Portland is well-known for its delightful ice cream, especially along Southeast Division Street, which has become the unofficial ice cream capital of Oregon.
In a spirited quest, four adults, accompanied by a baby and a child, decided to visit five of the best ice cream spots on this iconic street in a single day.
Why embark on such an ice cream-filled journey? Simply put, why not?
This adventure took place on a sunny June day, driven by both the allure of the delightful frozen treats and the rich culture surrounding them.
**Stop No. 1: Eb & Bean**
The day’s first stop was at Eb & Bean, a popular frozen yogurt shop with multiple locations around Portland.
Their menu boasts an array of both dairy and plant-based flavors, complemented by an extensive toppings bar.
A standout flavor was the Marionberry Pancake, which proved to be an instant favorite with the 5-year-old in the group, while the baby enjoyed playing with a spoon.
Eb & Bean opens early, making it an ideal first stop, and while they serve frozen yogurt, which gives a slight nod to healthiness, it’s best to remember it’s still a treat.
**Stop No. 2: Salt & Straw**
Next on the itinerary was Salt & Straw, another beloved destination that has been serving its unique flavors since its Southeast Division establishment in 2013.
Known for their creatively sweet and sometimes quirky offerings, the group sampled the seasonal Wildflower Honey and Lemon Chess Pie, alongside the classic Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper.
In light of the many ice cream stops ahead, the group was mindful of moderation, opting to try various flavors and share kids’ sized scoops.
Hydration was key, especially with Salt & Straw providing a water dispenser for guests, which was a much-appreciated addition.
**Stop No. 3: Kate’s Ice Cream**
The next stop was Kate’s Ice Cream, a plant-based ice cream parlor located within Better Days Café.
At this pop-up scoop shop, they tried a vibrant scoop of Cookie Monster along with a seasonal offering of Strawberry Chocolate Potato Chip.
While no one selected this spot as their favorite, the café’s restrooms and the availability of caffeine became helpful assets during the day-long adventure.
**Stop No. 4: Pinolo Gelato**
A short stroll led to Pinolo Gelato, which is often considered one of the finest ice cream shops in Portland.
With a menu filled with traditional Italian flavors alongside exciting seasonals made with local ingredients, this stop was a treat.
The group indulged in six different flavors, including Foresta, crafted with Douglas fir tips and juniper berries, which was met with rave reviews.
However, the baby expressed dissatisfaction with the smaller tasting spoon compared to those used at earlier stops.
**Stop No. 5: Cornet Custard**
The final destination was Cornet Custard, a more recent addition to Portland’s ice cream scene yet already solidly established as a must-try.
Cornet offers a variety of rotating flavors, all praised for their high quality, and on this visit, the Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors were particularly adored.
With each quart made using twelve eggs, the richness of the custard guaranteed a pleasant conclusion to the day’s ice cream escapade.
Interestingly, this spot had the best spoon according to the baby, who had become quite the connoisseur of spoons by this point.
**Bonus Stop: Fifty Licks**
For those with seemingly insatiable appetites for ice cream, a bonus stop exists just a couple of blocks off Division at the Southeast Portland location of Fifty Licks.
This shop is known for notable flavors such as Oregon Strawberry and Lavender Salted Caramel, though patrons should not expect a constantly changing menu.
Fifty Licks maintains a smaller space with limited seating outdoors, making it a cozy option for those needing a sweet finale after their ice cream journey.
By the end of the day, the group had successfully sampled some of the best ice cream offerings in the area, all within the delightful surroundings of Southeast Division Street.
With a rich variety of flavors at each stop, this day of ice cream exploration highlighted why Southeast Division has become a celebrated destination for ice cream lovers in Portland.
image source from：oregonlive
