A Pacific Northwest summer is one of the sweetest things in life. Travelers visit from across the world to set foot on ground that we are able to call home. It’s sweet, but baby it can get HOT, too. Aside from the 76 lakes you can get to within an hour of driving, you can cool off by tasting some of Spokane’s best ice cream.
A scoop, a bowl, a waffle cone and throw in some gelato— the Spokane ice cream scene has left us all spoiled. From grandpa’s favorites like classic vanilla to local-specific flavors like huckleberry and apple pie, there’s so much to explore.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots, just for you.
Didier’s Yogurt & More
Didier’s, located on North Division Street, has been an ice cream staple in my heart since 2000. Serving families like mine for decades, Didier’s has been open since 1986. The locally owned shop holds the title of the longest running frozen yogurt business in Spokane and still offers weekly specials like they always have. On Tuesdays, swing by Didier’s for “Yogurt Tuesday.” A medium cup is only $2.49.
Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor
Grab a scoop or three at Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor in West Central Spokane! This ice cream parlor, originally open in 1940, takes you back in time as you step inside. Doyle’s remains a timeless classic for families and ice cream lovers alike. Small in size but mighty in servings and flavor, this historic heaven for frozen dessert is an ideal stop on a hot summer day or warm summer night.
The Milk Bottle
Serving award-winning milkshakes for years, The Milk Bottle located in the Garland District, is another one of Spokane’s longest running ice cream establishments. Open in 1935, the milk bottle building was once a dairy shop before it began offering ice cream, malts, shakes and food. Choose between its root beer floats, ice cream sundaes, banana splits and more!
Pete & Belle’s Ice Cream Shop
Pete & Belle’s makes more than your favorite ice cream, they also craft homemade ice cream cakes. Their impressive flavor list features Banana Cream Pie, Blueberry Cheesecake, Cappuccino Break, Exhausted Parent, Lemon Poppyseed and many more. This Spokane Valley treasure is located on Argonne but the popular shop also serves ice cream at the Spokane Valley Mall.
Tre Palline Gelato Napolitano
Tre Palline Gelato Napolitano is Spokane’s Italian gelato go-to. This authentic gelato shop serves all dietary needs. Located inside the Steam Plant, it offers vegan friendly, egg-free, dairy free and gluten free ice cream. Tre Palline has a location in Cheney, too.
The Scoop
The Scoop quickly grew in popularity when it popped up on the South Hill in 2003. It now has a Kendall Yards location where it scoops mounds of joy on the daily. The Scoop is known for its dairy free, vegan and gluten free ice cream options, and it is the only ice cream shop serving by way of liquid nitrogen. (They say it boosts the creaminess and coolness.)
As you see, we have no shortage of sweet and cool stops in Spokane. Whether it’s an afternoon delight or a late night craving, one of these six shops are sure to give you what you’re looking. Enjoy!
Jordy Blaine, Director of Community Partnerships
Jordan (Jordy) Blaine has her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a major in Public Relations from Carroll College, and is a professional journalist with 10 years of experience in newsrooms. Jordy has worked at Krem 2 News, and is now at Trending Northwest to organize events, coordinate PR campaigns, and expand coverage of marginalized communities . If you want to learn more about how she is making an impact right here in the Northwest, give her a follow on Instagram or Facebook.