Full Tilt Ice Cream

Find myself saying goodbye to another old timer. Full Tilt Ballard is closing, and their last day will be January 29th. We went for a last time, and it seemed as though a lot of other people had that idea too. Even with the impending closing, tables were still reserved for birthday parties, and the house was packed with people playing pinball and eating ice cream. We treated ourselves to a lemon marshmallow and a lemon lady fingers with almonds. There was still some merchandise available for sale but quickly running out. Apparently, Full Tilt in Columbia City and White Center will remain open, and I'm hoping pints can still be bought at local locations such as PCC. I've got to get my huckleberry chip.

It's been soooo long since I been to a full tilt and it's still as amazing as I remember it.

I got the kid scoop and they were able to do split scoop for me and the portion was definitely a lot bigger than a kid scoop. I got the butter popcorn and the cookie dough mixed with vanilla. Omg, the butter popcorn tasted so much like popcorn. It's my new favorite flavor now. The cookie dough was good too and the combo was a nice balance of sweet and savory.

My husband got the mud honey shake (not picture) and it's stupid thick and tasted like churro.

Everything was delicious

Not sure how else to say this but the last time I went in I found multiple bugs in my ice cream. Tried to offer a new one. I said no thanks just a rend. Never offered anything else in return.

Really unique flavors! That's what will bring me back to full tilt. Also, unlike other ice cream shops, they have pinball machines and a few other arcade games so you can stick around even after the ice cream is gone!

I got 1 scoop in a cup. And trust me, it's a huge scoop and is totally enough for 1 person. Also, you can ask for 1/2 and 1/2 so you can try 2 flavors in 1 scoop! I went for the Coffee Oreo and Salted Chocolate Hazelnut and I was in heavennnnn.

Honorable mentions: pina colada, chili mango, and earl grey

Why pay for boring ice cream flavors that you could get at the grocery store when full tilt is cranking out unique rotating flavors?!

For the whole experience (ice cream, beer and pinball) we thought this place was really cool. They have several flavors available, from basic to more unique, plus vegan options. It's a grungy vibe with many pinball machines available to play, as well as some pac man and some driving games. They have a change machine on hand too.

Prices were super reasonable. A large single scoop was about $4. I tried the cofo (coffee and Oreo) and it was really good. For $7 you can get a sampler which is basically four scoops of different flavors of your choice. Pretty good deal. My girlfriend tried several flavors, some that she liked and some she didn't.

The pinball machines are mostly $.50 or $.75 for a game or three for $2.00 or so depending on the machine. We played a few games and had a good time. The bathrooms were clean as well.

The only weird thing was that only one guy was scooping and ringing people up. Another girl was behind the counter for a bit and offered us samples but when we said we were ready to order, she said she couldn't help us and could only get samples (?????). Later I saw her playing on the machines. Not sure if she was "testing" them or what? I also thought we saw a third guy behind the counter at one point who then disappeared. Weird...

Beyond that I would definitely recommend coming here to hang out for a little bit and indulge in some ice cream or drinks.

In an age of "artisan" ice cream shops, Full Tilt offers inventive and nostalgic house made flavors without being bougie. They are a local Washington company, with 5 locations around Seattle. All of their ice cream is made with natural, local ingredients, and they always have at least a few vegan flavors. They also sell a curated selection of sodas and craft beers. The interior at this location in Ballard is colorful and kitschy, with vintage pinball machines and other classic arcade games.

On the day I visited, they had 5 vegan flavors-Chocolate, Coffee, Party Mint, Chili Mango, and O.J. The majority of their non-dairy ice creams are coconut based, but they do fruit sorbets as well. Both their cake and sugar cones are vegan. I got the Party Mint flavor in a kids size ($3) on a sugar cone, expecting it to be a tiny scoop. The portion was actually quite large, and perfectly satisfied my serious sweet tooth. I loved the Party Mint flavor, which had a rich, creamy texture that tasted like powdered sugar pillow mints and funfetti, with a subtle hint of coconut.

I visit Full Tilt every time I come to Seattle, and highly recommend you do the same.

Yummy Vegan Coconut sweet vanilla ice cream. A sweet delicious treat with a very rich and creamy texture.

Located in Ballard along the strip mall. Street parking. Staff was friendly and helpful. Like how there was unique Asian flavor ice cream like Ube. Ice cream was creamy and good.

(fulltilticecream.com) - Ballard neighborhood, Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: Nearly a decade ago, I was introduced to Full Tilt at - I believe - at one of it's first locations in Columbia City. Blown away by its bright blue, signature flavor, we have enjoyed it on several occasions. Their Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Pajama Party this past weekend made for a perfect reason to indulge once again.

Type of cuisine: "Full Tilt Ice Cream makes all natural ice cream and frozen desserts with as much creativity and local ingredients as possible."

Ambiance: "Live music. Pin ball. Arcade Games. Beer." outside of ice cream, that about explains it all.

What I ordered: We selected two waffles - yes, fluffy, round, Belgian breakfast waffles - one topped with Coffee & Donuts ice cream, and the second with Fruity Pebbles and Raspberry Cheese Danish ice creams to enjoy between the three of us.

What I loved: The slightly sweet, fluffy, buttery waffle was one of the best I've had - outside of Belgium and home-made.

Why I loved it: A fun space, loud and perfect for children of all ages. Extra friendly staff - specifically a truly remarkable, happy, respectful and compassionate young man in Winnie the Pooh onesie - and deliciously extravagant, creative ice cream (vegan, too) flavors!

Cost: High ($17+ for the two waffles and three scoops of ice cream)

Great place for all ages! They serve boozy drinks for adults and of course- ice cream for kids! Don't miss out their $1 off beer list. You can even add a scoop of ice cream for $3 to make it a beer float haha or even a mimosa float, it's pretty awesome!

I came here for the arcade and a scoop of ice cream. The choices they had ranges from chocolate coconut curry, salted caramel to the plain and simple strawberry. I wish they had cookies 'n cream or mint chocolate chip! Oh well. I ordered the full tilt salted caramel which is a single generous scoop for $4. My boyfriend got the same but strawberry with chocolate fudge. Wasn't too bad for ice cream as far as prices.

Note: the arcades accept coins, there's a machine that you can insert cash for coins but if you don't have cash then you're in a pit. However there is an ATM on the right corner which you can withdraw cash with a $3 convenience charge.

Majority of the games require 75 cent plays except the Star Wars one that I love!! I can play it all day. Other cool pinball games are Game of Throne and Adamm's Family, etc. They have 2 racing games and a couple shooting games. Overall- cute place and great service! A gal that served us was very cheerful (maybe because she was leaving for Vegas the following day). Kind of odd she had a tip jar for patrons to donate for her vacation..

Also, they have a punch card, 10 scoops means 1 free! Don't forget.