Take a DIY Ice Cream Tour in Capitol Hill, Seattle

The ice cream scene in Seattle is a serious business, with the coming of several brilliant homegrown brands bringing their style and unique flavors to the table. Plus, they are handcrafted to perfection, use fewer artificial ingredients, and are delicious. Seattle has a plethora of homegrown brands, four located in Capitol Hill. Therefore, we decided to go on a DIY Ice Cream in Capitol Hill, which you can do too. 

These local ice cream brands are some of the best in Seattle to satisfy your sweet cravings, especially on a hot summer evening. Here is a route map to make your tour easy. Let us know your favorite ice cream spot in Seattle. 

Sweet Alchemy

Website | Location: Chophouse Row | We recommend: UW honey

Sweet Alchemy was founded by a UW Art graduate, Lois Ko, who decided to follow her passion for making ice cream. She opened her first outlet in the heart of U-District and has never looked back since then. Sweet Alchemy specializes in small-batch homemade ice creams, sustainability being one of their core brand value. The Capitol Hill outlet is a tiny, beautifully decorated store tucked within the cozy alley of Chophouse Row. They only offer grab-and-go, but you can enjoy a scoop or two at the sitting area of Chophouse Row while listening to live music. 

Timing: Tue-Thu +Sun (12pm – 10pm), Fri-Sat (12pm – 11pm), Mon (2pm – 9pm)
Price for two: $12.50

Salt and Straw

Website | Location: Pike & Pine | We recommend: Goat cream cheese, Oregon Marionberry jam, and habanero

Salt & Straw is a Portland-based ice cream chain owned by cousins Kim Malek and Tyler Malek. Like any other start-up, this started in a basement with the idea of creating unique flavors and building a place that provides happiness and a sense of community. Over the years, these folks have come up with the weirdest and most zany flavors to open up unknown spots on your tastebuds that you didn’t even know existed! The Pike & Pine outlet remains almost always crowded, but with fast-moving lines. They have both indoor and outdoor sitting areas to sit and relish your scoop overlooking the bustling streets of Capitol Hill. 

Timing: Sun-Thurs (12pm – 10pm), Fri-Sat (12pm – 11pm)
Price for two: $13

Molly Moon’s

Website | Location: 917 E Pine St | We recommend: Plain old chocolate

Molly Moon’s is a Seattle institution! It was founded by Molly Moon Neitzel in 2008 with a dream to create a vibrant and welcoming space to gather and celebrate ice cream. Their ice creams are delicious and a mix of traditional and innovative flavors. The Capitol Hill shop is opposite Cal Anderson Park and is known for its seasonal blends. They also have special ice creams for vegans and lactose intolerants. I love the rich and creamy of their ice creams and the freshly baked uber-crunchy waffle cone. Also, a special mention to their quirky logo, inspired by Molly’s dog (French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix), Parker Posey, that I love love love!

Timing: Sun-Thurs (12pm – 10pm), Fri-Sat (12pm – 11pm)
Price for two: $12.50

Frankie & Jo’s

Website | Location: 1010 E Union St | We recommend: Salty caramel ash

Frankie & Jo’s is an all-vegan establishment with a mission to change the way we think of our food. They use coconut milk and other non-dairy substitutes to make ice cream while not compromising the quality. They serve a bunch of unconventional flavors that change regularly. Salty caramel ash is one such flavor that we thought was unique and we recommend trying it. The restaurant is tiny but beautiful, with indoor and outdoor sitting areas and gorgeous interiors with minimal colors and earthy textures that perfectly reflect their brand value.

Timing: Sun-Thurs (12pm – 10pm), Fri-Sat (12pm – 11pm)
Price for two: $14

We hope you enjoy your time exploring the ice cream shops around Capitol. Let us know your favorite flavor of ice cream, and don’t forget to scream ice creaammmmmm!

Also, while you’re in Capitol Hill, here’s a noodle place you can try. They have the BEST hand-pulled noodles in Seattle.