As the temperature rises, the craving for ice cream intensifies, making this the perfect time to highlight some of the best ice cream spots in the Portland area. In a recent poll, voters nominated their favorite ice cream shops, showcasing a variety of options ranging from traditional dairy treats to inventive vegan alternatives and delectable gelato.
The Readers Choice Awards are back, and ice cream enthusiasts can cast their votes daily at the designated link until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15. Here are ten of the top contenders that have caught the attention of local residents and ice cream aficionados alike.
**Black Cat Frozen Custard** has made its debut downtown, offering a unique twist on frozen treats. Opened just last month, this witchy custard shop serves up creamy vanilla and chocolate frozen custard, along with vegan soft serve. Toppings and syrups abound, allowing patrons to customize their experience with everything from a plain scoop to extravagant sundaes and shakes. Rumor has it that there is also a secret coffee lounge for those in the know. Located at 133 S.W. Second Ave., Suite 100, their hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Monday and 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday to Saturday. More details can be found on their website, blackcatfrozencustard.com.
**Cloud City** stands out as last year’s Readers Choice Awards winner and a favorite among local ice cream experts. This charming shop prides itself on crafting ice cream in small batches using locally sourced ingredients. Creative flavors like Circus Friends, Sasquatch Tracks, and Gold Digger can be enjoyed every day from noon to 10 p.m., located at 4525 S.E. Woodstock Blvd. Visit cloudcityicecream.com for more information.
On to **Cornet Custard**, which is often celebrated for its luxurious richness and creamy texture. This delightful spot, beloved by many, features flavors that rotate every couple of weeks, including tantalizing options such as Devil’s Food and Peaches and Cream. Open 12-9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 12-8:30 p.m. on Sundays, Cornet is located at 4529 S.E. Division St. You can check out their offerings on cornetpdx.com.
Another must-visit location is **Cream Northwest**, situated in Newberg. This shop draws inspiration from global travels and emphasizes local ingredients in their ice cream. Flavors like lavender and lemon curd exemplify their innovative approach to dessert. Cream Northwest operates 1-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more details, visit creamnorthwest.com.
For those seeking a dairy-free option, **Kate’s Ice Cream** is a pioneer in the vegan ice cream realm. What began as a personal project to create vegan ice cream for her sister has blossomed into three thriving shops. With 13 signature flavors like salted peanut butter brittle and cookie monster, Kate’s continues to grow in popularity. The shops are open daily from 12-10 p.m. at multiple locations, including 3713 N. Mississippi Ave., 1430 N.W. 23rd Ave., and 3551 S.E. Division St. More information can be found at katesicecream.com.
**Kulfi**, embracing an Indian tradition, specializes in frozen pops and ice cream. Their offerings include creatively flavored options such as Rose City, saffron pistachio, and vegan mango coconut. This unique shop has two locations: 3540 N. Williams Ave. and 5009 N.E. 15th Ave., open from 1-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and later hours during the weekends. Visit kulfipdx.com for more details.
**Luna’s Ice Cream**, located in Milwaukie, offers about 20 rotating flavors, including six vegan options. Patrons can indulge in a variety of options like Summer’s Day and Salted Caramel Truffle, served in homemade waffle cones or as milkshakes. Luna’s operates daily from 12-9 p.m. at 10812 S.E. Oak St., Suite A, and more can be explored by visiting lunasicecream.com.
Another reader favorite is **Nico’s Ice Cream**, which brings a taste of New Zealand to Portland. This shop is known for its approach of mixing vanilla ice cream with fresh fruit, creating a soft-serve texture. With two locations in Portland, special flavors often feature collaborations with local businesses. Nico’s is open daily from 3-11 p.m. at 5713 N.E. Fremont St. and 1615 N.E. Killingsworth St. Learn more at nicosicecream.com.
Finally, **Pinolo Gelato** is a top pick for gelato enthusiasts. Known for making fresh gelato daily with high-quality ingredients, Pinolo offers intriguing flavors that are both inventive and satisfying. The Foresta flavor has garnered praise for its aromatic quality reminiscent of a forest. Located at 3707 S.E. Division St., Pinolo operates from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day. Find more about their delicious offerings at pinologelato.com.
No discussion about Portland ice cream would be complete without mentioning **Salt & Straw**, arguably the city’s most famous ice cream shop. Known for their unique flavors and collaborations, Salt & Straw consistently brings joy to customers with delicious options like chocolate fudge brownie. They have multiple locations throughout Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tigard, and Vancouver, all open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Check out their website at saltandstraw.com.
Don’t forget to vote for your favorite ice cream shop as part of the Readers Choice Awards! The survey is open until July 15, and your input will help decide the best ice cream spot in the Portland area.
image source from：oregonlive
