When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Many Bennies
Why Many Bennies is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Many Bennies is a vibrant and playful ice cream shop located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, quickly gaining popularity as a go-to spot for friends wanting a refreshing, fun treat. Specializing in a unique style known as "fresh fruit ice cream," inspired by a New Zealand tradition, Many Bennies offers a creamy, light ice cream base blended with fresh, locally sourced fruit. This approach makes for a product that is delightfully fresh and less heavy than traditional ice cream, appealing to those seeking a lighter yet flavorful dessert. The welcoming atmosphere and surprising personal touches contribute to its charm—every serving is topped with whimsical edible candy eyes, creating a playful and Instagram-worthy experience that delights both kids and adults. Co-founders Ben Mawhinney and Sean Bender, sharing a similar name and a passion for approachable, fun ice cream, have curated a space that emphasizes community joy and creativity. Many Bennies provides a perfect setting for casual meetups, offering a joyful treat that sparks smiles and conversation among friends in an inviting neighborhood environment.
Here's what people think of Many Bennies
As of recent, Many Bennies holds a 4.8-star rating based on 552 reviews.
Customer reviews of Many Bennies consistently highlight the freshness and quality of the ice cream, praising the innovative blend of fresh fruit and creamy bases that offers a unique alternative to traditional decadent ice creams. Reviewers appreciate the shop's fun and quirky vibe, especially noting the signature edible candy eyes topping that adds a playful element to the experience, making visits memorable and enjoyable for families and young adults alike. The friendly customer service and community-oriented atmosphere are frequently mentioned as enhancing the overall appeal. However, some negative feedback includes occasional waits during peak hours due to high demand and limited seating that can make busy periods somewhat challenging for visitors. A few customers have noted that while the fruit flavors are fresh and tasty, some wish the menu offered a few more variety options beyond the fresh fruit theme. Overall, the overwhelming positivity in reviews illustrates that Many Bennies has successfully created a beloved local ice cream destination that balances quality, creativity, and a joyful customer experience, securing a strong 4.8 rating from over 550 reviews.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
K L
The ice cream at Many Beanies is truly unique. The flavors are incredibly refreshing and offer a nice twist on traditional favorites. I went for the sweet cream base and blueberry fruit flavor, which are locally sourced! Topped with cacao nibs, it was the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy. The freshly made waffle cone was an added bonus—any time you can smell a waffle cone being made in-house, you know it’s going to be good. It really added to the experience and is definitely something worth trying.
Daniel Willcockson
We highly recommend this place! The basic concept is they have a base cream (the actual ice cream) to which you add frozen fruit (mango, strawberry, banana, blueberry, blackberry) that is mixed into the base to effectively make a fruity ice cream (with little bits of frozen fruit). They have other things you can add as well (vanilla, graham crackers, chocolate, etc.). The base cream is dense and not too sweet with a velvety texture. They also make their own waffle cones that are super delicious, just the right level of sweetness, and crispy yet light.
Aptomic
Unique ice cream spot in Seattle! Their ice cream is fresh and unique, I got the strawberry banana with sweet cream base and it tasted very refreshing. The line may look long but it moved fast, staff team were also really friendly. There’s a lot of street parking nearby so don’t need to worry. Give this place a shot if you like sweet treats! 🍧
Archie Pecson
The ice cream here was absolutely delicious. I ordered a vanilla with Mango mixed in and coconut chip and lemon curd Toppings. Fantastic. The lemon curd was tart, the coconut chips were crispy. Their waffle cone was the best cone I've ever had. It's thinner than most and stays perfectly crisp. The ice cream is soft, smooth, and not too sweet. The customer service is also fantastic. The line was long but they were efficient. They also tried to give people a heads up when they were low on ice cream. It's not easy to walk up to a long line and let people know that you're running low, and do it again when even more people line up. Perhaps, to help the employees, they can find a sign that indicates they're running low so people don't keep filing in line. It is a little pricey on my budget, but I thought the product and service validated the cost. They have lots of outdoor seating but it was also nice to walk around the cute neighborhood while eating some ice cream. Prepare to do laps for a parking spot if you're driving. I'll be back to try the lavender base and get more stamps on my stamp card.
Ashley Fix
Small local ice cream shop specializing in fresh fruit based flavors. They add little candy eyes to make it cute. The line we stood in took upwards of 45 mintes on a Wednesday afternoon.
How to reach Many Bennies
None
Website: None
Why Many Bennies may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Many Bennies with your friends?
Many Bennies is an exceptional spot to gather with friends because it offers a unique and memorable dessert experience that goes beyond traditional ice cream shops. Located in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood, Many Bennies specializes in New Zealand-style soft serve ice cream blended fresh with real fruit, which gives it a distinct and refreshing flavor profile that brightens any group outing. The casual setup, including a takeout window and outdoor seating nearby, makes it both convenient and inviting for groups looking to enjoy a relaxed hangout. This is not just about indulging in dessert but sharing a fun, social moment centered around exciting flavors and the playful presentation of their offerings, such as ice cream topped with candy googly eyes. Whether it’s a casual meet-up or a special celebration, Many Bennies’ welcoming atmosphere and delectable treats spark joy and connection. Friends can bond over scoops of creamy, naturally sweetened ice cream while appreciating the thoughtfully crafted menu that emphasizes freshness and quality. The high rating of 4.8 from over 550 reviews reflects the strong community love and satisfaction Many Bennies generates, making it a reliable choice to gather and create lasting memories with your friends.
What activities can you enjoy at Many Bennies that make it perfect for group meetups?
Many Bennies focuses on delivering a delicious and innovative ice cream experience that caters perfectly to groups. The main activity here is indulging in their signature blended ice cream, where fresh fruit is incorporated directly into a creamy New Zealand-style soft serve base, crafting vibrant and natural flavors. This process itself becomes an enjoyable spectacle to watch and talk about while waiting, creating anticipation among friends. The shop offers customization options with toppings like lemon curd, graham crackers, and mango pieces, allowing each person to tailor their treat and share tasting experiences. Many Bennies encourages a social, interactive vibe—friends can compare combinations, exchange bites, and debate favorites, which adds a playful dimension to the meetup. Additionally, the location near the Seattle Bouldering Project in Fremont gives groups the chance to extend their outing into active recreation or a leisurely walk, making Many Bennies a perfect dessert stop for an entire day of fun. Moreover, the convenience of a takeout window ensures efficient service even during busy times, reducing wait times and keeping the group’s energy high.
Why is Many Bennies ideal for hosting family gatherings and celebrations?
Many Bennies’ inviting atmosphere and the appeal of its menu make it especially well suited for family gatherings and small celebrations. The mix of fresh fruit and rich ice cream base caters to a wide range of palates, including options for those with lactose intolerance thanks to their thoughtful availability of Lactaid, which is a considerate touch for families managing dietary restrictions. The playful presentation of their ice cream, complete with fun toppings like googly eyes, delights children and adults alike, making it a joyful experience for family members of all ages. The shop’s location in Fremont, a lively neighborhood, offers families a chance to combine their ice cream treat with a neighborhood stroll or visit to nearby parks and attractions, enhancing the day’s experience. Since Many Bennies operates during afternoon to evening hours, families can plan events conveniently around other daytime activities. The casual, friendly vibe welcomed by the owners and staff creates a warm and accommodating environment where families can relax, chat, and celebrate milestones or just enjoy quality time together.
What makes the ice cream and toppings menu at Many Bennies stand out?
The menu at Many Bennies centers on a unique concept of blending fresh fruit directly into New Zealand-style soft serve ice cream, creating a texture and taste profile that is fresh, creamy, and naturally sweetened. This fresh fruit infusion distinguishes Many Bennies from typical ice cream shops that often rely on mixes or syrups. Customers can enjoy their ice cream in a waffle cone or cup, giving flexibility to their serving preference. The toppings elevate the experience further—choices like lemon curd, graham crackers, and fresh mango provide delightful contrasting flavors and textures. Many Bennies’ attention to inclusivity is evident in offering free Lactaid for lactose-intolerant guests, enhancing the accessibility of their creamy treats. The visual appeal, highlighted by whimsical candy googly eyes on select offerings, makes the ice cream Instagram-worthy and fun, encouraging social sharing that fuels word-of-mouth excitement. This thoughtful menu design ensures that each visit is not only delicious but also playful and customizable, appealing to individual tastes while perfect for sharing among a group.
How does Many Bennies’ location and ambiance contribute to its appeal for group visits?
Many Bennies benefits greatly from its strategic location in the Fremont area of Seattle, known for its eclectic, artsy vibe and abundance of attractions. Positioned right outside the Seattle Bouldering Project, it offers an ideal spot for groups interested in pairing dessert with physical activity or a scenic neighborhood stroll. Fremont itself boasts many walking paths, local art installations, and shops—perfect for extending a meetup into an entire afternoon or evening adventure. The ice cream shop operates mostly as a takeout window with outdoor seating nearby, which suits casual group hangouts where friends can chat comfortably in fresh air without the constraints of formal restaurant seating. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere encourages groups to linger, share, and enjoy each other's company. The shop's hours from afternoon into evening provide a great timing window for after-work or weekend meetups, making it accessible for friends or family coming from different schedules. Overall, the ambiance and location combine to make Many Bennies not just a dessert destination but a social hub where memorable group interactions naturally unfold.
What are customers saying about their Many Bennies experience?
Customers frequently praise Many Bennies for the creamy texture and fresh flavor of its ice cream, emphasizing how the use of real fruit blended in elevates their servings above typical frozen desserts. Many reviewers highlight the creativity and quality of the ice cream bases and toppings, remarking on the refreshing sweetness and the fun visual elements like candy googly eyes that add charm to each order. The high average rating of about 4.8 out of 5 from more than 550 reviews reflects widespread satisfaction and many repeat visits. Beyond the flavor, guests appreciate the staff’s friendliness and the shop’s accommodating attitude, such as providing Lactaid for lactose-intolerant patrons, which adds a personal touch to the experience. Some reviews suggest minor operational quirks such as occasional machine slowdowns, but these are generally overshadowed by the friendly vibe and delicious product. Overall, the glowing feedback underscores Many Bennies’ success in creating a joyful, quality dessert destination that groups enjoy coming back to again and again.
What makes Many Bennies a unique dessert spot compared to others in Seattle?
Many Bennies stands out in Seattle’s competitive dessert scene due to its dedication to an authentic New Zealand-style soft serve that is blended freshly with real fruit. Unlike many traditional ice cream parlors that mix fruit syrups or artificial flavors, Many Bennies integrates whole fruit pieces directly into the ice cream base, delivering a vibrant and refreshing taste that is naturally sweet and less processed. This method requires skill and results in a creamier texture and more dynamic flavor experience. The playful addition of toppings like lemon curd and candy googly eyes creates a whimsical atmosphere rare among dessert shops. The location in Fremont, close to adventurous venues like the Seattle Bouldering Project, also situates Many Bennies uniquely as a spot that attracts active and adventurous crowds seeking a delicious reward after physical activity. This blend of craft, creativity, and convenient location solidifies Many Bennies as a refreshing alternative that both locals and visitors recognize as worth rallying around with friends or family.
How can groups best plan their visit to Many Bennies?
To maximize the Many Bennies experience, groups should consider visiting during their expanded hours from Tuesday to Sunday, especially between 4 PM and 9 PM, to enjoy a full selection of freshly blended ice cream flavors. Since the shop primarily operates as a takeout window with limited indoor space, organizing meetups outdoors nearby or at adjacent Fremont parks can ensure everyone stays comfortable and able to socialize freely. Groups might plan to combine the ice cream outing with another activity in Fremont, such as visiting the Seattle Bouldering Project for indoor climbing or exploring the neighborhood’s art walk. Because Many Bennies offers customization options and accommodates dietary needs with Lactaid, groups can easily cater to diverse preferences. Ordering a spread of different flavors and toppings to share within the group can make the gathering more interactive and fun. Finally, arriving during slightly less busy times early in the afternoon or weekday evenings can help reduce wait times for larger groups and enhance the overall experience.
What extra amenities and thoughtful services does Many Bennies offer for its guests?
Many Bennies emphasizes guest comfort and inclusivity through several thoughtful touches. Notably, they offer free Lactaid alongside their dairy-based ice cream, ensuring that lactose-intolerant customers can also indulge without worry—a rare and considerate service among ice cream shops. Their menu is designed to be naturally flavorful and fresh, relying on real whole fruits rather than artificial additives, highlighting a commitment to quality ingredients. The shop’s casual and welcoming service style fosters a friendly environment where both regulars and newcomers feel appreciated. Many Bennies also makes the effort to keep their presentation fun and visually appealing with whimsical toppings like candy googly eyes that delight guests of all ages. These considerate details, combined with the quality of product and approachable staff, create a holistic experience that feels special and worth sharing in a group context.
Why is Many Bennies a great choice for group meetups in Seattle’s dessert scene?
Many Bennies offers a rare combination of fresh, quality desserts, an inviting social atmosphere, and a strategic location that makes it highly desirable for group meetups. Its unique fruit-blended New Zealand soft serve delivers sophisticated yet playful flavors that appeal to a broad audience, including families, groups of friends, and dessert enthusiasts. The accessibility through a takeout window and outdoor social spaces facilitates easy gatherings where conversation and sharing are at the forefront. With hundreds of positive reviews praising the creamy texture and innovative menu, Many Bennies has earned a reputation for satisfying dessert cravings while providing a distinctive experience. Coupled with nearby Fremont attractions and active lifestyle venues, this ice cream shop serves as a perfect rallying point for diverse groups looking to combine sweet treats with social connection in a lively neighborhood. For anyone seeking to host a memorable meetup with friends or family, Many Bennies stands out as a top Seattle destination worth visiting again and again.