Fenton's Ice Cream Parlor

I feel like a total East Bay fraud saying that. But I am never satisfied with my Fenton's experience. The food is, of course, just an excuse for going there, but it doesn't make me happy: it's too bland-diner-y. Anyplace that puts sweet pickles on the side of a sandwich without warning you that they're sweet is up to something. The sandwiches are also ridiculously overpriced, which they can get away with because everyone is too busy mulling over which sundae to get to notice the price of their meal. There are some very reasonably priced ice cream dishes, by confusing contrast. But there, they lose me by waaaaay overbuilding the sundaes. I can't get any of the big fancy ones because I know how big they are. That daily special of vanilla and peppermint ice cream with whipped cream and hot fudge sauce and a scoopful of cherries and gummi bears may look good, but I know from experience that when it arrives it will be at least a foot and a half tall. And the whole table won't even be able to finish it, and besides by the time I'm a third of the way through the whipped cream and much of the ice cream will have melted, the toppings will have fallen off, and basically I will have to wade through a ton of sweet mess to get to the rest of the solid ice cream, and half the thing will end up wasted even if I can finish what isn't. Which I can't. I really want to like Fenton's. I like ice cream. I like it a LOT. I like sundaes. I like tuna melts. But why does everything have to either be twice as expensive or four times as big as I can handle? Every time I go there, I come in excited and leave bloated and cranky, and that's just not my cup of tea. more

I love Fentons! The Swiss milk chocolate and coffee crunch are the best flavors, though almost everything they serve is delicious. You can ask for samples at the front. Also be sure to complement your ice cream with a basket of piping hot fries. If you want to do the Fenton’s challenge, be sure to bring a coupon with you so you can get the free T-shirt, but really, is it worth it to force down pure fat and feel awful for the next 12 hours for a hideous T-shirt? more

Who hasn't been to Fentons? This is one of my more favorite places to go when I want to eat, celebrate, wallow, or just look schmuck. The place is loud and happy (so maybe it won't be great for wallowing) and the desserts should make you happy too. Sometimes if you go during the busy hours, they will hand you a handy-dandy little gadget thing to play with until it is your turn to get a table. Once seated, you may be overwhelmed by the selection of ice cream. But fear not. Go often and try everything. If you are from Berkeley, I recommend walking there and back because the food will definitely fill you up. more

For those of us who grew up in the East Bay, Fentons is an institution. There used to be a Fentons in the far East Bay of Concord, but that closed down a long long time ago. Now, if you want to have an ice cream dessert that hits the spot, you need to make your way down to Oakland - but believe me - its totally worth it. The staff is super friendly and the ice cream desserts are to die for. I'm a traditionalist, so I go for the banana split every time, but I don't think you can go wrong with making your own sundae. They have a plethora of toppings, ice cream flavors and sauces, so go wild! Another great thing about the Oakland location is that its on Piedmont Ave so there's tons of things to do. See a movie, do a little shopping, eat a nice dinner, etc. more

Don't go if you're watching your figure too closely, but this is definitley the best ice cream in the Bay Area, probably rivaling St. Louis' Ted Drews as some of the best cold, creamy goodness anywhere on the planet. And being right in the middle of the cool Piedmont Ave neighborhood, sit out on the sidewalk, enjoy your treat and watch the people stroll by. more

This popular ice cream parlor and restaurant has been around for a while and is here to stay. Their ice cream is freshly made and is delectable. Their prices are justified by their huge portions that will satisfy any ice cream lover's sweet tooth. Their sandwiches are also really good and taste great. However, sometimes you have to wait to be seated because of its popularity. more

This Restaurant has good hamburgers that are a little over priced.I really like the ice cream sundaes.The parking was terrible.It took a half hour just to find parking.I saw folks drive off from frustration of the lack of parking.I would like to go again.I would be more willing to dine at Fentons again if I knew that the parking lot got much bigger. The staff were worked pretty hard.The thing I like about Fentons is the history of how long they have been opened. I thought that was fabulous . more

Fenton's is another Oakland institution. It's been open since 1894. Located on Piedmont Avenue (near 43rd Street) in Oakland, Fenton's serves up the best ice cream and dessert in the East Bay. Fenton's also serves-up classic American diner food such as hamburgers, club sandwiches, and chili fries; however, you should come here for the ice cream only. The food entrees are mediocre at best. Prices for ice cream are somewhat overpriced. They charge as much as $10 for a sundae. My favorite menu item is the "black and tan" which is $7.95. It is basically your typical sundae, but it is so good and the portion is large. The atmosphere at Fenton's is great, especially on a hot summer night. Stepping into Fenton's is like stepping into a 1950s diner. Nothing has changed. The service at Fenton's can be slow; as it is ALWAYS busy. There also can be long lines during the summer months. A promotion that they put on, that few patrons know about, is that you get 10% off if you are wearing an Oakland A's gear during an A's gameday/night. Too few people take advantage of it. Overall, Fenton's gets a thumbs up! more

This is a family owned restaurant which offers ice cream and food. They are known for their famous crab sandwiches and their ice cream because they produce their ice cream them self. The ice cream portions are generous and their banana splits are enough for 4 people. They have been in business since 1894. This a great place to have a family dinner. more

THis is probably my fvorite restauraunt in the whole wide world. I love it so much. They make their ice cream right there in the back and it is truly the best I have ever had in my life. Be warned, if you go on a weekend night, (or anytime) you may be in for a bit of a wait outside. Do not let this deter you! Fentons is well worth the wait. Besides ice cream, they also have great sandwhiches. Love this place! more