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.
Rachel's Ginger Beer
Figure 3: Vanilla in a cup ($6).
Rachel's Ginger Beer soft serve is reliable and simple. Nothing more and nothing less. They have two flavors (vanilla and pineapple Dole whip), no toppings, or add-ons. But simple doesn't mean boring. Since they have ginger beer on tap, you can get a ginger beer float! Their vanilla is made in-house, and while it didn't have a stand-out texture it does have an excellent milk-forward flavor. RGB is certainly worth a stop on a hot summer day.
Cosmic Ice Cream
Figure 4: 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 5: 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.
Tip Top: an Ice Cream Shop (West Seattle)
Figure 6: Little cup of strawberry with sweet cream base (left, $5), big cup of blackberry and strawberry with sweet cream base (right, $7).
Based inside of the Highland Park Corner Store, Tip Top shows off New Zealand style soft-serve with a homemade Seattle character. The concept is basic, but executed well: select a base for your ice cream (either sweet cream, or coconut cream which is vegan), select one or more fruit flavors, and optionally some toppings. After mixing things up for a few minutes, you're met with a delightful soft serve. The final texture and flavor of the cone is both a mixture of the base and fruit, but also showcases both elements perfectly.
If you're used to ultra-smooth American soft-serve, the dense texture of Tip Top might be a surprise. However, I think its worth a try. By the time you've finished your cone, you'll be a convert!
Little Coney
Figure 7: 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.