You scream, I scream

Ici 2948 College Ave, Berkeley

Ici specializes in unusual flavors that you literally cannot find anywhere else--like honey lavender and lemon basil. They also have old favorites like chocolate and vanilla for those who aren't so adventurous.

Ici has become an East Bay phenomenon, and the small store is always packed, often with customers spilling out onto the sidewalk. While I really want to like their ice cream, I find that it is overrated.

I've tried their chocolate and brown sugar pecan flavors, and they were strangely bitter, not sweet like most ice cream. However, the store continues to get rave reviews, so don't take my word for it: if you're like 750 yelpers, you'll love it.

3 out of 5

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream 5929 College Avenue, Oakland

Dreyer's, which is also on College Avenue, has been in business here in the Bay Area since the 1920's, and invented such now-classic flavors as rocky road and peppermint. This family favorite isn't trendy, but they have good ice cream for reasonable prices, and the staff is friendly.

4 out of 5

John's $1 Ice Cream 2204 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

The name says it all.

5 out of 5

Fenton's Creamery 4226 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland

Fenton's is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, which has been in this location on Piedmont Avenue since the days of horse-drawn buggies. They serve a variety of ice cream, sherbet, and sorbet, but their specialties are sundaes, ice cream sodas, and banana splits. Somewhat expensive, but worth it, I would recommend the toasted almond with caramel sauce. Sizes range from the small petite sundae to huge sundaes big enough to feed an entire family. Come with a group.

5 out of 5