Here’s the scoop: Northwest ice cream makers are dishing up artisan concoctions that are more creative than ever. They’re crafting irresistible combinations with a diversity of flavors sure to excite your taste buds. Check out these favorite hot spots right in your backyard.
Ice Cream Social
Ice Cream Social’s dreamy flavors range from classic options (think Butter Pecan and Mint Chocolate Chip) to creative and seasonally influenced. Whether you’re choosing from Butter Pecan, Mint Chocolate Chip, Roasted Banana, or Valhalla Coffee, the flavors are crafted from natural, locally sourced ingredients.
www.icecreamsocialtacoma.com
5107 Main St, A, Ruston, Washington 98407
Molly Moon’s
The popular Seattle franchise has been serving up homemade delights such as Hibiscus Tea Sorbet, Cali Lime Pie, Black Sesame, German Chocolate Cake, and Vegan Coconut Chunk. The local favorite has locations in Wallingford, Capitol Hill, Madrona, Queen Anne, U Village, and Bellevue. With 90% of their ingredients sourced from the Pacific Northwest, what’s not to love.
www.mollymoon.com
1622 1/2 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98107
Salt & Straw
One of Portland’s most famous attractions continues its Seattle expansion to Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Kirkland. Inventive flavors often include Seattle originals with local ingredients like Westland Whiskey and Ellenos Yogurt. Offerings are seasonal and include scoops inspired by camping, such as Mushroom Muddy Buddies and Maple & Bacon Streusel.
saltandstraw.com
5420 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Full Tilt
Full Tilt Ice Cream makes all-natural ice cream and frozen desserts with as much creativity and local ingredients as possible. Their retail outlets feature new and vintage arcade and pinball machines, an eclectic mix of sodas, an amazing mix of music, and some of the finest beers the Northwest has to offer. After extensive research and testing, they have scientifically created a fun environment for people of all ages.
www.fulltilticecream.com
9629 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Sweet Alchemy
This small-batch creamery makes its Sweet Cream base daily using organic ingredients, almost all sourced within 100 miles of their storefront. Fresh-as-can-be flavors include Blueberry Lavender and Strawberry made with berries from Mount Vernon and the Skagit Valley, UW Honey made from honey harvested from the University of Washington’s horticulture center, and Mint Chip made with fresh-picked local mint.
sweetalchemyicecreamery.com
1424 11th Ave Suite C2, Seattle, WA 98122
Bliss Small Batch Creamery
Bliss Small Batch Creamery offers small-batch premium ice cream using the freshest ingredients available. Flavors such as bumble berry crisp, cookie butter, mint chip, and salted butter caramel are all popular ice cream flavors at Bliss. This shop also has one of the best vegan ice cream selections in the city, with vegan Cookie Monster the clear winner. If you’re looking for a dessert for a party, try the ice cream cakes, but be sure to order online so you can skip the wait at the shop.
www.icecreambliss.com
2724 N Proctor St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Erica’s Peace Love and Ice Cream
You will discover not only ice cream on the menu but also milkshakes, juices, frozen yogurt, snow cones, smoothies, and much more. For people who enjoy mangonada, a popular summertime treat in Mexico, Erica’s Peace Love and Ice Cream offers the best mangonada in town. Other Mexican desserts such as corn in a cup, mango rospados (shaved ice), and watermelon agua fresca are also local favorites. The preparation of these desserts can take some time, but they will be worth the wait.
ericapeaceloveandicecream.wordpress.com
4822 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408