple, a creamy peanut butter base interspersed with house-made fudge, and the Salted Caramel Cocoa Nib, which layers sweetness and crunch with salted caramel ice cream and toasted cocoa nibs. These flavors cater to different tastes within a group, making it easy to find something for everyone and sparking conversation about the unusual yet delicious combinations. The shop’s commitment to quality and creativity in each pint provides an ice cream experience that goes beyond the ordinary, encouraging guests to explore and share their favorites with each other.
What activities and ambience does Humphry Slocombe Berkeley offer for group meetups?
Humphry Slocombe Berkeley is more than just a place to eat ice cream—it's a hub for social activity, designed to foster connection and enjoyment. The atmosphere is casual and hip, with a layout that comfortably accommodates groups without feeling crowded. This makes it ideal for casual hangouts, birthday celebrations, or even small informal gatherings. The shop’s vibrant decor and inviting seating areas encourage groups to linger, chat, and relax over their favorite scoops. While the venue primarily focuses on its artisanal ice cream, the opportunity to mix and match flavors and toppings allows groups to engage playfully with their orders, sparking fun debates over the best combinations. Moreover, the shop hosts seasonal flavors and occasional events, which provide additional reasons to rally friends together repeatedly. Whether you want an afternoon pick-me-up or an evening treat, Humphry Slocombe's flexible hours—from early afternoon until late evening—make it accessible for any meetup plan.
How does Humphry Slocombe Berkeley accommodate diverse dietary preferences in a group?
One of the reasons Humphry Slocombe Berkeley is so well-suited for group gatherings is its inclusive approach to dietary needs. They offer a range of vegan and dairy-free options alongside their traditional dairy ice creams, ensuring that everyone in your party can indulge without compromise. For example, the Cherry Elderflower flavor is vegan, comprising cherry with elderflower notes and dark chocolate flakes, demonstrating their commitment to flavor innovation regardless of ingredient restrictions. This inclusivity helps groups with varied dietary lifestyles feel welcome and cared for, which is essential when planning meetups where food allergies, lactose intolerance, or lifestyle choices matter. Additionally, their transparent listing of ingredients and dedication to in-house, handcrafted production means you can trust the quality and safety of their products. This consideration for diverse needs strengthens the communal aspect of your gathering, where everyone can participate fully in the shared enjoyment of premium ice cream.
What makes Humphry Slocombe Berkeley’s ordering experience convenient and group-friendly?
Humphry Slocombe Berkeley offers a seamless blend of in-store enjoyment and convenient ordering options that appeal to groups planning meetups. Their physical location on College Avenue is welcoming for walk-ins, providing an immediate treat for spontaneous gatherings. If your group prefers to enjoy ice cream at a different venue—like a park, home, or office—Humphry Slocombe facilitates easy online ordering with options for delivery within the Bay Area. This flexibility means you can rally your friends where you feel most comfortable while still indulging in their signature offerings. The shop also allows for ordering pints of favored flavors, perfect for sharing after your meetup or sending as a thoughtful gift. Their menu clearly shares prices and product descriptions, making it straightforward to select several varieties to satisfy the group. This adaptability in ordering and consumption helps Humphry Slocombe Berkeley cater not only to the social experience onsite but also to the logistics of enjoying their ice cream with friends and family elsewhere.
Why is Humphry Slocombe Berkeley highly rated and trusted by its customers?
The 4.2-star rating from 143 reviews reflects consistent positive experiences, which makes Humphry Slocombe Berkeley a trusted destination for social ice cream indulgence. Customers frequently praise the spot for its unique and adventurous ice cream flavors that push beyond conventional boundaries, demonstrating the brand’s creativity and expertise. The quality of ingredients and the hand-crafted production process contribute to the rich flavors and textures that keep patrons coming back. Service is typically described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the welcoming environment crucial for group outings. Moreover, the company’s ethos of locally made, gourmet ice cream connects strongly with community values, adding a layer of authenticity that modern consumers appreciate. This combination of excellent product, good service, and community connection makes Humphry Slocombe an ideal location where groups can trust they will have a memorable and delicious experience.
Each of these aspects—from distinctive, shareable flavors to accommodating diverse dietary needs, and from a lively ambiance to convenient ordering options—makes Humphry Slocombe Berkeley a standout venue for meetups. Gathering here with your friends or family means indulging in quality, creativity, and camaraderie all in one delicious scoop.