Since 1959, Joe’s Ice Cream has sat on the corner of 18th Avenue and Geary. Its black and white sign is like a beacon in the Richmond, drawing in drooling kids and nostalgic parents. Joe’s is one of the few places in San Francisco that serves homemade ice cream.
Starting in late May, Joe’s Ice Cream will move just a half block down Geary to a new location that used to be Posh Bagel at 5420 Geary. It’s under plywood at the moment while Joe’s converts the former bakery to another ice cream mecca.
I’m told the move is due to rising rent in their current location. I’m thrilled Joe’s will remain a Richmond District tradition but will be a little saddened to see them lose their coveted corner location and eye-catching signage.
Thank to RichmondSFBlog reader Stacy for the tip!
Sarah B.
The new location is a dangerous one, I really hope they move their current sign to catch the eyes of passing people!
Just as long as they stay in business, especially in this ecomony! Take the sign with ya and go with black and white tiles…!
Sad and glad they are sticking around. Going to miss sitting at the ‘Bar’ eating a burger and looking out the same window I’ve peered out of for the last 38 years. 🙁
and a big fat BOO!! to their current landlord. Jus sayin’.
At least they are still going to be in the neighborhood! Hope they keep the lunch counter or get a new one. But a newer, bigger space might be the best thing that ever happened to them. I will definitely keep going to Joe’s.(If they bring their sign with them, they should take the quotation marks off of the word homemade… It always makes me cringe to see it in quotes, like they don’t actually make it themselves, or something…)
Let me guess, the old property will become another produce market.
Anything but a Starbucks!
Didn’t that old boarded up space used to be a Tart to Tart?
I’m very glad Joe’s will remain in the neighborhood although I’m a little sad they have to move. What a great part of my childhood!
Fortunately the new location is very close to the current location so it won’t alter my habit too much 🙂
I’m so glad Joe’s is staying in the neighborhood. Did you know that the owner of Clement St. Bar & Grill, Harold Baum, is the son of previous (and I believe the original) owners of Joe’s? How’s that for Richmond District trivia.
I think it is great.
I am thinking that the food handling areas, utilities, appliances and fixtures are up to code as of the last time it was inhabited with posh bagel, so Joe’s will be taking a step up in the sanitation and other stuff regarding health food inspection department goes.
I am glad that all our local loves are not only thriving, but also revitalizing, and growing.
I was terrified when I read they were moving — thank goodness they’ll still be here! They’re such a fixture…I’ve lived here since 1979 and can’t imagine the corner without them. Still miss teh sporting goods store…
Nice to read Harold’s name — he’s also been there since I came to the ‘hood in 1979– or at least very close to that year. The Clement Street is great — wish more people would discover it. Also — do people realize the INCREDIBLE deal that Pizza Orgasmica (or, as some of us still call it, “The Front Room”) has at Happy Hour — and I think when there are playoff games, too? They do Mai Tai’s — with the little umbrella, pineapple, cherry, etc. in a hurricane glass for $3.95! Beach Chalet, a pint of beer they make themsleves (so it costs them about 25 cents) sells for $7! PLUS — the bartenders are really nice. I hadn’t been in that place since it stopped being The Front Room and popped in a couple of weeks ago — always was so cozy with the fireplaces and sofas. I’ve been back!
Like the Alexandria Theater, Joe’s Ice Cream has been such an ICON on Geary. I am glad the Morishige’s [owners since 79] will just be moving across the street. But I will miss sitting at the old counter with my kid, slowly chugging down milkshakes.
It looks like they will be sandwiched btwn the Alexandria and the comic store.
Though I also miss the old Front Room, Pizza O is one of my faves on Clement too.
My Dad and I Want To Say How Much We Enjoyed Joes Since Our Family Moved to the Great Richmond District in the early 60’s.Our Family Walk from 23rd Ave After Dinner To Joes For A Delicious 15cents Ice Cream Cone Was The Very Best!!!
I bought my very first skateboard at that sporting goods store. Sullivan’s?..hmm.
We still walk to Joe’s after dinner at Kitaro’s or even as far as Tommy’s. 🙂
My wife summed it up perfectly, “Volcano’s, Gordo’s, the Hello Kitty Store, the comic store and now Joes? I now have a favorite block!”
As they say in retail, location is everything. The new space has had its share of food service options that didn’t make it. Joe’s has a much stronger and established customer base. I hope they can succeed here where others have not.