Fentons Creamery

"It takes very little convincing to get us to Fentons, but Restaurant Week is a good a reason as any. The century-old ice cream parlor on Piedmont Ave. hasn’t released their Restaurant Week menu yet, but 2024’s menu included crab dip potato skins and a three-flavor ice cream flight." - julia chen 1

"Before the modern highway system, there was Fenton’s. At both the original Oakland location, established in 1894, and their Vacaville outpost, opened in 2007, the ice cream business scoops butter brickle, banana nut black walnut, pistachio raspberry swirl, and far more flavors that stretch back into perpetuity. Cakes and pies are on the menu, too (no guarantee they will hold up well in the car, though.)" - Dianne de Guzman, Paolo Bicchieri

"Frothy root beer floats, towering sundaes dripping chocolate fudge onto their saucers, and the ultimate party in dessert form, the banana split, make any visit to this ice cream palace feel like a celebration. This Oakland icon is more than 100 years old, and it's deserving of both its staying power and fame: the ice cream is that good. Responsible for originating some famous flavors including a claim to Rocky Road, the creamery is also a restaurant, where curly fries and burgers join crab salad sandwiches and blue plate specials. The dependable kid's menu sticks to the cohort of kid favorites, scribbleable with crayons while kids wear their complimentary paper creamery hats. A constantly festive atmosphere means the place is loud; awareness important for kids with sensory issues." - Justine Jones, Laura Smith Borrman

"Where’s the place to go for dessert? You can’t beat Fenton’s which is a classic Oakland ice cream parlor." - Edward Barsamian

"If you grew up in Oakland, you’ve celebrated many birthdays at Fentons Creamery. If you didn’t, you probably know the ’50s-inspired ice cream parlor from Pixar’s Up. Either way, a visit to this century-old spot is an important experience - even if the crowds here can rival those on a morning commute on BART, and the screaming kids can make it feel like an echo chamber. You're dealing with all of that for the big banana splits, sundaes, and shakes - along with good burgers, onion rings, and fries, if your sweet tooth has limits. We should note that parking in their small lot is near-impossible, so park elsewhere in the neighborhood. photo credit: Krescent Carasso" - Lani Conway