The scent of freshly made waffle cones filled the shop (8/15/21)
a counter with a display case
That's amazing! (8/15/21)
food
Banana Nutella crunch and dark side split scoop
Pop of summer color walking to Sweet Alchemy (8/15/21)
pico of the Sakura Ice Cream
Blueberry Lavender
Fig honey, Tale of Two Teas
Sweet Cream pint, 6 oz scoop of seasonal Sakura, Darkside pint (4/10/22)
Jam Session 2 yum! Latest collaboration between Sweet Alchemy and Ayako & Family. Chocolate ice cream with apricot jam
Interior (8/2/21)
food
Menu, note return your cleaned pint container for $1 off next purchase (8/2/21)
Delicious Dark Chocolate Earl Grey (8/2/21)
3 oz scoop of the vegan mangonada-coconut milk, mango, chili, lime, apricot & homemade chamoy swirl
UWAA freebie (chose seasonal.Sakura). Thanks Lois, Sweet Alchemy, and UWAA! (3/25/22)
Next trio: Banana Nutella Crunch, Coffee, Blackberry Crumble (8/19/21)
Recommend!
Persian Rose Ice Cream in Vanilla Donut
Crystal H.
Jun 13, 2024
I had a good experience before so I decided to go here after seeing a massive line at Salt & Straw. I should have waited in line there. This shop had 1-2 customers, so it was quick. They have some vegan flavors for the lactose free people. The ice cream itself was gritty. I ordered their blueberry lavender. You can taste the lavendar, but no flavor of blueberry. We also ordered the vegan raspberry chocolate ice cream and it tasted off and not the flavor it described. It had good chunks of chocolate pieces though. The waffle cone, we thought would be good, but it's very thick and a bit soft. Wasn't crispy. We didn't like how it's one sample per customer. Guess you have one shot! We should have tried a sample but felt samples weren't encouraged. The worker was nice though!
Read MoreNicole W.
Jun 6, 2024
Service: good. This place is attached to Mighty o in Ballard and cashier was friendly.First time visit, I got the kettle corn ice cream. Mainly based on my love of Jeni's sweet corn ice cream, now after I ordered it I realized those are completely different things, so my bad on that. I was not a fan. It had a very weird texture which I chalk up to the fat content inherent in a butter flavored ice cream. I'm not knocking off stars for that because frankly I should've known, and I'm guessing/hoping the rest of the flavors don't have that sort of grainy / textured feel that I can't really describe but if you've had a very fatty ice cream you know what I mean. Almost like egg has broken, but more consistent in texture. Flavor was very underwhelming tho - most like old butter that's been sitting in the fridge. No caramel tho it was advertised as having it, maybe I got a bad scoop. Waffle cone was good.All in all not worth the $$ in my opinion but I do think my opinion suffers from the flavor I ordered so I'll probably try this place one more time with another flavor and maybe change my review then. As for now tho I've found better ice cream at the same price point in Seattle.
Read MoreWenqi Z.
Jul 10, 2023
The flavor was good but the texture isn't great. It wasn't very smooth. Also they don't allow sampling. The service was pretty good though. Considering the texture I prob won't go back
Read MoreMary B.
Oct 8, 2023
No samples? In an ice cream place? I would have known that the Cookie Monster flavor was gritty, coconuty and overall bad if I was able to get a tiny taste.Like with salt and straw and Frankie and Joes close by I dont really know why you are here. Just avoid this place.
Read MoreMarie B.
Nov 27, 2021
Long overdue Yelp post for Sweet Alchemy and totally late to the premium, small batch ice cream party. There are three locations: University District (original site on the Ave open since 2016), Capitol Hill at Chophouse Row , and Ballard along Market. And of course, it's great to support an indie business started by an UW alum!My first visit to the UDistrict site wasn't positive, never been to the CapHill site (still miss the predecessor, Kurt Farm Shop), but definitely love the *Ballard* site, located adjacent to Mighty O doughnuts. Primarily because I have better access to brief free street parking and all the counter staff have been friendly and welcoming. It had been on my radar screen for quite some time due to recommendations from The Homie, Wendy K, and the MKE Yelper. I also learned that if you return a cleaned glass pint jar, you get $1 off a future pint. Another recent visit, I just learned about and started a punch card. In the time frame from 6/30/21 to 10/31/21, I have purchased 20 pints to date. 6 of the 20 pints also were delivered to another business owner in Marysville. My personal favorites are Persian Rose, Dark Chocolate Earl Grey, and Darkside. The Homie enjoys the Sweet Cream and Coffee flavors.Note: there are also flavors available to folks who prefer non dairy or vegan. The organic dairy from Fresh Breeze Organics in Lynden, WA and seasonally sourced ingredients - one can really taste the difference. Sweet Alchemy also promotes sustainability and philanthropy. Fresh cones, cakes, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and party packs are also available. I enjoy several other indie ice cream, gelato, soft serve and creameries sites like Molly Moon, Bluebird, Kryse, Nutty Squirrel, et cetera. Sweet Alchemy Ballard is consistently top notch, a standout, and highly recommended!
Read MoreKyle W.
Feb 21, 2022
A small place shared next to Mighty-O donuts, it is easy to miss but it's a place not to miss! What stood out in this place is not only the flavors, but also the fact that you can get an unlimited number of flavors no matter the size. Obviously, getting 6 different flavors in a "1 scoop" order would be overkill and of diminishing return because you'll be mixing all the flavors at that point, but it did help me with my indecisiveness. I got 1 scoop "split scoop" of banana Nutella crunch mostly because it seems to be the go-to for most people, as well as the Dark Side. A nice contrast of prominent creamy, banana flavor with a crunchy texture, alongside a sweeter, heavier, chocolate flavor. The texture is great and is definitely a lot thicker than standard ice cream, and despite the small size, it is actually a very sweet dessert.
Read MoreReyna P.
May 14, 2022
Adorable little ice cream shop located next to Mighty O donuts. Parking is definitely difficult, but, it's Seattle, so that's normal. Although it didn't bother me, you are still required to wear a mask inside even though it's not a state requirement. The interior of the shop is super cute, it reminded me of a cross between a fairy wonderland and an alchemist workshop. If you are expecting basic ice cream flavors, this is not the place for you. I got a Nutella, Carmel, banana scoop and an Oreo chunk with cold brew. The toppings are different also. If you're looking for sprinkles... nope. I got hazelnuts and caramel. The caramel must be made on site because it was chunky with bits of caramelized sugar. The cost is a little expensive for what you get. The customer service was excellent though. All in all I probably won't be returning. It's a cute shop but my cup of tea.
Read MoreAnne L.
May 4, 2024
The darkside ice cream with housemade caramel sauce. You must get this. Also, impeccable and friendly service! So good.
Read MoreMojdeh S.
Jun 22, 2024
How I heard of this place: We were at the Ballard Locks on a warm first day of summer and our entire party of ten decided it was time for ice cream! We wanted something small and local and came upon Sweet Alchemy.Type of cuisine: Small batch ice creams in a novelty of flavors. Ambiance: A bit cold and open, missing the cozy neighborhood feel we had hoped for, the space is shared with Mighty-O in Ballard on Market Street. The interior is large and spacious, seating plentiful and eerily quiet. The two businesses are separated by a half-wall that closes in their respective dessert spaces, but share the merchandise display and seating areas. What I ordered: Only about a dozen flavors, including vegan and alcoholic ones are available but in a variety of intriguing flavor profiles. I sampled the Yuzu Almond Brittle and chose two scoops, including on Yuzu and one scoop of DarkSide - Valrhona dutch base with homemade "oreo" and chocolate ganache swirl. For my kids, a house-made waffle bowl with Banana-Nutella and Sweet Cream ice creams. Others in our group also selected Persian Rose.What I loved: The unique and interesting flavor combinations.Why I loved it: Not a lot of selection, and only one sample allowed per person, which makes for quick and easy decision making.Cost: Average to high
Read MoreElizabeth B.
Jan 27, 2024
Updating review because 1 star isn't fair for not having actually tried the ice cream... but I'm still a little bitter due to the memorably rude service.
Read MoreRated: 4.5 (141 reviews) · $
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