Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience — Attraction in San Francisco

So back in the day (late 60s/early 70s), my mom and I would come to the Square about twice a month. We lived in Berkeley and then Oakland. We would come for ice cream. It was great. I remember seeing the chocolate extractors, they looked like huge drying machines. There was an elderly Black gentleman that was blind. He hung out on the corner with his monkey. He had a music box that worked by hand crank, and the monkey would dance around. The monkey had a tin cup and would solicit donations at the end of each set. My mother was not well-off by any means, but she would always donate generously. Now the bad part. Fast forward to 2017. My brother got married in SF and we ended up down there at Ghiradelli Square. My nephew, 10 or 12, was there. This "friend of the family" took the kid around while everyone was eating ice cream. She came back in a panic, without my nephew. Bad. My cousin's wife started crying. Well, being the guy I am, I IMMEDIATELY took off. I went to the stores that woman took him to, and they verified they saw them together but didn't know what happened. I do have to admit, I totally cut in front of people in line in a rude manner, but when they heard what I said to the clerks, they were like very supportive. That was cool. They also knew this was a very serious situation. So I ended up in front of the Square, kind of where the guy and his monkey used to be. And down the road, maybe 2/3 or 3/4 of a block away, I saw some tall creepy dude holding hands with my nephew and walking the pier 39 direction. I started running. I catch up and knocked the stinky smelly creep to the ground. Tall skinny white boy, probably homeless. I grabbed my nephew and dude took off. I tried chasing him, but he was probably half my age and got away. So I brought my nephew back and the police were there. Cousin's wife still crying. She immediately stopped when she saw her son was safe. I told the cops what happened and they immediately left to find this weirdo. I actually left again, too, hoping to find him myself. The cops came back a half hour later and said they couldn't find him. But at least we got my nephew back. And a big "thank you" to SFPD, because they were doing their best to locate this pervert. That is why I downgraded my assessment, and it really isn't fair to the Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory. The place in itself is a 5. Always has been, probably always will. Just watch your kids around there! It could have been me when I...

Let’s start with the truth: $18 for parking and a chocolate topping that tastes like bitter wax? Not exactly the dream beginning to your chocolate pilgrimage. But hang in there—because what follows is actually a pretty magical experience. Nestled right in Ghirardelli Square, the iconic Ghirardelli shop offers more than just chocolates—it offers a view that feels like it belongs in a movie. We were lucky enough to snag a window seat, and wow—the sweeping ocean view with Alcatraz Island in the distance? Absolutely stunning. As cliché as it sounds, we sat there quietly for a few moments, soaking it all in, sundae spoons in hand, completely lost in the moment. Now, let’s talk about the Hot Fudge Sundae. Rich, warm, and ridiculously indulgent, it's everything you want from a San Francisco classic. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pairing spoonfuls of velvety ice cream and hot fudge with that postcard-perfect backdrop. You feel like you’re part of something timeless—decadent dessert meets west coast charm. But here’s the tip you’ll thank me for later: do NOT eat the chocolate square they stick on top of the sundae. For whatever reason, it’s oddly bitter and chalky, and frankly, it kind of ruins the magic of the whole dessert if you end with that taste in your mouth. Is it expensive? Definitely. You’re not just paying for the ice cream—you’re paying for the view, the history, the brand, and that little slice of San Francisco nostalgia. And honestly? For a one-time experience, it’s worth it. So go for the sundae, sit by the window, take a deep breath, and just don’t eat the chocolate on top. And yes, the $18 parking for 3 hours is brutal—but at least you’ll leave with a full heart...

Nice chocolate experience, staff could be better informed and do their job. I waited 10 minutes for a chai latte and watched 4 people stand at the coffee counter not doing anything. So I went up and asked if I had to pick it up though I had a number on a stand for them to bring it to my table. I went over and ask they said no they'll bring it but I said it's been 10 minutes and four of you are standing here. I'm a barista I could have done already. My sister already finished her cookie that she wanted to eat with the chai latte. Also they couldn't answer if the chocolate squares are unique to the store or are they available at markets too. I wanted to get Ghirardelli chocolate squares that were unique to the store for gifts home. It turns out some flavors are unique only to the store and not available in markets. But I had to research that on my own when I got home. Luckily I bought a few that are unique to Ghirardelli experience. Also the main number on the scales is done in kilograms yet their scale at the register is done in pounds. So one doesn't match the other when you think you've bought just under a pound and here you brought more than a pound up to the register. Because 1 kg is less than a pound. I thought I brought up under a pound and I brought a pound and a third and at $25 a pound that adds up. The $12.50 price that they have displayed is a half a pound. They could do much better to make more sense for the consumer. Lots of ice cream dishes to eat there. Easy to walk from Fisherman's Wharf or take a...