On the quest for the best dessert in the Northwest? Seattle, known for its vibrant culinary scene, offers an array of delicious treats to satisfy every palate. Sure, Seattle has you covered with some exquisite iced coffee and doughnuts, but the city boasts a remarkable selection of ice cream shops among its diverse culinary offerings.
Add these ice cream stops and the eclectic neighborhoods they reside in to your bucket list when you stay at a local vacation home!
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Location: 1622 1/2 N 45th St Seattle, WA
- Website: mollymoon.com
- Neighborhood: Wallingford
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream, a beloved institution, crafts its delectable treats using local and organic ingredients.
With flavors like Salted Caramel, Scout Mint, and Earl Grey, they consistently delight customers with their creative and tantalizing options. Don’t miss their seasonal offerings and vegan-friendly choices, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ice cream enthusiasts (although we’d be happy even with their ten “always” flavors like honey lavender or vegan coconut chunk).
If you want something a bit different, go for their sundaes or ice cream cake! Seattle-ites can’t get enough of Molly Moon’s–it’s had to expand to nine locations across Seattle! Check their website for the recently added locations.
Full Tilt Ice Cream
- Location: 4759 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA
- Website: fulltilticecream.com
- Neighborhood: University District
At Full Tilt, it’s not just about the ice cream. Embracing the essence of Seattle’s alternative culture, Full Tilt Ice Cream combines the joys of ice cream with a retro arcade ambiance. Enjoy flavors inspired by the local scene, such as Mexican Chocolate, Horchata, and Thai Iced Tea.
They also serve unique savory ice creams like Sriracha Peanut Butter and Lavender Honey, truly pushing the boundaries of frozen dessert creativity. Augment your ice cream experience by enjoying Full Tilt’s offerings of live music, pinball, arcade games, and even craft beer.
Frankie & Jo’s
- Location: 1010 E Union St, Seattle, WA
- Website: frankieandjos.com
- Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Frankie & Jo’s caters to health-conscious ice cream enthusiasts by specializing in plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free treats. Their inventive flavors, such as California Cabin (pine needle and vanilla bean), Gingered Golden Milk, and Salty Caramel Ash, redefine what vegan ice cream can be.
Experience their creamy delights that are as delicious as they are ethically crafted. They also have locations in Ballard and the University District. Visit for your own scoop of Plant Magic!
Bluebird Ice Cream
- Location: 7400 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA
- Website: Bluebird Ice Cream
- Neighborhood: Phinney Ridge
After taking on Seattle’s best outdoor activities, it’s time to cool off! Bluebird Ice Cream captures the essence of a classic ice cream parlor, complete with a charming retro-style atmosphere.
Their rotating selection of unique flavors, including Maple Walnut, London Fog, and Lavender Lemon Curd, keeps customers coming back for more. Don’t forget to try their homemade waffle cones for an extra indulgence.
Salt & Straw
- Location: 5420 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA
- Website: saltandstraw.com
- Neighborhood: Ballard
Originally hailing from Portland, Salt & Straw has gained a dedicated following with its artisanal approach to ice cream. Their inventive flavors, like Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, and Roasted Strawberry & Toasted White Chocolate, push the boundaries of taste and texture. The shop also partners with local makers, ensuring a unique taste of the Pacific Northwest in every scoop.
Shug’s Soda Fountain
- Location: 1525 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
- Website: shugssodafountain.com
- Neighborhood: Pike Place
Step into a vibrant world of nostalgia at this spot, complete with a restored soda fountain straight from the ’30s. While they don’t whip up their own ice cream, they’ll happily scoop up some Lopez Island Creamery goodness and serve it to you in a sundae, float-style with beer or champagne, or any way you like with their classic flavors.
Chances are that you’ll already be visiting Pike Place Market, so make sure to include this sweet and fizzy stop on your trip!
Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery
- Location: 4301 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
- Website: sweetalchemyicecreamery.com
- Neighborhood: University District
Located in the vibrant University District, Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery is a hidden gem that offers artisanal ice creams made from scratch.
They make a point to source organic ingredients from local vendors–most no farther than 100 miles from their storefront. Their unique ice cream flavor combinations, such as “Rosewater Saffron” and “Brown Butter Almond Brittle,” will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer traditional or dairy-free options, Sweet Alchemy has something for everyone. Sweet Alchemy also has locations in Capitol Hill and Ballard.
Fainting Goat Gelato
- Location: 1903 N 45th St, Seattle, WA
- Website: faintinggoatseattle.com
- Neighborhood: Wallingford
For an authentic Italian gelato experience, head to Fainting Goat Gelato in the charming neighborhood of Wallingford. With an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, their gelato is made in small batches using traditional techniques.
Indulge in flavors like Pistachio Stracciatella and Amarena Cherry or the refreshing Pink Grapefruit and Blueberry Pomegranate while savoring the cozy atmosphere of this delightful gelateria. Fainting Goat also has another location in Fremont, as well!
Chocolat Vitale
- Location: 6257 3rd Ave NW, Seattle, WA
- Website: chocolatvitale.com
- Neighborhood: Ballard
Although primarily known for its divine chocolates and handcrafted beverages, Chocolat Vitale also serves heavenly artisanal ice cream. Located in the lively Ballard neighborhood, this hidden gem offers unique flavors like “Mexican Chocolate” and “Salted Caramel,” that will leave you craving more.
Pair your ice cream with one of their expertly brewed hot chocolates (made with zero cocoa powder, simply melted chocolate) for a truly decadent experience.
Husky Deli
- Location: 4721 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA
- Website: huskydeli.com
- Neighborhood: West Seattle
For 80+ years, Husky Deli has been a West Seattle legend. And why not? Their ice cream is creamy yet light, with flavors like peppermint, caramel pecan fudge, and rum-spiked Kona coffee. Can’t decide? They also have blackberry cheesecake, Oreos, Chocolate Oreos, Mint Oreos, and Coffee Oreos. Who needs decisions when you have Oreos?
Get your priorities straight and head to Husky Deli. This is also the place to go if you’re craving a filling lunch before your ice cream–their classic deli sandwiches and grilled paninis are mouthwatering.
Cupcake Royale
- Location: 2052 NW Market St., Seattle, WA
- Website: cupcakeroyale.com
- Neighborhood: Ballard
This dessert haven marries ice cream and cupcakes together for a decadent experience. Indulge in the city’s best ice cream made by crumbling their heavenly cupcakes into custard mix and freezing it.
The buttermilk and red velvet cake combo will leave you swooning, while the salted caramel ice cream is a salty chocolate dream come true. Take it up a notch and get your scoop of ice cream on top of an actual cupcake. Cupcake Royale also has locations in Madrona, West Seattle, Downtown, and Burien.
D’Ambrosio Gelato
- Location: 5339 Ballard Ave. NW Seattle, WA
- Website: dambrosiogelato.com
- Neighborhood: Ballard
Its owners hailing from the Italian Alps, D’Ambrosio’s gelato is so divine, you’ll find it on menus all around Seattle. Made with local ingredients like Fremont Brewing Company’s chocolate porter, this creamy treat is a work of art, and the creamery has been serving up scoops since 1957.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, top it off with an espresso shot for the ultimate affogato experience. Whatever you do, don’t pass up on trying their mouth-watering Biscotti flavor!
Cold Plate
- Location: 5240 University Way NE Ste B, Seattle, WA
- Website: sweethouse.com/
- Neighborhood: University District
Cold Plate is an ice cream shop located a few blocks away on Ave. They offer unique sundaes with various toppings, such as biscoff cookies, fruity pebbles, and floateas that combine soft serve and bubble tea.
The shop also makes its own puffles, a chewy version of a waffle cone that will look delectable on your Instagram story. For the more adventurous who enjoy sweet-salty flavors, there is even a puffle that is flavored with Korean seaweed and pork floss.
Only the Finest Ice Cream in Seattle
Seattle’s ice cream scene is an oasis of frozen delights, with each shop offering a distinct experience and an abundance of irresistible flavors. From retro aesthetics to vegan delights, these shops elevate ice cream to an art form.
Make space in your Seattle itinerary to explore these ice cream havens and treat yourself to the finest frozen treats that Seattle offers when staying at a local vacation rental.