Flavors at this popular Phinney Ridge shop often feature ingredients from neighboring businesses such as Theo Chocolate Chunk and Herkimer Coffee, and the occasional beer-flavored concoction. It’s now open for takeout, as well as pops up at farmers markets around the city (the home delivery service has been paused for the summer).

The most charming little tricycle in town, this gelato- and sorbetto-packed catering vehicle has done tons of time at weddings, fueling the need for expansions. Now it’s offering a selection of enticing scoops, such as Mount Rainier S’mores and Lavender Lemonade, as well as gelato sandwich kit available for online orders.

One of Portland’s most famous attractions continues its Seattle expansion, with Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Kirkland open for takeout and delivery. Inventive flavors often include Seattle originals with local ingredients like Westland Whiskey and Ellenos Yogurt. Current offerings include scoops inspired by camping, including Mushroom Muddy Buddies and Maple & Bacon Streusel⁠⁠.

Over the years, this funky local chain has become known for more than scoops, as it’s expanded into more of a bar and pinball arcade. During the pandemic, it has mostly stuck to the basics at locations around the city in Columbia City, Ballard, U District, and White Center, serving up stellar scoops of huckleberry chip, coffee Oreo, Thai iced tea, and more.

The popular Seattle franchise hasn’t missed much of a beat over the past year, with outposts still going strong in Wallingford, Capitol Hill, Madrona, Queen Anne, U Village, and Bellevue (with a new flagship). On offer are classic flavors such as salted caramel and scout mint, and there are also pints available at local grocers such as PCC Community Markets and Met Market.

Co-owners Autumn Martin and Kari Brunson joined forces to bring Capitol Hill vegan ice cream (made with sprouted cashew milk and gum free coconut milk) that are satisfying and inventive. The textures are on point, and delightful flavor combinations include salty lime and watermelon and banana tahini. In addition to Capitol Hill there are locations in Ballard and U Village.

Kryse Panis Martin has quickly built buzz with her new scoops project, serving up inventive ice cream at locations such as Beacon Hill coffee shop The Station. The offerings go fast, but exciting new flavors, such as coconut ginger jasmine, are added regularly. Check Instagram for updates on where to find the treats and when to place orders.

Those who’ve sampled Homer’s popular soft serve walk-up window should be familiar with the inventive flavors at the sibling Beacon Hill spot. Fig-leaf coconut with Rainier cherry and caramel with turmeric peach are available as a swirl, along with dips and a selection of toppings (including cocoa nibs, M&Ms, and pretzels) for extra pop.

A family-owned landmark since 1932, Husky Deli serves West Seattle dozens of flavors, from the expected chocolate and vanilla to the rarer licorice or Swiss chocolate orange. This place is the best kind of throwback, and is still open for takeout with curbside pickup. There’s also limited local delivery.

After years operating as a pop-up, matcha green tea soft serve and taiyaki specialist Matcha Man recently set down more permanent roots with a new shop. The fish-shaped waffles filled with flavors like ube, and matcha are still on offer and as Instagrammable (and wonderful) as ever. There are also some fun t-shirts and stickers available for retail. 

This family-owned Rainier Valley shop recently made its debut and is already generating some good word-of-mouth for its friendly atmosphere and solid lineup of flavors, including pecan praline, chocolate truffle, salted caramel swirl, and birthday cake. On the drinks side are espressos, lattes, and sodas.