THE SCOOP
VOTED BEST ICE CREAM OF 2025
The Scoop has all the telltale signs of the best ice cream in Spokane: bubblegum pink walls, Chris Bovey murals, $1 baby cones, and the most votes from our 2025 reader poll (plus multiple years before that). The Scoop has a special place in the hearts and sweet teeth of the entire city, thanks to fabulous creative flavors (pistachio pineapple marshmallow, anyone?), connections with local farmers, plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, and secret bagel counters inside both ice cream shops (we see you and we love you, Hidden Bagel).
South Hill: 1001 W. 25th Ave.
Kendall Yards: 1238 W. Summit Pkwy., thescoopspokane.com
SWEET ANNIE’S
Annie Stranger’s love for ice cream took her all the way to New York City and back again. After a decade in the Big Apple as a graphic designer and part-time staff at an ice cream shop, she started her artisanal creamery in 2015 with small “pint clubs” and regular stints at farmers markets. She finally opened a permanent location in Liberty Lake in 2020, much to the delight of local dairy-lovers.
Now, her rotation of creative signature flavors — like an “End of the Rainbow” Lucky Charms cereal milk ice cream or a “Voodoo Magic” sundae with bourbon bananas foster ice cream and rum caramel — are available every day except Monday in a cute, nostalgia-filled shop on the edge of a growing neighborhood. She also makes beautiful ice cream cakes to order, which make special occasions even more beautiful, delightful and delicious.Liberty Lake: 1948 N. Harvest Parkway, anniesicecreams.com
GELATO BY THE LAKE
If there’s one thing that can make sugar and cream taste better, it’s a view of a lake. But gelato with a view of Lake Coeur d’Alene? That’s unbeatable summer right there. Whether it’s on a cone or in a cup with one of those tiny, colorful scraper spoons, Gelato by the Lake is bound to make your Italian holiday dreams come true. From ricotta honey, Mexican chocolate, and red velvet to stracciatella, pistachio, and huckleberry, flavors are rotating seven days a week so you always get a fresh batch.
Coeur d’Alene: 217 E. Sherman Ave., gelatobythelake.com
ROGER’S ICE CREAM & BURGERS
There’s a reason Roger’s has been around for 80 years — it’s been shaking great milkshakes and flipping fabulous burgers since the 1940s. Not much has changed since then, thank goodness. The Coeur d’Alene tradition has expanded to four nostalgic locations, all of which serve up some of the best huckleberry ice cream in North Idaho that keeps people coming back from both sides of the state line. But you can order a float, malt or shake from any flavor of ice cream, which also included fruity pop-n-rocks, chocolate peanut butter cups, and espresso explosion. Or, if you’re too full from a burger and fries, grab a pint to take home for a midnight snack.
Post Falls: 403 N. Spokane St.
Hayden: 8833 Hess St.
Coeur d’Alene: 1224 Sherman Ave., order.rogersicecreamburgers.com
North Coeur d’Alene: 2420 N. Government Way
DOYLE’S ICE CREAM PARLOR
If you’ve never spent a summer evening strolling over to Doyle’s for an ice cream cone and a trip down memory lane, have you ever actually lived in Spokane? Red stripes and vintage teal signage mean you’ve made it to Spokane’s beloved neighborhood spot for humongous scoops and nostalgic toys that are straight out of your childhood dreams. Doyle’s butter brickle ice cream is a special favorite for people born before and after 1950. The shop even has homemade ice cream pies that look straight out of a church potluck cookbook.
West Central Spokane: 2229 W. Boone Ave., follow on Facebook (Doyles Ice Cream Parlor)
FERDINAND’S ICE CREAM SHOPPE
There’s only one ice cream shop that can claim the hearts of Cougs everywhere, and that, of course, is Ferdinand’s. Washington State University’s creamery has got cheese and ice cream down to a science, which means that their Cougar Tracks, Huckleberry Ripple, and Tin Lizzy Classic are verifiably delicious. Regardless of if you’re a WSU alum or not, test Ferdinand’s out for yourself. While you’re at it, pick up some Cougar Gold cheese for any future savory endeavors.
Pullman: 2035 Ferdinand’s Lane, creamery.wsu.edu
MARY LOU’S MILK BOTTLE
If a building is shaped like a milk bottle, chances are good that there’s some good ice cream inside. Mary Lou’s does not disappoint. After churning two gallons of huckleberry ice cream at home, the Ritchie family decided they didn’t want to stop. Since 1991, Mary Lou’s has scooped up thousands of fans and earned a soft spot with ice cream aficionados across the city. Guests still love their original huckleberry, but also can’t get enough of their River City Sludge. Don’t forget, though, that behind the milk bottle is a fantastic griddle that flips some of the best burgers in Spokane, too.
Garland District: 802 W. Garland Ave., marylous.org
PETE & BELLE’S ICE CREAM SHOP
Pete & Belle’s excels in everything sweet: ice cream, chocolates, specialty caramel apples and even customizable ice cream cakes! They’ve got daily flavor favorites like bourbon pecan pie, Fat Elvis, and Exhausted Parent, rotating alongside seasonal specials like eggnog, mint avalanche, peach and pumpkin. Get a treat for yourself, grab a box of chocolates to gift to your loved ones, and make everyone happy. And in case your sweet tooth is a little overwhelmed while you choose your favorite sugar-coated snack, Pete & Belle’s still has you covered with a cup of hot, black coffee. That’s what they mean by life balance, right?
Spokane Valley: 1330 N. Argonne Rd., Suite C, petebelles.com
PANHANDLE CONE & COFFEE
The Dillon family has been making ice cream since 2015. Their love and their brand has only grown, and now their creativity shines at all three North Idaho locations. They’ve got flavors you’d have a hard time finding anywhere else — or dreaming up yourself. Try a scoop of buttermilk huckleberry, orange and dark chocolate freckles, or strawberry lime and avocado. Summer flavors this year include roasted strawberry, pineapple habanero, and margarita. Get a flight of scoops if you can’t decide, or order a shot of espresso to create your own wild and wacky affogato. Because no matter how good these flavors are, this ice cream is #badtothecone.
Coeur d’Alene: 849 N. 4th St.
Sandpoint: 216 N. First St.
Moscow: 511 S. Main St., coneandcoffee.com
CHILL OUT ICE CREAMERY
This is the place to kick back, relax, and indulge your sweet tooth with ice cream you can’t find anywhere else in Washington. The creamery is so chill, you don’t even have to buy anything to hang out and play free games. But if you do decide to order, you’re in for a treat. Chill Out serves gourmet ice cream made in Wisconsin from milk with a higher fat content, which makes it unbelievably creamy and keeps it from melting too fast. Plus, they make their own waffle cones, and even have a gluten-free version so the whole family feels included.
Chill Out goes above and beyond without ever looking like they’re trying too hard. In addition to ice cream, they also have boba, hot soup and paninis in case you’re craving something a little more substantial. It’s really a one stop shop that has everything you need — minus the stress.Nine Mile Falls: 5919 Highway 291, Unit 8, chillouticecreamery.com
