Curbside Creamery — Restaurant in Oakland

This WAS my go-to dessert spot in temescal but after my friends and I experienced rude and hostile treatment, we do not feel comfortable coming back.

A group of friends and I (a mix of queer, non-binary, trans and all of us POC which is important for the context) came here after dinner for some ice cream. We walked in to take a look at the flavors and immediately, the person working the counter (also lgbtq+ but white) firmly told us we can’t all be crowding so only a few at a time at the counter. FYI, it was night and raining out and this is how we were greeted. We understand if we need to be in a line! But what bothered us was the tone. We don’t expect a smile and a hello but damn we at least deserve respect. And ALL of us caught that tone, which felt rude / not friendly at all.

But whatever we got our ice cream and were just standing, enjoying it outside. Suddenly another worker comes out (female, fair skin) and then also RUDELY tells us to get off of the mats a couple of friends were standing on, we shouldn’t be standing on them. We were confused because the rubber black mats were literally just left outside in a messy pile wet from the rain and we had no idea it even belonged to them. Again with the attitude and tone! Why can’t y’all just be polite? At this point we were so done so we just walked away.

For an establishment that appears to be inclusive of all identities, progressive, woke, etc… they sure were hella rude to a group of queer and COLORED folks! This seems like a friendly welcoming place but that was not at all the vibe we got that night. The fact that we were an entire group of people who all felt the same about what happened, says a lot. We did not feel safe or respected here which is a shame. This business should practice what it preaches which is community and inclusivity because it truly felt low vibrational on some big hater energy. And we all know targeted hate when we see/feel it. Check your privilege...

Eh. Was in the vicinity, having just had brunch at Doyle Street Cafe, and, given that I don't get out to this area much, I wanted to make the most of my trip. By, you know, being a fatass and stuffing my face, obviously.

I've only tried Curbside once before, at the Embarcadero farmer's market many, many months ago, but I recall enjoying the sorbet sandwich I bought from them. Wanting to try another - specifically, their Earl Gray sandwich - I was pretty bummed out to find that they'd run out already. Not wanting to just wander off without buying anything, I tried a number of their ice creams, only to be disappointed with them all: too light in flavor, and a little too soft in texture. Finally, I came across their grapefruit sorbet, which was somewhat enjoyable, albeit a tad bitter.

So, not terrible as far as ice cream and sorbet goes, but, given the amazing places available to me in the city, there's little reason for me to come and eat out here.

Accessibility Info

Venue - A small shop with your typical high ice cream display cases. Be prepared to reach a little ways up to get your sample spoons! Otherwise, since the venue is somewhat of an open-air layout, maneuverability isn't really an issue.

Bathroom - I don't believe I saw any...

I have sampled ice cream everywhere and feel very strongly that I live within walking distance of the very best. Every out of town guest that I brought here over the past 9 years has asked me take them back here, no matter how long ago they visited me. They remember this place as the highlight of their trip, their hands down favorite.

Lots of ice cream places have unique flavors and vegan ice cream. Very few have that and top shelf taste and consistency. I just had a serve twist of Salted Caramel (Vegan) and Dark Chocolate (dairy) with rainbow sprinkles in a waffle cone. It was crazy delicious, and I rarely give that kind of review to ice creameries, especially of a soft serve.

They have both dairy and vegan versions- sometimes even of the same flavor! Their ice cream sandwiches are so good, that my daughter cuts them in half so she can slowly savor them over two days. Why?! They are made from cookies that are brilliant on their own - ginger snaps or vanilla shortbread.

My favorite is Earl Grey ice cream sandwiches with English shortbread. But the mint chocolate chip with chocolate cookies sandwiches is a close second. The service is kind, warm, and...