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10 Best Ice Creams in Portland That Will Take Your Dessert Game to the Next Level
On a scorching summer day, there’s nothing quite like the craving for a delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. But in Portland’s vibrant food scene, who says you have to wait for summer to indulge? Your taste buds are ready for ice cream all year round!
Portland boasts some of the most incredible ice cream spots that you simply can’t miss. My team and I have embarked on a delicious journey, sampling a variety of flavors to uncover the absolute best for you to try.
Get ready to discover your next favorite ice cream flavor!
1. Salt & Straw
Media credits: saltandstraw
Website
Address: 838 NW 23rd Ave
Contact details: +1 971-271-8168
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$$
Famous for its wild and creative flavors, Salt & Straw is one you should try. It kicked off in 2011 when cousins Kim and Tyler Malek started with a food cart in the Alberta Arts District. Just a few months later, they set up a real shop.
They’re always coming up with new seasonal flavors and teaming up with local chefs and artisans. Local elementary school kids have even inspired some of their creations, and they’ve made ice cream from “food waste” to promote sustainability.
They also serve their ice cream in these delicious handmade waffle cones, which take the experience up a notch.
Pear & Blue Cheese is a stand-out flavor, which perfectly captures their knack for surprising combos. It’s got that juicy sweetness from the pear, which is super refreshing. The blue cheese also adds a creamy, tangy kick without being too strong.
Pro tip:
If you can’t decide on just one flavor, go for a split scoop! This way, you can enjoy two different flavors in one serving and dive into more of their creative combos without having to commit to just one.
2. Cloud City Ice Cream
Media credits: cloudcityicecream
Website
Address: 4525 SE Woodstock Blvd
Contact details: +1 971 222-7765
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Since Cloud City Ice Cream opened in 2011, Bryan and Sarah Gilbert have built a reputation for serving up some seriously delicious, handmade ice cream.
One of their standout flavors is the Stumptown Coffee. This creamy treat packs a punch with locally roasted Stumptown Coffee, making it a must-try for coffee lovers. It has that perfect mix of smooth and rich, balancing sweetness with the coffee’s deep, slightly bitter notes.
They’ve got some fun specialty items, too. Their ice cream cakes are a hit, with flavors like Ginger Pumpkin Chai and Mexican Coca-Cola Cake.
And if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, their “Pie Creams” are ice cream sandwiches featuring awesome flavor combos.
Cloud City Ice Cream has earned plenty of love from food critics, even making it onto Business Insider’s list of the best ice cream shops in each U.S. state. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth stopping by!
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the sampling options. The staff is super friendly and patient, so don’t hesitate to try out multiple flavors before you choose your favorite!
3. Fifty Licks Ice Cream
Media credits: fiftylicks
Website
Address: 2021 SE Clinton St #101
Contact details: +1 503-395-3333
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 1 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 1 PM – 11 PM
Price: $$$
Fifty Licks Ice Cream started out as an ice cream truck back in 2009. Thanks to Founder Chad Draizin, it has since grown into a cozy shop.
They focus on small-batch, handmade ice cream that’s rich and creamy, packed with butterfat and eggs. You’ll find some wild flavors here like the Burnt Honey, which is made with caramelized carrot blossom honey.
There’s also Coconut Lemon Saffron which is a refreshing blend that starts with rich coconut cream for a creamy texture and natural sweetness. Fresh lemon adds a bright, zesty kick, making it perfect for warm days.
If you’re looking for non-dairy options, they’ve got you covered with a bunch of vegan flavors.
Pro tip:
For the adults, don’t miss out on their ice cream cocktails and classic root beer floats. They also have milkshake options for the kids with a ton of flavors to choose from!
4. Ice Queen
Media credits: icequeenpdx
Website
Address: 2012 SE 11th Ave
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 3 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$$
Ice Queen started as a walk-up window and went brick-and-mortar in 2022. It quickly became Portland’s go-to spot for plant-based frozen treats. It’s got a cool vibe, mixing classic ice cream shop feels with a fun twist on Hispanic-inspired goodies.
Their paletas are where it’s at. They’re handcrafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
One of the must-try flavors is the Piña Colada. Imagine a creamy coconut base that hits you with that smooth, tropical goodness. There’s even real crushed pineapple to give it a sweet fruity kick.
There’s a touch of rum extract for that classic vibe, but it’s totally kid-friendly! Don’t worry!
Besides paletas, Ice Queen serves up other options. For a light, airy texture, try their soft-serve ice cream. If you prefer a thicker consistency, go for their Thiccflurries. Both of which are also made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
Pro tip:
Customize your treats! They have a great selection of toppings and dips to elevate your treat. Try dipping your paleta in chocolate or loading up your soft-serve with toasted coconut flakes, whipped cream, and a cherry for a delicious twist!
5. Miss Oz Ice Cream & Dessert
Media credits: missozicecreamcafe
Website
Address: 1105 NW Johnson St
Contact details: +1 503-224-2021
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$$
Miss Oz Ice Cream & Dessert, formerly Cool Moon Ice Cream, has freshened up its vibe while keeping the quality you love.
They whip up small-batch ice cream using all-natural ingredients, blending classic flavors with some pretty unique ones. Plus, they’ve expanded the menu to include coffee and a range of desserts, so there’s something for everyone.
Their Lunaccino shake flavor is a real standout. It’s a Belgian chocolate ice cream mixed with Badorf & Bronson espresso. People often call it “sex-in-a-cup” because of how rich and delightful it is. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a cozy coffee or one of their yummy cookies!
Pro tip:
If you prefer enjoying your treats at home, they offer delivery and takeout through several platforms for your convenience, such as DoorDash and GrubHub.
6. Pinolo Gelato
Media credits: pinologelato
Website
Address: 3707 SE Division St
Contact details: +1 503-719-8686
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: $$
Pinolo Gelato is famous for its delicious gelato that is made with natural ingredients.
If you’re wondering about the crowd favorite, it’s definitely the pistachio. Its rich, nutty flavor stands out thanks to those high-quality Sicilian pistachios that are known for their unique earthy taste.
They also keep things fresh with seasonal flavors like almond fig, amaretto, coconut, and mango. Plus, if you’re dairy-free, they’ve got options that change with the seasons, so everyone can find something they love.
To top it all off, they serve up espresso made from Caffe Umbria beans, perfect for enjoying classic Italian coffee drinks.
You can even try an affogato—gelato drizzled with hot espresso, which takes your experience to another level.
Pro tip:
Skip the walking and eating combo. Their gelato can be a bit top-heavy, making it tricky to enjoy on the go. Instead, find a cozy spot to sit down and savor your treat. This way, you can really appreciate the rich flavors and textures without worrying about spills or drops.
7. Cosmic Bliss
Media credits: findcosmicbliss
Website
Address: 207 NW 10th Ave
Contact details: +1 971-420-3630
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 1 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Whether you’re into dairy or plant-based options, Cosmic Bliss has something for everyone. Their organic grass-fed dairy ice cream, made from 100% organic grass-fed milk, is rich and creamy.
The Peanut Butter Blitz is a standout flavor. The peanut butter is nutty and sweet enough to give you that indulgent taste without overwhelming you. And the dark chocolate chunks add the perfect crunch and a hint of bitterness that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
If you prefer non-dairy, they’ve got an amazing selection of plant-based ice cream made from organic coconut milk. It’s creamy, vegan, and gluten-free, with crowd favorites like Sweet Cherry Amaretto and Strawberry Shortbread.
Pro tip:
To beat the crowds, try visiting them right when they open in the early afternoon or later in the evening, closer to closing time. These off-peak hours usually mean fewer customers, giving you a more relaxed experience.
8. Nico’s Ice Cream
Media credits: nicosicecream
Website
Address: 5713 NE Fremont St
Contact details: +1 503-489-8656
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 3 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: $$
Nico’s Ice Cream specializes in light and fluffy New Zealand-style ice cream that’s made with fresh, local ingredients.
They’ve got a bunch of awesome flavors like raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, and marionberry, all mixed with Oregon-made vanilla ice cream.
The best part? They use real fruit, so every scoop is packed with vibrant flavors and a delightful texture.
They also love getting involved with the community. You can find their ice cream at various events, and they even have catering services for special occasions.
Oh, and don’t miss “Tropical Thursday,” where they switch things up with fruity flavors like pineapple, mango, and banana.
Pro tip:
If it’s your birthday, don’t forget to bring your ID! You can score a free scoop of ice cream within seven days of your big day. It’s a sweet way to treat yourself while celebrating!
9. Cheese & Crack Snack Shop
Media credits: cheeseandcrack
Website
Address: 22 SE 28th Ave
Contact details: +1 503-206-7315
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Cheese & Crack Snack Shop has a cool vibe, blending a snack shop with an ice cream parlor. They have a really creative ice cream selection that locals love!
One of their standout offerings is the Halloween Special “Eye Scream.” It’s a fun mix of creamy ice cream with ube pudding, Oreo bits, raspberry syrup, and a googly-eyed jawbreaker. It’s as delicious as it is entertaining!
Their Cheddar and Crack Sundae is also a must-try! It features rich vanilla soft serve topped with sweet chocolate ganache. There’s a crunchy cinnamon butter cracker crumble for a nice contrast as well.
Originally a food cart, they made the leap to a brick-and-mortar shop back in 2014, which really opened up their menu. Now, they not only serve up those delicious snacks but also offer a selection of wines, making it a great hangout.
Pro tip:
Don’t just focus on the ice cream! Their cheese and charcuterie boards are also just as good. Pairing your ice cream with a savory snack can enhance your experience
10. Kate’s Ice Cream
Media credits: katesicecream
Website
Address: 3713 N Mississippi Ave
Contact details: +1 503-249-9640
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 2 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Kate’s Ice Cream offers plant-based and gluten-free ice cream, which is perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Their menu has some classic flavors like vanilla, triple chocolate brownie, and pistachio, along with some fun options like rose water cardamom almond and salted peanut butter brittle. They even have seasonal specials, like Blue Moon and Tahini Chocolate Freckle.
One flavor that steals the show is the Marionberry Cobbler. It brings together marionberry jam with crunchy walnut and oat bits. It’s like having a classic cobbler in ice cream form, and it’s a total favorite with the customers and us too!
If you’re in the mood for something extra, they whip up housemade gluten-free waffle cones and ice cream cakes too.
Pro tip:
Bring your dog along! They can sign the guest book, adding a fun touch to your visit and making it a memorable experience.
