With the first day of summer just a few days away, an ice cream parlor fits the bill for this month’s spotlight. Niederfrank’s in National City is a gold mine for frozen goodness.
Though I’ve been savoring the ice cream at Niederfrank’s for years, I always considered it one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets. Nestled on A Avenue in National City, the storefront hasn’t changed much in the last few decades. Much like its storefront, machines and freezers, standards have not changed either.
Only 100 percent all-natural ingredients are used, from the milk and cream to the flavor bases. Their ice creams contain zero artificial ingredients.
Niederfrank’s described in one word would be “throwback.” It’s completely frozen in time. The ice cream at Niederfrank’s is still made the old fashioned way, as it was when doors opened on May 14, 1948.
For 69 years, all ice creams and waffle cones have been made in-house using machines that date back to the days Elmer Niederfrank ran this shop. Said best on their website: “We are so far behind in modern technology that we are about 100 years ahead in quality.”
The name Niederfrank’s may not be familiar to some readers, but its ice creams may have crossed your lips. Over two dozen establishments located all over San Diego County carry these ice creams, like Neiman Marcus in Fashion Valley, Stone Brewing World Bistro, Sprouts and the San Diego Country Club — just to name a few familiar locations.
Offering more than 60 different ice cream flavors, including local craft beer-infusions, there’s a flavor for every palette. More than 25 different sorbets are also offered on the menu. My favorite flavors include avocado pistachio, Thai tea, ginger, macadamia nut toffee and coconut almond joy.
With so many different flavors to choose from, multiple Niederfrank’s trips are definitely in order this summer!
Share your dining adventures, finds and favorites with Kris Galicia Brown by using the hashtags #StarNewsEats and #FunFoodieEats on Instagram or Twitter.
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