When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Tip Top: an Ice Cream Shop

Why Tip Top: an Ice Cream Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Tip Top is a highly rated ice cream shop that has earned a solid 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews, making it a popular and trusted locale for ice cream lovers. This shop excels as a perfect meeting spot for friends by offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages socializing over delicious frozen treats. The variety of carefully crafted ice cream flavors, including seasonal specialties and unique combinations, provides something for every palate and occasion. Tip Top’s commitment to quality and creativity shines through its exclusive flavor launches and collaborations with local businesses, which not only enhance the flavor experience but also cultivate a sense of community. Beyond just ice cream, the shop often includes interactive elements such as trivia quizzes and family-friendly activities, allowing visitors to enjoy a memorable outing. The environment is fun and welcoming, ensuring both kids and adults find something delightful in their visit. Tip Top frequently updates its menu to incorporate new tastes and seasonal options, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for returning guests. Overall, Tip Top offers a welcoming place where friends can gather, enjoy inventive and premium ice cream, and create joyful moments together.
Here's what people think of Tip Top: an Ice Cream Shop
As of recent, Tip Top: an Ice Cream Shop holds a 4.8-star rating based on 16 reviews.
The user reviews consistently praise Tip Top for its outstanding ice cream quality and friendly service. Many customers highlight the originality of the flavors and the freshness of the ingredients, which create a superior taste experience that stands out from typical ice cream shops. Reviewers also appreciate the welcoming and lively atmosphere that makes Tip Top an ideal spot for social gatherings and family outings. Positive remarks emphasize the shop's commitment to community by featuring local collaborations and seasonal specialties. The engaging environment, including occasional contests and interactive games, adds to the overall enjoyment for groups and families. However, some less favorable reviews mention occasional wait times during peak hours and limited seating availability, which can slightly detract from the customer experience. A few customers noted that certain popular flavors might sell out quickly, indicating high demand but also momentary disappointment. Despite these minor concerns, the overwhelming consensus is that Tip Top delivers excellent service and a consistently delightful ice cream experience. In conclusion, the reviews reflect a strong positive sentiment, underscoring Tip Top as a well-loved neighborhood gem with minor scalability challenges common to busy, high-demand ice cream shops.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Chunneath Kravanh
This is probably my third time having New Zealand-style ice cream, and I’d say Tip Top is pretty solid. I got the strawberry and blueberry flavors. If you're unfamiliar with New Zealand-style ice cream, it’s known for its creamy texture mixed with real fruit or berries. The berries themselves were great, but I thought the vanilla base could have been creamier. This spot is tucked inside a little corner store and has a nice vibe, perfect for sitting and enjoying your ice cream.
Melissa Bowers
It was not what I was expecting. It is a small ice cream counter in a small market. You get a base soft serve cream and they add fresh fruit. It was yummy but not sweet like ice cream!
melenie yap
Tried their special: Dubai Chocolate sundae with strawberry ice cream Friendly customer service, plenty of seating.
Joshua Sieck
Love this place! Friendly staff and the ice cream is lovely. My family got several flavors and they were all fresh and given the process by which they make the soft serve, not your usual manufactured, fake flavorings. I got the sweet cream base with salted caramel and honey pokey pieces. All Brilliant!
A G
That was strange … It’s a convenience store with a little soft-serve kind of thing … Service was slow and kind of rude. Way over priced for what it is. And what it is isn’t that great
How to reach Tip Top: an Ice Cream Shop
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Why Tip Top: an Ice Cream Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Tip Top: An Ice Cream Shop with your friends?
When searching for the perfect spot to gather with friends or family, Tip Top: An Ice Cream Shop stands out as an inviting, delicious, and memorable destination. Located inside the Highland Park Corner Store in Seattle, this charming ice cream shop offers an experience that goes beyond just grabbing a sweet treat. It’s a place where the comforting nostalgia of ice cream meets a creative twist with their unique New Zealand style ice cream, freshly made to order with real fruit blended right in for a naturally rich flavor. Such craftsmanship means every scoop is not only flavorful but also a little adventure in taste, making it a great conversation starter and a shared delight for groups. Beyond the delicious ice cream, the shop’s friendly and efficient service ensures your group feels welcome from the moment you arrive. The cozy setting inside the Highland Park Corner Store adds to the sociable atmosphere, perfect for meeting up and catching up amidst tasty treats and casual vibes. With a highly rated 4.8 out of 5 from satisfied customers and rave reviews highlighting its generous portions and fabulous shakes, Tip Top is the ultimate sweet spot where friends can easily bond over quality ice cream and a fun, relaxed environment.
What activities can you enjoy at Tip Top: An Ice Cream Shop?
While primarily known for its outstanding ice cream, Tip Top offers a variety of activities and treats that make it ideal for group gatherings. First and foremost, the made-to-order ice cream experience itself is a unique activity—the staff crafts each serving in front of you, blending fresh fruits into a silky soft serve that can be customized to suit each individual’s preferences. Watching this process adds an interactive element that’s entertaining for all ages in your group. In addition to classic ice cream cones and cups, Tip Top offers specialty drinks like the popular Froze Rose Slushie, perfect for those looking for a refreshing alternative to ice cream while still keeping things light and sweet. The shop also serves espresso, coffee, and sandwiches made to order, so your group can enjoy a complete snack or light meal spread while socializing, catering to different cravings within your gathering. The Highland Park Corner Store itself sometimes hosts local events or other vendors, turning your meetup into a more vibrant community experience if the timing aligns. This variety ensures there’s something for everyone in your party—whether you prefer a luscious dessert or a savory sandwich, it’s all available within a friendly and lively setting.
Why is Tip Top perfect for group meetups?
Tip Top’s atmosphere and service make it especially suitable for groups wanting a casual yet special place to connect. The shop’s intimate setting inside a community corner store creates a welcoming vibe where groups can comfortably converse without the noise or rush of larger commercial ice cream chains. The staff is known for being warm and accommodating, which helps groups feel at ease and well cared for during their visit. Space is designed to encourage small gatherings with sufficient seating and a relaxed storefront that invites you to linger, making it more than just a quick stop but a destination to enjoy together. Moreover, the generous portion sizes offer excellent value for groups, meaning sharing different flavors and treats inside your party won’t break the bank and encourages a fun, communal tasting experience. With the unique fruit-infused New Zealand style ice cream, you’re not just sharing any dessert—you’re sharing a carefully crafted, memorable ice cream experience that can provoke lively discussions about flavors and preferences. All of these factors combined make Tip Top a prime destination for meetups, celebrations, or casual hangouts with friends or family alike.
What types of ice cream and flavors can you find at Tip Top?
Tip Top prides itself on its innovative take on ice cream, focusing on New Zealand style soft serve with a Northwest twist. This means every serving is made from a fresh, creamy dairy base into which natural fruit flavors are swirled, resulting in bright, fresh, and fruity ice creams that feel lighter but satisfyingly rich. Seasonal specials like Marionberry are popular, alongside classic fruit flavors such as strawberry, often served in charming sugar cones or cups with whimsical toppings like chocolate sprinkles for children. This approach means that Tip Top’s ice cream doesn’t rely on artificial flavors or heavy additives; instead, it delights with authentic, fresh ingredients that highlight the fruit’s natural sweetness and aroma. For groups, this variety lends itself well to sharing and trying samples of multiple flavors. In addition to soft serves, the menu includes specialty shakes and cyclones which many customers rave about as superior to major national chains, making it a memorable treat that elevates a simple meetup into a delightful occasion. Whether you prefer smooth vanilla with fresh strawberries or tangy berry blends, Tip Top offers a tempting spectrum of flavors designed to please any group palate.
How does the environment at Tip Top enhance your meetup experience?
The environment at Tip Top is warmly casual and community-focused, enhancing the overall experience for anyone wanting to meet friends or family. Nestled inside Highland Park Corner Store, the shop combines the comfort of a neighborhood hangout with the sophistication of a carefully curated menu. The layout encourages relaxed socializing, with seating arrangements that allow for intimate conversations or lively group interactions alike. Friendly and approachable staff contribute to a welcoming feel, eager to help with recommendations or accommodate special requests, which makes organizing a group visit hassle-free. Additionally, the location’s blend of an ice cream shop with a broader retail and café space means your meetup can easily extend beyond just eating ice cream—you can grab coffee, sandwiches, or even a refreshing slushie as part of a longer session that suits everyone’s preferences. This flexibility, combined with a community vibe and consistently positive reviews attesting to excellent customer service, makes Tip Top a reliable choice for anyone seeking a warm, inviting spot to connect over delicious treats.
What makes Tip Top an exceptional value for group outings?
Tip Top Ice Cream offers great value, especially when gathering as a group. Portions are generous, meaning guests feel satisfied without needing excessive portions or multiple purchases per person. Pricing is also reasonable considering the quality of the ice cream and the care put into each order—kids’ sizes start at about $5, while larger cups remain affordable, making it accessible for families or groups on a budget. The freshness of ingredients and the crafted nature of the ice cream ensures that you’re not just paying for quantity but also a premium quality treat that justifies the cost. The availability of food items like sandwiches and drinks enhances value by allowing your group to create a full dining experience all in one place. Because it’s locally enjoyed and highly rated, visiting Tip Top also offers the intangible value of supporting a community business where quality and friendliness matter, creating a meetup spot that feels authentic and memorable. Overall, it’s a place where you get remarkable taste, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere at a price point that encourages return visits and group loyalty.
How accessible is Tip Top for friends and family meetups?
Tip Top’s location in Seattle within Highland Park Corner Store ensures it’s convenient for meetups from across the city and neighboring areas. The shop opens from morning into the evening hours, allowing flexible scheduling options for groups to meet before or after work, school, or weekend plans. Its presence inside a corner store means there is parking available, and the neighborhood setting is easy to find for local visitors or those coming from further away. The combination of ice cream, coffee, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, making it easy for every member of your group to find something they enjoy without hassle. Additionally, the friendliness of the staff and smooth ordering process accommodate larger groups efficiently, reducing wait times. Whether it’s a casual weekday ice cream break, a weekend hangout, or a celebratory occasion, Tip Top’s accessibility and thoughtful service make organizing and enjoying group meetups straightforward and stress-free.
What do customers say about their experience at Tip Top?
Customer reviews consistently highlight the exemplary taste, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere at Tip Top Ice Cream. Multiple patrons praise the unique New Zealand style ice cream as “unbeatable” and comment on the generous portion sizes that offer excellent value compared to bigger chains. Many reviewers note the exceptional flavor of shakes and cyclones, describing them as better than well-known national brands, which makes Tip Top a destination rather than just an ice cream stop. Service is frequently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable visit. The shop’s ability to consistently deliver fresh, delicious ice cream and complementary food items such as sandwiches and espresso-based drinks receive positive comments, affirming its status as a community favorite. These testimonials from families, couples, and groups underscore Tip Top’s appeal as not just a place to eat but a spot to enjoy lingering social moments, making it perfect for meetups and group celebrations alike.
What special offerings make Tip Top stand out?
Tip Top stands out mainly due to its signature New Zealand style ice cream approach, which blends real fruit directly into the soft serve base, creating flavors that are both fresh and creamy without relying on artificial additives. This method is more than a novelty; it sets Tip Top apart in a crowded ice cream market and ensures customers enjoy a distinctive treat. In addition, the shop offers seasonal specials that take advantage of local and fresh ingredients, such as the Marionberry flavor, adding excitement and variety to each visit. Their menu also includes unique beverages like the refreshing Rose Slushie, which pairs beautifully with sweets or can be enjoyed alone as a palate cleanser. The combination of ice cream, coffee, sandwiches, and a curated retail environment in Highland Park Corner Store adds layers to the customer experience, making each visit multifaceted and enjoyable. Lastly, their focus on friendly, personalized service completes the package, offering not only great flavors but also a genuinely pleasant atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and group enjoyment.
What makes Tip Top a suitable spot for celebrations and special occasions?
Tip Top Ice Cream is an excellent choice for celebrations and special occasions due to its lively but relaxed ambiance, delicious and high-quality ice cream offerings, and accommodating service. Whether you’re planning a birthday gathering, a casual family reunion, or a festive friends’ meetup, Tip Top’s inviting environment invites joyful socializing complemented by creative, beautifully crafted desserts. The generous portions allow groups to indulge without worry, and the option to mix and match flavors across party members makes the experience personalized and fun. The location’s café-like setting supports easy meeting and mingling, while the staff’s readiness to assist with custom orders or suggestions adds to the ease of event planning. As a community-favorite spot with a strong reputation for quality and warmth, choosing Tip Top means ensuring your event is both memorable and stress-free—making it a top pick for anyone wanting to make their get-together sweet in every sense of the word.