Trendy Treats to Try in Pleasanton

As spring begins to emerge and transition into summer months, people often find themselves venturing out to try new activities and trends, including popular restaurants and cafes in the local neighborhood. Places in the Pleasanton area have a large variety to offer, catering to different tastes and preferences; here are some places that have opened recently/will open soon or are some of the more popular spots people frequent – including myself!

Rita’s Italian Ice

Rita’s reopens on April 14, 2018, and will host a grand celebration on the day of its opening from 11 am – 11 pm. The first 25 customers on that day will get free Italian ice for 1 year, and 25 raffle entrees will receive the same prize. It will also host a live DJ from 12-3 pm and magician and balloon artist from 1-4 pm that day. With so many options ranging from Gelati and Frozen Custard to Cream Ice (not ice cream, because theirs is more creamy than icy), everyone will be satisfied with a treat to cool down on hot days.

Tea Island

For those who are interested in boba, Tea Island is a great spot to get your fix. They don’t use any artificial powders, only loose tea leaves and a special tea brewing machine, and tea is made fresh. Customers can choose the level of sweetness and ice that they would like in their drinks. Tea Island offers snacks to have alongside the refreshing teas; it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a replication of the authentic Asia experience.

The Counter

The Counter is a burger joint that offers a new take on the American classic. One of the most appealing parts of this place is that customers can create their own custom burgers, if they desire. With several types of burgers, sauces, toppings and sides, this gives the individual a chance to use creative freedom and get a unique burger that is tailored to his or her taste. To complement the burger, not only are there a variety of sides such as salads and fries, but also the option to customize your own milkshake, with options ranging from nutella to oreos.

Inklings

Inklings is a coffee shop with an assortment of coffees, teas, other drinks such as kombucha, and amazing baked goods such as pastries and cookies. There are also some specialty drinks that are available during certain times of the year. Inklings also has meeting and event spaces that different groups can use for both private and public events (a jazz night is coming on April 27, 2018 from 7-9 pm), and when the spaces are free they are open to students to sit and study with friends.

Icicles

Icicles is one of the places that offers the famous rolled ice cream featured on many people’s social media posts. The best part of this place is that every cup of rolled ice cream comes with unlimited toppings, from fresh fruit to brownie bites. With interesting flavors such as Strawberry Fantasy, Mai Thai, Nutella and Chill, Rock N Roll, and Honeydew It, as well as non-dairy and seasonal options, this local hit is not to be missed.