You Got Soft-Served: Seattle’s Top 5 Ice Cream Shops

Molly Moon’s

Within a block of any Molly Moon’s ice cream shop, the alluring aroma of fresh waffle cones hits any pedestrian making their way past. On the Molly menu, Always and Seasonal flavors fill the chalkboard. Under Always are the tried-and-true favorites while the Seasonal flavors align with ingredients at their peak or commemorates a special occasion like Baracky Road and Viaduct Crunch. For the most indecisive individuals in your life of those one who want it all, MM’s has a flight option. What’s clear is Molly’s mission to its team, reducing negative impact to the environment, and contributing throughout the Emerald City community. With multiple locations studding Seattle, alliteration in their name, and an adorable Frenchie bulldog in neon, it’s hard to walk away from Molly Moons without a scoop in hand.

Wallingford: ½ 1622 N 45th St Seattle, WA 98103 | Queen Anne: 321 W Galer St Seattle, WA 98119 | View More Locations

Shug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream

Along the tourist promenade, between Pike and Pine on 1st, a gem swathed in pastel lures those seeking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Inside Shug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream, it’s a little slice of suburbia charm. Classic Sundae lovers, the Dixie Split was made for you in mind. Your ice cream flavor of choice nestles in between a bruleed banana, sprinkled with candied pecans and topped with a cherry on top, of course. For you pyromaniacs, Seattle Food Scene would like to introduce you to the S’More. One of the lovely Shug staff members flambes the unsuspecting homemade marshmallow into a gooey delight.

Downtown: 1525 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Frankie & Jo’s

Gracing Capitol Hill and Ballard, Frankie and Jo’s gives traditional, dairy-based creameries a run for their money. An early adopter of creating black food to match our souls with their moon-goo, a charcoal based topping and of eye-catching wallpaper for those aesthetically delicious photos. Frankie & Jo’s focuses on developing creations with a cashew and coconut base without compromising the very essence of creamy. They nailed the consistency; a feat very few ice cream makers have achieved when using alternative milk products. Despite the air of despair with its rainy day grey, Salted Caramel Ash relies on a less sweet caramel base. It’s a perfect second flavor to offset a richer flavor like California Cabin. As its name implies, in bites of California Cabin, a subtle smokiness is released. It’s a warmth not necessarily associated with temperature itself, but the impression of being comforted within the confines of a cabin in the woods.

Capitol Hill: 1010 E Union St Seattle, WA 98122 | Ballard: 1411 NW 70th St Seattle, WA 98117

Seattle Freeze

In the days and weeks prior to Seattle Freeze officially opening their doors, they teased ice cream fans with the possibility of creating your own, customized soft serve ice cream and having it look pretty as a picture, too. Among the wide selection of ice cream flavors, you’ll find the American tried and true Neapolitan trio or go for the Filipino vanilla, ube. It doesn’t look very vanilla, yet it has notes of vanilla with a nutty undertone. Next up, the mix-ins, an important step which will change your base flavor into something else. Arguably the most exciting part involves watching the team combine your concoction and transform it all into your personalized ice cream wonder. Sprung from the masterminds of behind Central District Ice Cream Company, Happy Grillmore, and Nate’s Wings and Waffles, Seattle Freeze cleverly plays on the social qualities of Seattleites, or lack thereof. In addition to ice cream, Seattle Freeze sells a variety of doughnuts, some looking and tasting like cereal blasted into the milky way. You know? Because it’s out of this world.

Georgetown: 6014 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

Salt & Straw

For years, Salt & Straw lured crowds to their Portland storefronts with the line snaking out the door, spilling onto the sidewalk, and around the corner. The same phenomena took over Seattle. Most notably, Salt & Straw draws flavor inspiration from local businesses within the locale, highlighting the infamous Pike Place Market with Beecher’s Cheese and Peppercorn Toffee, Rachel’s Raspberry Ginger Beer and Ellenos Yogurt & Matcha, all marketplace favorites. Their surprising flavors and chef collaborations continue to entice loyal customers and new ones alike.

Capitol Hill: 714 E Pike Street Suite A Seattle, WA 98122 | Ballard: 5420 Ballard Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107 | View More Locations