Consistently great food, ice cream, and service every time i've been here. So happy it's still open as so many places I went to as a kid are closed now. Such a nostalgic and cool vibe! read more

Absolutely delicious vanilla shake! I've been a fan since my high school days, and there is certainly some nostalgia when I came back and stumbled upon good ol' Double Rainbow on a hot summer day! read more

Delicious ice cream and very good service. We got the PB&J ice cream and the strawberry lemonade vanilla custard ice cream, and both were creamy and delicious. read more

I had the peanut butter and chocolate ice cream and tasted the super coffee one. Both were so good! Pleasant and fun environment.

The ice cream was so delicious. I got mint chocolate chip. I love the vibes it's very 80's like.

Double Rainbow Café is an awesome local famly-owned and operated gem in San Rafael. We loved our sundaes and carrot cake slice. The Sundae was served hot with fresh cut strawberries and whipped cream. Forest was so friendly and told us about how they bake their cakes using their family's receipes. Definitely worth the visit! read more

Double Rainbow Cafe - Hot Fudge Sundae & Carrot Cake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Stopped in because their sign said that they do espresso drinks. Walked in and was pleasantly surprised by their menu. Huge, whimsical menu. Looks like I came while the owner was training a new hire, so it took a little longer to order and get my order. Both of them were really nice. I just wish my vanilla latte tasted a little better for what I paid, but in the end the latte wasn't all that bad. I'd come back for ice cream or a sandwich - just not coffee. read more

Older ice cream parlor feel. Not a huge selection but some good flavors ,wish they had more toppings and maybe some peanut butter. Friendly service read more

I ordered a non dairy smoothie and it was too sweet and wasn't really a smoothie. Might try something else next time.

Might be the ice cream I've ever had. Unique flavors and perfect balance. The sugar cones are great too

It's hard to give a new rating and I'll hate to give this place a bad one. But we had a craving for a sandwich and salad. But just had an hour before we needed to go. When we arrived there a huge line standing on the ice cream counter. I waited a bit on the site since I thought that that line was for the ice cream bar (all three people that have been served since I'll arrived just got ice cream) behind the counter have been three people two for the ice cream / sweets and one working at the sandwich / savory station. The one working at the sandwich area looked at me several times since I moved to the counter with my menu in hand ready To order. But he did not made any Approach to talk to me, so I waited and asked him when he was again looking at me if that line was just for ice cream and If i could order sandwiches from him. He then replayed that all customer needs to get in line. With enough people to serve the customer that was not an effective idea. We left without business since the line for ice cream was long and it would have needed another 20 min before I even could order. And then it take some time to make the fresh sandwiches (what is great and I love about this place that everything is always made fresh!). But as said if you have a restaurant the customer should be served in a effective manner. Am I to sensible? read more

Went here for the first time ever tonight. I got an ice cream cone with two scoops. What they gave me was the saddest, stingiest tiniest glob of goo on a cone that I've ever seen. Are they even keeping their ice cream at freezing temperatures? The cone that they gave me was half melted slop that looked like less than one scoop. It was running down the sides and I almost told them that I wasn't going to pay for that, but I decided to just avoid the drama. I paid and left. I don't know where this place gets four stars, it ain't worth one in my experience. read more

Did a mobile delivery order for several items. Waited 35mins later for the driver to inform me the place refused to provide her my order for another 30mins. Saw on my app that she is at the location too. Afterwards, when she arrived with my order, she apologized for the delay and chatted for a bit about her experience there. They refused to provide her a bag or any utensils expecting her to carry the multiple orders by hand. To add further insult, nothing in my order was remotely correct. Nothing. I don't know what kind of establishment who refuses to provide the basic necessities for whatever reason other than just being difficult. First time trying to this place, but I have no interest supporting them again. Not here expecting an apology or have any interest to make it right. Just want to put it out there. read more

We used Double Rainbow for a private event recently and was very happy with the staff, service, and ambience. Such a fun party! Love that they have been around for so many years too. read more

This is our go-to ice cream store, especially when we're coming home after a movie. In fact, sometimes (being the mature adults that we are) we'll come here for an ice cream sundae dinner! Always love their trivia question of the day, where you can win a treat for giving the correct answer. And of course, their ice cream is delicious. read more

Nice place to get a quick lunch during the day or a rich ice cream later in the afternoon. Their ice cream is really rich; there are a few gelatos but if you want something light or with few categories then this place is not for you. Surprisingly, there are so many flavors and yet there is no frozen yogurt available. I also noticed that many regulars like to hang out at the shop past 9 pm (that's the time this place closes), it's really early for a place that could be the best diner in the area. Anyway, I loved my green tea and butter pecan ice cream, I could not have much but it was really good. My final conclusion: I wish Double Rainbow stayed open till 11 pm, if that was the case I am sure I would be hanging there more often. read more

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I got the Oreo milkshake with a cinnamon caramel ice cream and it was absolutely delicious!! It tasted like an Oreo shake with a hint of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Love the retro diner vibes and would definitely visit again. read more

Awesome ice cream shop/café! They serve ice cream, soft-serve yogurt, shakes, malts, freezes, & sundaes. For food, they serve sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, soups, hot/cold drinks, smoothies, so much! My girlfriend was raving about their chocolate, coconut, nut ice cream & man, it was delicious! So rich & creamy. read more

"Where for lunch"? Since my wife works around the corner from my home office, we have lunch together almost every day, and there are only so many Novato places to visit after all. So, on this occasion we jaunted to downtown San Rafael, and we found a parking spot that happened to be right outside Double Rainbow's front door. While I Yelping to decide where to go, my wife was looking at the menu posted in their window and said "how about here?". Thinking this was just an ice cream parlor, I scoffed (she hates that) then perused the menu myself. Intrigued, I agreed to be adventurous and try lunch in the ice cream shop. We ordered a couple of sandos and of course an ice cream appetizer. Although it took a while (they got real busy right when we came in), it was definitely worth the wait! The chicken melt was good and spicy, peppers throughout - yay! and the black bean soup of the day was awesome - you could just as easily used it for a dip (which I did with my tortilla chips, much to my wife's chagrin). The club comes with avocado and mine was really bacon-y, just the way I like it. And yeah, the ice cream was pretty good too - we were impressed with the artistic skills of the staff in creating floats, splits, sundaes, and whatever other dairy delights they were slinging over the counter. What would make this place perfect? A deep fryer - I'd have loved fries with my sandwich, but who needs more fried food anyway? Oh yeah, ME! So, running around in SR not knowing where to get sandwich/soup/salad with ice cream? No worries, you're in the right place. read more

Xlnt ice cream, food service! The staff is amazing. Location good, right downtown. What else can a person say...except YUM!

NOSTALGIC The best late night spot in Marin. My kids love this place. We make it a point to stop by when we're strolling downtown San Rafael. It's a great hangout place for both kids and adults, family-friendly. Besides ice cream, there are fresh salads and sandwiches made with love. If you're craving other sweets, they have pies, cupcakes, cookies, etc. There's something for everyone here! It's one of those places you never want to see close. We have had many fond memories here. The tables could be cleaned off faster, but there's always seating at the bar top. The owner is usually around in the daytime, very nice man. The ladies working the counter are accommodating and efficient. They bring the sandwiches/salads to your table with a smile. My kids and I love their hot chocolate when it's cold outside, hits the spot! Treat yourself to some Double Rainbow! read more

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This place really is the best. Recently I was stranded in downtown San Rafael until 1AM, and since Double Rainbow stays open late (til midnight), I spent several hours relaxing at one of their booths. I worried they'd be annoyed that I'd loitered so long, but the employees are all super nice and made me feel welcome. There was even an extension cord available for my phone charger, possibly the only open outlet in town. I ended up indulging in not one but two servings of ice cream--raspberry sorbet and non-dairy mint chip. Both delicious, and they don't even charge extra for a sugar cone. read more

Double Rainbow Cafe - Raspberry sorbet - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Even though their ice cream is delicious, I had my doubts about their sandwiches. It's been my experience that few places who specialize in deserts can put together a quality meal. However, Double Rainbow is the exception. Their chicken melt was everything you could expect out of a hot chicken breast squeezed between two toasted slices of bread. Also, a special shout-out to Andre for recommending the ice cream Italian soda. This creation blew my mind! read more

This cute little place is full of sweet treats and ice cream~~~ Sea salt caramel truffle - YUM!!!! Great service! Spacious seating! No extra fee even though I used a credit card (didn't have cash on hand x.x) for a small scoop. Thank you!!! read more

Double Rainbow Cafe - Sea salt caramel truffle - small size - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Rafael, California

Went for boba but had Thai tea instead (they don't have boba, my mistake.) Friendly folks behind the counter this afternoon. Huge menu, small section of outdoor seating, great for COVID. Would go again. read more

Ice cream shop is a 1950 retro and is good and good price half usually what I pay. $7.25 for two of us and 4 scoops.

I have lived in San Rafael for 5 years and only just last night found they're open until 11pm Friday and Saturday! The ice cream options are great and so good - perfect for anytime of day and now I'd say an amazing late night treat! The staff is super friendly and happy to give recommendations. read more

Double Rainbow Cafe - Ice cream sandwich with hot cookies! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Rafael, California

What a sweet little treat of a place! The chalk art signs and the design of the place had me transported to a simpler time grabbing bites after a sock hop. What was also a plus is that they had a few dairy free options as well which is important for lil' old me. Also 12 hours of being open ain't too bad either! 10a to 10p? Great deal. read more

Stopped by for lunch today. Warm and friendly service, relaxed decor, and excellent sandwiches. My Cafe Club sandwich was outstanding. Will definitely be back! read more

Usally very good service. The staff has not acknowledged me sitting at the counter. Been skipped over by at least 15 people. I'm leaving now. read more

Love that this is a local treasure! Chai tea milkshake is amazing! One of their best services is that they will split the shake into teo cups, perfect for sharing. No, they don't have sugar free options but they do have super nice staff and a wide variety of ice cream flavors and options. They also have other menu items like sammies and baked goods. read more

Great options! I especially liked their dairy free cinnamon churro flavor. It was just the right amount of sweet and was a really great option to avoid a dairy allergy. Bravo! read more

The ice cream was wonderful. A perfect place for a quick ice cream stop on a hot day. Lovely little place in San Rafael.

The staff is very unprofessional and rude. They stand around, gossip, and stare at patrons as they walk in. It takes a few minutes to even ask for your order when the place is not busy because they are busy chatting or just staring. Never coming back with the family. read more

After a bumpy reunion dinner at Sol Food with old friends, our little troupe grabbed a few cocktails over at The Mayflower before heading back up 4th for a sweet nightcap at Double Rainbow. A fixture in the community, this was, and still probably is, one of the most popular spots to hang out late night in Marin. Opting for a sundae, my lady and I chose the mint chip, cookies and cream, and a scooper's choice. I have no idea what that third scoop was, but it was all covered in hot fudge, whipped cream, walnuts, and rainbow sprinkles. The damn thing looked like a cupcake! It was quite tasty however, and the service was super friendly. I hadn't been back to Double Rainbow in at least 10 years and was blown away to see my basketball coach from nearly 20 years ago there! It was totally nostalgic and a breath of fresh air to find out he was now running the place. Unless it's raining, they have some tables outside to scoot up to with your dog. I can't wait to come back for a nice, thick shake and great conversation. It's going to be the spot I head to after every Sol Food visit! Food: 9/10 Service: 10/10 Price: $ Atmosphere: 9/10 read more

Double Rainbow Cafe - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Rafael, California

I wish I had discovered this place sooner! I've been there twice now, each time ordering a hot fudge sundae on pralines and cream ice cream. It was especially delicious because it was in a glass goblet, just like the ones I used to get as a child with my grandma. Reasonably priced and delicious. I will return as soon as my diet allows it. read more

I love coming here to either get a cone, milkshake, or banana split. They have the classic flavors and some unique ones. There are some diner booths in the back, smaller tables in the main dining area, and a couple tables outside. I'm glad they haven't renovated, it just wouldn't be the same experience. They always have a trivia question on the wall- if you get the correct answer you win a prize! read more

Ultra Chocolate ice cream!!!! is so good here, granted the line can get a lil long, and service can be a little slow, but its worth it. The staff is friendly so it makes up for the slowness. Its a retro lil place that has been around for a long while (since I was a wee annoying child). The smoothies are pretty good (my sis loves the wild berry with raspberry sherbet) and the sundaes are huge. Haven't tried the food, but the ice cream is on point. read more

Double Rainbow Cafe - Ultra chocolate scoop, green tea milkshake, wild berry smoothie and a brownie. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - San Rafael, California

I love double rainbow! I've been going there since I was a kid. They have great ice cream and yummy sandwiches and food. It has such a warm retro neighborhood vibe. I always try to stop there when I'm in San Rafael and hankering for some ice cream. Good place to hang out and get work done or just meet up with friends. It's such a staple in the Marin community read more

I'm not sure how I haven't visited Double Rainbow Café before now. It's right in the heart of central San Rafael, near a few other businesses that I frequent on the regular (I'm looking at you, State Room) and full of all sorts of goodies for your dessert perusal. It's also open fairly late, which makes it more than a little enticing if you plan to be out and about in the city and need a sweet fix before moving on. Despite all sorts of tempting offerings, such as cupcakes and other baked goods, I opted for a hot fudge sundae with a couple of old-fashioned scoops of vanilla instead of one of the many other flavors of ice cream available. There was SO MUCH SUNDAE! Hot fudge, almond slivers (superior to peanuts any day!), whipped cream, and... sprinkles! It was exactly what I was looking for. I will say that I saw they have malts, so I'm absolutely going to have to come back for those. read more