Summer in Spokane is not subtle, and locals know the best ice cream shops to cool off. Thankfully, our city has no shortage of places doing it well. We’ve got nostalgic scoops piled into waffle cones, silky gelato that will make you feel a bit Italian, and dairy-free creations that don’t feel like an afterthought! The city’s ice cream scene is every bit as varied as the neighborhoods that it contains.
Ice cream is one of those simple things that instantly pulls you into its sensory orbit with time-traveling powers. One bite and somehow you are a kid again, standing in line on a summer evening, trying to decide between two flavors while the cone melts faster than you can eat it. I love ice cream so much that we had the truck from The Scoop at our wedding in lieu of a cake. Unlimited scoops for all of our guests made for such a special treat, and the look on the children’s faces was well worth the price of admission.
These are the kinds of places that become traditions that go way beyond sweet treat destinations. It’s the family outings to celebrate a school play or after a particularly challenging night of a Boy Scout Pinewood Derby, spontaneous date-night stops, or solo sweet treat runs when the day has been a lot and you just need the briefest moment of joy.
The Scoop
What started out on the South Hill has expanded into one of the best ice cream shops in Spokane! With the original location still on the South Hill, you can also find The Scoop in Kendall Yards, making it an easy stop no matter what side of town you’re on.
They offer some of the most delicious and unique flavors Spokane has to offer, along with a really great selection of gluten-free and dairy-free options as well!
While they do switch things up quite often, one standout is the Raspberry Mango Lemonade Sorbet. It’s incredibly refreshing and honestly perfect for those hot Spokane summer days when you need something cold, bright, and a little tangy to cool you down.
Whether you’re grabbing a cone to stroll around Kendall Yards or stopping in for a quick treat after dinner on the South Hill, The Scoop is one of those spots that always hits the craving just right.
Volonti Gelato
This isn’t an obvious ice cream stop if it’s not on your radar, because it’s tucked inside of MiFlavour, but it absolutely must go on this list.
There is something distinctly European that will make you feel oh-so fancy when you walk into miFLAVOUR and discover their house-made Volonti gelato. Plus, this place is a VIBE. It is like taking a little jet out of town into a gorgeous metropolitan destination. I love treats with a side of design sass.
Their rotating lineup leans creative with flavors like London Fog, Passion Fruit, Salted Caramel, and Banana Pudding alongside classics like Chocolate that you won’t want to pass up. It’s rich without feeling heavy and intensely flavored in the way true gelato should be, it offers a more elevated take on the classic ice cream (ahem, gelato) stop.
The Milk Bottle
Name a more iconic ice cream shop – we’ll wait. Every day this beloved spot is serving up award-winning milkshakes in the Garland District of Spokane. The Milk Bottle is a must-try stop for anyone craving a classic sweet treat!
Fun fact: it is one of Spokane’s longest-running ice cream establishments and has been serving the community for decades, becoming a true local staple over the years. What started out exclusively as a root beer float stand has now grown into a full dessert menu featuring sundaes, banana splits, and of course, their famously rich and creamy milkshakes.
Every shake feels like a little step back in time in the best way possible. If you’re a Spokane local, there’s a good chance a visit here will bring up some serious nostalgia! So whether you’re stopping by after exploring the Garland District or just looking for a classic ice cream fix, The Milk Bottle delivers that old-school charm and simple, satisfying sweetness that never goes out of style.
Doyles Ice Cream
Serving up housemade ice cream in West Central Spokane, Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor remains one of Spokane’s sweetest time capsules. Open since 1939 in West Central, this beloved neighborhood institution still makes its ice cream in house, crafting more than 30 homemade flavors alongside warm waffle cones, old-fashioned banana splits, and soda fountain favorites. Walking inside feels like stepping back into another era, and it has the perfect backdrop for all of your soda fountain date-night dreams.
They have sundaes and scoops, thick, creamy milkshakes, and all the classics you’d hope for in a traditional ice cream parlor. What really sets Doyles apart is their commitment to homemade, specialty flavors that rotate and surprise you each visit feels a little different in the best way Doyles is comforting and familiar while still offering something new to try. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you want from a local ice cream favorite.
Didier’s Yogurt & More
Also known as Spokane’s Original frozen yogurt restaurant, Didier’s Yogurt & More has been a beloved staple in Spokane since 1986. This family-owned spot has been serving their own custom-blended frozen yogurts for over 30 years, and it continues to be a go-to for both locals and visitors looking for something sweet, simple, and nostalgic.
For an extra bit of ambiance, make sure to snag a patio spot if the weather is nice. It’s the perfect place to sit back, people-watch, and enjoy your frozen yogurt on a sunny Spokane day. Located on the North Side of Spokane, it’s an easy stop whether you’re out running errands or making a dedicated dessert run! I will always get the Huckleberry Sundae, but they have so many combinations to choose from!
Pete & Belles
And of course, Pete & Belles is a must-mention when it comes to ice cream in Spokane! They have classic scoops alongside ice cream cakes that are perfect for summer celebrations, birthdays, or any excuse to bring dessert to the party. If you’re hosting something this summer, I highly recommend visiting to see all of the options they have to dazzle your guests. Pete & Belles is the kind of spot that makes it easy to go from “just grabbing dessert” to planning your whole celebration around the ice cream.
One standout is Hally’s Comet, a rich blend of milk chocolate and vanilla ice creams swirled with caramel ribbons and caramel truffles. And my personal favorite has to be Exhausted Parent, a bourbon-spiked espresso ice cream swirled with bittersweet chocolate chunks. It’s bold, rich, and will give you a little built-in boost. They offer classic flavors like banana cream, cookie dough, and chocolate, but they also go beyond the basics with more unique creations that keep things interesting.
