West Seattle restaurants: Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery now open in The Junction

Three and a half months after we brought you first word that Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery was on the way to the northeast corner of California/Edmunds in The Junction – it’s opening day!

We were there just before 11 am as proprietor Shelby Varden cut the ribbon, with help from his parents Fay and Bill. Remodeling of the space was still under way when last we checked in, but now it’s all ready for diners:

That’s just part of the space, which as we reported last month also includes areas that can be configured for groups, including a private room that has the only video monitor you’ll find in Shelby’s, just in case it’s needed for anything from a business lunch to a party. Here’s the finished mural on the north interior wall:

Shelby explained it to us last month as “the story of ice cream.” Speaking of which, here’s a photo of the menu with the ice-cream specialties and beverages; here’s a photo of the menu with everything else. On hand for the grand opening with Shelby and parents is his husband Mick Prandi, second from left:

Shelby’s hours are at the top of its website – if you want to be part of opening day, get there by 9 tonight. And note the mention of “snacky hour” 2-5 pm Tuesdays through Fridays.

P.S. We’ve recapped this corner’s history so often, we’re not doing it again, but Shelby’s declaration is, “The corner of California Ave SW and SW Edmunds St is turning over a new leaf!”

blbl July 19, 2016 (1:02 pm)

YAY! The place and the menu look amazing. Can’t wait to try!

trickycoolj July 19, 2016 (1:04 pm)

Wish these guys well! The preview during Summer Fest looked fantastic and I’m looking forward to a post-dinner treat on my next visit to the Junction for dinner!

Jennifer Mason July 19, 2016 (1:11 pm)

This place looks super cute and the menu seems great. Can’t wait to try it out. Welcome to the neighborhood!

RayMeade July 19, 2016 (1:17 pm)

Looks like a cool place – can’t wait to visit!

WSgal July 19, 2016 (1:31 pm)

Welcome! Looks great, fun option added to the junction.

rob July 19, 2016 (1:36 pm)

i hope this place can finally can break the cures of that corner good luck

Twicksea July 19, 2016 (1:43 pm)

We stopped in to check it out during SummerFest and were so impressed with the bright, welcoming space and the friendly folks. Welcome to the neighborhood, Shelby’s, and we wish you all the best! Looking forward to trying your food & treats soon.

WSeaKyle July 19, 2016 (2:14 pm)

I was in for lunch today with two friends and it was great! The food was really good (the Shelby Burger is is a must try!) and the service was very pleasant and attentive. The atmosphere is so bright and cheery and is NOTHING like any of the former restaurants. I will definitely be back and can’t wait to try the shrimp po boy! Such a great addition to the Junction.

Charell July 19, 2016 (2:23 pm)

So excited! I’ve had a good feeling about Shelby’s since the first announcement that was made. Here to stay, this one. I just feel it!

Shawn July 19, 2016 (2:34 pm)

Not a single vegan option. Oh well.

Jort July 19, 2016 (2:51 pm)

I wish them all the best success, but — it’s going to be hard to compete with the greatest ice cream in the Western Hemisphere: Husky Deli Ice Cream.

Husky ice cream is so good it is as though the lord Jesus Christ himself returned to walk the planet earth and chose to touch each delicious milky ice crystal and imbue it with exquisite flavor.

John July 19, 2016 (3:19 pm)

Maybe it was the Flying Spaghetti Monster that touched the ice cream at Husky Deli?
- Jort July 19, 2016 (3:24 pm)
  
  The ultimate spiritual being/presence (or lack thereof), whoever or whatever that may be for each of us, clearly has direct and indisputable influence on the otherworldly goodness of Husky Deli Ice Cream.
  
  Husky Deli Ice Cream is as close as we may ever get for scientific proof that there is a power greater and more enlightened than any human being.
  
  There are some who have called it mankind’s greatest achievement.
  
  To think that we are so fortunate to have this in West Seattle …
Andros July 19, 2016 (4:00 pm)

I can’t believe that statement. Husky Deli’s ice cream is nothing special. Baskin Robbins is better.

watertowerjoey July 19, 2016 (3:22 pm)

Can’t WAIT to try it out. It looked fabulous during summer fest.

Will be there this weekend!

ws_suzanne July 19, 2016 (3:33 pm)

I’ve been waiting for Shelby’s to open! So happy to have you in the Junction! I’ll stop by this week, hoping for some good vegetarian options. And exceptional ice cream, of course.

Husky Deli is indeed a great place for homemade ice cream, but Shelby’s is going to be excellent too. And West Seattle now has enough people to easily support both of these locally owned businesses.

Fauntleroyfairy July 19, 2016 (4:02 pm)

Wow! Very pricey!

Beckyjo July 19, 2016 (4:28 pm)

I agree Andros. I wish people would stop with the Husky Deli Crap. Give Shelby’s a chance.

AT July 19, 2016 (4:56 pm)

Is the ice cream made in-house, or do they use Snoqualmie like so many other ice cream shops (including Husky)? Good luck to them!

WSB July 19, 2016 (6:09 pm)

Cascade Glacier.

Oakley34 July 19, 2016 (5:01 pm)

Best of luck

Wendell July 19, 2016 (5:03 pm)

And no more having to wade through scabby smokers on that corner.

Beckyjo July 19, 2016 (5:18 pm)

I was hoping to see a menu.. Can’t seem to find one..

Cashmere July 19, 2016 (5:38 pm)

So stoked for a hot fudge sundae place!! Sometimes you just feel like getting a real deal sundae without have to buy all the necessary ingredients

SRRA July 19, 2016 (6:05 pm)

Stopped in today, the restaurant is quite lovely and has a great atmosphere. The staff was friendly and there were a lot of people working. Our ice cream was good, though it took close to 20 mins to get it. Give yourself lots of time if you think you will just pop in for a quick treat. Husky Deli will still be our main go-to for a cone. Shelby’s will be nice when we have more time for a more decadent ice cream treat.

Nola July 19, 2016 (6:19 pm)

Muffuletta is on the menu!

WS Wanderer July 19, 2016 (6:19 pm)

Where’s the merlot?

Joking.

Love the bright atmosphere and wish these guys the best.

Rusty July 19, 2016 (6:41 pm)

I know everyone loves Husky Deli – and rightly so. And…these guys are local, too. So all the best to them as they create a new and different experience.

Suzanne July 19, 2016 (7:37 pm)

I love Husky ice cream too, but I have longed to have a nice ice cream parlor where they serve you decadent ice cream sundaes in glass dishes! I think there’s room for both of them in West Seattle. You can never have too much ice cream!

jtd18 July 19, 2016 (7:51 pm)

I love that his Mom had a tissue handy for the ribbon cutting — so sweet! :)

Sue July 19, 2016 (10:30 pm)

Becky, if you look in the main post, there are links to photos of the menus.

dearauntsally July 20, 2016 (8:22 am)

Husky Deli ice cream is pretty great, and I love the nostalgia of the shop, but….I’m hoping that someone will put in an honest to god made from scratch ice cream shop in West Seattle!!!!

AMD July 20, 2016 (8:57 am)

Full Tilt makes their own ice cream, don’t they?

Paul Binder July 20, 2016 (4:36 pm)

So, I am eager to try this new location, but as people have commented above, is it true that they along with Husky (never been) use a large company to make their product? I do like that Full Tilt makes their own product.

Jacqueline July 21, 2016 (6:57 am)

Congrats to them! I know Husky Deli is very popular, but…. I have never been super impressed personally, so looking forward to a new option myself!

Mr. Baumer July 22, 2016 (11:25 am)

Stopped in last night to give it a try. The food I felt was incredibly overpriced and mediocre. Not bad food by any means, but when you look at the price of it it is not good value at all, and shouting “family friendly” isn’t going to make up for that. If it was truly family friendly, the prices would be a lot more reasonable that’s for sure, especially when as long as your kids aren’t complete monsters you can take them to just about anywhere in the Junction for dinner and not have it be a big deal, especially when I don’t think the menu is all that “kid friendly.” Will not be back for dinner that’s for sure. You can tell that this is a shop that has been designed to be the first of a chain and not just a local neighborhood eatery. I also thought that the interior looked a little sparse, like there should be more decorations or something on the walls. It just looked and felt sort of cheap. I get why the stonework had to go, but aside from taking it out I don’t think there was really anything done to make that extra space feel “nice.” That’s the bad. The good however are the sundaes – those are totally legit. Really really good. Incredibly disappointing that they aren’t using Husky ice cream though. Or just something local at least. Full Tilt, I’d even settle for Molly Moon’s. But you can’t argue with how good the sundaes are. Still, with using ice cream from Oregon and not Washington makes it feel more like I am going to a chain than a good place for the family in my neighborhood. Like it might as well be a Cold Stone Creamery or something. Good for what it is, but not what I am looking for in a neighborhood establishment that my family could become regular patrons of. We’ll keep supporting local and having our ice cream needs met at Husky’s.

Neighbor July 22, 2016 (11:35 am)

My God. Not even a week and the naysaying expert reviewers are out. I don’t get Husky Deli fans – it’s as if everything else is an abomination. But do you have an ownership stake in it or something? Husky Deli doesn’t make their own ice cream, FYI. You act as if they do. They buy from someone else, too. And God forbid the owners shy away from knick knack tacky wackys everywhere. Oh Please! Another passive aggressive Seattlite crapping all over someone trying to get by and do something. Sigh.
Rusty July 23, 2016 (6:05 pm)

Mr. Baumer, you state that “this is a shop that has been designed to be the first of a chain and not just a local neighborhood eatery.” You’re not as smart as you apparently think you are, and I’m astonished that you would state something like that without actually knowing what you are talking about. This restaurant is a 20-year dream-come-true for local-boy Shelby, and he has no intention of creating a chain. Have you stopped to think about the fact that Husky Deli was once started by a local family, just like Shelby is doing? You think the food is too expensive? Fine. State that. But please don’t put ideas into people’s heads when you have no idea what you are talking about.

William c July 22, 2016 (7:17 pm)

I’ll give it 8 months to a year.. Miss the old Irish pub when Collen and Shelly bartended there good times! It was supposed to be the Monorail station!!!!🙁

MoniSunshine July 23, 2016 (3:40 pm)

I wish there was a rule that only people who’ve owned a small business in Seattle could chime in on prices being too high. Walk in the shoes of those paying the employees, taxes and overhead then you will fully appreciate the cost of everything convenience in our sweet city. :)