New Salt & Straw Ice Cream Shop Opens in Kirkland

Eastside families who love ice cream (all of us, heh) will be excited by this news: Portland-based ice cream maker Salt & Straw opens a new shop in Kirkland today.

This move, even during the Northwest's chilly season, seems sure to add to the brand's legions of dedicated fans. Salt & Straw specializes in small-batch ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients. Fans love the innovative flavors, such as Honey Lavender, Pear & Blue Cheese, and Arbequina Olive Oil.

Rotating seasonal flavors push the boundaries of what most people would think belongs in ice cream. During October, Salt & Straw made ice cream with bugs in it. This month, Thanksgiving-inspired seasonal flavors include Sweet Potato Casserole With Maple Pecans and Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey.

The new shop is located in Kirkland's Totem Lake Village shopping center and opens its doors Friday, Nov. 20, at noon. The shop will be open daily, noon–11 p.m. Stop in for a scoop or a pint, or you can order pints for local delivery.

Unfortunately, due to pandemic restrictions, the shop can't currently give out samples to help you select a flavor (which normally staff are happy to do). You gotta commit; just pick something exciting! And don't worry if you already know your kids won't eat turkey- or olive-oil-flavored ice cream — they do have vanilla.

The new location joins two existing Seattle Salt & Straw shops; in Ballard and on Capitol Hill. The Kirkland spot has a nice addition. Its patio features a firepit where you can stay warm while devouring your scoop of Chocolate Gooey Brownie.

Salt & Straw was founded by cousins Kim Malek and Tyler Malek in 2011 and has shops up and down the West Coast. Tyler grew up in Snohomish and said in a statement that he looks forward to having another shop located close to his family and friends. "With our ever-changing flavors and stories, I hope we can bring new ice cream adventures to this amazing neighborhood," he said.

Salt & Straw likes to keep its fans craving ice cream through social media. Keep an eye on its Instagram for delicious-looking ice cream shots and announcements for special events and new flavors.