There is a little ice cream shop in Washington that has been scooping cones since 1939, and it’s still going strong.
This isn’t some flashy new dessert bar with wild toppings and neon lights.
It’s the real deal, a classic parlor where the recipes are simple, the portions are generous, and the line sometimes stretches out the door on a hot summer night.
For more than 80 years, families have walked out juggling sundaes, milkshakes, and dripping waffle cones.
Let’s talk about the oldest ice cream shop in Washington and why it’s still scooping happiness all these years later.
Where Is It?
Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor is located in Spokane, on the eastern side of the state near the Idaho border.
You’ll find it at 2229 W. Boone Avenue, just a few minutes from downtown Spokane and near the Spokane River.
If you’re driving from Seattle, plan on about 4 hours and 25 minutes on I-90 East.
Coming from Tacoma takes roughly 4 hours and 40 minutes, while Portland is about 5 hours and 40 minutes away.
If you’re already in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, you’re only about 40 minutes west on I-90, which makes this an easy ice cream run.
About
The second you walk into Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor, you’re hit with that sweet, creamy smell of waffle cones and fresh ice cream that instantly makes you feel like a kid again.
This place is known for doing things the old-fashioned way, with homemade ice cream, classic soda fountain treats, and generous scoops that practically spill over the cone.
You can choose from dozens of rotating flavors, from classics like vanilla, chocolate, and mint choc chip to fun favorites like huckleberry, butter brickle, and cookies and cream loaded with chunky cookie pieces.
If you’re into local flavors, the huckleberry is a must since it’s a Pacific Northwest staple and tastes like summer in a scoop.
Not in the mood for a cone?
Go for a banana split with three different flavors and all the toppings, or a thick milkshake blended the old-school way in a metal mixing cup.
Portion sizes here are no joke, so if you order a double scoop, come hungry.
Inside, you’ll find a cozy, vintage-style setup with a layout that keeps the focus on the ice cream. Outside, there’s a small, garden-themed patio with chairs for seating.
Expect it to get busy when the sun’s out, especially on weekends, but the line moves fast and the reward at the end is totally worth it.
History
That old-school charm you feel when you walk in is not by accident.
Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor first opened its doors in 1939, which makes it the oldest ice cream shop in Washington that’s still operating today.
It was founded by the Doyle family who wanted a simple neighborhood spot where people could grab a sweet treat and catch up with friends.
Back in the late 1930s, Spokane looked very different, but this little shop quickly became a go-to stop for locals.
Through World War II, changing food trends, and decades of new dessert fads, Doyle’s stuck to what it does best, serving straightforward, no-nonsense ice cream in a friendly setting.
Ownership has changed hands over the years, but the focus has largely stayed the same, keeping the menu traditional and the experience familiar.
More than 80 years later, you’re standing in a place that has been handing out cones since Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, and that kind of staying power is pretty impressive.
Know Before You Go
Doyle’s Ice Cream Parlor is open in the afternoons and evenings, from 3 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday through Friday, 1 PM to 8 PM on Saturday, and 1 PM to 6 PM on Sunday.
It’s fully closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Summer evenings are the busiest, especially when temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s, so expect a line after dinner.
If you want a quieter visit, swing by earlier in the afternoon or on a weekday.
Parking is available along W. Boone Avenue and on nearby side streets, but spots can fill up fast on sunny days.
If you’re making a mini adventure out of your visit, you’re in a great spot.
The Centennial Trail runs right along the Spokane River just a short drive away, offering 37 miles of paved path that stretches from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho state line.
You’re also only a 5-minute drive from Riverfront Park, where you can ride the Numerica SkyRide over Spokane Falls or hop on the historic Looff Carrousel that dates back to 1909.
Gonzaga University is nearby too, so pairing a campus stroll with a scoop is always a solid plan.
And maybe grab a few napkins, because those generous scoops have a way of dripping the second you step back into the sunshine.
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