Once upon a time, the only common ice cream flavors were strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate. Oakland soda fountain Fentons (est. 1922) claims to have changed that with the invention of Rocky Road, where candy maker George Farren adapted his Rocky Road candy bar into ice cream, the story goes. Edy’s Grand Ice Cream, now owned by Nestlé but founded in Oakland (and named for the town’s Grand Avenue) also claims to have invented the flavor. Regardless, Fentons still makes it best, with fudge-y, creamy chocolate, puffy marshmallows, and crunchy walnuts, in generous (read: enormous) scoops.

The original Swensen’s location, opened in 1948, has given way to many more branches around the world, but this first outpost is still a classic, homey Russian Hill haunt. Time-tested flavors like cookie dough never fail, but the best of the bunch is the sticky chewy chocolate, with a thick, peanut-buttery texture.

For beautiful, summery Italian gelato, look no further than Gio, whose classic flavors are each wonderful expressions of their ingredients. Pistacchio might be a highlight: Simple, elegant, and packed with nutty flavor.

Smitten’s flavors are churned to order with liquid nitrogen, making for extremely smooth ice cream and a fun little show. Options like mint, olive oil, and honey chamomile rotate in and out of the lineup (typically just three flavors are available at any given time). But classic vanilla shows off the Smitten style best, and despite vanilla’s occasionally negative connotations, there’s nothing boring about it — in fact, it’s rather decadent.

The cakes, shakes, and sweets at this retro ice cream bar and soda fountain are all excellent, but if condemned to a single order here, the unique and complex caramelized honey might be the best bet. It’s a lot like a salted caramel, but just a touch lighter, with more floral notes.

It’s easy to see why everyone adores this flavor at Bi-Rite Creamery, a Mission District offshoot of a long-loved local grocery. It’s impossibly creamy and fluffy, with a slightly smoky, dark caramel flavor and lots of salt to cut through it. Yes, it’s worth the line known to extend around the corner on sunny days by Dolores Park (though you can also find it by the pint at Bi-Rite’s market and on Divisadero at Bi-Rite’s second location). Note: Bi-Rite Creamery on 18th Street is currently losed for renovations, but a mobile truck is filling in during the interim, and pints are available at Bi-Rite Market across the street.)

Creamy Hawaiian-influenced flavors (including some non-dairy options) at the Mission’s Garden Creamery are all pretty special — and how could they be bad when served in a chimney cone? But if it’s matcha you seek, the matcha gold flavor (matcha with toffee bits) is sure to satisfy. Runner up: Ube pandan.

The number one complaint at this small Dogpatch shop is its limited hours, and the number two complaint is when they don’t have Thai iced tea. It’s smoky, sweet, and satisfying. That said, all of the expressive, gourmet flavors at Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous are worth a try, so don’t fret if they’re out of just one.

Yes, this one’s bourbon ice cream with corn flakes for a delicious crunch. It’s no secret that Humphry Slocombe’s best known and best loved flavor is hard to resist, even well before 5 p.m. rolls around.

Take a number, deli-style, and be prepared to wait at peak hours: That’s the Mitchell’s tradition, and for many at this 1953-founded shop, it also involves bright purple ube ice cream. Mitchell’s has gone well beyond the standard American flavors of its early years to add Filipino influences and ingredients (halo halo is another specialty). Ube, imported from the Philippines and blended into a rich but not too sweet ice cream, is now a Mitchell’s classic.

Most visitors to long-running Parkside sweet spot Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream grab as many Asian-inspired flavors as possible, including tropical options like a funky durian. But don’t miss the black sesame, which is richly nutty and perfect for pairing with other flavors, all of which have the consistency of gelato.