Why this corner in San Francisco is so special

Union & Hyde, home to Swensen's Ice Cream, is my favorite corner in the entire city. Here’s what makes that spot so magical.
A version of this video’s text was originally published in The Bold Italic on August 3, 2020. (But we all know videos are more my thing) Read it here: bit.ly/3YsfRcF
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[@wonhome2711]

WELCOME BACK Joey. We missed you. Another Great SF story. I've been going to this corner for over 60 years and it never tires. Looking for more of your creative stories.

[@jenniferbates2811]

I live in Rhode Island, and I've only ever learned about San Francisco from Christopher Moores' books. I would love to visit San Francisco.

[@cadepeterson2123]

Swenson's is my favorite ice cream chain. When I first moved to SF and discovered the location here, I knew this city was for me. ❤

[@mrtimothylee]

Amazing cinematography and storytelling, as usual!

[@lty1308]

I am shocked that your channel hasn't gotten more subs. Love all your shots and story-telling!!

[@Cthulhu412]

Same the production value, artistry and story telling are amazing definitely deserves more attention

[@sueannwilliams4126]

Hey Joey! I lived on Hyde and Vallejo and it was truly a magical place to be. My best memories were grabbing a bite from Za Pizza and finishing up with a waffle cone at Swensons. Shopping at Cala Foods, dumplings at U-Lee and coffee at The Nook Cafe... I didn't appreciate it back then but I look back on those times now with massive nostalgia! Thanks for the vid.

[@Dipeness]

Za’s got terrible customer service, Tony’s ftw

[@sfaloha9239]

U-Lee had the best pot stickers.

[@bocaburgler]

Hyde street in general is the best street in the city. its so charming with the shading from the overhanging trees, old establishments like swensens, and yea the trolly cars.

[@liannebedard5521]

Trolley cars...oh, can you hear Tony Bennett singing about"little TROLLEY cars climbingvhalway to the stars...???"

[@yeshayaamichai1512]

You have been missed. Glad you're back.🙂🌉🌉

[@croagh202]

I really enjoy your videos. As a regular visitor to San Francisco I miss it when im back home. You allow me to live vicariously. Thanks. I hope you continue posting.

[@crossoneheart]

So glad to see you post again it is like a long lost friend you again discovered

[@MichaelMomohara]

Missed your lovely storytelling! Glad to see a new video! 🙂

[@robertsabharwal9787]

You make good quality videos.

[@Joshrwms87]

I'm going to SF for my honeymoon in June. Gonna have to hit this corner while I'm there. Live your videos man!

[@maryrosekent8223]

A good friend sent me the link to this video, and I’m so glad he did. Back in 1976, I worked for the Vice President of Swensen’s Ice Cream, and Earl Swensen himself always threw a Christmas party for the staff. Also, the now-defunct Northpoint store would deliver the tubs of ice cream to the office. My favorite flavor is Swiss Orange Chip! Yum yum yummy yum yum!!!

[@laranich]

Such a beautiful memory to share. I had a Swensons in my small town on the East Coast growing up. Been gone for years…my mom would buy a pint to take to my great aunt who lived a few blocks away and we would eat it on the porch. 🍦 ❤ 🍨

[@TomEMullaney]

This video is fantastic. My wife is excited that we have the same lamp you have. For me, 9th and Irving. That's the best in San Francisco.

[@JoeyYee]

I love that corner! Such a lively little part of The Sunset.

[@jlbraswell5961]

Very nice Joey! I love San Francisco for 20 years since 2003.

[@aliceknowskarate]

The Comeback King 👑 Looking forward to what you got in store

[@roseguthrie5410]

So good to have you back Joey, congrats on the growing fam! You do us locals proud, every time ❤

[@lynnbender6775]

Joey! Happy to see you posting videos again.

[@gilangladisadewa8438]

OMG YOU BACK!!!!! please do more videos!!! love your story telling!!! keep the good work!!

[@smphr]

Story-telling, animations, editing 🤌

[@jeffreyhotchkiss9451]

Welcome back! I appreciate the SF nostalgia fix. Especially the part about freedom. That's what I felt when I lived there, for 8 all too short years.

[@janiswong3088]

So happy to see you back!! I love the storytelling and the editing. Its so perfect

[@chrisjacobsen5558]

Thanks for the new content. Your love of our beautiful city (that I know neither of us live in currently) warms my heart.

[@heeaather]

love the editing and amaazing cinematography!

[@ParinandVarnasavang]

Swensen’s has been the largest chain of ice-cream parlors serving good old-fashioned ice-cream in Thailand for three decades.

[@jacobdekk]

Well now I need to make a run to Swensen's tonight! Welcome back Joey and excellent work as always!

[@JoeyYee]

Get that peppermint stick!

[@tonyinsf]

Happy to see you in my feed. It’s been a while. Welcome back and hoping to see another of your videos sooner than later. You’re a great storyteller!!!

[@guillaumeSONY]

Great video! Brought back some good memories of my trip in SF

[@chriswallace7247]

So happy you're doing videos again!

[@JoeyYee]

Same! I missed making them for you all.

[@davemcateer2112]

So glad you're still making videos!..good to see you Joey!

[@2rm0]

Welcome back dude!! From San Francisco to its sister city, Bangalore, I still remember Swensen's opening here in late 2009 or 10, probably the best ice cream I'd had in my childhood. No pretty corner here though, the shop here was in a mall yet whipped out some killer scoops. Too sad that they had to close down here a few years back. Feels nice to share the same nostalgia in a different setting :)

[@lizo4357]

Soooo glad to see you back, I just love your videos because, well, I love San Francisco so much (although I’ve never lived there, but my brother has been in the Bay Area for the last 30 years) and because your passion for the city is so evident. Hope parenthood & your baby girl is bringing you joy! Looking forward to more from you. 💖

[@charlottepassot9901]

This little bit of nostalgia is exactly what I needed on a Monday afternoon. My parents had a French restaurant near the corner of Polk & Green for 35 years (2 blocks away from Swensen's). I miss the neighborhood and now that the restaurant is closed I don't make it out there enough. Thanks for jogging some great memories. I always enjoy your storytelling and craft.

[@SunflowerCat333]

So great to see you, Joey! I always enjoy your storytelling and perspective. SF has such amazing light! Wishing all the best to you. :)

[@maggie1918]

Hi Joey, So glad your back! Look forward to hearing/seeing more from you in the future. All the best to you and your family!

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

What a pleasant surprise to see you posting again. Please keep it up and continue to tell us about your favourite nooks and crannies in San Francisco so we can all go check them out. As always, great storytelling, cinematography and editing ❤

[@EsEf125]

Always stoked to see you upload. Great vid as always

[@brendanbouey9511]

Welcome back Joey. Made my day to see you start posting again. I have friends in the Swensons neighborhood and love the place, Truly an iconic SF establishment. Can't wait to see more posts. You are the first person I ever followed on KZbin!

[@mustafa.jjasim]

amazing work! we need more content like this 👏

[@TG8.]

I love what you're saying about what makes a great corner. SF is full of great corners and maybe that puts to words exactly why I love it

[@nodrogkam]

A new-old place to try! Thank you.

[@jrott8281]

Warms my heart your back

[@ChordYogaGuitar]

Thank you! That's gonna be one of the first places I'll visit once I make it finally back - there won't be ice cream until then, lol. Hip footage and story, love it!

[@quickquack5]

Hey Joey, so great to see you back! I love all your videos! Thanks for introducing me to Outside Lands org. Really great and fun SF history!😊

[@TomLorne]

Hell yeah, welcome back 👏 Love this video - how did I live my life not knowing the story of Swensen’s? And love your stuff, man - you’re like the Roman Mars of San Francisco arcana over here 😛

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Totally agree!!!

[@Evan-pr3bf]

Good to see u again

[@howardng8534]

Welcome Home, Joey. We all missed you.

[@Pat10Ireland]

He's back!

[@christao408]

That's a really interesting hypothesis that the ice cream parlor is a catalyst for young people desiring freedom. As a native of the Bay Area who has lived in Thailand for more than 17 years, I'm always tickled by the prevelance of Swensen's here and at the way they incorporate SF into their local branding.

[@JoeyYee]

Digging into all the photos of the food was my favorite part. Now I'm kinda craving that sweet rice/mango dish they have.

[@christao408]

@@JoeyYee It really is the surest sign that hot season has arrived! They do a durian version, too, which is... interesting.

[@Zeyev]

What a superb surprise to see you again! I'm not supposed to eat many sweets but I may make an exception the next time I venture northwest to the City on Golden Hills from the Santa Clara Valley.

[@rfrover]

What a treat to have you back! As always, a wonderful and informative video. I’m currently in Bangkok and just had a banana split at a Swensen’s here. The menus in Thailand still feature San Francisco-centric dessert names! When at the original Swensen’s in The City, I often notice SE Asian tourists excitedly taking selfies in front of the shop.

[@rgweld]

so good! glad to see you again! and agree about the lights :)

[@JoeyYee]

Thanks Richard!

[@swoodie71]

Excellent content as always. I lived in SF a short 16 months several decades ago and have been missing it ever since. Your vids are a great way feel like I'm back for a few minutes and I always learn something new - thanks! Swensen's has been added to my list for next time back.

[@TurquoiseFilms]

Welcome back friend! I love me some ice cream and Swensens is so nostalgic even though I never went there growing up.

[@maxcalifornia94]

Love your page. I love San Francisco. I’m from Central Coast (SLO) and used to go SF since I was a kid. Looking to move there sometime in the future :)

[@erikandersen21]

Welcome back Joey. I haven't looked in some time... but glad to find you're still here. Long may it continue. Good stuff!\

[@kiminhei]

I definitely want to take my 3 year old there as her current obsession is ice cream! Show her a true ice cream shop

[@ThomasMalec]

My favorite ice cream shop in the city!

[@grandmotherproductions9380]

I truly love your vids. I love the City and I'm always dreaming of living there one day. Until then, your videos make me feel better

[@ultimatemaitai]

Damn that was an awesome video. Really great. Maybe your best ever.

[@JoeyYee]

Thanks Kevin!

[@firecracker8071]

Good to see you back!!!!!

[@Risaala]

I’ve never been there and now I’m going to take a lactaid and go!

[@chavita4321]

what a great video essay!

[@TehAwesomer]

I appreciate your content and how you can show me local institutions that I didn't know about despite 20+ years in the city. Thanks!

[@BoringBing]

Amazing story telling bro👌 Love & Respect from India.

[@thedoneeye]

Given that you spent many hours in front of Swensons as a kid one question comes to mind. Just how were you able to make that one scoop of ice cream last all those hours? 😉 Oh, and welcome back Joey!

[@JoeyYee]

Felt like hours. Was probably more like 25 minutes.

[@Juswe9028]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@MelindaGreen]

I didn't know Swenson's was still there! I need to go back for some orange chocolate chip.

[@markm1502]

This is where we bought the ice cream for Ghirardelli back in the day (1970s).

[@kevinjoseph6993]

Welcome back my friend!! 😀

[@vogelvogeltje]

Hey Joey, as a native Stocktonian, I’m starting to feel the same way that you are about staying here forever. I have this “I’m native, I should be able to stay here” attitude. With house prices becoming higher and higher, it’s looking like it’s going to be impossible for me. Hope you’re doing well man, and hope your little girl is growing up healthy and happy, I just know you are a great dad ❤️

[@user-k3bm7xp2s9]

Not trying to cause any drama but I feel the "I’m native, I should be able to stay here” attitude is quite hypocritical. Why we drew the line at least 100, 50, or 20 years ago, when the land was stolen from Native Americans anyway. Survival of the fittest is just a part of the natural order of the world.

[@vogelvogeltje]

@@user-k3bm7xp2s9 I am literally Native American/Mexican, but nice try. The humans don’t operate off “survival of the fittest” anymore. We literally use “in vitro fertilization” for people that can’t get pregnant otherwise. We allow Down syndrome kids to be born. This isn’t National Geographic.

[@FULLofJOHN]

Dude your aesthetic is so amazing

[@JoeyYee]

hey thanks!

[@firecracker8071]

I had no idea those were ficus trees

[@mcusi16]

Yeeessssss you’re back!🎉

[@53consulting]

Yay, you're back

[@webrender]

Heya buddy, hope you're doing good :) I'm in SF for the holidays and thought of your channel. Miss seeing your new videos!

[@jonguinn9907]

Love your videos, makes me want to move there.

[@swan1098]

Have you Checked out Poly Annes? in the Sunset i believe on Noriega or Moraga.

[@camnova]

Welcome back!

[@NikiCanotas]

Great video to get you to 10,000,! ❤🎉😊

[@Gryphonisle]

We used to have a Swenson on Hollywood blvd. But, as good as it is, what’s better is Mitchell’s. San Jose at 30th, outer Mission. 29% butterfat. The best. Yet. Back at Swenson there are some great wine bars and restaurants. Polk is just down the hill

[@thenewlevi]

MORE SF VIDS YES!!

[@perthecther__203]

underrated

[@yuxuanliu4235]

Omg you are back. Did you know Cliff House has a new restaurant tenant?

[@tompraisan7642]

It's an empire in Thailand, but way too sweet over there. So now I moved to SF, original is way more creamy:)

[@jimbeam275]

Swensen’s is good, but Joe’s is the greatest! 🤗

[@JoeyYee]

I actually used to work at Joe’s back in high school! And yes they do have the slightest edge in the flavor department.

[@jimbeam275]

Me too for the summer of ‘99!

[@liannebedard5521]

Would love a few words on how you are doing as a new property owner and expatriate.,.

[@Cattlecruiser]

@Joey Yee Found you, Joey. Well not on my own, Meghan first caught it. This is Alex from grade school. And yes, that Meghan. She’s the one who introduced me to that ice cream shop and we both just learned something new about it, thanks.! Great shots by the way. Great splash intro as well. You would totally rake in views with an account themed for travel itineraries using much of what you already have. I always thougjt you’d be good at video production. Why? Because back then as kids you were already telling me about mixing a sound byte from a Queens of the Stone Age song for use in a short film. We should catch up. Are you still with Chie? If so, how bout a double date?

[@JoeyYee]

Alex! It’s been too long. Yeah hit me up on IG and we’ll chat!

[@jameswoods3152]

Mitchell’s Clears

[@IdkWhat1552]

Can you tell me something please bro? Reply please it would help me a lot

[@mademsoisellerhapsody]

Hey Joey🍦🍨🍦

[@Dipeness]

great job on telling the story of Swensen's but, the famous Swensen's chain has nothing to do with this store or current ownership. This is uniquely its own and its the only Swensen's in the USA. Its just down the street from one of my buildings and I always pass this store smiling!

[@JoeyYee]

Yeah the international franchise has kinda divorced itself from all the original store but it’s still funny to see the logo over there!

[@shuffle192]

Hey dummy make more videos!!! I’m moving back home from London and unsure if I should return to SF- media is misleading:( I need more SF (or Bay Area) good feels and nostalgia.

[@serefhaqol3381]

smh try miyako's

[@wackyaces5316]

Your subs are not picking up because the bad guys are into hating China , dam this evil world !

[@aaronmarks3856]

invite to raid group pls

[@aaronmarks3856]

in all honesty i love how you capture the atmosphere, (the unreplaced bulbs were still burnt out :D )

[@aaronmarks3856]

but also the editing is out of this world

[@JoeyYee]

Thanks Aaron! Really appreciate it

[@Codangerz]

literally just found your channel, total binge watch this is amazing