The Scoop on 5 New Seattle Ice Cream Spots

You’ll smile when you reach to open the doors to 12 Scoops – the handles are made of ice cream scoopers. Owner Wally Morris designed the cheerful red-and-white interior himself to appeal to kids. With six kids, ages 4 to 35, he knows his audience.

The customers in front of us in line snapped pictures of their Insta-worthy cones before digging in. There are 12 flavors to choose from, and they rotate out every month, hence the name “12 Scoops.” One flavor to you don’t see often is Grape-Nuts cereal ice cream. Morris, who was born in Jamaica, says that’s a flavor he remembers from growing up.

Morris previously used the building as a warehouse for another business. When they outgrew the space last year, he turned the storefront into an ice cream shop because, “I’m an ice cream lover.” He has plans to expand and add a restaurant, but the ice cream isn’t going anywhere. “We will always have ice cream no matter what we do,” Morris said.

Find it: 4267 S. Orcas St., Seattle, in Hillman City

Nearby: Get your caffeine fix at at Tin Umbrella Coffee or fuel up at Big Chickie or Eyman’s Pizza. In Columbia City, let the kids (under age 6) get their wiggles out at Seattle Gymnastics Academy’s indoor playground (5034 37th Ave. S., #200). Little gymnasts will especially love the foam pit and tumble track. Tip: Admission on Tuesdays is only $2 with a non-perishable food donation.