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There’s no question the Bay Area ice cream scene boasts a dedicated following. But which creamery takes the top scoop? Two weeks ago, we asked readers to help us choose the region’s top ice cream, bracket-style. And you delivered, narrowing down our reader-nominated 32 selections, first to the Sweet 16 and now the Elite Eight.
One clear trend has emerged in this bracket. Bay Area ice cream devotees appear to prefer classic creameries over upscale scoop shops and gelaterias. And there’s a strong South Bay and San Francisco contingency.
San Jose’s locally-loved Willow Glen Creamery beat out San Francisco’s widely-known Salt & Straw, with 65 percent of the votes. In a stunning upset, Meadlowlark Dairy, one of the Bay Area’s oldest dairies, bested Lush Gelato by a mere three votes. Another close call: Humphry Slocombe, that bastion of local-organic-gourmet, triumphed over Milkcow, 52 percent to 48 percent.
And, finally, Fentons in Oakland won against Tucker’s in Alameda, 75 percent-25 percent.
So, what now? Cast your votes, ice cream fans! Weigh in on the brackets below from now until 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13. Be sure to use Firefox or Safari as your browser — Chrome is being problematic — and be sure to click the “done” button when you’re finished to submit your votes. We’ll unveil the Final Four on Friday.
