Chill Out: Seattle’s Coolest Spots for Shave Ice Treats

Snowy Village

Snowy Village, located in the University District, is so delicious that even Cougs will head into Husky territory to enjoy its Korean shave ice creations. Traditionally known as patbingsu or bingoo, this Korean delicacy is a shaved-ice dessert with sweet toppings, usually featuring chopped fruit, condensed milk, fruit syrup and more. At Snowy Village, all ingredients are fresh and the “snow” is crafted with 100 percent milk. Choose from a variety of sizes and flavors to suit the whole fam's tastes. Need a recommendation? Check out the mango or strawberry bingsoo. Both desserts are bursting with layers of fruit, perfectly complementing the smooth, milky texture of the ice. Craving a pastry instead? Snowy Village also serves up taiyaki, Japanese fish-shaped cakes, filled with deliciousness like Nutella or savory flavors. Snowy Village serves up generous portions and features seasonal flavors so you can try something new every time you stop by.

Good to know: Dine-in seating is limited to 50% capacity.

Hours: Sun.–Thurs., 1–9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 1–10 p.m.

5264 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-708-1111
Online: facebook.com/snowyvillageuw

LUMI Dessert Cafe

Handcrafted, decadent desserts are plentiful at Lynnwood’s LUMI Dessert Café. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, LUMI specializes in Korean bingsoo, authentic, melt-in-your-mouth snow ice. LUMI aims to introduce its customers to delicious and unique flavors from around the globe. Choose from combinations like berrylicious (creamy milk snow topped with assorted fresh berries and locally-made strawberry ice cream) or caramel apple (creamy milk snow topped with sweet and tangy caramelized apples and locally-made vanilla ice cream). Flavor combinations abound depending on what you're feelin'. LUMI’s presentation, originality and flavor will tantalize your taste buds. Try some of the other dessert specialties and order an expertly-crafted coffee or specialty drink to go along with your sweet treat.

Good to know: Limited dine-in seating is available. Please call ahead to see if there's a spot.

Hours: Mon.–Thurs.,  2–9 p.m.; Fri., 2–10 p.m.; Sat., 1–10 p.m.; Sun. 1–9 p.m.

4713 168th St. S.W., #101
Lynnwood, WA 98037
425-361-7486
Online: lumidessertcafe.com

Cafe O'Dessert

If smooth and creamy is what you’re craving, Cafe O'Dessert’s Hong Kong-style snow shave ice is what you need. Nestled among stores and restaurants on The Ave in the University District, Cafe O'Dessert offers many flavor choices so you can customize your treat. From mango to blueberry, coconut to green tea, you choose the flavor (or flavors) and then top with their selection of fresh fruit, mochi and more. The friendly staff will help you discover the perfect dessert if you need help narrowing down your choices. Cafe O'Dessert also features savory dishes and espresso beverages, so come hungry and splurge on dinner and dessert.

Hours: Mon.–Thurs., 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun., 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

4727 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-522-5266
Online: cafeodessertseattle.com

goPoke

Poke bowls might be the headliner at goPoke, but don’t miss their shave ice that is out of this world! Choose from a regular size with up to three flavors or supersize your sweet snack and order a Snow Cap. This jumbo dessert takes your basic shave ice and adds ice cream, sweetened condensed milk and Li Hing Mui (a salty, sweet, and sour plum powder that is sprinkled on top). If shave ice isn’t your jam, select other sweets like mochi ice cream and Dole Whip, soft serve straight from the Dole Plantation in Hawaii (made famous by Disneyland). Bonus: Purchase your dessert in a reusable mason jar and bring it back next time for a discount on any dessert.

Good to know: Due to COVID-19 safety measures, goPoke's Tukwila location is the only one that is currently open for business, and is only serving DoleWhip.

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

17348 Southcenter Pkwy., Suite 104
Tukwila, WA 98188
206-960-1325
Online: gopokeseattle.com

Goodie Goodie Corner Sweet Shop

Family-owned Goodie Goodie Corner Sweet Shop brings the aloha spirit to the Pacific Northwest with its extensive selection of fresh baked treats, candies, ice cream, and Hawaiian shave ice. Choose traditional ice and syrup or up the flavor factor by adding ice cream to the bottom of your shave ice. Goodie Goodie features over 19 flavors including basic fruit flavors or authentic Hawaiian ones like lychee, guava and Li Hing Mui. The shave ice treats will truly transport you to the islands. Tucked away just off Highway 99 in Lynnwood, Goodie Goodie’s portions are huge, and they never skimp on the syrup, so every bite is filled with sweetness.

Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

14626 Hwy. 99, Ste. 102
Lynnwood, WA. 98087
425-245-7903
Online: facebook.com/GoodieGoodieCorner/

Bambu Shoppe

The first Bambu Shoppe opened over a decade ago in the heart of the Vietnamese community in San Jose, California. Since then, the Bambu love has spread across the country, including six Puget Sound locations in Bellevue, Seattle, Edmonds, Kent, Tacoma and Puyallup. Bambu boasts a large menu of fresh, healthy, and authentic Che dessert drinks, boba milk teas, Vietnamese coffees, fruit smoothies and juices. Che dessert drinks are Vietnamese sweet treats made from all sorts of flavors. Bambu’s “chelicious” concoctions combine unique flavors poured over shaved ice creating cool, creamy delights. Bambu features house favorite drink recipes or you can customize their own drinks. Every Bambu Shoppe has its own commercial kitchen where house-made ingredients are prepped fresh every day. Try the super fluffy and creamy strawberry cheesecake dessert that promises to hit the spot.

various Seattle locations.
Online: drinkbambu.com