Serving Up Soft Serve: This Ice Cream Shop in Washington Won Me Over

When it comes to digging into some refreshingly cold ice cream in the summer, you really can't go wrong. However, the most devout of dairy fans will want to indulge in the best of the best. Hidden all the way up in Washington's Northwest corner, just about as far as you can drive without going international, Bellingham is a colorful waterfront community that has a near-perfect blend of everything that makes Washington so special: mountains, cold brews, green as far as the eye can see, a gorgeous arts scene, and, of course, amazing ice cream.

Personally, I'm a big fan of ice cream in all of its many decadent, hand-held, and scoopable forms. Growing up right across the street from an ice cream truck warehouse will do that to you! But I'll be honest: I'm not one to push the boundaries of what qualifies as ice cream (I'm looking at you, Seattle). On my recent hunt for some of the best ice cream that Washington has to offer, I kept my search to a pretty strict definition. Enter: Mallard Ice Cream, a not-so-tiny shop in Bellingham, Washington with an even bigger personality and a menu to match. I had heard of this local shop countless times before but never had the opportunity to visit until on a recent waterfall-hopping trip through the area. My hope was that within their massive selection of unique flavors, I would find a few soon-to-be-favorite gems that could appeal to even hesitant connoisseurs like myself. But as it turns out, everything on the menu is a winner.

Mallard Ice Cream has been around since 2001, and the ice cream here is so good that it's made its way onto more than a few "best" lists over the years. It's creamy, dreamy, and everything that a scoop (or cone) should be. This beloved downtown shop is most widely known for its small batches of homemade ice cream, but what even regulars may not realize is that there are a whopping 700 fun and innovative flavors on rotation to choose from.

Meaning, theoretically, you could almost grab a cone here every day for two years and never get the same thing.

While undeniably creative, the ice cream options at "Mallard's" (as it's most often called) are still approachable and delicious-sounding even for picky eaters like myself, although there are still plenty of bold options for those who are more adventurous. Over the years, Yerba Matte, Raspberry Mint Tea, Vanilla Malt, Brown Butter, and Molasses have all graced the menu and circled back around a time or two, along with plenty of others. I also hear their Honey Chamomile ice cream is super calming and smooth. Or, if you're looking for a kick, the Vanilla Black Pepper is likely the perfect way to jumpstart your tastebuds!

For die-hard ice cream purists, you'll find all the classics here too, like Fresh Strawberry, Mint Oreo, Super Chocolate, and even Coffee Cold Brew — each boasting generous chunks of their namesake flavors and taking advantage of local ingredients as much as possible. Lactose-free ice cream lovers will even swoon over the fantastic assortment of dairy-free options that go beyond plain vanilla, like Chocolate Coconut and Strawberry Peanut Butter Coconut Swirl.

Can't choose? Mallard's ice cream flights are the stuff of legend. You can get four scoops of mix-and-match flavors plus two toppings, all for one price. There's a little something for everyone!

Uniquely, ice cream isn't the only way to get creative with your ice cream here. There are multiple cone options, shakes, and affogatos, and you can even try items like the classic banana split or choose from numerous sundae creations. Whatever you opt for, you can taste the love in every bite. Mallard's ice cream is rich and not at all ice-y, with flavors and add-ins that feel fresh and enjoyable, never artificial. On my last visit here, I kept it simple with a cup of the Honey Butter Almond (which was as delicious as it sounds), indulged in their limited edition Star Wars scoops (Grogu’s Matcha & The Mandalorian), and parked myself on a comfy couch to enjoy my treats in style, but I have a whole list of options to try next time.

As if the award-winning ice cream wasn't enough, the vibe of this quirky ice cream shop makes it even more special. Washington is fortunate to have more than a few themed dining experiences here and there, and Mallard has a cute, unassuming duck theme that locals of all ages keep returning to time and time again. The interior is a playful mix of bold, neon colors, eclectic furniture, both brick and retro pieces intermingled in perfect harmony, and even local artwork. But the real draw for many is the overflowing rubber duck display case, which is definitely a favorite spot for the littles to crowd around! If the wait runs a little long due to summertime crowds, a nearby shelf is kept stocked with board games, crayons, and other activities to keep kids busy. All in all, it's a colorful, delicious, and fun spot for the whole family.

If you're visiting Bellingham to hit up the Spark Museum or heading into the Cascades for a family hike, Mallard Ice Cream should be at the top of your list for an end-of-day frozen reward, no matter the season. You can grab a scoop at a dozen other places in the area, some of which are even on Washington's official Ice Cream Trail, but where else can you enjoy a banana wafer waffle cone and homemade ube berry ice cream next to a six-foot rubber duck? It's pretty obvious why Bellingham calls this sweet little ice cream shop home.