Portland, renowned for its eclectic food scene, is home to a thriving ice cream culture that goes beyond the well-known Salt & Straw, a brand recognized for its innovative flavors that have gained a wider audience in recent years.
In the vibrant city of Portland, the ice cream offerings have expanded significantly, showcasing a diverse array of high-quality scoop shops that have emerged throughout the region.
Notably, one area has become a hub for ice cream enthusiasts: Southeast Division Street, particularly between Southeast 50th and Southeast 29th avenues in the Richmond neighborhood.
This unique stretch boasts an impressive assortment of some of the city’s top-rated ice cream and frozen dessert establishments, making it an essential destination for anyone craving a sweet treat.
Whether you’re seeking a casual scoop after dinner or are fully committed to sampling all the delights in a single outing, Southeast Division Street serves as the perfect corridor to experience Portland’s ice cream renaissance.
Here are the five standout ice cream spots, with a bonus location, that you shouldn’t miss while exploring this delicious stretch.
Eb & Bean is a delightful frozen yogurt shop that stands out for its spacious interior and abundant seating options.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and topping choices, which allows for creative combinations tailored to personal tastes.
During one visit, a swirl of Matcha Lavender and Blueberry Tart topped with crumbled Oat Streusel proved to be a visually appealing and flavorful choice.
However, the Marionberry Pancake flavor took the spotlight, especially among younger tasters who found joy in adding colorful chocolate candies to their treat.
Operating hours for Eb & Bean are from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, located at 3040 S.E. Division St.
Salt & Straw continues to be a flagship name in Portland’s ice cream scene, known for its adventurous and often whimsical monthly flavor rotations.
While some flavors are a hit and others might challenge traditional tastes, the classic offerings remain consistently delightful.
Popular choices include Gooey Chocolate Brownie, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, and Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons.
For those craving a scoop any day of the week, Salt & Straw is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 3345 S.E. Division St.
Kate’s Ice Cream has quickly gained a loyal fanbase since its inception in North Portland in 2022, and its recent expansion to Southeast Division has been met with enthusiasm.
This plant-based ice cream shop specializes in classic flavors with a twist, such as their strawberry ice cream swirled with strawberry jam and innovative creations like the floral Rose Water Cardamom Almond.
Seasonal offerings provide a chance for the shop to take creative risks, with unique flavors such as the summer’s Strawberry Chocolate Potato Chip.
Kate’s Ice Cream operates on Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. at 3551 S.E. Division St.
On the hunt for the best gelato in town? Look no further than Pinolo Gelato, recently recognized as the favorite ice cream spot in Portland.
Pinolo’s gelato is made in-house daily and is celebrated for its rich textures and exceptional flavors, lower in sugar and fat compared to traditional ice cream.
Patrons are encouraged to try as many flavors as possible before committing to a favorite, with recommendations for classic options like Cioccolato or Hazelnut, as well as rotating special flavors created biweekly.
Pinolo Gelato is located at 3707 S.E. Division St. and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
For those seeking a creamy indulgence that’s a step up from traditional ice cream, Cornet Custard offers a tantalizing take on frozen desserts with its rich egg custard base.
Each pint is crafted with a generous amount of eggs, resulting in a creamy consistency and bold flavors.
The mix-ins are plentiful here, enhancing the overall experience, with standout choices like Peanut Hot Fudge Sundae or Chocolate Peanut Butter making it a must-try.
If you can’t make it to the Division Street location, Cornet Custard allows for convenient DoorDash orders of pints and imported cones to enjoy at home.
Cornet Custard can be found at 4529 S.E. Division St., open from noon to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.
As a bonus option, Fifty Licks has become a Portland institution since originally launching from a bright blue truck on Southeast Belmont Street.
Now with multiple locations around the city, including the Southeast Clinton spot, Fifty Licks continues to attract customers with its more mainstream flavor profiles while still upholding quality.
Popular flavors like Oregon Strawberry and Lavender Salted Caramel, alongside the delightful Mocha Mudslide, showcase the commitment to delivering enjoyable ice cream experiences.
Fifty Licks operates at 2021 S.E. Clinton St., with hours from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
In summary, Southeast Division Street is a treasure trove of ice cream options, each offering unique flavors and experiences worth exploring.
Whether you’re a casual ice cream lover or a connoisseur of frozen treats, this corridor is a delightful destination that highlights Portland’s impressive ice cream renaissance.
image source from：oregonlive
