Full Tilt Ice Cream’s Fifth Location Is Coming to Capitol Hill

Back in 2015 there was a moment, one ever-so-hopeful moment, that we thought Full Tilt was indeed coming to Capitol Hill. It was supposed to open up shop on 15th Avenue East in a space that now houses an Uncle Ike’s outpost. And while that fell through, this time it’s the real deal. Owner Justin Cline says the lease has been signed for a roomy soon-to-be ice cream shop at 328 15th Avenue East. It officially opens on January 1, 2018. 

Full Tilt will replace the Starbucks cafe wedged between Sugar Plum and Linda Derschang’s Smith restaurant. In fact, it was Derschang who gave Cline the heads up about the forthcoming availability. Starbucks will close on September 20, after which Cline will transform it into a fifth Full Tilt, filled with the scoops you know and love: Thai iced tea, Mexican chocolate, ube, plus flavors dedicated to Seattle icons, both human and non, like Sir Mix-a-Lot, Nancy Pearl, and the Fremont Troll.

What will be new: small batches of all natural, non-powdered (read: sans stabilizing chemical slurry) soft serve ice cream, made daily in such iterations as buttered popcorn and salted caramel. There will also a small ice cream bar counter, home to Full Tilt’s ever-growing lineup of frozen bars which will remain more of a summer staple. An offering of light food is in the works, while Northwest beers will be on tap, per usual. And with more square footage comes room for more than 20 pinball machines and arcade games, plus a private reservable party room and an outdoor patio. That’s quite a bit of elbow room.

If the prospect of ice cream cheers you up—and, it’s no wonder, considering the storms both political and literal that 2017 has given us thus far—then take heart: Full Tilt will be giving one lucky Capitol Hill dweller free ice cream for an entire year. Enter to win the dream scenario you’ve been wishing for since your fifth birthday online.

Until 2018 comes around, stay tuned for more Full Tilt expansion news. The local chainlet has three more locations in the works, some of which will land on the Eastside.