Seattle Soft Serve
In the summer of 2024 I developed a craving for soft-serve ice cream, but I didn't know where to go! So here's the website I wish existed for me. I hope it serves you well in satisfying your craving for soft-serve.
Milk Drunk
Figure 1: Vanilla soft serve in a cup ($6)
Milk Drunk is some of the best textured soft-serve in Seattle, hands down. Seriously. Their ice cream base is made in-house, which makes the dairy-queen-like texture even more impressive. On paper, Milk Drunk is a fried chicken joint with soft-serve as a fun dessert. In reality, its the soft-serve that you'll remember. They've got classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate malt, and strawberry (vegan!), but don't hesitate to try their seasonal flavors; the ube is fantastic.
Indigo Cow (Wallingford)
Figure 2: The Hokkaido milk with strawberry sauce in a cup ($6).
Indigo Cow's claim to fame is its special milk. Importing milk from Hokkaido, Japan seems like an awful lot of fuss for simple soft-serve. I can tell you firsthand that the fuss is worth it. The ice cream base is really what shines at Indigo cow: the milk's rich vanilla-like flavor is highlighted tastefully with toppings like fruit sauces and chocolate syrup. You can go all out and get a cone topped with dango and brown sugar syrup, but I'd recommend keeping it simple.
Cosmic Ice Cream
Figure 3: A plain vanilla cone with animal crackers ($6).
Cosmic Ice Cream is a delightful ice cream truck that does the basics right. Their vanilla base tastes strong (in a good way) and feels like it omits common stabilizing agents. Together it makes for cold (!) and delicious ice cream. I like it in a cone with animal crackers, but you can get it matcha or red velvet cones. They even have floats (root beer, orange soda, Coke, Dr. Pepper, or kombucha)!
If you see them at the Fremont Sunday market, don't miss out!
Spice Waala (Capitol Hill)
Figure 4: Haldi Doodh ($5)
Spice Waala's soft serve is an excellent example of quality over quantity. While their flavor options are few (one per month), the creativity of this flavor is off the charts. This popular Seattle chain serves various Indian street food (kathi rolls, chaat, etc.) and incidentally, soft serve.
When I visited the Capitol Hill location in April 2025, the flavor of the month was Haldi Doodh aka Golden Milk ($5). While not the best texture, the turmeric and warming spices delightfully contrast against the backdrop of cold ice cream; the perfect ice cream for a late spring evening! Be sure to check out their other locations in Ballard and Columbia City.
Many Bennies
Figure 5: Cup of Strawberry and Blackberry soft serve with Sweet Cream base ($6)
Many Bennies is the best New Zealand style soft serve (also known as real-fruit ice cream) in Seattle I’ve tasted to date. You start with one of their bases (sweet cream, vegan, seasonal flavors) and choose up to two fruit mix-ins. Their toppings then spice things up with things like Tajin seasoning or hot honey. The final result is a dense but creamy soft serve texture that’s not too sweet, and delightfully heterogeneous. If you’ve never had this style before, make sure to stop by their location in Fremont. Even when I had it in the cold of late fall it was a real treat!
Little Coney
Figure 6: Vanilla Cone ($4.50)
While Little Coney doesn't have the best soft-serve in Seattle, its location is unbeatable. Located within walking distance from Golden Gardens park, it's a perfect spot to cool off after a hot day at the beach. Little Coney keeps things simple: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry soft serve; hot dogs; fish and chips; chicken tenders.
For me, the eating experience there is reminiscent of summer days at the pool when I was a kid. If you want ice cream that tastes like nostalgia, this is the place for you.