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(34 posts)

Ice Cream, Full Tilt or Husky Deli?

Started 1 year ago by F16CrewChief
Latest reply from Cait

F16CrewChief
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I'm just curious as to what people prefer. I'm extremely bias here since I have been going to Husky Deli for ice cream as long as I can remember. But last night my family and I broke our tradition of Husky Deli and tried Full Tilt because we've heard so many good things about the place.

My first impression of their ice cream was that it was for an acquired taste. I tried the Salted Carmel and my wife tried the Blue Moon. I wasn't sure what to make of the Salted Carmel. It was for sure too sweet for me and a single on a sugar cone was too much of one thing. The Salted Carmel ice cream seemed as if it would be better served as a single scoop on a piece of pie or something, just not alone on a cone. Now my wife described Blue Moon as the milk you drink after you've finished your bowl of Fruit Loop's. Now that's not necessarily bad for most, but again, it's too sweet. As for my children, they didn't stray from their usual. They tried Chocolate Mint, Vanilla and Rocky Road. None of them finished their ice cream and that's not a good sign in our household.

Now I'm not knocking Full Tilt, I can see how many people would like the place. It's trendy, they serve beer, have pinball machines and they play music (on a stereo). It's kinda like a hang out joint. But when it comes to ice cream, I will stick with Husky Deli.

Posted 1 year ago #
GenHillOne
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I find Husky Deli pretty bland - chocolate not "chocolatey" enough. Even B&R does a better version (imho) of my fave, peanut butter & chocolate. So my taste definitely leans toward Full Tilt. There's a hardcore chocolate chip mint fan in the house and Full Tilt wins on that one too.

Posted 1 year ago #
austin
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Disclaimer: I have not been going to the Husky Deli for as long as I can remember. I prefer full tilt. This is despite that I've never gotten beer there (beer and ice cream seems like a weird combo to me unless it's a crazy thick chocolate imperial stout float or something) and while I appreciate the pinball/ice cream theme I'm not really crazy about actually playing pinball. I've never gone to see live music there. Also Husky deli is within walking distance of my house and I have to take a bus, at least one, to get to any of the full tilt locations. But I prefer full tilt's ice cream. Salted caramel is one of my favorite flavors of anything, I also really like the gelatiamo salted caramel, but I find I'm a fan of just about anything I get from full tilt. Some of their flavors seem odd, but they know what they're doing, and I like experiencing new things that are good. I've also really enjoyed their mango chili, maple bacon, birthday cake, and coffee & donut ice creams. And there are few things that can compare to a fresh pressed waffle cone. Don't get me wrong! The husky kicks butt. However the ice cream I've had there has always had some kind of almost saccharine tang to it that I'm not really into. I probably buy ice cream maybe three times a year so I'm not exactly mr ice cream and I've definitely not had as many flavors at the husky as I have at full tilt. But that is how I feel.

Posted 1 year ago #
F16CrewChief
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Maple Bacon? That's not an ice cream flavor is it?

I would like to add that the staff at Full Tilt was extremely courteous. So by all means, please, I'm not trying to discredit Full Tilt by my bias for Husky Deli. I just don't think my family and I have sweet enough teeth to handle Full Tilt ice cream.

Posted 1 year ago #
bebecat
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Totally Husky Deli here!

Posted 1 year ago #
austin
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It uses the same flavor juxtaposition of the salted caramel, that salty/smoky vs sweet that rocks so hard. They used bacon from the Swinery, before the shop on California opened, if I remember correctly.

I'm sure I have a photo someplace..

Posted 1 year ago #
F16CrewChief
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Thanks austin! That is just insane though! I mean, I guess Maple Bacon ice cream is along the lines of maple bar donuts with bacon or cheese burgers that use Krispy Kreme donuts as buns.

Maple Bacon...LOL. I may have to try it one day.

Posted 1 year ago #
lohoho
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I LOVE Full Tilt. They make the best vegan ice cream options. I like FT because they are innovative with their flavors and changing the way we see ice cream parlors today. Husky is more traditional.

Posted 1 year ago #
karenanne
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Full Tilt for me !! Mexican chocolate all the way.

Posted 1 year ago #
datamuse
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I like them both. I go to Full Tilt more often because they are much closer (and near some of my favorite eating places: Proletariat, El Paisano, 88 Restaurant), but Husky Deli's mint Oreo ice cream is awesome.

Full Tilt, however, has (all too rarely, sadly) my most favorite ice cream ever: horchata. Put some of their whiskey caramel sauce on that and I'll swear I'm eating divine ambrosia. Yummmmmmm. (The salted caramel, in my experience, is best with a bit of chocolate sauce on it that isn't too sweet.)

Posted 1 year ago #
Sue
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When I first moved to West Seattle about 4 years ago, I checked out Husky Deli's ice cream. I thought it was the best ice cream I'd ever had - loved the rich, creamy texture and flavors.

When Full Tilt opened, I thought I'd check it out. I'd met Justin at a WSB forum event and wanted to support his shop since he was a nice guy. My first impression was "it's okay" - not as sweet (to me) as Husky, and the texture of the ice cream was harder and less creamy. But they had really awesome, different flavors that were unusual and made me want to keep trying them. Once I brought home some from Full Tilt, and found that it improved greatly in texture when I let it sit out for a bit before eating it - I guess maybe out of the case (and eating it in) it was just too cold and hard for me. So if I want to eat ice cream *right now* I think Husky is better, but if I'm willing to be patient and let it warm up a bit, I really liked the Full Tilt ice cream.

Now, I avoid dairy. So I don't eat at Husky all all and went to Full Tilt for some of their vegan ice cream, which I hadn't had before. I think the vegan, coconut milk based ice cream is far superior to their dairy ice cream and enjoy it very much. I've been there a few times for different flavors now, and am disappointed that it often sells out so quickly. My biggest disappointment is that I always seem to want Full Tilt on days/times when it's closed. :)

Posted 1 year ago #
Al
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I am a Full Tilt fan myself, but will do Husky if it's offered or if I'm in the Junction. I find that Husky is sweeter, more candy-like, even though it's good ice cream. Full Tilt is richer, and likely has a higher butterfat content. Which to me gives it a more home-made taste. If it's very hard when frozen it's a good sign IMHO. Maybe Full Tilt seems sweeter when it's actually richer tasting, which is why kids couldn't finish it? I generally eat less Full Tilt per serving than other ice creams. Unless it's the Horchata - my favorite as well.

Posted 1 year ago #
ToddinWestwood
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Full Tilt, it's more like real ice cream to me than Huskey's creamy style.

Posted 1 year ago #
Zenguy
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I think this is like comparing apples to oranges. I have been going to Husky all my life. I remember the current owner scooping up cones and blending shakes. A fond memory was walking home, getting a shake at Husky and buying a 45 at Turnabout Records and Tapes (ok, I am dating myself). I think Husky is innovative, they were the first to have green tea ice cream to my knowledge.

Full Tilt on the other hand is very experimental, which I love as well.

Each has their place and I hope they are both around for a long time.

When Ben and Jerry's came into the Junction, I was worried but Husky is in it for the long haul.

Posted 1 year ago #
HelperMonkey
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definitely Full Tilt. the black licorice ice cream is like crack. the vegan ice creams are amazing. love the fact that they have beer, so when we take the little one there for ice cream we have an adult option. I love the art there as well! I have never been a fan of Husky's ice cream, but their deli sandwiches are great. :)

Posted 1 year ago #
squareeyes
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I did love the Full Tilt salted caramel, but when I sampled a couple that I was expecting to love - mango chili and mexican chocolate - I was disappointed. I will try again though. I'm prepared to love horchata ice cream if I ever get the opportunity to try it.
Husky's spumoni is the best I've ever had. Just perfect. The rocky road seemed bland to me.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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squareeyes...

try the mexican chocolate again... first...
it haunts my dreams.

no surprise that i vote Full tilt

Posted 1 year ago #
I Wonder
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This is when we long for New England and all the mom and pop shops in every town. The best ice cream around, and the grocery store had a full aisle of choices. Here, not so much. But still, its Husky all the way. I find it a challenge to mix loud punk/heavy metal with my soothing treat. And, its kindof dark and dirty at FT. Experimental? How about cleaning the place?

Posted 1 year ago #
maude
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I like both Full Tilt and Husky Deli but I go to Husky Deli because I find myself in the Junction more than I find myself in White Center.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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maude...

then you must not be shopping for food...
White Center is an ethnic market mecca.

Iwonder...

i have never been in Full Tilt when it was dirty
and i am kind of a neat freak
I had thanksgiving dinner there a couple of years ago and the place was spotless...

but they did just welcome a new baby...
so it is possible they are a little distracted right now...

everyone has bad days.

Posted 1 year ago #
maude
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JoB, I do shop for food but only in the Morgan Junction Thriftway. I'm picky about what restaurants I go to but I have been to Proletariat Pizza and some other place down in that area. Mostly I skip right past the area and go to the taco bus down 16th (maybe by that point it's Ambaum?) next to the Pizza Hut?

Don't get me wrong, I've wandered into Full Tilt a handful of times and enjoyed it very much. But I'm lazy, most of all, and the Junction is closer.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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maude..
I too am lazy..
I love the morgan thriftway
but don't love the impulse shopping i tend to do there:(
i find myself in the mexican meat market regularly... love their fajita mix for starters..
and the new oriental grocery for coconut drinks and bowl noodles.. hubby's breakfast of choice... and...

I haven't tried the taco truck next to the pizza hut yet.. will have to do that... and the BBQ place.. and the bakery.. and .... :)

Posted 1 year ago #
Jasperblu
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Full Tilt! Mexican Chocolate, or Strawberry.
:-)

Posted 1 year ago #
FullTilt
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I just wanted to chime in here and say that there would be no Full Tilt with out Husky Deli. Jack helped us get started and still points the way when we need help with anything.
We make different styles of ice cream. Same ingredients, just different interpretations. Oh, and some times, we put bacon in ours. And booze.

Posted 1 year ago #
Mater
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Husky Deli hands down! I only went to Full Tilt because we bought their Groupon. Now that we've finally used it all I don't think I'll ever return. The location is not ideal to me. And the place itself could use a good scrubbing. When I leave there I feel like I need to take a shower.

Posted 1 year ago #
MaryP
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When I was in high school (lo, these many years ago) it was Husky because we could walk there. Now that Full Tilt has come along, I only go there for my ice cream needs. Their salted caramel is full of flavor and is one of my favorites!

I've never been in Full Tilt when it was "dirty". Also, I think it's plenty awesome that I can get ice cream, beer, and play pinball all in the same location!

Posted 1 year ago #
I Wonder
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You haven't used the restroom there.

Posted 1 year ago #
hopey
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If you haven't been to Full Tilt since they replaced the flooring, you should go back. You will likely find that you perceive the place to be more "clean" with the new flooring.

As far as the bathroom... ever been to the one in Husky Deli? I have. Full Tilt's is nicer, believe it or not.

Posted 1 year ago #
bsmomma
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Husky's has the best Chocolate Rum Chip or something like that. They have generous scoops! And I personally love the smell of Huskies.......reminds me of when I was a kiddo. :) I've had Full Tilt's Salted Carmel on a stick at Hiawatha. That was yummy! Never actually been there. I have no idea where it is......shame on me. :) I also LOVE Chocolate Peanut Butter from Baskin Robins.

Posted 1 year ago #
cakeitseasy
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Hmmm, I think I need to have a taste-off. You know, just to make sure.

@Austin: OH, thanks A LOT for posting that picture...I mean, I would've been happy with a WW fudge bar, but nooooooo.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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i see a story idea ...
are there enough choices for a West Seattle blind ice cream tasting?

Posted 1 year ago #
Mrsbui
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Husky!!! And you can bring a huge 1/2 gallon home with you! And they deliver!!! Love Mocha Oreo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 1 year ago #
Zenguy
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Enough with the snarky comments. Pick your favorite and tell us why you like it. I do sales and if you have to resort to slamming the competition, it means you do not feel very confident about your product. I like both for different reasons and there is room in my life for both.

Posted 1 year ago #
Cait
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I could never ever pick. EVER. It really depends on what neighborhood I am in. They are toe to toe for flavors, quality, cleanliness and kitchyness to me. Can I just say how awesome I think it is that they are related! That's an awesome WS factoid, Justin.

If someone were offering me a cone of Husky's swiss chocolate orange and a cone of Full Tilt's birthday cake and MADE me choose I would probably just break down in tears in hopes that they would pity me and I could have both... LOL.

Posted 1 year ago #