The Best Late Night Desserts In San Francisco
Craving something sweet after dinner in San Francisco? The city is filled with delicious late night dessert spots to satisfy any late night sugar fix.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Bi-Rite Creamery, 20th Century Cafe, and Bob’s Donuts are top picks for late night desserts in San Francisco.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll recommend the best places to go for late night desserts in San Francisco, breaking down options by neighborhood and type of dessert like ice cream, pastries, and donuts. We’ll also highlight key details like hours of operation and what to order at each spot.
Ice Cream Shops Open Late
Bi-Rite Creamery (Mission District)
If you find yourself wandering through San Francisco’s Mission District late at night with a craving for something sweet, look no further than Bi-Rite Creamery. This iconic ice cream shop is a local favorite, known for its high-quality ingredients and unique flavors.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic vanilla or want to try something more adventurous like honey lavender, Bi-Rite Creamery has you covered. And the best part? They stay open late, so you can satisfy your ice cream cravings well into the night.
For more information, visit Bi-Rite Creamery’s website.
Smitten Ice Cream (Hayes Valley)
Nestled in the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood, Smitten Ice Cream is a must-visit for any ice cream lover. What sets Smitten apart is their unique process of making ice cream from scratch using liquid nitrogen.
This flash-freezing technique results in an incredibly smooth and creamy texture that you won’t find anywhere else. With flavors like salted caramel and chocolate ganache, Smitten Ice Cream is the perfect spot to satisfy your late-night dessert cravings.
For more information, visit Smitten Ice Cream’s website.
Humphry Slocombe (Mission District)
Humphry Slocombe is not your average ice cream shop. With flavors like Secret Breakfast (bourbon ice cream with cornflake cookies) and Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, this Mission District gem pushes the boundaries of traditional ice cream flavors.
Open late into the night, Humphry Slocombe is the perfect place to indulge in a unique and delicious late-night treat. Don’t miss out on their rotating selection of seasonal flavors!
For more information, visit Humphry Slocombe’s website.
Bakeries Serving Late Night Treats
San Francisco is known for its vibrant food scene, and that includes delicious late night desserts. Whether you have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying or just want to indulge in a sugary treat after a long day, these bakeries have got you covered.
Tartine Bakery (Mission District)
Tartine Bakery, located in the trendy Mission District, is a must-visit for dessert lovers. Open until late at night, this bakery offers an array of delectable treats that will satisfy any craving. From their famous warm bread pudding to their mouthwatering croissants, Tartine Bakery has something for everyone.
The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a late night dessert.
Arsicault Bakery (Marina District)
If you find yourself in the Marina District late at night, be sure to stop by Arsicault Bakery. This neighborhood gem is known for its flaky and buttery croissants that are baked fresh every day. The aroma alone will draw you in, and once you take a bite of their croissants, you’ll understand why they are so highly regarded.
Whether you prefer a classic plain croissant or one filled with a decadent chocolate filling, Arsicault Bakery will not disappoint.
Craftsman and Wolves (Pacific Heights)
For those looking for a more unique and innovative dessert experience, Craftsman and Wolves in Pacific Heights is the place to go. This bakery pushes the boundaries of traditional desserts with their creative and visually stunning creations.
From their famous “The Rebel Within” – a savory muffin with a soft-boiled egg inside – to their delightful pastries and cakes, every bite is a delightful surprise. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients sets Craftsman and Wolves apart, making it a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts.
No matter which bakery you choose to visit, you can’t go wrong with any of these late night dessert options. So go ahead, satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in the best late night treats that San Francisco has to offer!
Cafes for Late Night Sweets
20th Century Cafe (Hayes Valley)
If you find yourself craving a late night dessert in San Francisco, look no further than 20th Century Cafe in Hayes Valley. This charming cafe takes you back in time with its vintage decor and delicious sweet treats.
Whether you’re in the mood for a slice of their famous honey cake or a warm cinnamon roll, 20th Century Cafe has got you covered. Don’t forget to pair your dessert with a cup of their expertly brewed coffee for the perfect late night indulgence.
For more information, visit their website: 20th Century Cafe
Plow (Potrero Hill)
Plow is not just known for its amazing brunch, but also for its delectable late night desserts. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Potrero Hill, this cozy cafe offers a variety of sweet treats that are perfect for satisfying your late night cravings.
From their fluffy buttermilk pancakes to their gooey chocolate chip cookies, Plow knows how to create desserts that will leave you wanting more. So, if you’re in the area and in need of a sugar fix, make sure to stop by Plow.
For more information, visit their website: Plow
Sugar Lounge (Union Square)
Looking for a late night dessert spot in the bustling Union Square area? Look no further than Sugar Lounge. This trendy cafe offers a wide range of sweet treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth. From their decadent chocolate lava cake to their refreshing fruit sorbets, Sugar Lounge has something for everyone.
And if you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, they also offer a selection of dessert cocktails that are sure to impress.
For more information, visit their website: Sugar Lounge
So, next time you find yourself craving a late night dessert in San Francisco, be sure to check out these cafes. They are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.
Classic Late Night Donut Shops
Bob’s Donuts (Nob Hill)
When it comes to late night donut cravings, Bob’s Donuts in Nob Hill is a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. Open 24 hours, this iconic donut shop has been serving up delicious treats since 1960.
The aroma of freshly baked donuts fills the air as you step inside, making it hard to resist indulging in one (or a few!). Bob’s Donuts offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic glazed and chocolate frosted to unique creations like maple bacon and apple fritters.
Don’t forget to grab a cup of their freshly brewed coffee to complement your sweet treat. With its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere, Bob’s Donuts is a must-visit for any late-night dessert lover.
Dynamo Donuts (Marina District)
If you’re in the Marina District and craving a late-night sugar fix, look no further than Dynamo Donuts. Known for their artisanal donuts made with high-quality ingredients, this charming shop offers a unique twist on the classic treat.
From their famous maple bacon apple donut to flavors like lemon pistachio and Mexican hot chocolate, Dynamo Donuts never fails to impress with their creative and delicious offerings. Their donuts are made fresh daily using seasonal ingredients, ensuring a delightful and ever-changing menu.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to Dynamo Donuts is sure to satisfy your late-night dessert cravings.
Johnny Doughnuts (Outer Richmond)
For donut enthusiasts in the Outer Richmond neighborhood, Johnny Doughnuts is the place to be. This family-owned shop prides itself on using organic and locally sourced ingredients to create their mouthwatering donuts.
With flavors like crème brûlée, chocolate coconut, and matcha green tea, Johnny Doughnuts offers a wide range of options to cater to every palate. Their fluffy and light donuts are the perfect late-night treat to enjoy with a cup of their specialty coffee.
The friendly and welcoming atmosphere of Johnny Doughnuts makes it a favorite spot for locals to satisfy their sweet tooth late into the night.
When it comes to late-night donut shops in San Francisco, these three establishments stand out for their delicious and innovative offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic glazed donut or want to try a unique flavor combination, Bob’s Donuts, Dynamo Donuts, and Johnny Doughnuts have got you covered.
So next time you find yourself craving a sweet treat late at night, head over to one of these donut shops and indulge in a truly memorable dessert experience.
Conclusion
With so many incredible late night dessert options, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to satisfy your after-dinner sweet tooth cravings in San Francisco. Famous ice cream shops like Bi-Rite stay open until 11pm, bakeries like Tartine serve pastries late, and classic donut shops like Bob’s are open 24 hours. No matter what neighborhood you’re in, keep these late night dessert recommendations in mind next time you’re out and about after dinner in San Francisco.
