Brain Freeze Creamery

What an adorable place!
We tried to go to Yards this morning for breakfast. After hearing that the wait was 35 minutes, we walked down to Brain Freeze. My boyfriend had been once before and raved about the soppressata sandwich he had had, as well as the ice cream and the local chips.
I ordered the makin’ bacon sandwich with a 12 oz chai. My boyfriend got the soppressata sandwich again as well as a black cherry soda and root beer. Both of our sandwiches came with chips — he got the buffalo bleu and I got a sour cream and onion variety.
My sandwich was good! I liked the ham/​bacon/​maple cream cheese/​apple combo. I think I might have liked it more on a softer bread but it was still very good. The chips were good, as were the sodas. I loved my chai! It wasn’t too spicy or too sweet, just right. The woman who helped us had asked if I wanted skim milk, which I so appreciated! I always get skim and totally forgot to ask.
We sat down and saw some board games — checkers and scrabble. It was a relaxed Sunday morning for us, so we decided to play a game of Scrabble. We had a really good time! When we first came in, we were the only people in the restaurant. As we played our game, the place got pretty full. There were families with kids, teenagers, couples, friends, and everything in between. We never felt rushed, though. I think we spent about an hour and a half there.
We decided to get ice cream on our way out. I can’t do traditional ice cream, so I looked at their sorbet. They had a vegan banana option, which I tried. It was a little too coconut-​tasting for me. I went with the raspberry sorbet, which I thought would be a safe bet. Unfortunately, there were a ton of seeds in it (which is logical — they are raspberries, after all!) which I didn’t love. The taste was fine, but I couldn’t get past the seeds. I would definitely try something different next time.
We decided to play a couple of arcade games and saw that they are no longer free, as some previous reviews had mentioned. We used our last remaining quarter to play a rousing game of digdug, which was fun.
I’m sure we’ll revisit Brain Freeze soon! They had a breakfast menu which we didn’t even look at, but I wish we had. I’ll look forward to doing that next time!

I was in Brain-​freeze tonight at around 7pm and ordered a drip coffee. The girl told me the machine is broken and made me an Americano and charged me the Americano price… Wow, and these people want tips, instead of coffee for $ 1.50, I paid $ 3.00.ALSO, SHE POURED WAY TOO MUCH WATER IN IT, IT WAS NOT EVEN HOT, IT WAS TEPID. I LEFT, WENT TO SONIC WITH MY FAMILY AND HAD A BETTER CUP OF COFFEE FOR $ 1.49…How about saying, I can make you an Americano but it will cost you more. They have some good people that make coffee and some bad people with zero personality. They do not even say, HI how are you. If you talk to some of them, They freeze. OMG, I have to respond. I am Italiano from NYC and have gone to café’s for many years. This one is sterile, lacks personality. It has good games for kids. But, other than that, meh!

I love the variety of unique flavors the only thing is that some of the flavors could be a bit more intense. I would love a more intense Mexican chocolate flavor and more intense cotton candy flavor. I found the cotton candy after a few licks reminded me too much of vanilla. I love ice cream immensely but avoid the cheap brands found in grocery stores. Brain Freeze has quality ingredients and you can tell by the texture and experience when you eat a Brain Freeze cone. However one of my favorites is pumpkin ice cream and I seek out this flavor every fall. I found that several of the pumpkin varieties tasted very similar as this is one of my seasonal favorites– The pumpkin caramel was very similar to the pumpkin Peppites. However both these flavors were very similar to the peach spice. — These varieties all seemed to have the same spice flavor added to the base. Although they are all delicious so I would prefer each variety to be more intense in the flavor represented in the name– especially that the spiced peach and pumpkin varieties should not be so similar in taste.
My favorite is the blackless licorice –Now some people do not like licorice but if you are a licorice lover then this flavor is for you. It is true to flavor and about the correct flavor intensity.
I am a frequent customer of Brain Freeze and love that they have a South Hill location too, I only gave them a 4 because of the lack of intensity that has disappointed me in several flavors mentioned. Perhaps I have been spoiled by some of the ice creams that I have experienced in my travels– My favorite was Mexican Chili Chocolate which was made in small batches at a gelato stand in Germany– You had the exquisite taste of quality chocolate but your taste buds and mouth were cooled by the coldness of the ice cream then awakened with the warming sensation of chili then cooled again. It was a divine sensation combined with an unforgettable taste experience. I think Brain Freeze made a small batch of a similar type at the Kendell Yards local that was good but did not quite duplicate the intense chocolate flavor.
That is my quest to find an ice cream that parallels that experience. I put that challenge out there to Brain Freeze to step up the flavor intensity in their chocolate varieties especially that it is not overpowering but very satisfying and to keep all flavors distinctly original and separate flavors from one another– Please do not make be so skimpy on some flavors that are just variations of vanilla with a hit of flavor by adding morsels of other things like cookies or chocolate bits or cotton candy. Brain Freeze needs to create a robust flavor that makes one say «AH».but not to over power so you want more not just a small taste of the flavor to enjoy. That is the trick and makes customers wanting to come back again and again to experience that flavor sensation.
How about some peppermint or mint varieties that let us know there is mint but that it does not overpower. Or more flavorful cotton candy or cookies– Do not skimp on adding to the base.
Brain Freeze prices are a bit steep so we expect more then the average ice cream shop. Because of the price tag, Brain Freeze needs to draw people with the exceptional quality (it already has some premium ingredients but needs to work on flavor variety. Just do the fine tuning and it will be a 5 rating.

Stopped in this week, curious about their sandwiches while in Kendall Yards. Enter Turkey Chipotle Panini $ 8. It was a hearty and un-​boring sandwich. I really enjoyed the contrast of the tangy cranberry sauce with the spicy chipotle cream cheese. While I was there I took the time to play some free arcade games (Donkey Kong!) and peruse their coffee and tea items. Props to the staff person who picked the music playing. Would have loved to have seen a highchair in the restaurant and maybe a side salad or garnish with the sandwich. I’ll be returning to try other items here!

Our bike club is visiting from Southern California. Many of us have visited Brain Freeze (some multiple times) and each time, the ice cream has been excellent! The staff is very friendly and it’s a fun place to hang out.

Ok food, terrible service!
I walked in at 10:00 wanting some to go breakfast. There were two people in from of me ordering coffee. After placing my order, I was told that the 5 people behind me would get their order first because their order was «quick».
At 10:36 I finally got our food. Not a great spot for a convenient stop.

It was a perfect day for date night with my wife. Prices are reasonable and they have a great selection of ice cream. They let you taste as many of the flavor you want before making a decision. I had the Brownie mix with Peanut Butter ice cream. The combo of flavored was just right with this one. One flavor did not overpower the other. I like the fact that they accept Apple Pay and didn’t have to pull out my wallet.

My wife and I have been looking for a good home made ice cream shop and finally found this one! Great choices, we have returned several times over the past few weeks to get more of the name brand cookie ice cream. Ended up buying a pint on our last visit. We couldn’t have asked for a better local ice cream shop.
Hopefully we can pace ourselves with all of the flavors available!

I have tried to like this place because it is in a great location and is a cute little place. I went back several times on different days over a period of several months. At first, the prices were ridiculously high but the customer service was amazing and the ice cream was very good. (The employee, Danielle, convinced us to come back and try the lunch menu.). The food was actually pretty decent — when the items were available — but the prices were still too high.
Customer service started to decline. The prices stayed high. And the quality isn’t what it was. I’ve given up.
EDIT: my review may have been a bit premature. The owner contacted me for more specific information about my experiences. It sounds as though they may have addressed many, if not most, of my concerns. I’m a big fan of supporting businesses and I respect business owners who seek out constructive criticism so I’m going to reconsider throwing in the towel.
SECOND CHANCE: Well, I went back with a friend to give them another chance. We got there a few minutes before 11 am. The place was completely empty. We were promptly told they were only serving breakfast. No big deal if this is a policy/​if lunch items are genuinely not available but we wanted lunch so we started to leave — the server then told us we could have lunch if we wanted. The customer service is still abysmal. I won’t be back.

Ice cream made locally and coffee drinks crafted from Anvil Coffee Roasters in Spokane.
DESSERTS
*Single scoop of Vanilla Bean on a sugar cone ($ 4)
*2 Kiddie scoops ($ 2.50 each) of Lingonberry and Strawberry in a cup
All were not too sweet and delicate in both flavor and texture. Staff behind the counter clarified that they normally try to have two sorbets and two coconut milk based products on hand. Today, they were sold out on their plain chocolate flavor made with coconut milk.
I would like to try their reasonably priced mocha lattes sometime in the near future.
There is free wifi available in this family owned business. Free, limited street parking available.

This is one of our favorite little icecream shops to end the night with when we are in Kendall Yards. They have some fun flavors like birthday cake, green tea, coconut, Rice Krispie, etc. I really wanted to like their Lemonder (lavender and lemon) but it’s a bit too overpowering and sweet. I can’t remember if their waffle cones are freshly made but I liked them regardless. I also appreciate that adults can order the «kid’s scoop» size because sometimes you don’t need a half gallon of icecream on your cone, I mean you want a half gallon but your waist line says no. They also have vegan flavors that are quite tasty too!
Bench seating inside is great for squirmy kiddos. I hope they continue to experiment with more flavors, hoping to see an earl grey, ube or taro, and something with bacon!

I would give Brain Freeze 5 stars for ice cream, it’s excellent ice cream, and I love the affogato. But a visit last week left me negatively impressed by the service. No greeting, no smile, and when I asked if I could have two different flavors for an affogato I was told no, they don’t split flavors or something… hmm ok.
Hopefully you can pick a day with more personable service when you try this place.

I have a friend who loves this place, so on my lunch hour, I dropped by to pick up a gift card for her. My plan was to then go find a good place to eat lunch. *Cue spooky music* I never made it to my next stop…
…because as it turns out, Brain Freeze has sandwiches! The girl and guy behind the counter were very friendly and personable, making their sandwich recommendations and showing me an in-​progress pastrami sandwich that won me over. I ordered the pastrami, collected my bag of chips (included!), and sat down to wait. After a few minutes, a very tasty looking open face pastrami sandwich (with mustard and pickles on a hoagie roll) was brought to my table. I should have taken a photo; it was beautiful. I feel that I have let you all down, so I will work on my picture taking skills. The sandwich was as good as it looked.
At this point I decided to leave, because I was juuuuuust full enough and… is that molasses cookie ice cream? The cheerful guy behind the counter offered me a sample, happily helping me to add calories that I didn’t need but really wanted. He actually offered me a few samples. I ordered a single scoop of molasses cookie ice cream on a sugar cone and left, walking to my car and remembering something I had forgotten: the simple joy of being outside on a nice day, eating an ice cream cone. It was like being a kid again.
To sum up: the service was great, the food was tasty, and, to quote possibly the most overworked line in movie history, «I’ll be back.»

Came in on a Saturday evening in search of ice cream. We found some! This shop was located in a new business development area, pretty easy if you’re familiar with the area, or like me, had Google Maps on since we were visiting from out of town.
Great assortment of unique flavors, some sounded a little too adventurous for me to try. We settled on a scoop of cinnamon caramel, my son had bubble gum and a PBJ sandwich (an actual sandwich, not ice cream), all for $ 11. The scoops were huge! I swear that single scoop was as big as my fist! I didn’t try the bubble gum, but my cinnamon caramel, was pretty darn good! I’m not big into ice cream at all, and I finished every last bite of my oversized cone! The ice cream was soooo smooth and creamy with just the right amount of caramel ribbons swirled in. Not overly sweet either, which is one thing I can’t stand about American desserts.
Kid said his ice cream was good too. It was a little soft and melted to begin with, so his scoop wasn’t as big. The PBJ sandwich took at least 5 minutes to make. Even he was asking me what takes so long to make a sandwich? He could have made an actual (good) sandwich by now! When we ordered the sandwich, the girl stared at us like are you serious? She really just stood there and looked at like she didn’t know what we were saying. Don’t work there if you don’t want to do your job description! They use the thick bread, which with a thin layer of PB & J, makes the sandwich really dry. Ate half, tossed the rest.
Minus one star for the girl that didn’t want to make our sandwich.

Yum! My family loved it here tonight. I had the affogato which is 2 shots of espresso over your choice of ice cream. I chose the salted caramel and it was divine. My 12 y/​o had the espresso ice cream and he said it was very good. Hubby had maple nut– he was impressed. Daughter had the cakey dough. We will return

This is such a fabulous ice cream shop. I take my kids here all the time… probably weekly since we can walk there and justify the rich and creamy deliciousness with the accompanying 30 minutes of exercise.
There’s something for every one here so bring the whole family. Traditional vanilla and chocolate and cookie dough flavors right alongside the more adventurous Lemon-​Lavender, Horchata and Pistachio-​Raspberry. My personal favorite is Maple Bacon and if they have that in the case then I’m a gonner. You can forget trying to convince me to try anything else.
I also really appreciate that they usually have 2 – 3 vegan options as well. And those vegan ice creams aren’t an after-​thought to please a small market segment. I just tried the Coconut with chocolate chunks and it was DIVINE. I had to arm-​wrestle the dish away from another family member after I so generously offered a taste.
If you’re in a hurry you can grab containers to go from their back freezer and enjoy Brain Freeze from the comfort of your own home.

I had a lovely-​brief experience here.
The wife asked for ice cream so I thought «why go to the grocery store when I can check out this place»
I’ve had their ice cream before at the Bruttel shop next to the davenport, I believe off Lincoln, but has been a while since. Anyways, the building itself is very nice, customer service was spot on, I appreciated that one of the staff said to me as I just walked in, «you can sample as many as you’d like!» But I wasn’t going to be that guy.
After sampling 3 I choose salted chocolate. that stuff, flavor wise, bomb! Very creamy & chocolatey. I grabbed a pint for $ 9 took it home, the wife loves it.
Couple of cons or unexpected things, when they gave me the ice cream I thought it had melted a little that’s why it was so creamy/​liquified. Once home I waited about 30 minutes for it to refreeze took it out and it was still very creamy. I thought to myself, «maybe that’s the way it was suppose to be» I like my ice cream to melt a little slower than this was. Not to happy about that. Price, I KNOW small business, didn’t stop me but as I bought it I also passed a little judgement on how much it cost…
Yet, ALL IN ALL I’m about local as I can be, give this place a try, they are unique in more than one way (FLAVORS) and serve sandwiches and coffee too! Support local! :))))

The Brain Freeze is my favorite Spokane ice cream shop. Its worth passing up all of the corporate shops in town to visit this local establishment. Located in the up and coming neighborhood between the Maple Street and Monroe Street bridges on the cliff high above the Spokane river, this shop is perfect for an quick treat and a walk along the Centennial trail.
Its not cheap, but its worth the couple of extra dollars that it will set you back. The staff is always friendly, the shop is always clean, and the variety will please just about anyone

Amazingly poor service the first time I came in on a Saturday night in late October. I asked for a glass of water for my son after buying ice cream. I was told by the cashier that she would get me a glass. Then she helped an elderly customer. After not being helped, I just waited in line. All the people in line in front of me were helped, then she skipped us and helped the people behind us!!!
Update: I have been back twice since the original posting and the service has been better. Ice cream is great. Layout of the ice cream service counter is not efficient during peak times.

Beautiful location inside and out! Super friendly staff and a delicious selection of ice cream!