As the cherry blossoms begin to bloom and warmer days approach, it’s time to celebrate the successful completion of Winter Term. Located in Portland, PSU students and locals alike are all about ice cream, regardless of the season.
Though anyone can enjoy ice cream during the colder months, it seems that when summer hits, Portland’s delicious ice cream shops are more bustling than ever. After all, there are always treats that can swap out for hot cider, cookies, or pies.
For those seeking the best ice cream options in Portland, we’ve compiled a list of top spots easily accessible from PSU.
**TartBerry: A Sweet Escape**
Just half a mile from PSU at 536 SW College St, TartBerry is a dream for ice cream lovers. Open daily from 1 P.M. to 10:30 P.M., this delightful shop surprises visitors with its enticing offerings.
TartBerry is famous for its “Dole Whip,” a treat typically only found at Disneyland or in Hawaii, and boasts an extensive range of toppings. From gummy sharks to candy Legos and marshmallow fluff, there is no shortage of options to customize your dessert.
However, customers are advised to choose flavors wisely—while the variety is impressive, moderation is key to avoid overwhelming your creation.
**Cheese & Crack Snack Shop: An Adult Ice Cream Experience**
If you’re willing to venture a bit farther (2.5 miles from PSU), the Cheese & Crack Snack Shop at 22 SE 28th Ave is definitely worth the trek. Open Monday through Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., this unique establishment specializes in custard ice cream paired with wines and charcuterie.
With monthly sundae specials and an eclectic vibe—including pictures of Dolly Parton adorning the walls—Cheese & Crack creates a memorable experience. The March flavor, dubbed “Dirt in a Cup,” evokes nostalgic 90s childhood memories, while their $4 soft serve cones are the perfect treat for those not in the mood for a full sundae.
Their vanilla custard serves as an excellent base for toppings, and the whimsical presentation elevates this ice cream shop’s appeal.
**St. Francis Ice Cream: A Cozy Retreat**
Next on our ice cream journey is St. Francis Ice Cream, located 5.5 miles from PSU at 2012 SE 11th Ave. Operating from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Sunday through Thursday and later on Friday and Saturday until 9:00 P.M., St. Francis boasts a charm that instantly warms guests’ spirits.
The shop’s most popular flavor, “Pixie Lix,” is a clever take on cookies and cream, complete with sprinkles, created by the owners’ children. However, for those who appreciate salty-sweet combinations, their Peanut Brittle flavor is a must-try, featuring crunchy peanut candy throughout the cone.
**Ice Queen: Fresh and Fun**
Last but not least, Ice Queen at 1421 NE Grand Ave is another must-visit spot. Open daily from 6:30 A.M. to 12:00 A.M., Ice Queen is the go-to for plant-based paletas and soft serve. Just 2.2 miles from PSU, this ice cream shop offers various innovative and traditional flavors.
The paletas at Ice Queen are a delightful and creamy spin on traditional popsicles, packed with fresh ingredients like strawberries, cookies, or coconut.
With classic options such as Magonada and Fresa and Oatchata (the vegan version of Horchata), plus Portland’s own hipster-inspired blends like London Dungeon (earl gray lavender) and Bunny Munch (carrot, orange, and ginger), there’s a flavor to satisfy everyone’s palate.
As we embrace the warmth and brightness of Spring, these top ice cream spots in Portland provide the perfect excuse to indulge and celebrate the season. Grab your friends, enjoy a delightful scoop or two, and cherish the joys of ice cream in the Rose City.
image source from：https://psuvanguard.com/spring-and-the-return-of-frozen-sweet-treats/
