Salt & Straw
838 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR, 97210
Salt & Straw Menu
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Address :
838 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR, 97210 - Phone (971) 271-8168
- Website https://saltandstraw.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Delivery : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Good for Working : No
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Katie E.
It's as good as they say. Olive oil ice cream is a revelation!
(5)Rian A.
Sorry, wasn't impressed.
(2)Angela S.
The long lines say it all....who doesn't love this place?
(5)Ami T.
This place is fantastic although there are a lot of similar type ice cream shops like it in LA (including a Salt & straw branch!). But Sweet Rose Creamery definitely is similar or Beachy Cream. We waited for an hour to try it out first time. The service never faltered and none of the staff looked stressed or upset. They took care of us quickly and did not seem upset or frustrated when we wanted more than one sample like Beachy Cream has done to me in the past. I tried the olive oil which was not as good as I wanted it to be. Strawberry balsamic black pepper which I wish was more black peppery. The pear and blue cheese is excellent and refreshing. Honey lavender is amazing as well. And the salted caramel is delish. They have some seasonal flavors that are great right now including a lucky charms with actual lucky charms marshmallows in it! Their prices are pretty standard. 3.95 for one scoop. Add a dollar for a waffle cone and another for extra scoop. Not sure it's worth an hour wait but definitely a great place to check out in the area which doesn't seem to have other ice cream places like it.
(4)Lisa H.
Yum! Go to sample all the flavors. Though you may try the NE or SE Salt & Straw locations for less of a wait. This one seems to have a long line even at 10pm. I love the interesting flavors! June 2015 update - food cart collaboration flavors are fabulous! I loved the tahini & cardamom, peanut butter and (surprisingly) the kim chee & rice. If you like the typical grocery store ice creams, and don't like to be adventurous with flavors, this probably isn't for you. Only like vanilla? Just go to a grocery store freezer aisle. If you want to try something new and are okay going to a ice cream shop that doesn't have your standard vanilla, chocolate, strawberry options, then try it! It's fun and tasty! I like their classics such as: coffee & bourbon and sea salt with caramel, almond brittle with salted ganache and also enjoy seasonal flavors too. I always bring friends from out of town to Salt & Straw to enjoy the experience and try the many flavors.
(5)Tiffany M.
Oh Salt & Straw... How do I love thee? I couldn't begin to count the ways. I have eaten here enough times to consider myself an expert in the matter, and while I'd love to lie and say it sucks in the hopes that I wouldn't have to wait in a line around the block, it just wouldn't be fair. To you. To me. To the world. I will scream it from the rooftops: "I love you, I love you, I love you!" And... now you've made me reveal my pitiful inside thoughts. Let's talk ice cream and service. The service at a lot of touristy joints around town can be pretty shitty (Oh, hi Voodoo). But the exact opposite is true with absolute consistency at S & S. The people behind the counter are SUPER friendly and are happy to let you taste test a few different flavors, and they even smile! Like people do! The ice cream really is all it's cracked up to be, believe the hype. My favorite oldies but goodies are the sea salt caramel and the snickerdoodle, and the strawberry balsamic, and the blue cheese... You see what's happening here? It's all so damn good. Even if it's your first time, I would say don't be afraid to take a risk and try one of the special series flavors. They have some really unique flavor combinations cooked up by Portland's finest chefs, butchers, chocolatiers, etc. The sweet potato & pecan combo I had around Thanksgiving will haunt my dreams forevermore. A must do if you're visiting, and if you live here... Why are you even reading this, get your ass down there.
(5)Thomas G.
Cons: Overpriced, long wait, average ice cream Pros: Interesting selection, several of which I wish I tried instead. Here's what I tried: Salt & Caramel, Wild Berry Pie, Strawberry White Chocolate, and Chocolate Brownie The best of those was the Wild Berry Pie? All in all, everything was way too sweet. I decided have a taste of Tillamook vanilla ice cream just to make sure I didn't just hate ice cream, since it's not something I eat usually. It turns out I liked that better than any of those and it was 1/6 the price. No different than Cold Stone or Baskin Robbins. Just like Voodoo Donuts (which I tried several years ago), this supposedly top spot in Portland disappoints. Ice cream is ice cream. A donut is a donut.
(2)Carol C.
I had the tasting menu (awesome concept!!!) of 4 different kinds of ice cream. Everything totals up to 2 single scoops of ice cream. Honey Lavender - Not a fan, had 1 bite and gave up on this one. Double Fold Vanilla - YUM! 2nd favorite of the bunch Freckled Woodblock Chocolate - Not a fan, tasted more like cocoa than chocolate. Not sweet enough. I had like 2 bites to make sure I didn't like this one. Strawberry Honey Balsamic Black Pepper - DELICIOUS! I didn't think I'd like this because it has so many flavors in it's name, but they all came together beautifully! My boyfriend also had the Sea Salt Ice Cream with Caramel Ribbons which was also delicious Minus 1 star for the 2 flavors that were suggested, but did not live up to it's hype.
(4)Jackie S.
Okay, I am an official believer now. The hype is real with this ice cream. I came in at around 7ish and there was a HUGE line out the door. I wait around 30 minutes, but it didn't bother me too much because I was too busy looking at all the flavors! The people serving you are really nice about you sampling the flavors (probably because most of them sound really odd). I tried the blue cheese and pear first, but I can't really say I enjoyed it too much. I was hoping for more of a tangy taste from the cheese, but all I tasted was the sweetness of the pear. The REAL winner in this store is the almond brittle with salted ganache! Ugh, I could have dreams of that flavor. There were real chunks of almond brittle churned in there and the salty ganache balanced out the sweetness quite well. WARNING: The child's size is the size of a golf ball. Do yourself a favor and indulge while you can. Buy the regular one scoop and get the waffle cone. Because ice cream just tastes better on a cone. :)
(5)Shehnoor G.
Portland, OR: Still delicious and still deserving of a high rating. The line was out the door and around the building today but the line moved quickly. I tried even more flavors and eventually went the Pear and Blue Cheese and the monthly Stop Guac and Roll in a sugar cone. Five stars.
(5)Judy H.
You know what is the best? SUMMERS! And of course, you know the best part of summer is...ice cream! Well whether it's summer or not, Salt & Straw is the spot for delicious ice cream, dipped in all sorts of organic and local ingredients, and packed into a waffle cone. On a blistering Fourth of July, my boyfriend and I stood in a line that wrapped around the block. It sounds crazy waiting in the melting heat for some cool ice cream. Yet, that is exactly what we, and 50ish other people, did. We waited for at least 25 minutes. The great thing about Salt & Straw is that you can try as many flavors as you want--until you're basically full from sticking countless tasting spoons into your mouth. The employees are bubbly, kind, and helpful. The other great thing about Salt & Straw is their all natural ingredients. The ice cream is slow churned and minimal sugar is used so the flavors truly shine through. Speaking of flavors, here is another great thing about this shop: creative and bad ass flavors! They have staples that are really popular (Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache), but they also have seasonal/monthly flavors that are super inventive and "out there". During my July visit, the menu consisted of Arbequina Olive Oil, Black Raspberries and Smoked Ham, and Strawberry with Cilantro Lime Cheesecake. Unfortunately, I'm not too adventurous when it comes to my ice cream so I ordered a split scoop of Chocolate with Gooey Brownies and Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. The servings are huge; thus, I opted to split the scoop in half for an extra $0.50. My boyfriend stuck with a single scoop of Coconut with Petunia's Salted Caramel Bars. The Chocolate with Brownies was decadent. It has that melt-in your mouth layer of chocolate, the chewy soft brownie pieces, topped off with a sweet waffle cone (no sugar cones here, please). My only complaint is that the brownies were too dense and heavy. I also enjoyed the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. Although I did feel like I was eating a cookie more than ice cream (there were huge chunks of snickernoodle). The snickerdoodle gives the ice cream a heavy bass note, and then the cinnamon kicks in, followed by all the sweet creaminess of the ice cream. Wowza! Let's not forget about le boyfriend. He enjoyed his coconut ice cream. The coconut flavor was strong and intense. Despite the long lines, Salt & Straw is a Portland essential. There are several locations so stop by and fall in love with these sugary creations!
(4)Cecile L.
It's really good here! Came to the actual spot and also had some at the Rose Garden when we watched the Blazers. Had something standard like the Strawberry & Balsamic and it was pretty good. Will probably always have a line out the door since it's so popular. Definitely recommend as a place to try when you're in Portland.
(5)Jessica N.
Oh. My. Heaven. My first experience was at the Alberta St location. This one is even closer to me and bigger! I went there 2 days in a row with a friend who was visiting from Chicago - no joke. EVERYONE who works there is amazingly friendly. They don't make you feel guilty about wanting to try a lot of diff flavors. Coffee and Craque from the chocolate series is still a slice of heaven. I also tried Coffee and Bourbon - holy crap if you like coffee ice cream (which hands down is one of my favs behind chocolate). I also got a taste of the strawberry/balsamic/pepper. I had to get the chocolate b/c it was on it's last week but next time the strawberry will be on my list. It had such a pure strawberry taste. Pretty sure I'll be there again this weekend.....drool!!
(5)Jason C.
I love Salt & Straw, not only is the ice cream delicious and the flavors very inspired, but the service is the friendliest by far of any well-known artisan ice cream shops I've visited. I've been to many must-go ice cream shops, and rated some 5 stars, but Salt & Straw is in my top two. We visited late in the evening on a weeknight and the line was still out the door. But the line moved quickly and it also gave you time to narrow down what flavors to sample. Unlike many places, the staff seemed to really enjoy providing endless samples to make sure you get something you enjoy and thus come back again. They were knowledgeable and answered all our questions with a smile. Craveable? You bet! I absolutely loved the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons (this is not the same as the more common Salted caramel, this is sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons), and the Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon. Both flavors were just sublime; tasting even better than they sound. Definitely a must try for serious ice cream heads.
(5)Loc N.
Probably the best ice cream I've had hands down. I would like to give it 4.5 stars because the wait can be overwhelmingly long. However, once inside the staff is very friendly and helpful. The wait wasn't so bad considering I had so many samples that by the time It was to order I was already satisfied! My days of chasing ice cream trucks are over now that Salt and Straw is open.
(5)Karen L.
Cute ice cream shop! I tried 3 flavors: sea salt with caramel, almond brittle, and balsamic strawberry. I ultimately chose the sea salt with caramel, because it is delicious! Just a little bit salty, and I love the caramel swirls in the ice cream. So delicious.
(4)Jentry P.
I came to visit my friend in Portland and she told me this was a staple when you're in town. I was curious as to how these flavors would come together, and to be honest kind of nervous. I'm usually a plain flavor kind of guy. I tried the strawberry white chocolate with pear goat cheese...and it was amazing! I definitely recommend this place when in Portland or even Oregon in general. Thanks for adding another great moment to my mini vacation.
(5)Matt E.
I have tastebuds, therefore I like Salt & Straw. Flavors for everyone. Regular flavors for everyone. Frickin weird flavors for everyone. You will find your own flavor to covet at Salt & Straw. With over 1000 reviews of this little ice cream shop, there's not a ton I can add. But I will share this one tidbit: they do half scoops! This information is vital if you're like me and traditionally want a cone and can't decide between two flavors. A two-scoop cone from Salt & Straw is just irresponsibly decadent, and more than once I have thrown away the last part of my treat due to fears of contracting diabetes. Now that I know you can do two half-scoops, I am eating a more reasonably sized cone and still getting the flavor combos that I covet. Thanks for this ice-cream innovation, Salt & Straw! You're a-ok in my book!
(4)Kaitlyn E.
Always a pleasure getting a sweet treat here! The workers are all incredibly nice and friendly. My friend literally wanted to try almost every flavor, and the lady that was helping us didn't seem bothered at all, or make us feel rushed (even though I felt really bad, considering the very long line behind us). Waiting in the line is also definitely worth it!
(5)Debbie M.
Nothing short of amazing. Tip - skip the line and go inside and get a pint. You'll finish it. Also - makes a great gift. We sent home ice cream to our family for Xmas. They loved trying all the flavors!
(5)Faye W.
Long lines, but worth it! They make lots of unique flavor combinations and there is something for everyone. They allow you to taste as many flavors as you like. I'm a chocolate lover and there were at least three that I tried. All creamy and delicious.
(5)Monica L.
Delicious!!!!! I was a little skeptical about the flavor combinations at first... But boy was I wrong! The only problem is deciding what flavor you want to have. The employees at the counter are super nice and they will gladly give you lots of samples. I ended up ordering the spicy monkey. It was delicious from beginning to end. And who would have thought cayenne pepper went well in ice cream. Definitely coming back for more!
(5)Nicole Y.
Wow, there has been so much hype behind this place and it met my expectations! There was a long line when I went on a Sunday afternoon, but it was worth the wait!! I got the lucky charms ice cream and the pear and blue cheese ice cream., I know blue cheese in ice cream seems weird but surprisingly the flavors of blue cheese and pear meshed well together. I can't wait to try more flavors!!!
(4)Jeremy C.
Salt & Straw is probably one of my favorite places to grab ice cream in Portland, you are absolutely crazy if you don't like this place. As soon as you open the door the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla from the freshly made waffle cones hits you in the face. They have some pretty amazing flavors. The staff is super friendly and will let you sample any flavor before you buy. I think my most favorite flavor is Cinnamon Snicker doodle, it's cinnamon ice cream with chunks of fresh soft snicker doodles mixed it. Thee ice cream is so fluffy and creamy ands literally the best ice cream ever. Also the almond brittle with salted chocolate ganache is yummy, it's the perfect balance of salty and sweet. They are known for their sea salt and caramel, it's a sea salt vanilla ice cream with rich dark caramel swirled in it. The ice cream has a 17% butterfat so it's a rich creamy velvet texture that just melts in your mouth. They have a few different locations in the Portland area and usually they have a pretty large line but it's so worth the wait. No matter what season it is this place is always rocking. I know know why it's so highly rated.
(5)Parker G.
Good ice cream. We got there at 5:30 on Last Thursday and there was no wait. Sampled the Salted caramel which was great, the lavender which was also good, and the vanilla ganache ( didn't like the taste of it too much). Went with the salted caramel and wasn't disappointed.
(4)Nadia K.
ALL my friends recommended Salt and Straw when I queried them about their Portland must eats. And they were right. The Best Ice Cream EVER! My friend chose the sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon and couldn't stop raving about it the ENTIRE trip. I don't blame her. I was pretty much floored by my scoop of strawberry with cilantro lime cheesecake. The flavors all sound so amazing so if you can't decide, definitely ask for a sample. I sampled the strawberry honey balsamic vinegar with cracked black pepper and the pear with blue cheese. Both were really delicious. Expect long lines at this ice cream shop, but it is definitely worth the wait. The line snakes by some store items for purchase such as t-shirts, candy, and prepackaged pints. If you're just buying pints, you can skip the line! I picked up some super yummy strawberry lemon gumdrops by Quin. At $8 a bag, that candy is now located on the top shelf of my pantry away from the indiscriminate grubby hands of my 3 year old. For a memorable ice cream treat, make sure to visit Salt and Straw!
(5)Morgan C.
For people that frequent Portland and haven't been to Salt and Straw...shame on you. Honestly, you should be disappointed, but not because you haven't shared the experience so many people rave about, but because you've been cheating yourself out of some serious, ridiculously fantastic ice cream. Salt and Straw is on 23rd, further down from Burnside past Fireside and Papa Haydns. But you'll recognize it by the line of people waiting for ice cream. Yes, there are usually long lines (especially after dinner), but like they say "good things come to those that wait", and when you work your way through the line and it;s your turn, get ready fro some serious great things. Each customer is assigned an employee when they get to the counter, and that wonderful ice cream angel is going to take care of you till your happy. That means samples, as many samples as you need to sort your world out. And with a wall of incredible concoctions and unique flavors, you may need to try a lot....they don't care, sample on. Don't shy away from the more savory sounding options like lavender honey and olive oil, both are fantastic. I'd love to say "here are the best flavors, eat these" but there's no point. Sample everything, find what you want. And if you're like me, get a flight of 4 smaller scoops (its enough to split with another person honestly). I've never had poor service (let alone bad service)...it's always been great. And the product is off the charts. If this place isn't 5 stars, I don't know what is. It's on my list of must do spots whenever I travel through Portland...usually more than once. oh, and if you don't want to wait in line, just grab a pre-packed pint out of the freezer, pay and go...no line.
(5)Michael C.
Love this place. There is ALWAYS a wait, so plan for that. But once you're at the counter, the workers are patient and are willing to let you sample what you want, which is great since they have new flavors every month (besides their normal menu). There are some wild ingredients (like olive oil, bleu cheese, and black pepper), but they usually come together for a good ice cream. High quality and really good.
(5)Flavia A.
FIVE WORDS. Almond Brittle and Salted Ganache. Just the right combo of crunchy nuttiness, combined with silky soft ice cream that has heart and soul. This ain't no corn syrup crap. This is wholesome, like-grandma-remembers-ice-cream-was-back-in-the-Âday. With a twist. Salt & Straw is life changing. Awe inspiring. Gut enlarging. Mouth watering. Oh so amazing goodness. Once you have S&S, you'll never go back. Yes, there are long lines. Is it worth it? Hail Yeah. First of all, S&S staff treat each customer as if they were the only ones in line. Sure, that makes for a suuuper long wait, but it also means that once you're up at bat, you get their undivided attention. These super efficient and knowledgeable scoopers will let you taste any and all flavors your heart desires. So you can choose the perfect scoop. And get the waffle cone. While some of their flavors are "creative" (a touch of fish sauce, a dab of foie gras, a touch of black pepper, a dusting of lavender), many of their ice creams are perfectly normal. Well, "normal" for Portland. Among my faves beside the ABSG are: honey lavender, strawberry pepper with balsamic vinegar, the elvis, and the snickerdoodle. Go ahead and try something you wouldn't normally dare. Live on the edge. You won't regret it. This is the ice cream model other companies are trying to imitate. Go to the original. The one and only, Salt & Straw.
(5)Ken T.
Flavors! Flavors! Flavors! What amazing choices of yumminess! Maybe I will the one in LA and try more flavors.
(5)Sam W.
I don't even really like ice cream but when I'm craving it, I go to Salt & Straw. Sea salt w/ caramel ribbon sounds simple but its pure savory sweet deliciousness. If you don't like some salt in your dessert then I would not recommend it but I am the savory type and it hits the spot. Pear and Blue Cheese sounds bazar but it works! It has slightly frozen chunks of pear and finding the blue cheese is like finding gold so much that I wish there was more! Both these in the house fresh made waffle cone which is perfectly crunchy makes my mouth smile. Even in cold weather, expect a line and dress appropriately =). It can be a cold wait but the like goes relatively quickly. They also let you taste any of the flavors. There is a classic menu which has flavors that are always available and the there are seasonal/themed flavors that are temporary.
(5)Sunny L.
It's decent ice cream but I don't find it extraordinary. Some flavors is absolutely disgusting while others are pretty plesant. Taste it first before you buy.
(3)Rafael Z.
I never heard of this place until my Girlfriend dragged me on our visit to Portland. I never really crave ice cream so to the high sugar and calories but DAMN, this place makes me want to make a trip here again solely for the ice cream. It reminds me of Molly Moons in Seattle but this place is much better. There are so many different flavors but I went with the Cinnamon Snicker doodle and I've never had ice cream like that ever. There with soft bits of snicker doodle with the right amount of cinnamon. The line was pretty long but I understand why, but very much worth it.
(5)Amy S.
My sister-in-law, who lives in Portland, swore that we had to try this place out at least once before the end our trip. I've seen stuff posted about it on Pintrest. I've seen this place on Instagram. Apparently if you're a hipster- I mean, who isn't?- this is the place to be when it's 35 degrees outside. Yes, folks- 35 degrees and misting outside and the line was out the door and wrapped around the building. Did we wait? Duh! While you're standing in line, you will be presented with a worker in plaid asking you which flavors you want to try. The samples are given to you on little metal spoons and you are welcome to try as many as you want. Try them all, they seriously don't care.They actually encourage it. We tried a lot of them. I eventually settled on a 1/2 scoop x 2; Stumpton Bourbon and the Salted Brownie. It was delicious and ridiculously heavy.(They are homemade after all) I couldn't finish my measly 1 scoop because it was just so rich. They have unique flavors and definitely worth checking out!
(4)Dale J.
So I've heard about Salt & Straw from friends but had no idea what I was in for. Approaching the door you can smell the waffle cones being made which are amazingly by the way. As we entered the store I was greeted by Jill the super server :) Jill was super nice, informative and went above and beyond to ensure we had a chance to try anything and or everything we wanted, never rushed us even though there was a little line accumulating behind us, "sorry waiting people, 1st timer had to try it all" WITH NO EXAGGERATION THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST ICE CREAM I HAVE EVER HAD!! Price I felt was more than fair. Can't wait for my next visit! Thanks again Jill, See ya soon, Jerry
(5)Sandra C.
I always scream for ice cream! For someone who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, she sure does have one when it comes to ice cream!! I'm always so intrigued by all the new flavors they introduce every few months! I always end up trying their new ones and getting one new and one classic flavor in my waffle cone! Don't be alarmed by the long lines out the door, once you step in, and take a whiff of the honey waffle cone will leave you hungry for a big cone your stomach can't handle! I love the chocotier series and now this new spring menu working with an elementary school where the kids choose the flavor!! Guac stop and roll was interesting combinations! And the honey bear was the one we chose as the winner! And paired it with my all Time favorite HONEY LAVENDER !!! So go on ahead and run not walk to try a cone from salt & straw!
(5)Adrienne H.
The goat cheese marionberry habanero. You need it. It's unmatched. Salt and Straw never fails to deliver a mind blowing gastronomical experience. Even the simple flavors like Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and Lavender Honey leave an unforgettable taste in your mouth for the rest of the day. My favorite is the strawberry balsamic black pepper- these flavors are so complementary. It's sweet and savory and basically heaven in a cone. I am SO into the fact that Salt and Straw sells individual pints to take home. I won't pretend I didn't buy one. Or two. Okay, three. I haven't regretted it yet. The staff here is great and yeah, the line is out the door, but you might catch a 90's hip hop throwback or good conversation with your neighbor in line. I try ice cream in every city I visit worldwide and Salt and Straw has definitely made my top three. Absolutely recommended for anyone, whether you think you like sweets or not.
(5)Annie S.
i just took a big sigh before i placed my hands on my laptop to type... because my heart hurts not knowing when i can eat another scoop of pear with blue cheese ice cream from this place. i sampled various flavors before listening to my friend who told me the pear with blue cheese is really good. it just sounded too weird so i was reluctant, but wow the pear with blue cheese ice cream was so gooooooooooood. so goooooooooooooood. asdlkfjasdflkjasdflkjsadflkjsadflksajdfls asdlkfjsalkdfjaslkdjfsad faslkdfjsalkdjfsalkdfjsaldkfjsa dflkjasdflkjsadlkjasdflkjasdf sadflkjasdflkjasdflkjasdflj. highlight of my portland trip for sure. i came twice within 12 hours because it was so good. pear with blue cheese ice cream on a waffle cone! the waffle cone is delicious too (not too sweet). can someone please send me a pint of pear with blue cheese ice cream for my birthday (nov 1, day after halloween)?
(5)Holly K.
I heard the name for so long and I had not ever had the need to run here for ice cream. Then something changed, during the coldest day of winter, of course, because that is when all good ice cream cravings must hit. We headed down and suddenly my world was expanded to lavender ice cream, coconut caramel and The Elvis to name a few. I love them, but after a recent drive by in the month of June and witnessing the long line out the door we decided winter is, in fact, the best time of year for enjoying ice cream. However, if you don't mind waiting, then you won't be disappointed in your selection. I haven't had a bad flavor yet.
(4)Amy T.
THIS PLACE IS A DREAM COME TRUE. the ice cream is delicious and one of a kind. They have so many unique flavors here. It's hard to go wrong. The line was pretty long to get in, probably took about 40-50 mins to get in and put in our orders. I got a double scoop of the almond brittle one and the stump town coffee & rum one. Topped with rainbow sprinkles in a waffle cone. Man you get SO much ice cream here. Definitely the most bang for your buck. The ice cream had lots of different chunks of stuff in there.. It had depth in flavor for sure lol. They also have some very interesting flavor combinations such as a strawberry honey balsamic and black pepper one (not sure if that was the exact name but something along those lines). It was...interesting. Not my cup of tea but definitely get some samples before you commit! Experiment! Everything's delicious!
(5)Julian T.
SAMPLE EVERYTHING! The service is AMAZING here - the ice cream masters here give you such delicious descriptions that you may not even need to try the ice cream before purchasing... but do anyways, because you can try as many as you want! The scent of the waffle cones are mouth watering here... really. It stays with you for a little bit and when you think you had enough ice cream, you come back 2 days later for more. My favorites are the sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons (or something) and the almond brittle with salted ganache. Other flavors we tried are: Olive Oil, Strawberry w/ Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper, Stop Guac & Roll, Gummy Wummy (I think?), Coconut w/ Caramel Bars, Stumptown Coffee & burnside bourbon, pear and blue cheese (surprisingly good!) and honey lavendar. All are really good and taste like the name of the flavor. Some were better than others for my taste, but if you really like something and there's a flavor w/ that name you won't be disappointed! Absolutely worth being "touristy" and coming here, even with the line. Service is very quick. Came here twice during my 3 day visit to Portland!
(5)Christina R.
Line does get long, but it moves relatively quickly and the ice cream is worth the wait! Just go for the split scoop so that you can try more flavors and it does hook you up with a little extra ice cream. Wasn't thrilled I ended up paying $6 for ice cream, but it was really delicious and I would 100% do it again. The salted caramel is amazing and I understand why it's one of their most popular flavors. I also like how they incorporate real ingredients like pie crust and cake in their ice cream. Some of the flavored ones were a little too sweet for me, but overall the ice cream is really good quality and delicious. The staff was really nice and let me try a billion flavors. It is crowded in there and they do move quickly through the people though!
(5)Jane L.
Love salt and straw so much, had their ice cream twice in one week and planning on coming back. But this location is insanely busy, I waited in line for about 45 minutes. Even though it was all worth it... Recommend the honey lavender, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, almond brittle and gooey brownie. The blue cheese with pear and goat cheese habanero were pretty unique and not bad at all, worth trying. Salt and straw is a must when visiting Portland, wish I can eat their ice cream all day everyday... The staff was very friendly too.
(5)Jenn W.
Scoops are pricey, but they're also HUGE. Boyfriend and I both overstretched with double scoops in cones for each of us (lol) - we were able to finish, but with a bit of struggle (for him). We got here around 12:30 on Friday and there was a short line inside (5 minutes) - an hour later we walked by again and there was a long line around the corner. I was not really a fan of the texture at this location, since both my scoops were really melty and it was more of a race stuff my face instead of enjoyable in leisure. I tried 5-6 flavors here and didn't feel pressured to choose quickly, thanks to the casual/friendly server/service. The seasonal berry flavors didn't really blow me away - I wish they focused on the actual berry flavors rather than giving it lots of supporting textures/flavors. I'd recommend trying whatever interests you, but then sticking with the classic, very recommended honey lavender.
(4)Andrea K.
I've been to this S&S location twice...prepare yourself for the lines! The wait is worth it if you've never been and you know of flavors that appeal to you. I always recommend checking out their monthly specials online first because you'll have a better idea of the variety available before getting there. Since I'd been there before, I waited in line last month and was disappointed I hadn't checked the specials because they weren't very good. Had I known I was waiting in line for the usual flavors, I wouldn't have bothered. That being said, we waited in line this weekend because it was berry month and it was WELL worth the wait. So amazing. Just do your homework. Also, the SE location has minimal lines so I'd recommend that location it it's not too inconvenient for you. Either way...you've gotta try this place at least once because the ice cream really is stellar.
(4)Rudrajit D.
It's really a Portland institution at this point. And if you haven't stood in line at one of their many locations for at least thirty mins, you haven't fully experienced Rose City. Not a big fan of their olive oil flavor (yes you read that correct). Apart from that one blip, I think pretty much every other flavor is delicious. The ones worthy of a special mention are salted caramel with almond ganache, rose city riot (seasonal, it's as close to pistachio kulfi as I've had here in the US), Stumptown coffee with bourbon, honey bear (also seasonal) and honey lavender. P. S. The one star deduction is for the extremely long waiting times, at every hour of the day.
(4)Rizgar R.
After waiting over 1 hour in line. I was left sadly disappointed. Don't believe in the hype. The flavors are extremely rich and overly sweetened. I've never tasted ice cream so sweet before. I might as well have been eating pure honey or sugar. After sampling most of the flavors I believe my favorite would have been the sea salt and caramel or the chocolate. I commend this place on their unique flavors and customer service. But I believe they are focusing too much on innovative flavors instead of quality ice cream.
(2)Nora D.
I think it is darn good ice cream and worth waiting in line for. Be warned, the line is long and seemingly never ending. When we arrived at Sweet and Salt, the line was wrapped around the building. At first, we didn't want to wait so we went to the bar across the street. There was no end to the line until 11pm when they close. So we just skipped on over and stood at the end, and we were the last people in line! We didn't wait much as other people but I'm glad we got in. The workers were very friendly and gave us samples as we got closer to the counter. I got the Almond Brittle with chocolate chunks. The chocolate chunks were really bitter for my taste but the rest was yummy. I think it's worth the wait.
(4)Marissa M.
For how busy this place constantly is, the employees here seem to really love their jobs. I love that. Sometimes the service can make or break an experience, and everyone here was totally awesome. I tried quite a few flavors like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, Honey Lavender, Rose City Riot (rosewater, saffron cream and pistachios), Lumberjack Stack (with bits of pancakes in it!), Coconut with Salted Caramel Bars, but ultimately, the one that really blew me away - and I was totally not expecting it to - was Pear & Blue Cheese. The bits of pear reminded me of gum that Sanrio stores used to sell with Hello Kitty or Keroppi's face on it, and the blue cheese bits - even though I hate blue cheese normally - were a delightful salty balance to the sweet ice cream. Yum! The line was long, but it was moving. I think I waited about 15 minutes in a line that looped around the corner.
(5)Kelli S.
It's so hard to deviate from flavors you really like once you visit Salt & Straw (S&S). On my second visit to this famous ice cream shop, I knew that I would probably get at least one scoop of the "Cinnamon Snickerdoodle" ice cream flavor that I REALLY liked on my first visit, but I decided I had better try one of the seasonal flavors that was being featured as well ... since I wasn't sure the next time I would be back. Plus, you can't get the seasonal flavors all the time. Since I was in Portland around St. Patrick's Day, there were a lot of St. Patty's Day-themed treats at many of the restaurants my friends and I visited. The menu at S&S was no exception, as it featured a St. Patty's Day Flavor (Pots of Gold & Rainbows), as well as some Oregon-specific flavors. We went to S&S after an early dinner--I think it was around 6:30 p.m., so the line definitely wasn't as long as it was during my first trip to the ice creamery--so I enjoyed the shorter wait. I tried samples of two seasonal flavors -- "Salted Caramel Cupcake" and the "Pots of Gold & Rainbows." Although the "Pots of Gold" flavor was definitely unique (sort of reminded me of Lucky Charms cereal but in ice cream form), I decided to go with a split scoop of "Salted Caramel Cupcake" and "Cinnamon Snickerdoodle." I was extremely full from our dinner, but I don't get to visit Portland often ... so I couldn't really pass up S&S. Here's the rundown of our visit and what I would recommend: "Salted Caramel Cupcake": Salted caramel flavors are usually a hit-or-miss, at least, from my experience. Sometimes this flavor tends to be too salty; other times, it's too caramely. However, the ice cream flavor at S&S was the perfect blend. This ice-cream-and-cupcake combo features a great salty-sweet flavor that includes soggy, crumbly, mushed-up cupcake pieces interspersed with bits of frosted cupcake tops. I didn't feel like the ice cream flavor was too salty--at some places, the "Salty Caramel" flavor seriously tasted like the ocean--but had enough sweetness so you get that buttery, caramel taste. I was extremely pleased with this seasonal flavor and was so glad I had the chance to try it. "Split Cup Option": Even though it costs a little bit more, it's worth it to get a split cup at S&S so you can try two flavors without getting two scoops. Of course, I usually have no problem getting two scoops, but since our dinner was so heavy, I figured I should only get one scoop. However, thanks to this option, I was able to get two flavors that I really wanted -- great way to sample one of the seasonals while still getting one of your favorite flavors. "Pots of Gold & Rainbows": While I didn't get this as one of the flavors in my cup, I'm glad I at least ordered a sample of it. It's inspired by the Lucky Charms cereal that's sure to take you back to your childhood days. This flavor features cereal that's steeped in cream overnight to achieve a yummy cereal base, and the ice cream itself includes chunks of marshmallow "charms." As a kid, I remember eating all the cereal first and then saving that mound of marshmallows to enjoy at the end! I liked the texture and taste of this cereal, but since I don't love huge amounts of marshmallow, I decided to pass on actually ordering the flavor itself. Still, great unique treat for those who love Lucky Charms (and marshmallows). "Cinnamon Snickerdoodle": If I lived in Portland/visited S&S more, this flavor would be my go-to. This creamy, sweet flavor features Red Ape Cinnamon from Eugene mixed in with doughy snickerdoodle cookies. The flavor was especially notable because the cinnamon was rich and aromatic--my ice cream definitely smelled fragrant--and the snickerdoodle cookies are made in house. I love chewy, soft and moist cookies, and the snickerdoodle bits in my cinnamon ice cream were perfect. I could taste the cookie chunks in almost every bite (not stingy on the cookie bits), and I loved the sweet but not overwhelming spices of the cinnamon ice cream. I'd definitely order this flavor again in a heartbeat. "Freckled Woodblock Chocolate": This strikes me as the ice creamery's "typical" chocolate flavor, and I'll definitely get a sample of it next time before ordering. It features Woodblock (first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Portland) chocolate that's infused with Jacobsen sea salt. I wonder how it tastes as compared to the "Chocolate Gooey Brownie" flavor that I ordered (more chocolaty or less chocolaty) and I can't wait to experience it. "Honey Lavender": My friend ordered this aromatic flavor and said she really enjoyed the light, sweet taste that it featured. This unique flavor is made from locally harvested honey and Oregon-grown lavender petals that are steeped in it. I didn't get to try this flavor, but it sure sounded interesting. My friend said that she appreciated the light flavor--it almost reminded her more of a sorbet--and she really liked the fresh, authentic honey taste.
(4)Jen R.
Salted Caramel is delicious. Line up is long but that just speaks volumes to the product. Service was fast and really friendly. Great little treat in a great neighbourhood.
(4)Jake D.
My favorite ice cream shop in Portland - if they had frozen custard I'd rate them a 10 out of 5.
(5)Courtney K.
Bottom Line: The line wrapping around the corner eventually leads to unique and gourmet ice cream flavors. Ice cream in Portland - somewhere between the cold, rainy winter and the too-hot-to-wait-in-line summer days, there is a perfect opportunity for a scoop of ice cream at Salt & Straw. At first I didn't get the hype and couldn't imagine waiting in that long line. But, eventually I got to S&S when there wasn't a line and found out what I was missing out on. Although the flavors may sound bizarre at first, a little taste will convince you that these pairings are perfect. Flavors like salted caramel awakened my taste buds and ice cream appetite like no ice cream ever had. Not only only is the ice cream delicious and decadent, but the decor here is super cute too. Salt & Straw is definitely worth a stop. (As Seen on TV: Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods America" and Cooking Channel's "Unique Sweets")
(4)Lucy L.
Salt and straw The shop is easy to spot because of the line that forms outside the store and curves around the corner. Although the line was long, it moved relatively quickly. Upon walking in to the store the smell of freshly baked waffle cones hit us. The lady who helped us was very patient and understanding. She let us each sample as many flavors as we wanted without getting annoyed. We ultimately decided to get cinnamon snicker doodle and the wild berry pie. we also took a pint of brownie chocolate home! The snicker doodle flavor was amazing- it had cinnamon sugar flavor and chock full of large pieces of snicker doodle cookies. The july seasonal wild berry pie flavor was delicious as well. It was wild berry pie folded into sweet vanilla ice cream. Both flavors were very sweet, so if you are sensitive to sweet I would recommend honey lavender or olive oil ice cream. The prices were reasonable- 3.95 for a large single scoop. Tip: if you are getting a pint, you are allowed to skip the line. House rules!
(5)Stella M.
Got to check out the original Salt & Straw in Portland and it met my expectations! Luckily for us the weather was perfect during our weekend visit to Portland... 60-70s during the day with the sun beaming down on you. After our mile walk to S&S we were hot and ready for some delicious ice cream! The line was out the door and I think we probably waited around 30 min to get our ice cream but it was well worth the wait! I got a split between the Honey Lavender and Pear & Blue Cheese on a waffle cone. I don't know why but S&S has the best cheese ice creams ever! I love the black olive brittle & goat cheese at S&S's LA location but the Pear&BC was to die for. The sweetness from the pear went so well with the bits of salty blue cheese along with the creaminess of the ice cream. Seriously so good! I liked the Honey Lavender a lot because it wasn't sweet. I hate honey lavender ice cream when the sweetness overpowers the lavender that you don't taste the lavender at all. But S&S's Honey Lavender was on point! Yum... I also got to try their Cinnamon Snickerdoodle which was ok but the cinnamon was too overpowering for me. I also their Stumptown Coffee w. bourbon which was an amazing coffee ice cream! Yummmmm.... Salt & Straw is definitely my favorite ice cream place of all time!!! :)
(5)Daniel C.
Fun and Tasty, although they need to keep their edge! Great hip ice cream! Try and enjoy!
(5)Tinie T.
Best ice cream I've ever had! Seriously. If you are in Portland, do yourself a favor and experience the creamy, milky globes of heaven (or, ice cream scoops) served up by Salt & Straw. I'm back in San Diego now, and I miss Salt & Straw. Ice cream here just isn't the same.
(5)Heather Lynn H.
Amazing Ice cream. Gosh it's just so rich so creamy so incredibly tasty exotic interesting and enticing. The lines are literally out the door. It can take well over an hour but it's worth it. The customer service is great. You can taste all the flavors Which is super fun. I got the honey lavender with the pear and blue cheese. The decadence with the herbal flavor is a great mix. I just loved it there. My friend got the chocolate potato chip which was so good and I also tried a cauliflower Ice cream Which was creamy and neutral. Such a great taste. Got to come here
(5)Athena L.
I can't believe I've lived in Portland for almost 3 months and I never had salt & straw! I have been missing out. Thankfully, I finally got a chance tonight. The line went out the door and around the corner, but DONT be discouraged! I only waited about 15 mins until I got to try some samples. Not bad at all! The workers here are awesome in getting the line moving :) Hooray for organization & efficiency! I tried their strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, honey lavender, and pear & blue cheese. WHERE ELSE CAN YOU GET SUCH INTERESTING FLAVORS? (Ici ice cream is one, but that's all the way in Berkeley) Strawberry Honey - Good! Although I loved that I could taste the honey, the strawberry was a little too overbearing for me. And I'm a strawberry ice cream lover. Maybe it was just the sample I got. :) Honey Lavender - love love love!!! The lavender taste is strong, but very tasteful! If I wasn't so full, I would've got this as my second scoop! Pear & Blue cheese - one of those flavors that I wouldn't even think about gettin just cus I hate blue cheese. Folks, this flavor does not the slightest taste of blue cheese.... Well, it wasn't strong enough for me to tell. It was a creamy ice cream with bits of PEAR in it. SO GOOD! Eventually, I ended up with one of their signature portland flavors of the month. Their theme is chocolatier series. I got the woodblocks hand roasted chocolate & toasted sesame. OMG, ok so I never order chocolate ice cream. NEVERRR. I love chocolate but in small quantities just because it's too sweet. But I couldn't resist this flavor because it was just the right amount of sweetness! It had swirls of caramel AND nuts in it. Sooooo good. I ate my entire scoop & waffle cone (which they make fresh right in front of you) in less than 5 mins :)) Definitely coming back again!!!
(4)Gamaliel V.
Tried the sea salt. Great ! Hospitality was amazing. The workers all took the time to consider what was in each ice cream and what might work for my nephew. This was pretty hard considering my nephew is allergic to everything that taste good :/ Very appreciative! Thanks !
(5)Shir F.
My favorite ice cream shop! Love the Seasalt with caramel ribbons and the Almond Brittle with salted ganache. The wait in line is terrible, but worth it for tasting all the yummy seasonal flavors they have on rotation.
(5)Joan F.
Had to try, after all these years of hearing about Salt and Straw's ice cream. I had salted caramel, and it was glorious. Usually ice cream stops tasting good to me after a few bites. This salted caramel was different--I can still taste the buttery sweet notes in it. My son was less enthusiastic but his waffle cone was completely devoured five minutes before I was done. We'll be back if we can figure out the parking.
(4)Patricia H.
Want an authentic taste of Portland come here. I got the seasonal roasted strawberries and toaster white chocolate. Heaven in my mouth. You can't miss the line, no worries it moves fast due to the great service. I tried what I ended up ordering first but I tried 6 flavors additional flavors and our server kept them coming. Although the line was out the door I did not feel rushed to make a decision. The lavender and honey is phenomenal a sweet aftertaste. The snickerdoodle is amazing and of course your famous sea salt with caramel ribbon is delightful.
(5)Jill S.
Sorry Portlanders, I don't think this place is worth the wait...but I'm still giving it 4 stars since it's really a personal preference of favoring simpler flavored ice cream. Stellar service, nice atmosphere, creativity is on point but none of the ice cream flavors really blew me away. I tried Honey Lavender, June's Special Koi Fusion's Kimchi and Rice, Coconut with Petunia's Salted Caramel Bars and ended up ordering Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. Maybe I sampled/ordered the wrong flavors? It's possible, but I also didn't want to be THAT person that stood and tried every flavor while there was a line out the door. Seems like a Portland staple that I'd recommend to out of town friends but this won't be my summertime hangout spot.
(4)Jordan H.
The day I went was hot for Portland so it was busier than usual. The line extended around the outside of the building, but the customer service made up for it and the line went quickly. I got the vanilla caramel ice cream, which is their most popular menu item. Absolutely loved it and is probably the best ice cream I've ever ate. Completely packed with flavor and left you wanting more. Also, the ice cream is moderately priced and they let you sample anything you want. Plus they hand make their waffle cones. It's a must stop for ice cream!
(5)Jessica S.
Nothing that hasn't been said before but a truly great ice cream shop with delicious flavors and original combinations. We waited 20 minutes that were well worth it for a the fresh made waffle cones, sea salt caramel and pear/blue cheese ice creams. Probably some of the best I have ever had.
(4)Anna H.
It was cold, rainy and windy in Portland when I visited. So that only meant one thing... ICE CREAM!!!! I always like to say, "There's always room for dessert!" (totes true btw). It was 45 minutes till closing and the place was crackin'. Lines were out the door but I didn't want to be a total scrub so I squeezed my way inside to avoid the cold. It took about 10 minutes to move to the front area and I started my sampling. I tried a few things here and there but didn't find anything to my liking. However, the pear and goat cheese one totally won my taste buds. I know the combo sounds weird, pear and goat cheese, but it actually tasted really well together. It was like salted caramel corn in my opinion. You got the sweetness of the pear and the saltiness of the cheese. Definitely recommended!
(5)Nick T.
Amazing ice cream! Sampled quite a few of their offerings and everything was delicious and savory. The kimchee and rice ice cream was unique but I ended up settling on the coconut with petunia's salted caramel.. And it was incredible. The waffle come was perfectly crispy and had a nice sweetness.
(5)Ashley C.
I am a fan of Salt & Straw. I love the rotating flavors, and the great flavor combinations they come up with. Being able have lots of samples is fun too. Usually I just bypass the line and get a pint - definitely the way to go if you don't want to stand in line and don't care if your ice cream isn't in a cone!
(4)Kenneth C.
Great ice cream but an extremely long line and a relatively high price. We were four people and waited in line for close to 45 minutes. I guess the lesson learned is not to come on a warm Sunday afternoon as everyone else would too! Once we got near the front of the line, one of the staff came by and asked us what flavors we'd like to try. After demonstrating her incredible memory skills (she didn't write anything down!) she went back and got us spoonfuls of each flavor we requested, and after that she helped us with our orders. I settled on a scoop of the sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons and coffee with bourbon. The caramel is wrapped into the ice cream and since it's been frozen, it gives it a chewy texture (which I really enjoyed). The ice cream was very good, but in terms of improvement areas, I would have wanted more of the caramel ribbon since it tended to be in clumps so you never really got the salt AND caramel taste, it was often either-or. The coffee ice cream tasted great too as far as ice cream flavors go, but where was the bourbon taste? They make their waffle cones on site which is a plus for freshness. I had two full scoops - in retrospect, unless you are eating ice cream for lunch - get a split-scoop instead. It'll be more than enough. I liked that they had a little water station set-up near the cash register. They should have had a bathroom available for us to wash our sticky paws afterwards, though. Overall a delicious experience but the wait was ridiculously long. Next time I want Salt and Straw, I'll go in and buy a ready-packed pint. You don't have to wait in line for those :-)
(4)Devin M.
Gosh, I almost think I shouldn't review this place....obviously Its already perfect! Easy to read menu, beautiful location, lots of neat items for sale, and cool cool service. Everyone there seems nice and treated really well. Maybe they're all on a sugar high? They influence you to try as many flavors until you find "the one". So its great for those with commitment issues. Eh, em...me! I couldn't decide if I wanted a out there unusual flavor; (pear and blue cheese), malted milk shake, or almond brittle with salted ganache. I settled with the ganache. Call me boring, I DON'T CARE! That flavor was worth every bite. I splurged for the waffle cone...mmmm!!! All in all, it's pricey, delicious, high end flavored ice cream. Also! I purchased some salted licorice for my mother who is a connoisseur of salted licorice. It was pricey as well, but we'll see how she likes the licorice. My mother is worth all the money in the world...I'll fight the urge to eat it myself. :p!! I'll be back for the occasional cone and totally gonna buy that owl style waffle cone mug. Yes, I haven't stopped thinking about it.
(5)Calvin L.
30 minute wait for ice cream? No problem if it's Salt & Straw! Vanilla (Single Scoop) ($3.95) So yeah, the line is going to be long, but doesn't that mean it's bomb AF!? They help you before you get to the front of the counter asking if you want to try any samples. I'm sure they know everyone is going to try everything. I tried everything, and the Vanilla was so good. I love Vanilla (and no, it's not boring). Our group even tried to give whoever helped us a tip for being so helpful, but she said she couldn't accept it and just left us with a smile. So nice! The hype is real. The line is worth it. And make sure you get the waffle cone.
(5)Amber S.
If you haven't tried Salt and Straw before, stop what you're doing immediately and go to the nearest location and go try some! The best ice cream flavors your mouth has ever dreamed of and I'm not over exaggerating. Yes, the line will probably be out the door but it easily only takes 20 mins until you're inside and someone who works there is asking if there's any ice cream samples you would like! They literally let you try as many as you want. And they are all delicious. From trying pear blue cheese, to goat cheese with mango habanero, the creativity with these flavors are unique and definitely taste like it too. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Tara N.
Delicious organic ice cream!!! We had to wait about 20mins in line before we could order but it was well worth it! I'd highly recommend the vanilla, salted caramel, and the honey lavender. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!! The price is great for the quality you get. Highly recommend it! We're going back again before we leave Portland tomorrow!
(5)Carole Y.
I loved Salt & Straw so much we came here twice during our short stay in Portland! The first time we came, it was during dinner hours and there wasn't much of a line at all. Lucky us. I ordered the strawberry gone balsamic + black pepper. Sounds super weird but it was a really good combination! Really enjoyed this one. I got the Stumptown coffee the second time we came back and it was delicious as well! Coffee + ice cream are always a great combination in my book. Service was friendly, and although the lines can get pretty long it's worth it. Give their unique flavors a try, promise you won't regret!
(5)Noah U.
Portland is greatly enhanced by the joys of Salt & Straw ice cream. The only problem with the Alphabet District location is sometimes there can be lines for it out the door. Their flavor list is very long, with some unique flavors to boot. They have a different theme each month for half of their menu. All the typical modifications in size and for milkshakes are present. I went into Salt & Straw just after it opened for the day. There was no line then. I ordered the birthday cake and raspberry flavor, since berries are the theme of the month now. It was exceptional and perhaps just as creamy as some liquid nitrogen ice cream scoops that I've had. The cake batter stood out and the berry provided a beautiful contrast which put me in heaven. They have lots of seating. Salt & Straw is ready to satisfy your ice cream needs.
(5)Amy T.
I don't know what else to say that hasn't been said yet. -Quality you can taste. -Long line but it moves fast. They've got a good service system in place -Free samples -Unique/creative flavors I had the olive oil ice cream it was buttery rich with a nice olive oil aftertaste. Slightly savory but still sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. Wish I had more time in Portland to eat here more.
(5)Reid Y.
This is worth the wait. Friendly staff that will let you sample their flavors before you purchase! On a 4 day trip, I went here twice and got the Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper both times. Other awesome stuff includes Stumptown coffee from the tap, fresh waffles cones, a gluttonous ice cream taster with four scoops, and other PDX goodies like honey, popcorn, coffee, and cookies. Put this on your Portland list!
(5)Sid B.
My go ice cream place in heart of Portland. The line was around the block and it was worth the wait. We went as a group but they normally prefer to cater to one person at a time as they are so many flavor mixes to choose from. Do ask for tasters and don't hesitate to mix the two you like the most.
(5)Tram N.
Amazing! Now I know why there was such a long line. So worth it. I got the split scoop of Roasted Strawberry & Toasted White Chocolate and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and OMG it was heaven in a cup. There was chunks of strawberry and ganache in every bite! My sister got the Double Fold Vanilla and Sea Salt with Caramel. And it was perfect not too sweet and you can really taste the vanilla! We also got the Chocolate Gooey Brownie. It was just as yummy. Very rich in flavor. The staff was very friendly and let us try everything! My only negative was that for an ice cream shop it was very hot inside. It felt better being outside.
(4)Sean P.
This is an incredible shop. They have a great aesthetic and both classic and creative offerings. Their service is very friendly. We tried the pear blue cheese and goat cheese, marionberry, and habanero flavors. Both were delicious and with an unparalleled creaminess. To top it all off, they went above and beyond when they found out we were on our honeymoon and made it a special visit.
(5)Stacy C.
Dare I say it's 'good'? Will I be strung up? I think it's a blast to take someone new there and do all the tasting but I just haven't found anything worth standing in a line that starts in Gresham. Keep up the good work, you're doing good things. That line don't lie.
(3)Robby S.
My god! They had a line around the corner! Their unique gourmet ice-creams are delicious if you're dying for something new and flavorful, their flavor a change with the season which is really great for the local farmers and environment. Their friendly well-dressed staff is very friendly and provide you with any samples you'd like to try while waiting in line just before you order so you can decide what you want. I will come here again! And again! And, need I say more?
(5)Whitney L.
Best ice cream you'll ever have! The place smells like sugar and freshly made waffle cones. The service is superb, too... They let you sample as many flavors as you want before buying. I decided on one of their classic flavors: gooey chocolate brownie. Absolutely delicious! I'm really glad I don't live near here. I'd eat ice cream every night. The only reason this review is four stars instead of five is because there can be a reallllly long line. I think we waited 45 minutes to be helped. It's worth it, but still a bit of a hassle.
(4)Christine N.
My oh my, the lines sure are long on the weekends but they're worth it. The smell of fresh waffle cones, good ol' jams (hip hop, R&B) playing in the background, and friendly people scooping your ice cream- all worth it. If the goat cheese marionberry habanero appears on the board, it's the only flavor I am getting. Too bad it's seasonal :( They gave it an extra kick of heat this season and I love it!! I know a lot of people are intimidated by some of the flavors but that's what samples are for. Take that risk and live on the edge a little bit. ;) Constantly craving this...
(5)Christine C.
Got the sampler - 4 flavors for $9. Perfect because there were 4 of us and we wanted to try different flavors. Honestly, I don't know any other ice cream shop that offers a sampler as an option. My favorite is definitely the **almond brittle with salted ganache** but every flavor I tried was delicious!
(5)Kim D.
Yum. Salt and Straw ice cream is delicious. They also sell sorbet for those who are lactose. The con-long, long, long lines. I came here at night and still had to wait around the block for some ice cream. They do give samples while you are waiting in line. Also, if there is a long line, do not expect to be able to find any seating. Seating is very limited when it is busy. The customer service is great. They hire very nice, friendly people. They have a variety of weird unusual flavors that you will find nowhere else. It is a place worth checking out at least once.
(4)Taisiya S.
What is up with everything in Portland having a line around the corner? But, WOW - Call me cheesy but I loved the Pear with Blue Cheese and I paired it with the goat cheese and lingonberry. Yummy ;) Lola had the honey lavender and kept RAVING about how much she loved it...and she's 3. Hubs...he had a root beer float. He was probably annoyed that I dragged him to get ice cream and we had to wait for 30 minutes...but screw him. What does he know about flavor and quality? It was worth the wait and I was happy to hear that they now have an LA location on Larchmont and another opening up in Venice! Yesssssssss.
(5)Mink M.
A little overrated in my opinion. It's very good ice cream, don't get me wrong but it didn't blow me away like other ice creams I have tried. It melted fast which kind of disappointed, the flavor was nice but again I didn't see any reason to get overly excited. Plenty of street parking. Very busy location and the line moves fast. They are friendly and offer samples. Between two people expect to easily spend $10. Not really worth it in my opinion.
(3)Amanda S.
The experience and atmosphere is worth the wait in line. Not to mention the ice cream! The employees are friendly and efficient and are always happy to let you sample their unique flavors of ice cream. Personally, I love the chocolate and vanilla - the honey lavender is pretty awesome too.
(5)Rita A.
My favorite ice cream, one of the few places I'm willing to wait in line for :) Love the monthly rotating flavors and can't go wrong with their classic flavors too. Friendly staff, too! They always ask if you want to try samples which is great. Arbequina Olive Oil and the Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon are my go-to flavors!
(5)Nathan B.
Great ice cream. Also usually a great long line, but if you know what you want and don't need to taste samples, they can sell you a pint and two waffle cones without the line and you can be out the door in under a minute.
(4)Emily T.
oh, oh my. this ice cream shop is similar to blue star donuts - don't go here thinking old school baskin robbins bland ice cream shop flavors and low prices. the prices are not low - but this shit is gourmet. the two people i was with tried various food truck flavors (which sounded interesting but sorry i just want to really enjoy delicious, well-done classic with a twist flavors). their samples came out on little real spoons and it was the cutest. i used to work in an ice cream shop so i appreciated how they kept the line moving - with workers coming out from behind the counter and tackling one group per worker. i ended up getting the waffle cone with chocolate fudge brownie and coconut with salted caramel bar. holy. i'm not even a huge coconut lover but this was just the amount of summer-time sweet and richness, to be enjoyed any season. we sat outside on a bench and i don't remember anything else going on because of the ice cream. i even got proposed to that day. in that moment, what ring? jk... but man i love good ice cream. i bought my double scoop and my two friends' cones and i recall the total being under 25 bucks. that might sound like a lot for ice cream, but when you take in the experience, the fun of going to an ice cream shop and receiving great service and delicious, unique ice cream, then enjoying it with your pals in the shade on a sunny day? you'd spend that much or more on desserts in a restaurant with crying babies and rude servers trying to kick you out so idk... something about an ice cream shop makes you feel like a kid.
(5)Kay N.
So I went during memorial day weekend and the line was over 40 mins! I didn't mind waiting because I got to try the hype! The employees are very friendly and don't mind if you try a lot of flavors before you buy. I tried the sea salt with caramel ribbons (their most popular flavor), Coconut with salted caramel bars and pear and blue cheese. I end up getting a scoop of the pear and blue cheese. That flavor wasn't too sweet which I really liked and the flavor just works. I just don't know how to describe it. The blue cheese wasn't too powerful, they add just enough in there. If you know what flavor you want and willing to just buy a pint from the fridge, you can skip the line and pay up front. I can't wait to come back next time!
(5)B K.
Great flavors, but it is so popular you are going to have to wait in a long line. Hazard of yelp acclaim. Stumptown coffee with Burnside bourbon was amazing. The almond brittle with salted ganache was also great, but a little on the sweet side. Definitely a spot to visit for a sweet treat.
(5)Dustin S.
Their flavors of ice cream here are so unique and delicious! I had the Stumptown coffee and bourbon ice cream. The smell of this place will lure you in. Ordering half scoops are a good way of saving money yet still getting plenty enough of ice cream. They offer cold brew (Stumptown) on tap which is my favorite!!! This place is usually always pretty busy. I went in a Friday night and there was a line out the door and around the corner of the building. Portland icecream must!
(5)Chris Z.
The line is always long but being able to try ice cream flavors you would have never imagined is priceless. Okay, it is not priceless, you still have to pay. But the ice cream is amazing, especially by having multiple unique flavors changing on a monthly basis. Updates online.
(5)蕾
Finally I arrived! Because parking spot is hard to get :) The staff are all good looking and friendly, they are very glad to help me try those flavors, as a asian my taste prefer not too sweet, they got Honey lavender flavor which is really creamy and "lavendery"! I just wanna say the lavender's flavor is really good. Anyway will be back, definitely.
(5)Ellen L.
There's a Salt & Straw in Larchmont but I'd never drive that far in LA for ice cream, so when I saw that there was one close to our hotel during our visit to Portland, I had to go. We waited probably 30 minutes in line. Not too bad, but longer than I'd like to wait for food. I liked that they had water at the front because it was super hot, and they had a pretty good system with giving people samples prior to ordering. I can't imagine how long the line would be if you had to get to the front before trying anything. I got the honey lavender and their special flavor of the day, strawberry white chocolate. They were both tasty but I don't know that I was blown away. I don't know if it was the heat or that we were going after dinner, but I didn't even finish my single split scoop. I can't say I'd go back and wait in line again to get it.
(3)Ambs W.
Line around the block, as expected. Service was excellent. I got a flight of four with a cone on the side. All the seats were taken so we stood to eat. The ice cream tasted better as tasters! After a few bites, the flavors blended together for me and the predominant take away was "salty." Also, because my scoops were in glass bowls and it was a hot summer night, they melted in minutes. I felt like I had to slurp it all down as fast as I could. Very interesting and unique flavors. Worth the amusement-park-style line once, but I don't think I'd go back. Sorry, fellow Yelpers!
(3)Merina H.
Every time I stop by in Portland, I would always make a request to come here! Delicious ice cream, great service, and excellent service! I always order the chocolate woodblock split with the stumptown coffee! I always debate on trying new flavors, but I always crave it! My boyfriend orders the cinnamon snickerdoodle and he's officially hooked! we brought his nephew and he got the pear and goat cheese. He loved it! Before the actually ordering, the employees asks us what we want to try! Lines are long, but worth the wait!
(5)Ashley W.
Fantastically innovative flavors! The line is ridiculous but if you want to taste something different, it's worth it (and it actually moves fairly quickly). I got the strawberry rhubarb pie flavor and it was perfect.
(4)Niki K.
Love the variety of the seasonal flavors. Must get the snickerdoodle and carrot cake. Must try the chocolate potato chip cupcake. Went there twice in 5 days. Will definitely go again soon! The only downside is the line. Go on off hours to avoid waiting for an hour for ice cream.
(4)Erin E.
OMG! Why aren't you in Seattle?!?! :) Heard great things about Salt & Straw and they were right! Visited this place while in PDX for a girls weekend. Made it a point to try this place - we went to the Nob Hill location. Love their flavors and interesting flavor combos! I mean Blue Cheese with Pear? So good! So many different flavors I tried a bunch and it was definitely hard to choose. Coming from Seattle, Molly Moon's is a tourist attraction and everyone loves it. But to me it's okay... Salt & Straw knows how to make ice cream. I love the creaminess but it's not melting so fast you have to drink it. They're definitely on my go to when I visit. Worth the wait if you end up having to be in the long line. Super cute decor and fun ambiance. And not so hipster that it was actually a fun experience being there. Next time I'll have to do the tasting flight! How cool is that!
(5)Wade N.
I will admit it's the best ice cream I've ever had. With that being said, I don't need ice cream and would not choose to stand in line. My wife in the other hand would stand in line for an hour for this's ice cream. How she keeps her slender physic is mind blowing. Want the best ice cream ever try this place. They are deserving of the rating of USA's Top Ten for ice cream.
(5)Kathryn N.
DAMN, PORTLAND. You've made a huge fan out of me. It doesn't get better than this, folks. The service is excellent - once you get toward the front of the line, the staff is really friendly and patient on helping you decide what to get. I tried: Pear & Blue Cheese - Sweet & creamy. I don't particularly blue cheese, but I don't think it overpowered the pear at all. Sea salt w/ caramel ribbons - They told me this is their most popular flavor that people will go crazy for and buy multiple pints of it. Stumptown coffee & burnside bourbon - Subtle coffee flavor, if you like it that way. But maybe a little too sublte for my taste (the Stumptown coffee ice cream at Fifty Licks has more of a punch). Almond brittle w/ salted ganache - HANDS DOWN, my favorite flavor of the bunch. TIP: Sample as many flavors as you can! Forgo getting it in a cup- you MUST get it with their fresh waffle cones!
(5)Bernie F.
You drive-by Salt and Straw, see the line and wonder, "Could ice cream possibly be worth the wait?" Yes. Yes, it is. Get your ass in line, conversate with the lovely people you're with, and as you get closer to the door, breathe deeply of the sweet, waffle-ly scents that pull you in. Curious about a flavor? Ask for a taste. Curious about 5 flavors? They'll gladly give you tastes of them too. Even for someone like me, who avoids lactose, Salt and Straw is a rare indulgence that I have to give in to when inventive flavors make their way to the menu board. This trip's winner: the elementary student named "Honey Bear". Delicious chunks of Violet Crumble candy are mixed in to a creamy ice cream. Good lord this stuff is good.
(5)Susan H.
The lavender ice cream here is better than Molly Moon's lavender ice cream. ^^ it's not as grain-y and it's a pretty color.
(5)Pani S.
Yes there are lines , yes it's a tourist destination , yes you're going to have to wait BUT the ice cream and the waffle cone are undeniably made with love ! The staff is also very efficient and moves down the line answering questions or providing samples of requested. Will definitely come back on the next trip!
(5)Sugey L.
Excellent service and even better flavors. Stand in line because you are in for a treat. You get to combine two flavors if you so choose to. Salted caramel, brownie and if you are lucky enough to be around when the banana flavor is in season, GET IT! This place is affordable, delicious, local and fantastic. A most.
(5)Brittney N.
Cool Moon's loss is Salt & Straws gain. We originally tried to go to Cool Moon, but after spending 20 minutes looking for parking, only to discover that it was closed for repairs, we decided to take the advice of a local and head up to Salt & Straw. The shop is cool, hip, most like places in Portland, with a sort of industrial hipster vibe. It happened to be raining that evening and so fortunately for us, the wait wasn't long, and we were able to sample everything we wanted without feeling like we were holding up the line. Unique flavors to be sure. Some I dared not try... basically anything on the savory end (olive oil, guac), though I was assured that these were some of the best sellers. After sampling, I was quite taken with Honey Bear, Snickerdoodle, and our ultimate choice, Salted Cream with Carmel. We loved it so much that we opted to skip the cone and go straight for the pint, which ended up being around $10. Ouch. Worth it. But Ouch. By the time we got back to our hotel it was the perfect amount of melty (though in total honesty, we didn't wait till we got back to dig in). Let me tell you why I loved this ice cream. It tasted like real ice cream made with real ingredients. The Carmel running throughout was good enough to eat on its own. If I lived in Portland I would be obese in short order thanks sole to this ice cream. Well done Portland.
(5)Twylla S.
What??? This place is the creme de la creme of ice cream in the haven of foodie dreams!! We stopped here several times and still months later dream about this place! The strawberry balsamic was my husbands favorite...and mine was the Bleu cheese and pear!! What we learned very quickly was the weirder it sounds the more incredible it is...if you ARE or CAN BE adventurous you need to break out of the box here! You will regret it if you don't.... Is it bad to fly back to Portland just for ice cream....?
(5)Caden R.
How do I review a place that I've been to a million times and will go to a million more? I guess the least I can do is give it 5 stars and share some of my favorite scoops. The best part of this place and what keeps me coming back each month are the new monthly flavors. Each month there is a series of new flavors that are pretty adventurous and downright tasty. Some of my past favorites include: Cheddar Apple Pie, Goat Cheese Marionberry Habenero, and Olde People. There is always a wait, but if you know what you want you can skip the line and grab a pint. Some of my favorite traditional flavors include: Pear and Bleu Cheese, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. Delicious!
(5)Seth F.
Simply amazing. Probably the most unique and best ice cream I've ever had. Definitely go there and expect to wait but don't leave. Wait in line. It's well worth it
(5)Lynn T.
This was a lot of fun. We had Alice help us and she made us feel welcomed and allowed us to sample endless flavors. With creations like pear with bleu cheese, you're going to want to sample it before getting a big ole scoop. We ended up getting a 4 flavor flight. We chose the chocolate, Stumptown coffee, sea salt with caramel, and coconut with petunia. Just a heads up, when we got in line, it was around the corner to where the bench is and the wait was only 15 min. The service is excellent here. =)
(5)Nohemy C.
Yes, it is delicious and unique. Yes, the line is outrageous. If you don't mind waiting 1 hour for a handmade waffle cone and a one of a kind ice cream then this place is should be on your to-do list when visiting Portland! Be prepared to pay $5 for a two half-scoops on a cone. Street parking is good. Decide what flavors you want to try when you are in line!
(4)Janny S.
Walking in, you are greeted by the smell of freshly made waffle cones wafting right into your face like whoosh! I have recently been obsessed with lavender ice cream and Salt and Straw's Honey Lavender nailed it and nailed it good! It's a gorgeously light purple colored, velvety smooth, perfect temperature and consistency and tastes professionally made! Not homemade, because really, who the hell can make this stuff at home and taste this good? As soon as I took a bite, my eyes lit up and a single tear trickled down my cheek. At that moment, that minute, I felt like my life was complete and I was ready to die. I can't stop thinking about it. I also tried the Strawberry Balsamic w/ Black Pepper which was sweet and tangy at the same time. The black pepper, there is something about the black pepper in strawberry ice cream that makes it taste weirdly good. Try the Oregon Peaches w/ Toasted Walnuts from The Late Summer Harvest Series because it makes you feel like autumn bursting in your mouth! So delicious, peachy and crunchy with bits of walnuts. Everyone working there is ridiculously friendly and happy! Workers are dancing behind the register to a Spice Girls song, smiling and greeting everyone they help. Never have I seen food service workers so eager to offer me a sample and be so genuine about it! They literally come out into the line, ask you what you would like to try, and bring you spoonfuls of ice cream to sample! I am amazed with the service. The scoops are super generous, if you get two scoopfuls, it's a lot to eat because each scoop is the size of my fist. My tip is to don't eat so much during dinner and leave extra room for two scoops! Or you can get two flavors, half scoop each. They are extremely eager to please and make sure you are taken care of.
(5)Crowe Bros M.
I felt that the ice cream at Salt & Straw was mediocre. Really awesome, interesting flavors, but I actually enjoyed Alotto Gelato (A stone's throw away from S&S) a great deal more. I tried 3 different flavors (Chocolate Brownie, Cupcake Potato Chip and Almond Brittle) and they were all nothing to call home about. With the Chocolate Brownie, I was really hoping that I was going to be hit with this wonderful, intense wall of chocolate, but it was disappointingly underwhelming. In terms of experience, it was great. Although there was a line, it seemed to move pretty quickly. All of the employees were super nice and were very quick to offer us samples of anything that we wanted to taste. I would say that if you're in the NW 23rd area, you have some time, and you want some ice cream, then give Salt & Straw a go. Although I did not love it, it's very possible that you will.
(3)Barbara B.
There new flavors are so much fun to try! The ice cream is creamy & delicious. One scoop is usually plenty in a waffle cone. Tonight I had lemon cucumber sorbet. Light & definitely tasted like cucumbers. Sampled cauliflower & carrot carrot cake. Waiting in line is part of the experience, but tonight was not to busy. Friendly servers, & never feel rushed even if the line is long. You definitely want to sample all the new flavors.
(5)Pam N.
Expect long lines. Take advantage of the free tastings. I'm glad I did because I never would have encountered the Arbequina olive oil flavor. It's incredible--rich and very, very good! Probably the best ice cream I've ever had. One full scoop on a waffle cone is plenty.
(5)Fawn W.
Worth the line. Worth the line. Worth the line. But if you really hate lines...just skip it and buy a pint (they allow that...which we didn't find out until we'd stood in line). We for a flight of 4 or 5 ice creams. Each one delish. Favorite, by far, Salted Ice Cream with Caramel (aka Salted Caramel).
(5)Tony V.
What I got: Almond brittle w/ waffle cone What I thought: Once I got to Portland, this was definitely at the top of my list to go visit! The wait was kind of long but it moves fairly quickly so it wasn't too big of a deal. Workers here are very nice and friendly so big plus for that since they're working at hectic environment with all the crazy ice cream lovers. The almond brittle was very sweet but delicious! There were bits of almond brittle candy in the ice cream which was my favorite part to eat! So bomb... There was also bits of brownies I believe. It tasted a little bitter to me so I didn't enjoy that part too much. Another thing that made the ice cream great was the waffle cone. Smells great, looks great, and taste fantastic! Craving some of that waffle cone now as we speak. Definitely a place to try if you get the chance!
(5)Autumn G.
Even without the expectations from the hype, I still would have been pretty disappointed. I waited in a long line, then ordered a shake (lavender and mixed berry) and waited probably 15+ minutes for it. I suspect that they forgot about it since the employees kept giving me a confused look and finally asked 'uh... Did you order something?' after I had paid. The shake was so bad that between me and two of my friends we couldn't even finish it. It was one of those shakes that didn't get thinner as time went on, it just turned into a room temperature gross gelatinous thing. I really expected MUCH better for $8, I wasn't expecting it to really be that gross. I wanted to get something fruity and, other than the strawberry balsamic, the shake was basically my only option. I guess if I wanted chocolate or caramel I probably would have had a better experience (I've tasted some of their ice cream and it was fine), but frankly, if they put something on their menu then they should keep it up to the quality of the rest of their products. In the end I wasted like an hour and $8 on something that was hardly even edible. How did this place become so popular with so many better options in Portland?
(2)Juan V.
Delicious. A Portland gem. One of a kind. Innovative. Bold. Worth every second of standing in line for 30 minutes. I'm not from Portland but, I'll definitely visit next time I'm in town.
(5)Amie L.
My recommendation: Freckled Woodblock Chocolate Ice Cream on a waffle cone After arriving in Portland around 10:30 on a Friday night, my friend and I were tired and sleepy from the flight and from the previous work week, but we decided that we didn't want to waste any of our weekend in Portland so we made Salt & Straw our first late night Portland stop. And boy was it worth it!!! Walking there, you can smell the freshly made waffle cones from blocks away. The storefront and the inside were perfectly nostalgic, cozy, and simple. My friend, a former Portlandian, let me know that I need not be shy about asking for samples here and that they are so happy to give them. And being a BIG fan of samples (I love dessert samples!), I asked for six different flavors to try and happily the kind employee brought out all six at once on individual metal sampler spoons. He also reminded me the name of each sample he brought, as I tried them one by one. This spot has lots of out of the ordinary flavors that are definitely worth a try! The first sample I tried could not be beat. Now I'm not a huge chocolate lover, but I may have changed my mind after tasting Salt & Straw's Freckled Woodblock Chocolate Ice Cream. OMG. It was so good. I'm talking the best chocolate ice cream that I have ever tasted. EVER!! This place is a MUST for anyone visiting Portland!
(5)Isabella L.
One of those places you have to go if you visit Portland. It's in this cute little area with great cafes, stores, and restaurants. Of course, theres a line up for this place all the time. We waited approximately 15-20 minutes in line. Got to the front of the counter and was able to sample a few of their flavors. I went with my usual: salted caramel. Very delicious if you're the type that likes really rich and heavy ice cream. There was an abundance of the salted caramel laced throughout the ice cream which I really liked. Only thing is they dont have any places for you to sit down and enjoy the ice cream but since its such a cute area you might as well walk around!
(4)Dawn L.
Who the heck stands in a long ass, wrapped around the building line, in 45-degree weather, in the dark, in the rain for ice cream? This girl. But I have an excuse. I flew 2563 miles to taste this. I don't know what all their excuses were...I had a good one. Visiting my daughter in college, she swears by this joint and I guess I can say it delivers. I don't know how or why but the ice cream was good. It tastes clean and fresh like there isn't a bunch of fillers and preservatives but just wholesome ice cream with real legit milk fat. The waffle cone was also crispy and fresh, not stale as if it had been sitting more than five minutes. The employees were cheerful and helpful and patient as customers asked to try flavor after flavor of their odd concoctions. So for those of you that like foodie flavors, they have 'em--and they'll let you test as many samples as you like. You can even order a flight of nine different flavors if you can't decide on one or two that you want! Super cool LITTLE joint that I wish I had gone to again. Street parking only but there is an abundance all around. Few table inside but it's ice cream so it's portable. Plan on standing in line and waiting anywhere from five to 25 minutes and the kidlet tells me all Salt & Straw locations are as busy (if not worse) so no point in driving around to them all trying to find a less busy one.
(4)James E.
It's really good ice cream, and I appreciate the concept of not rushing the customer through the line. It's nice to know that you can taste until you find just the right one. However, in this class of ice cream, you'd do better to visit Ruby Jewel. Same concept, shorter lines, better ice cream.
(3)Mayme W.
I was lucky that I got in line before it got really busy on a sunny Sunday afternoon. They had an eclectic menu of unusual ice cream flavors, pairing sweet with savory flavors. The servers offered customers small spoonful tastings of the flavors they were interested in, to help them make up their mind while waiting in line. The August vegetable ice cream menu featured cucumber, green fennel and cauliflower. The most unusual flavor available at the moment was garam masala-cinnamon-cauliflower (which I didn't try, although I love Indian food). I tried the green fennel-maple, and the strawberry-honey-balsamic vinegar-black pepper, but neither of these appealed to me, as the savory taste was stronger than the sweet. I ended up choosing honey-lavender which for me, had the right balance and was unusual and tasty. or the timid tongue, chocolate brownie and salted caramel flavors were available too. Adding to the sweet excitement while waiting, a server was pressing batter to form fresh waffle cones! I pity those customers who chose to have their ice cream in a paper cup! A very generous portion (so-called single scoop) in a waffle cone cost $5! The only downsides were that the ice cream melted quickly, the line to wait can snake around the block, and there was limited bench seating on the sidewalk around the shop, but otherwise this is a definite visit for foodies!
(5)Daniel N.
I really hate the fact how good your ice cream are Salt and Straw. Since I ate one bite of the ice cream, it ruined EVERY single ice cream I had tried before. I'm sure the line here never be short. People love coming here, and so do I. Whenever I have a friend out of town comes to visit, Salt and Straw is my first place to take them. The strawberries w/ black pepper is the most flavorful ice cream here (in my opinion). Real strawberries inside with black pepper....so so so good!
(5)Isadora C.
For obvious reasons, Salt and Straw is good. One thing I can't really stand whilst visiting this place, is the insane line around the block for a scoop of ice cream... Lol. Anyways, I get their petunias coconut ice creams (rhubarb pie or the caramel bars one) when they have them on a waffle cone and I'm always pleased. The line is ridiculous though, it's always ridiculous.
(5)Annie C.
Yes yes yes yes yes!!!! I'm from Chicago and we have this place called Jeni's who also does unique ice cream flavors. I'm moving to Portland and now I know where I can get my ice cream fix. They let you sample any flavor and they're super nice about it! I had the sea salt with caramel ribbons and the freckled woodblock chocolate. I definitely recommend those flavors, and definitely on a waffle cone! I have a good feeling I will be frequenting this place in the near future! :)
(5)Roy B.
I'm glad a pdx shop is getting so much hype, but it's also reminiscent of a certain donut shop. While there are some wildly delicious flavors here, I've had troubles few times with their staffing decisions. Often I've been met with rude or condescending employees who seem to be just as fed up with the lines as I. Still, absolutely worth a try.
(3)Emily S.
There is no denying Salt and Straw is delicious. That being said, I don't think it is worthy of all the hype and fame it gets. I have several reasons why. First off, the lines! I cannot imagine any world where someone could portray waiting 20+ minutes (at a minimum) to get ice cream as anything but horribly unpleasant. Secondly, the cost. I get that it's more expensive to make fresh ice cream using only locally grown ingredients, that being said, I just can't really get behind the idea of two single scoop ice creams costing almost $10. Third, the flavors. While most Portlanders would hate me for saying this, not everyone loves vinegar, lavender, bone marrow, or God knows what else in their ice cream. I appreciate the Portland vibe but whatever happened to good old mint chocolate chip? Or cookie dough? Overall, I'd recommend Salt and Straw once to a tourist or person new to Portland, but other than that, save yourself some time and money and try one of the many other small ice cream shops in Portland.
(3)Jeanette S.
Excellent ice cream place!! I really love ice cream, and make it a point to try all the best ice creams whenever I visit a new town. The servers here are so friendly, and the ice cream is fantastic. I saw one couple get a flight of ice creams to try (I think it was 4-5 scoops), which is pretty interesting if you're here with a couple of friends who want to indulge.
(5)Dave S.
I rarely give a five star ratings. It's got to be everything. Location, service, style, taste and living up to the hype. It is the best I ever had. In my mid fifties now and I can't remember a better scoop. It's that good. The flavors are far reaching and they'll let you try all you want. Everything is unique. Try a flight of four if you can't decide. Such a treat. The cones are made there also or put it in a cup for a purely clean taste. Last words...I can't decide.
(5)Bella S.
Salt and Straw is the bomb! Friendly and fast service. Delicious and unique ice cream flavors. No complaints here.
(5)David C.
Wow I died and went to ice cream heaven. No really though, I had to get a sampler all to myself for my own fat ass. When the sugar high finally faded, I was left with the despair of knowing that I wouldn't have this again anytime soon. The wait in line was worth its weight in gold. Now I'm back in the Bay Area reminiscing on the good ice cream I had in PDX.
(5)Christopher J.
This was one of the spots she wanted to try most so I'm glad we fit it in our itinerary. Employees were very nice and helpful. They gave us samples of anything we wanted to try. We ended up ordering the following: -Walnut Banana ice cream in a waffle cone (my choice and it was delicious) -Blue Cheese Pear in a waffle cone (her choice and not my favorite) Ice cream here was full of quality no doubt.
(5)Vanessa S.
Talk about some good ice cream! I came here during my first trip to Portland and it was so hard to pick a flavor. So hard. I actually went with the Pear & Bleu Cheese. I thought it was interesting to put bleu cheese into the ice cream, but after giving it a taste, I had to go with it. Their combination of flavors go so well together. Trust the Salt & Straw.
(5)Pratyusha R.
Strawberry balsamic ice cream with black pepper. Period. One of the best ice creams I've tasted. Definitely worth the 45 mins wait!
(5)Nikki A.
Most amazing ice cream place. A must visit. The waffle cone smell just wafts throughout the shop and is divine. I got a cone with one scoop of almond brittle and salted ganache and one scoop of sea salt with caramel ribbons. I wish there was a location near me--or maybe I don't because I would be tempted to go every day!
(5)Jenna H.
Everyone I knew mentioned I had to go to Salt & Straw when I went to visit for the weekend. So naturally, we had to make a visit to the place that came with such high recommendations. YES the line went out the building and around the corner. YES the servers were very friendly. Never felt rushed, nor did they roll their eyes or seem frustrated when my friends and I decided to pretty much go down the entire menu. I wish I took our server's name. He was one cool dude. Super friendly. When my friends and I were talking about wether we were getting single or double scoops, he casually mentioned to get the split size, you get two flavors and almost as much as a double scoop for a lesser pricer. SCORE. +Cinnamon Snickerdoodle: Loves the huge pieces of actually snickerdoodle cookie in it. +Honey Lavender: My favorite. It's subtle without being overly sweet. My friend raved about their Olive Oilflavor. She was seriously considering of spending $78 for them to ship 6 pints to her in California. Thats $13 a PINT for ice cream..talk about devotion.
(5)Jacob M.
Went here at 7:30 on a Monday and ( gasp!) there was no line. A friendly gal came out to offer samples while I was in line, which was awesome because there is an entire wall of choices. The ice cream attendant recommended a scoop of the salted caramel and one of the almond brittle with chocolate ganache. I took her advice and was not disappointed. It was the best ice cream I've ever had. The salted caramel was incredibly salty but the creaminess of the caramel balanced it out. The almond flavor in the other scoop was very subtle and balanced. The second scoop was studded with generous chunks of gooey chocolate goodness. It's an interesting combination of flavors and definitely worth a try.
(5)Joanna S.
The only thing healthy are the portions! I went to Salt 'N Straw on the recommendation of a friend. I was visiting my dad in Portland and this place made it on her Top 10 List. Oh boy, was this worth the long line and saturated fat content. (I'll workout tomorrow.) I ordered the almond brittle and salted chocolate ganache ice cream on a waffle cone. It was absolutely delicious - creamy and a great balance of salty and sweet. I would say there were a bit too many (semi-sweet/dark) chocolate ganache pieces, but otherwise this was fantastic! I also tried the rocky road and chocolate flavors, which were also great. Loved that they were making waffle cones from scratch right in front of the customers! Lastly, staff is super friendly, which is the mark of a great business!
(5)William C.
This place was great I would suggest you go check it out. They have some crazy ice cream some of them sound bad but they taste great.
(5)John C.
Why stand in n line is kind of cool. It tastes amazing, if you can buy a quart then you don't have to deal with loss. It's super delicious and worth the wait.
(4)Ruben S.
Unusual but amazing flavors. This is ice cream well beyond your average Ben and Jerry's. The ice cream is all dairy and the ingredients locally sourced. Be aware that this place is popular and lines often wrap around the side of the building. Unless time is critical, stick it out: the reward is worth it.
(5)Diana W.
Love this little shop! They're always so friendly and I always get to try all the different flavors though my favorite is still the sea salt with caramel ribbons. I also love that they have so many different chocolate flavors! A must for chocolate lovers!
(5)Eavan M.
I went to this location once and didn't have to spend a long time in line. Off-peak hours, I guess. Sidewalk seating. They're nice about letting you try flavors before taking the plunge. The ice cream is fantastic. I've eaten it several times, at three different locations. I find I prefer the creative-but-still-desserty flavors. Honey lavender is my personal favorite. The sweetcorn ice cream tasted remarkably like both corn and ice cream, but I don't know that those flavors need pairing.
(3)Triska L.
By far the most exquisite ice cream experience I've ever had! A few years ago I never would have gone to an ice cream shop for ice cream, let alone wait in line for 30 minutes to get my cone. I would have gone to the grocery store, bought a pint, and enjoyed it at home. Salt & Straw has changed how I enjoy ice cream though. From their hand-made waffle cones to the perfectly balanced ice cream flavors (yes, ice cream can be balanced) to the cheerful and friendly employees, Salt & Straw has reinvented the ice cream shop experience into something delightful and magical. Personal Favorites: Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache (I get it every time!), Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, Honey Lavender, Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon Seasonal Favorites (as of May 2015): Honey Bear; Stop, Guac, & Roll
(5)Mel G.
Yup, it's true--it's freaking delicious. The service is also great--the servers come asking you for samples so that when you order you 100% know what you are getting is going to hit the spot. I did the sea salt and caramel ribbons and I think it may rank among some of the best ice cream I've ever had. Woah..
(5)Katie H.
Stumbled on this place about a year ago when I was walking down the street, must have been before the place was REALLY discovered as the line wasn't very long. I ordered the bleu cheese and pear ice cream and wasn't extremely blown away. I have been there a few more times and each time I go it's always little bit of a letdown. I understand it's the ice cream place to go to and it's got very unusual flavors, but I must be a "regular ice cream" girl because I'm just not down on the tomato or olive oil ice cream. Now that's it's so popular, it's a joke to even think about going because of how long the line is. I'll leave this place for the kids that want to wait and instagram it.
(3)Lilly C.
The adventurous flavors have my pallet doing cartwheels!!! As strange as some of the flavors may sound, give them a try you won't regret it!!! Yes, the line that seems to go on forever with no end in sight is worth standing in. Don't cheat yourself folks, treat your self to salt & straw!!
(4)Lillian Z.
I debated for a while how I wanted to rate Salt & Straw. On the one hand, the wait here is cray, and standing in a line that goes out the door and wraps around the building while people file past you bearing delicious looking ice cream cones is pure torture. But on the other hand, could it all be worth it to get this unique and delicious ice cream? Contemplation. Salt & Straw is, admittedly, a pretty touristy destination if you're going to Portland for the foodie scene. But oh my. Even for someone who isn't really the biggest fan of sweets, I really enjoyed my Salt & Straw ice cream. The thing that really pushed me over to the 5-star side was the bomb dot com customer service. I went with a group of 4 and after waiting in line for a while, when it was finally our turn, we wanted to make it count. The reason why the line takes so long isn't because they (Salt & Straw) are slow... it's because we (the customers) are slow. Salt & Straw graciously allows you to taste pretty much whatever flavors you want. With my group of four, we each wanted to try a bajillion different things before we decided on what to order to share between us. Our server was super helpful and accommodating and even though I realize that we weren't being the most decisive folks around, I never felt pressured and or hurried by our server to make a decision, which was much appreciated. I did feel bad for probably holding up the line more, but it seems like most people are into the business of taste testing a ton of things before ordering, so take advantage! Flavors we tried: + Honey Lavender (This one was my runaway favorite! It wasn't overly sweet, which was perfect for me, and it was so creamy. Sigh. Heaven.) + Dandelion sorbet with spring flowers (In my group, this was our initial first favorite. But be warned, it is a bit on the sweeter side and it is a sorbet, so if you're going to be eating a ton of it, be sure you really really want to eat a significant amount of something really sweet. + Cherry Blossom: Like the dandelion sorbet, the cherry blossom was a seasonal Portland flavor for May, but it was also really good. + Olive Oil: This one surprised me, but in a good way. I wasn't really sure what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed this one. I don't even know how to adequately describe it. You'll just have to try it for yourself to understand. + Blue Cheese and Pear: I tried this one mostly for kicks because I actually really love the combination of blue cheese and pear (in salads, naturally), so I was curious about how it would taste in ice cream form. It was good, but I also don't know that I would order an entire scoop of it. At the very least, it tasted a lot better than I thought it was going to taste... Also, the waffle cones are delicious. I am terrible at eating ice cream from cones. It always turns into a horribly messy affair. Cones and I just don't get along. I know. I have problems. BUT, I did quite enjoy these waffle cones. House made and with just the right amount of sweetness, without overpowering the ice cream. Perfect. tl;dr: I enjoyed Salt & Straw a lot more than I thought I would. It is super touristy, yes, but the ice cream flavors are unique, and on top of that, actually really well done. The staff is super courteous and helpful, and the fact that they actually encourage you to try as many free samples as you want is just the cherry on top of the ice cream cone. Definitely looking forward to checking out the LA location at some point too!
(5)Kailes B.
I don't know why I'm bothering to review this place. Do you really need to read reviews before going? Dude look at the stars to reviews comparison! That could basically be a small town. Okay so I'm feeling like a veteran when I go now, so I do the whole "gotta try all the seasonal flavors" thing. I won't comment on them because they always rock but only last about a month! My all time faves; Stumptown Coffee and Bourbon, Strawberry Balsamic and Black Pepper, Sea Salt Caramel (I think thats usually everyones) and the Snickerdoodle! A lot of less sophisticated palate's will think the sea salt caramel is "too salty" but it's just not. I mean the ice cream is named sea salt....sooo.... All in all, Salt & Straw is a Portland staple. If you come here and don't try some of the arguably best ice cream in the PNW (maybe even US) you are missing out.
(5)Liz T.
After a nice hike, we decided to make our way over to the Salt and Straw. It was located in a very cute neighborhood. The neighborhood had gorgeous homes, boutique style shops, cafes and bars. When we parked (street), we saw a line almost to the back of the building. It was a little discouraging but it seemed to be going quickly. It's a fancy ice cream shop with lots of fun flavors. It's a frou frou place, as my husband would say, BUT it backs up the reputation and isn't obnoxiously priced. I ordered the blue cheese and pear to try and the olive oil ice cream. I liked both, but decided I was in the mood for the coffee and the salted caramel ice cream DELICIOUS!!!
(5)Steven G.
A must stop while in Portland, here's some tips and tricks to abide by... 1. You will be in a line, there's no way around it but since you must it's only prudent to imagine what you're going to have, people watch and have some friends with you to make the time fly by. 2. Don't be scared by the unique flavor combinations or the unusual amount of guys with beards (don't worry, you haven't crossed into Amish Country, it's just a bunch of hipsters). 3. Keep an open mind because once you're up at the tasting counter, it's go time Maverick! 4. Upon tasting something phenomenal, don't let your eyes roll in the back of your head and start writhing like the Holy Ghost took over. Believe me, it ain't cute although the staff get a kick out of it. 5. Taste test every flavor if possible, you won't regret it and its encouraged by the staff! 6. Choose the best flavor in a waffle cone for now then take a pint home for later! This ice cream is hands down the freshest I'd ever tasted so it's worth every bite and penny. This is truly a jewel of the Alphabet District!
(5)Mike I.
What a line! Just had to jump in and check out what all the hype here is for. Had the roasted strawberry and chocolate ice cream that blew my mind. Probably some of the best ice cream I've ever had. If in portland or on this street, this place is a must especially with all the hot weather going on now.
(5)Rae Dawne G.
When I think about my trip to Portland, I think about Salt & Straw. I have some pretty high standards for ice cream since I've worked in a few ice cream shops before. I know when a place is clean, and if their ice cream is fresh. Salt and Straw, please come to the Bay Area, I miss you. They have some unique flavors and they're soooo good! The service is amazing, and they don't give you the stink eye when you ask for samples. As soon as I got my cone (a waffle cone is a must), I wanted to turn around and get another one. Good thing my boyfriend was so full from lunch and I got to finish his too :) Btw, if the line is long, just wait... It's worth it and every good ice cream place will have a line, especially on beautiful days.
(5)Monica C.
We originally were in the area to get bubble tea, but I remembered reading an article about how this was on the list for best ice cream shop in America. I couldn't help myself, I made our whole groupie stand in line just so I can make my own judgment about this place. The dudes definitely didn't really want to eat ice cream HAHA. Girls rule! The line wasn't terrible, I read reviews about it wrapping around a building. We came on a Sunday afternoon around 2PM, there was a line but it moved pretty fast. When you approach the door be sure to grab a menu. It'll give you time to decide on which ones you want to sample! I think you try as many as you want but be mindful of the long lines, don't be THAT annoying person we'd all love to hate haha. Some of the flavors sound disgusting, LOL. Bone marrow was the one I knew I couldn't stomach but I have to give this place kudos for the imaginative combinations. From what I recall there was tomato water, almond brittle crunch, honey lavender, along with normal flavors etc. I didn't get a pic of the menu! Sorry guys! But I guess it wouldn't be much a surprise if you knew what to expect. The service was great! Everyone is really smiley and very chill. I asked for three samples and settled for honey lavender and almond brittle crunch. It was good but I didn't think it was the best ice cream I've ever had. The ice cream is pretty smooth and creamy though, and it's great that the ice creams were made with sustainable products! The scoops are generous, I was really full! So the star of this trip for me was the homemade waffle cone. My friend ordered an ice cream-less cone just to crunch on because it was so fresh and we couldn't say no. Perfectly crisp and made all the difference in the world. Good ice cream, not incredible by any means but will satisfy your ice cream craving if you're looking for something funky cool!
(3)Rachel W.
I liked Salt & Straw so much that I had to go to both locations, two days in a row. I went to this location second, so I already knew which flavors I wanted to order - a split single cone with honey lavender & Stumptown coffee with bourbon. The employees at this location were remarkably friendlier than at the location in Alberta, and the gentleman who helped my boyfriend and I basically pulled us out of line and provided us with one-on-one service. We got to sample flavors (which we weren't offered the prior night), and the Universe III was OUT OF THIS WORLD. If you go, you have to at least try it. I ended up getting the honey lavender & coffee cone anyway, but I was really happy to have gotten to try all of the other flavors. Also, maybe this was because it was a Sunday night and in the winter, but this location was a lot less busy (which I prefer) than the other location.
(5)Jason B.
The endless lines. The quirky name. The giant mounts of iced happiness coming out the door. What drives me to this location is all of the above. I discovered quickly that the endless lines do indeed move quickly and usher you into the happiness that is this quirkily named establishment. Ice cream with balsamic vinegar? Yes, please. Don't avoid it, run towards it. Although it is much easier to reflex to their twists on classics (involving vanilla and strawberry), please-dear reader-give the more odd flavors a go. There are many a experience that you will be treating your tastebuds to that will not be soon forgotten (in a very good way). Be warned, however, this is rich ice cream full of a flavor explosion that you haven't had since your first cone when you were 8. So a single scoop in one of their hand made waffle cones will do you quite well. If it isn't, turn back around in the quickly moving line and dive into more happiness like Scrooge McDuck in his money pit.
(3)Camilo F.
Rarely do I crave Ice cream, but when I do long for an ice cold, sweet treat of my youth, Salt & Straw is the place I go! They have an amazing g selection of flavors, along with seasonal varieties that take some of the best ingredients Oregon has to offer. My personal favorite is the salted caramel ganache, and the bourbon (anything Bourbon will do in my book). Great space, rustic and old school vibe. The one downside is that it's almost as bad as standing in line to get on Space Mountain or any other Disney attraction. Great tip: if you're going in to but a pint of the creamy good stuff, you can skip the line. Amen!
(4)Jenna R.
Amazing. The customer service is on point and very friendly. Don't mind the long line for the tasty treat!
(5)Jam C.
It's winter and there's still a line outside but don't worry it goes by quickly and their ice cream is definitely worth it. While in line the super friendly workers will happily hand you samples. If you're looking for something different and refreshing I highly recommend getting the lavender flavor. Other flavors I tried were strawberry balsamic honey w/ black cracked black pepper, fruit cake, sea salt caramel ribbons, bourbon pecan and brownie. Who knew balsamic and fruit cake would be great ice cream flavors! You can mix flavors by getting a split scoop or get the double (2 full scoops of each flavor). One scoop is plenty already in my opinion. They also offer an ice cream tasting flight and pints to take home. I only wish I can take pints back home with me to the east coast!
(5)Cathy-Renee D.
I was a little wary at first with the long line, but it went by really fast. The customer service was great. I was greeted and asked in the line, before the counter area, if I wanted to try any samples. They have a combination of simple flavors and unique ones such as pear and Bleu cheese ( which was surprisingly pleasant). I opted for the honey lavender and was extremely satisfied. The decor was very rustic and homey. I am from San Diego and definitely recommend this place for visitors.
(4)Dennis L.
I got the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette and the honey lavender. Very delicious! The strawberry flavor tasted just like strawberries without being artificially sweetened. The lavender flavor has a nice flowery taste which makes your breath refreshing. I would get those two flavors again! They are much better than the sea salt caramel that I had sampled. I recommend those two flavors over the sea salt caramel if you don't like things that are too sweet. Plus, the person who helped me was very nice and attentive.
(5)Amber T.
Adding on to the numerous five star reviews, this place is fabulous!! I mean you think of the craziest flavors of ice cream and they have it! Since coming here for a short period of time, we came two days in a row. I loved the lavender honey and olive oil ice cream. If you love lavender, get the lavender honey flavor. It's lavender galore! The olive oil is soooo good, it taste more creamy and buttery than like olive oil. But I think this is my favorite flavor. Also when going there just try every single flavor, the workers know the drill and will give you spoonfuls of ice cream samples :). Sigh craving for some now!
(5)Vicky H.
August was a Vegetable theme. Vegetable flavors + dessert really don't work... The potato chip crunch was the best one.
(3)Michael R.
Recently I've found that few places warrant 5 stars. However, this place does. The staff was happy to give out tasters on all of the flavors, and we were finally able to narrow down to a couple of flavors. They gave us two half scoops, so we could still get two flavors and have a reasonable amount of ice cream. They were also super friendly, super helpful, and were definitely aiming to please. The flavors are as varied as the colors in the crayola big box, and they're all really tastey. We showed up at 10:30 to a really long line, but it was worth the wait. It only took us 15 minutes to get our ice cream, and even in the last half hour of their shift, these girls were awesome. Good: Variety of interesting and delicious flavors, good service, and reasonable prices. Bad: Waiting in line, super crowded. Not really all that bad in comparison to the goods.
(5)Megan R.
I love Salt & Straw. Great people, great atmosphere, crazy flavors and classic alike. The only thing I dislike it the line. But it's always worth the wait.
(4)Jack C.
Perhaps not the best in town...but pretty damned good, and with probably the most creatively diverse collection of flavors. Some flavors can be quite odd, but I like the fact that they're willing to do things other ice cream places don't.
(5)Rita L.
Well it was a thirty minute wait but well worth it! It was fun waiting in line and talking with our friends in front and behind us, great crowd! Unlimited samples, I ended up with the Pear and Blue Cheese (amazing), Tommy went with the carrot carrot cake. Everything is homemade including the waffle cones Nice treat! A must visit if you like ice cream!
(5)Naomi L.
Great service + exceptional service = wonderful experience. I absolutely love well made ice cream, so Salt & Straw really hits the spot. Thanks to yelp for making this place stand out, so that my friend and I could go try! We were over in Ikea by the airport and were looking for something to munch on. Although several miles away, Salt & Straw poked up as something nearby to try. I'm so glad we did!! There was a line that went out the door, however it moved rather quickly. They have a nice "flavor menu" for you to look at while deciding that explain the fancy flavors. You can try as many flavors as you want all on reusable spoons (awesome). The person helping me was super sweet and friendly. We chatted about New Orleans for a brief bit. I guess you could describe the flavors as "foodie," so give me foodie anytime if that means super creative and delicious. I think it's important to remember that not all non-traditional flavors are going to be a hit for every pallet. My friend liked the olive oil, which I didn't care for. However, I was in love with the almond brittle w/salted ganache (I kinda wish they just sold the almond brittle so I could take it home!). Well deserved 5 stars for a small business making delicious food using sustainable/organic ingredients, and that locally sources when they can! I will definitely go back and bring friends when I travel back to Oregon.
(5)Alicia A.
I want to like it since it's the Portland thing to do...but I just can't. Keep Portland weird, but these flavor combinations don't really work for me. Or maybe I'm just weird.
(2)Ross B.
Worth the wait. Sometimes it's 45 minutes, sometimes an hour, if you have the time it's worth it. The selection is a touch overwhelming... But protip: they are VERY nice about giving as many samples as you'd like. It's really incredible actually, they are very helpful. The price point is what you'd expect of a high end, artisan icecream shop, not too much, but more than fro-yo. Get the waffle cone. It's similar to ordering coffee in a ceramic cup, it just tastes better!
(5)Austin J.
Hands down the best ice cream I've ever had. Cons: long line, and they charge an additional 50¢ if you want to put 2 flavors in the same cone.
(4)Sean B.
When I got in line I was drunk, when I got my ice cream I was sober. So yeah, it's a long line for a Monday night. Good stuff but I tried some flavors that were less than awesome. Garam masala and cauliflower was disgusting so was the lavender. The best by far was the almond brittle. The spot is over-hyped, but it is still good. The line never stops....... Come and try some weird ice cream in the city of weird. Tasty, interesting and unusual. The strawberry with balsamic and black pepper was surprisingly good, but the chocolate brownie was a bit salty and over rich. Definitely different and high quality. Prepare to wait.......
(4)Bonny L.
Was on our way to another dessert place but this place grabbed my attention since i love ice cream. It was my first time here so had a hard time trying to decide what to get but the servers were very nice and patient and let you sample many before deciding on your order. I settled on a split single scoop of Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper and Nongs Khao Man Gai PB. The Nongs Khao has a bit of a kick to it but love the brownie bites inside it.
(5)Nicole G.
Okay to be honest I am not an ice cream person so maybe I'm the wrong person writing a review but I will review my service and the waffle cone! The staff was super nice. Yeah the wait is long but that's what happens at a popular place! But worth the wait. Staff let's you try whatever you want before ordering and they don't rush you. Okay now for the waffle cone. That was out of this world! House made right behind the counter. It was so good! I could have just eaten the waffle cone and been so happy. Again I don't like ice cream to begin with so I do not think it is fair for me to review that since I wouldn't highly rate it since I don't like ice cream. I do wish they had had a sorbet for people who don't like ice cream. I will say that the ice cream was great quality and was very well made!
(4)Hazel C.
Great customer service and good ice cream! We had to wait in line for at least 20 minutes to get our ice cream which I was prepared for as it's summer and we went there on a beautiful and warm Saturday afternoon! We've stood in lines like this in SF for Bi-Rite and Humphrey Slocombe. I like how there is room in this place to eat your ice cream! It's a large enough open space so you never have to feel closed in when waiting in line with so many people. You don't have to in line if you're just buying pints. Just head on up to the cashier after choosing your pint! As for the ice cream, it was good but I was expecting bolder flavors in their Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon Ice Cream. The coffee flavor could be stronger and I hardly tasted the bourbon. I have made my own coffee ice cream in the past using a recipe from the Bi-Rite Creamery cookbook and using Blue Bottle Coffee and it is a fabulous recipe--creamy and great coffee flavor. The Strawberry Honey Balsamic and Black Pepper ice cream was a nice balance of sweet and tartness. Yum! I have made this in the past too and it's such a nice combination of flavors. We'll definitely come back and maybe do a tasting flight next time. A flight of 4 flavors costs $9. Not bad. You get to try more flavors!
(4)Betty C.
Beautiful sunny day in March in Portland=line out the door @ Salt & Straw. We were visiting from SF home to some delicious ice cream shops (Bi-Rite, Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous, Humphrey Slocoumbe) and knew we had to try this place. Waited in line for about 30 minutes before we got to the front of the line. The gals working there couldn't be any sweeter. Opted for the coffee and bourbon and sea salt and caramel flavors. Very creamy, not too sweet, on a sugar cone...very delectable indeed. Could see why there are so many fans. I thought the almond brittle flavor sounded the best but the flavor was actually only o.k. Definitely a must stop if you are in the Alphabet District.
(4)Brandon S.
Unique, Local and Very Portland! In November where can you get turkey skin toffee brittle in your ice cream? Only Salt & Straw .... And it is good! I really enjoy the ice cream and the culture here, but recommend skipping days that there is a 20 minute Disneyland style line waiting to get your scoop.
(4)Rachel R.
The hardest decision I made the weekend I went to visit Portland was choosing an ice cream flavor at Salt & Straw. If you know me at all, THIS IS NEVER AN ISSUE. But to my complete surprise, I was diggin every single flavor they had. So I thought, OK RACH GET THE ICE CREAM FLIGHT. All to yourself while the long line of people stare at you eating it? YEAH, NO. So I narrowed it down to two flavors and did the single split. Oh, what is a single split you ask? Wellllll it only means choosing 2 flavors and still have it count as 1 scoop! Genius. Seriously. Went with the ricotta honey and pear/bleu cheese. WORTH EVERY BITE, all the way down to the end of my waffle cone. I seriously still have dreams of this place. Funny story. I whispered to my bf while he was paying at the cash register how I thought this was the best ice cream i've ever had, and the cashier heard and said "thanks for loving it so much." UM YEA I NEED TO TAKE WHISPER CLASSES. Was never good at that.
(5)Cee A.
I'm not an ice cream expert. If you tell me the ice cream is locally produced, hand-made, made from locally-sourced ingredients, and is dang good -- well, I am an expert in delicious. And I can tell you this much -- S & S's product is most definitely delicious. I much prefer this artisan, craft-made sort of ice cream as opposed to the mass-produced Umpqua Dairy sort that tends to be found all around the state. I mean, if McDonald's locations carry Umpqua ice cream, it can't be that special, can it? And that's why S & S is special -- there's only one place to find such unique ice cream.
(4)Dominique R.
The ice cream is good...no great! But I think everyone knows that. Here's what stuck out to me in terms of the service I got when I was there (which is just as important as the product, in my opinion): 1) You get to try as many flavors as you'd like while you're standing in line waiting to order. This really helps to keep the line moving efficiently and, more importantly, helps to narrow down which flavor(s) to order. 2) The waffle cones are outstanding. Just got one, it's worth however much extra it costs. 3) You can do half scoops! I knew I didn't want to commit to two whole scoops, so the guy helping us let me know I could do two flavors, half scoop each. It's 50cents more but, also worth it. I got the salted caramel and the almond brittle with the salted chocolate ganache. Sooo good. 4) Even though I ordered the two flavors above, they did give me a chocolate brownie flavor that I'd tried instead of my salted caramel. When I went back to let them know, the guy who helped us said, "Did you like the chocolate brownie? I'll just put the salted caramel on top, because we'd just throw the wrong scoop away anyway!" Sweet. We live closest to the Alberta location, which ALWAYS has a 10 mile long line. This spot was a little calmer and definitely worth a stop when you're in the area.
(5)April C.
I have to reiterate what everyone else has been saying about the bleu cheese and pear: AMAZING! I wasn't sure what to expect but there is a fantastic balance of flavors. The menu alone can be overwhelming but I highly recommend just one or two flavors at a time to really savor the bounty of the NW. Also...be mentally prepared for the long line and have a smile on your face--it's ice cream!
(4)Mimi T.
These stars don't lie! Their ice cream is definitely worth trying. It's a cute ice cream joint in Portland that I've fallen in love with. :) even when it's super cold out, I can't help but stop by just to have it. Not to mention how big their scoops are! Salt and straw. I love you.
(5)Michael U.
For the last of my between-meal bites in Portland each of Salt & Straw's locations would receive a visit - the location on 23rd just after 7:30am before my side trip to Seattle and the one on Alberta mere hours before I departed Portland en route for home...obviously I was impressed or I'd not have gone back, but beyond the quality and originality of the ice cream it was the service that impressed me most since I was literally taken aside at both places and given a spoon-by-spoon education on the shop and its ingredients regardless of whether there was a line (Alberta) or if I was the only person crazy enough to be eating ice cream at 7:30am in the middle of a storm. Like much of the PDX Artisan scene the story at Salt & Straw begins with a single person whose idea bloomed into something entirely original and interesting by focusing on craft, quality, and organic local ingredients. Dedicated to the point of making their own chocolate, caramel, and certain baked items in house while incorporating ultra-high butterfat milk and interesting ingredients instead of simply making each flavor a sugar bomb or relying on additives the result of this "farm to cone" process is probably the creamiest ice cream I've ever tasted and with a density akin to gelato this is ice cream that eats like a meal, particularly the Malek's signature flavors - a well culled collection matched by interesting seasonal flavors that change by the month. Moving past waxing poetic and onto the flavors I'd be hard pressed to name all of the metal spoons I licked clean at Salt & Straw on either day, though particularly memorable options included Coffee and Bourbon, Pear with Blue Cheese, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, and Chocolate Mole but when it came time to order three options proved to be la crème de la crème, on my first visit the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and on my second a 2-scoop cup of Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and Candycap Mushroom with Port. Beginning first with the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons a common theme sat Salt & Straw was the complex balance of sweet and salty with expected flavors used in clever manners, in this case the base ice cream actually salty vanilla with the caramel so sumptuous and interwoven that the end result was like two layers twisted into perhaps the best "salty caramel" ice cream I've ever tasted - a bold assertion given my fondness for Toscanini's, Jeni's, Humphry Slocombe, and Sweet Rose Creamery - but one I'll stand by until all four can be tasted side-by-side, and one only furthered by the quality of my other two selections as each were equally creamy, incredibly balanced, and beguiling in their ability to take savory ingredients and fold them into the rich starter with an end result a flavor entirely unique, the almond brittle almost 'smoky' on the palate and the candycap mushroom distinctly earthy but also leavened tasting; the end result when blended with port something like pancakes with syrup meets poached pears - definitely an eye opener and quite unlike anything I'd experienced before in an ice cream.
(5)KeshiaSkye S.
I LOVE ICE CREAM, and had heard a LOT about Salt & Straw so I had to give it a chance, My husband and I ventured out recently after having our son this past summer to NW 23rd and decided ice cream was calling us. As we approached Salt & Straw, we saw a HUGE line. We waited our turn, ordered our ice cream and then found there was no where to enjoy it (if you have a 3wk old baby, you'd prefer to sit and eat). The ice cream was good; different, adventurous, yummy, yummy, yummy - However was the line worth it??? i dunno...
(3)Tam Q.
The best ice cream i've ever had! The line are ridiculously long but the staff is extremely efficient -- one person will give you tastings while you're standing in line and get your ice cream if you already know what you want. The Stumptown Coffee with Bourbon and Salted Caramel are my favorites!
(5)Renalen C.
super cute super hipstery ice cream joint with unique flavors which i sadly could not try in one sitting. i did have the sweet corn/waffle/caramel flavor. amazing! my friends had they cheddar apple pie which they raved about as well. apparently it can get busy, so we lucked out cuz we waited a total of zero minutes. :D
(5)Anita K.
I went to get ice cream with my very pregnant friend and had wonderful service and the ice cream was amazing. My friend was very happy. Id suggest not going on a nice day or the weekend because you will wait in line forever. No wait for us today but, I found out why there is always such a long line... they let you sample and sample and sample. Now, if your the sampler of course you don't mind! The ice cream is worth it though!
(4)Jennifer K.
Another top yelp recommend. A very hoppin place even in decemburrrr.... and who doesn't love homeade ice cream? Loved it! Ordered the lavender honey, yumm.. friendly staff too.
(4)Home B.
I'll be honest, never liked the idea of waiting in such a long Line for ice cream especially with all the good Gelato places... But this place is great. Love the ice cream and all the decor too.
(5)Yan H.
Shocking. If you (me) have mostly experienced ice cream found in the frozen section, then you are in for a shock. Salt and Straw ice cream has ingredients and flavor combinations that come from your wildest most delicious dreams. How do I wrap my head around flavors like: Black walnuts and Gamay Jelly or Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked pepper. Don't worry about it..., the flavors are carefully conceptualized and crafted....just ask the friendly staff to sample a few. Well worth my (your?) money and time waiting in a long queue.
(5)Kelly M.
Yes, i am literally the only person who hates this place. i really do not mind waiting in line for great food, but this is not the case. ive had their ice cream many many times and ive never found something that I like. I guess I'm just a ben and jerry's classic ice cream type of gal. I really do not like weird flavors like SALT ice cream, its disgusting i almost threw up. The other ice cream flavors are descent but I really dont understand the crazy obsession that all of portland has with this place.
(1)T. G.
I had heard it would be a long wait... However we walked right up to the counter! The young girl offered us samples of anything we wanted to try! I ended up choosing the Salted Carmel Ribbon which was THE BEST ICE CREAM I have ever had! My son choose the Ooey Gooey Brownie which was full of flavor! We could not get enough! You MUST stop by this place and grab a scoop or two!
(5)Lyric A.
Difficult to get to, long lines, and honestly Haagen Dazs is better. Very hipster, trendy, and touristy.
(2)Nettsy V.
For the girl who doesn't have a sweet tooth nor care for ice cream much, I couldn't get enough of this place it exceeded my expectations! My favorite was the Oregon Peach with toasted walnuts!
(5)Jonathan L.
Get ready to be transported back in time to the 1800s. Salt and Straw chooses to go old-school with a menu written in chalk and other antiquities (ok, maybe not that old). What should you get here? I personally recommend the first item on their menu: The Olive Oil Sundae (Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sorbet, olio nuovo, olive oil, crumb cake, topped with whip cream-optional of course). Of course, it wouldn't be complete with a cup of coffee-the macchiato is a solid bet. Who said hot and cold don't go well together?
(4)Brad J.
Flavor selection makes it worth the visit. Atmosphere worth the visit. Staff worth the visit. FRESH waffle cones worth the visit. I think they have a little refinement to do still in developing the "creaminess" you expect from some of "the best ice cream in the country," but this place is still nothing shy of great. I had ice crystals making an appearance in my scoops, but temp control can be tough with ice cream when seeing that much open air. I get it. Such a fun place for a scoop with the family, and when I saw they had a lavender honey, I knew I was in the right place. Wife had a limited Halloween run with PIG BLOOD (insert head banging)- and she LOVED it.
(4)Anthony P.
Such unique flavors here! I luckily did not have to stand in the long lines this place frequently has. I was really impressed with all the various flavors they offered. I ended up going with pear with bleu cheese, which was surprisingly good! Come here for a unique ice cream experience!
(5)Moshe H.
If you go in the day, you don't wait too long and you get served quickly. Good for a family type situation if you're like me and visiting with my family type situation. If you go later at night or towards the evening, it seems to be more of a scene. We ate at this location and we saw 2 others while driving around. I tried a strawberry vinaigrette and a caramel crunch type thing as well. My son went with a snicker doodle type flavor. I'm not a huge fan, but they commit to snicker doodle, so it's the tastiest snicker doodle ice cream I've ever had. The brownie ice cream tasted like soft brownies were churned into the chocolate ice cream an hour ago and awaiting your arrival. So that's a good thing! I suggest you try a couple flavors. The samples are served on actual metal spoons. That's the 1890's Portlandia sh#! I was expecting. Thank you good people of the North West for making delicious food.
(4)Beth G.
I have an addiction to this ice cream, it is homemade and so silky smooth. We even had the owner scooping our cones, telling us about her grandma's almond brittle - pretty cool :) I have waited in line twice for a treat after a dinner out and I will CONTINUE to wait in line for this ice cream, any time I spend is well worth it. If you haven't been in yet, GO! They have a rotation of new flavors on a weekly/monthly basis as well as the standards. I love that the employees will let you sample any flavor you want and as many samples as you want, putting the rush on you. Where does that ever happen?! The focus is on experience here and they want you to enjoy your experience. That's really what it comes down to, the experience. The employees are great, the atmosphere is great and the ice cream is fantastic; what else could you ask for??? My current top favorite flavors: 1. Grandma Malek's Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache 2. Sea Salt Ice Cream with Caramel Ribbon 3. Coffee and Bourbon 4. Chocolate with Gooey Brownies 5. Freckled Wood Block Chocolate Special mention to the Pear with Blue cheese, which is the most interesting flavor of ice cream I have ever had the pleasure of trying. It really has a two wave flavor; the first thing you taste is the pear. Which almost tastes like pie, immediately followed by the richness of the blue cheese which is savory and pungent. A really interesting and tasty dynamic. Try it if you dare, it might change your perspective on what ice cream should taste like. P.S. They have a "flight" which allows you to get a few smaller sample sizes of a handful of ice creams so you can taste a few different options. If you happen to be in an indecisive person.
(5)Chels J.
As if this place REALLY needs another 5 star review! Frequent new flavors on constant rotation but both locations have a selection of staples that are regularly on the menu, so you know there will always be something good there that you like. If it's your first time, no biggie, they are practically shoving free samples of any and all flavors in your face! (For this reason, I personally think it's a waste to order the sampler. The portions look small compared to the scoops you get in a regular serving). Aside from the reliable staples that they have (Snickerdoodle please!! huge chunks of snickerdoodle cookies in it, to die for), there are seasonal flavors on rotation that are very unique and sound so interesting that you must try. Can't say I was a fan of the thanksgiving stuffing flavor, but it's fun to say I've tried it. The bourbon pecan pie ice cream in winter, however, did NOT disappoint - best flavor I've ever had there. They also have local chefs who make flavors of the month - Naomi from Beast (and Top Chef Masters) had some creations when I was here once that were pretty great. Biggest downside is those darn long lines at random times of the day, each and every day! But FYI, if you know what you want, just bypass the line and go to the register and order a pint to go - I promise, it's allowed.
(5)Jessica W.
THE place to go for high quality, artisan ice cream for a reasonable price. Their flavors are "unique," to say the least, but not to fear, apprehensive eaters -- as soon as you walk in the door, the servers offer samples of any flavors on the board. A great spot to hit for a sweet treat on a hot summer's day, but get ready to wait in line for it!
(5)Alicia H.
First thought: this place looks like your average ice cream place, but boy was I wrong! The only way I can describe this place as is: Portlandia. I love the unique (and lemme tell you, VERY distinct flavors) they offer, and everything is made right there in Portland, perfect! My favorite flavor is almond butter and salted ganache but the flavors to support the Portland Timbers are amazing. I really like how every flavor has a story, and you can literally read the pamphlets and understand how each ice cream combination came about. And don't worry about feeling awkward about asking the attendants to keep letting you try a lot of flavors, once you find one you won't regret it!
(5)Katie A.
Yummy!!!!!
(5)Bernadette M.
This is the best ice cream ever! My favorites are the Strawberry Balsamic Black Pepper, and the Olive Oil ice cream. Definitely worth the hour wait!
(5)James O.
So good I almost wish it didn't exist. It's a blessing and a curse that I live only 4 blocks away. I eat ice cream now far more than I would like to admit. But my god is this place worth all the hype. I am addicted to their classic sea salt and caramel, but I make a point to try as much else as I can. So many unique and amazing flavors here. Although even I will admit that some are a little overboard for me. Great place and worth waiting in the ridiculous line for.
(5)Kate K.
I am an ice cream lover, big time. I have been to bi-rite creamery, which is the original "weird ice cream" place in San Fran. But salt and straw was sooooo delish!! I came back multiple times on my visit to Portland. It is the best ice cream I've ever had. I really appreciated how the workers came from behind the counter to greet you and ask what you'd like to sample - felt personal and good customer service. I will be back!
(5)muzzie c.
too much hype. too long of a que. i think ben's and jerry is much much better.
(2)Maurice C.
So according to buzzfeed, I had to try this ice cream place before I died. Therefore, on my way to asia, I had a stopover in portland and decided to take public transit and trek all the way out to see for myself. The ice cream flavors were amazing and interesting. We were the first people in the store that day and they let us try almost all the flavors before I settled on four: the brittle, olive oil, strawberry honey balsamic, and caramel ribbon. My personal favorite was the strawberry honey balsamic; there were definite layers of flavor packed into this one ice cream. Most importantly, the staff were helpful in making recommendations and nice enough to let us to be tourists and try nearly all the flavors there. I would definitely recommend making a pit stop here.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Delicious ice cream. I love that they have the tasting flight. Choose three amazing ice cream flavors like honey lavender or salted caramel or blue cheese pear. Yummmm.
(5)Robin C.
Absolutely amazing! Fresh ingredients and just well made ice cream. Creative and interesting flavors lends itself to a necessary trip to this hood, just for a scoop. I was in Portland all weekend and kept missing this place because the lines were too long. Ended up coming after breakfast on Sunday morning and got served immediately. Check it out on off peak times for sure. Lines are long because everyone is sampling all the unique flavors! I tried the coconut salted carmel something or another and lavender honey. To die for!
(5)Keith K.
Wow! Delicious ice cream! I decided to be a bit adventurous and try some of the more unique flavors and I was rewarded. I never thought I'd order Olive Oil ice cream but MAN was it good! You can sample anything you want so take a chance and find something amazing!
(5)Chris T.
I can eat ice cream every day, and if I lived near Salt & Straw, it would definitely be on my list. We had to try the sea salt and caramel, and another scoop of bourbon+coffee. I really enjoyed the bourbon+coffee, where the bourbon just acted as a very subtle flavor boost to the coffee. Also wanted to point out that the service was super friendly, which is always nice. We'll definitely be back when we're in town next!
(4)Walker Y.
This place is bomb. Olive oil icecream with olive oil from olives grown in Oregon? Thats crazy. It tasted great, (I could leave a snobby taste review but ill save you the time. Just try it!) Elena was great, told me all about the flavors.. Give her a raise. Oregon is pretty cool, yahdidae meen?
(5)Stephanie S.
This is the one place I always have to go to when I'm in Portland. LOVE their ice cream!!
(5)Thilo W.
This is a definitive Portland ice cream shop. Hip flavors and often manned (or womanned) by hipsters. The line is out the freakin' door -- sometimes even in the Winter -- during peak hours. Very inventive flavors that don't always hit the mark, but at least they're trying. My favorite seasonal flavor is the olive oil -- the best olive oil ice cream I've ever had (and yes I've had a few). As with all of their ice cream, high fat content and less sugar gives the ice cream a full-bodied wholesome flavor. Overall excellent, would almost deduct a star for the crowdedness, but that just means their product is worth seeking out. If you buy pre-packed pints from the freezer you don't have to wait.
(5)Ashley B.
Unique and tasty. Salt and Straw always has unusual flavors and very long lines. Would like to give them a 4.5 because the lines can get ridiculous and there's not much room to sit inside either since the shop is small and they are always busy. I like their company and the way they treat their employees though so I will opt for the higher score. They are happy to let you sample as many flavors as you want and ask you what you want to taste while you are waiting in line so that does speed things up a bit. I usually go with one of the seasonal flavors and one of my recent favorites was the birthday cake with blackberries, delicious! I've had other flavors that tasted great as samples but got a little old when eating a big scoop (sweet corn with waffle cone pieces and caramel) so they aren't always perfect. Never had a bad flavor though! Overall a great Portland ice-cream shop with unique flavors and well worth a visit!
(5)Jennifer B.
They make some absolutely fabulous concoctions, things like mint and sea urchin are student delicious... still weird, though. I even had ox foie ice cream once! And it was really good. My favorites there though are good old fashioned vanilla or lavender and chocolate together. They make the best vanilla and I think that's how you know they're really that good - because they've mastered the classics, too. I will say though, avoid the baked potato flavor at all costs, not even a sample! It was horrible and I spit it out.
(5)Danielle L.
THE VERY BEST ICE CREAM YOU WILL EVER HAVE IN YOUR LIFE! Which flavor you ask? All of them. We tried to conduct a formal taste test but it was near impossible being that each flavor was just as good as the last. They were out of a few them, so try not to get there just before closing like we did. But even if you do, they'll likely stick around with a spoonful of enthusiasm welcoming you to try anything you'd like. Also, they deliver.. This is all you need to know. Go, go, go! :)'
(5)Erin S.
Not much to say, except delicious!!! They have lots of unique flavors and somehow they all taste good. The strawberry balsamic vinegar was quite delicious. I ended up getting snickerdoodle in a homemade waffle cone and it was amazing. I would definitely come back!!
(5)Amber R.
This place is a MUST. The flavors are SO amazing. Honey Lavender, Cinnamon Snickenoodle, Strawberry Honey Balsamic Black Pepper, Olive Oil, etc. All of them were so delish! The service was impeccable! They come up to you before you get to the ordering counter to give you the option to try as many flavors as you want! This place is my new obsession in Portland.
(5)Kai L.
This place is as GOOD as it GETS!!:) I love all their cool and crazy flavors. My favorite by far is the sea salt and caramel. Not sure when they will get the thai chili flavor back but that was excellent too! LOVE LOVE this place!
(5)Grace H.
I had heard so much hype about Salt & Straw and to be honest, didn't expect too much of it. I figured it would be something close to Molly Moons in Seattle. But this place is so much better! While we were waiting in line, an employee walked up to us and asked if we had any questions or flavors we wanted to sample. We tried a few samples and ordered from him as well. This is a really great idea, I think. Because then customers can get their ice cream or other desserts while they're still in line and don't have to necessarily wait until they get to the cashier. The employee who helped us was extremely .. helpful and considerate. He went above and beyond to serve us well and did all of it with enthusiasm and a smile on his face. One of us ordered the mexican coke w/ espresso shot float with a scoop of the coffee &bourbon ice cream. It sounds weird, I know. They got our order wrong and gave us just a mexican coke float with a scoop of the coffee ice cream (no espresso shot). They offered to make us a new one but we didn't mind. They ended up giving us the float for free (an $8 value)! It was...delicious. It sounded so weird to me: coke and coffee. But it blew my mind! Two things I love... in one. The carbonation of the soda balanced the creaminess of the ice cream well. Who knew coke and coffee would go so well together? Overall, their ice cream is great. They have great floats and other dessert options. But most of all, their customer service is wonderful! I will definitely be coming back here in the near future. Perhaps my new favorite dessert place?!
(5)Chad A.
First time here. Flavors are very different and see to use a lot of local ingredients. When we told the person helping us that it was our first time he was very nice, showing us where the ice cream is made and how they only have two machines that make small batches. He proceeded to explain basics of the menu as well. We got two double scoop waffle cones and I must say that it was a LOT of ice cream (our server was pretty generous). We tried the salted caramel, sugar spice and everything nice, strawberry balsamic, and cinnamon snicker doodle. The best favors we had were the strawberry balsamic and snicker doodle. Strawberry reminded, me of jam although the gf said the balsamic was overpowering. Cinnamon was fantastic and had chunks of cookie in it. I was not a huge fan of the salted caramel but it was ok. Ice cream is kinda pricy. Double scoops are $5.75 and waffle cones are $1. They are made right in front of you so its hard to resist. Singles are pretty reasonable at $3.75. All in all, it's hard to tell what will be a great flavor without simply trying them all because the favors are so unique. Will be back to try again.
(4)Cathe M.
This place was fantastic!!! The customer service was awesome, so personable. The ice cream incredibly delicious!!!!
(5)Steve Y.
Despite the hype I am not a fan. I have tried this place 2 times now and while they do have unique flavors, they aren't worth the wait in line or price one must pay. The last time I went there I had the snicker doodle flavor (two scoops) and the waffle cone... OK, I did enjoy the fact that they make their own waffle cones.. however in general I was not impressed with their "I'm trying too hard to give good service, service. It was not genuine. Finally when I went to pay, I asked for a receipt.. the cashier rolled their eyes at me and said "Sorry, we're paperless." I found that interesting considering their napkins are paper, right along with the cups they serve the ice cream in. No thanks, I'll stick to Ben & Jerry's.
(2)Esty B.
The line was really long as it was a warm day in Portland. We decided to wait it out since we'd heard so much about it. Salt and Straw DID NOT disappoint. Fell in love with the pear and bleu cheese ice cream. The flavor is so unique and done well! Would def go back if ever in the area.
(5)Angy N.
What an interesting assortment of flavors!! I ended up going with the honey lavender and the cinnamon snicker doodle. Rich creamy and decadent! Yes please give me more!!
(5)Ken N.
Known for their homemade, organic ice cream, Salt & Straw definitely pulls off very unique flavors. I literally stood there staring at the menu for what seemed to be hours. How in the world do you mix honey balsamic, strawberry and cracked pepper? Well, they do and it's pretty good. Luckily they offer unlimited tastings to help with my decisions. For the SF Bay Area folks, this is like Bi-Rite but does not compare on many levels. Still good though.
(4)Priscilla V.
I came here on a trip from Seattle and I felt like I was obligated to try Salt&Straw. Also, they are located right next to my favorite sushi restaurant in the Northwest (Bamboo Sushi). Being from Seattle I'm kind of spoiled with so many ice creameries, incl Fult Tilt, Molly Moon's etc. so I may be a little biased but I liked Salt and Straw. They definitely have very interesting flavors and was worth the visit. I tried their Balsamic Strawberry and Peppercorn ice cream and it is similiar to Molly Moon's balsamic strawberry. I liked it, the shop itself is very cute and I appreciated the fact that they let you sample flavors while you're in line. If it wasn't so busy I would have tried more flavors and maybe got a sampler if I wasnt so full. Overrall, yummy interesting ice cream, cute shop and nice people. I would skip if I didn't want to bother with lines but that doesn't stop me from getting ice cream :)
(4)Carey L.
The Emperor's New Ice Cream. What more needs to be said? I love living in Portland but worry about it becoming to precious and self-conscious and Salt and Straw epitomizes style over substance. Forget being cutting edge how about ice cream that actually is just full of flavor regardless of the flavor it is? In such a hectic environment I could forgive the rather dismissive customer service but given that I had to dig quite a bit to find out that their vaunted waffle cone comes from a mix and impatience while I sampled-at their instigation I won't. And regardless of a previous reviewer's positive opinion on the line: it is not worth it.
(1)Pakpoom S.
I have never been so satisfied and enthralled with an ice cream parlor. This place envelops all that is Portland-the artwork around the walls, compostable eating utensils, the recycled material, friendly staff, and unique deliciousness to it. Even the bathroom called for my attention with the decor and borax. It was my first time visiting this place. So the server was very nice and offered me samples. Immediately I fell in love with the Sea salt caramel...mMmmm. It was so good, so good. The right amount of sweetness and saltiness to compliment each other for a delightful taste bud experience. I almost cried. I also had the pok pok drinking vinegar shake. It was definitely unique and interesting, but it was not really my taste. Not used to having my shakes have that vinaigrette taste to it. Even then, it was still enjoyable in a weird way. Thank you Salt & Straw till we meet again.
(5)T L.
Manpanion and I felt we were cheating on our ice cream girlfriend, Scoops of Highland Park, LA, when we waited in line for the ridiculously delicious Salt and Straw. We cheated on Scoops and we don't feel guilty, just happily fatter. Is it worth the wait? If artisan ice cream is your thing, then yes. It is easily as delicious (maybe more, depending on the flavor) as SF's Bi-Rite and LA's Scoops. My inner glutton had difficult ordering just a regular scoop after the mega-wait of 15 -20 minutes and I felt the wait entitled me to the extra $1 handcrafted waffle cone and double scoop, ending with a $6 -$7 event dessert. An excellent, efficient line situation, with abundant, busy scoopers working their way up the line. The size of your scoop depends on the muscles of your scooper. The Salt and Caramel is line-wait-worth-it. Coffee is also outstandingly flavorful. Portland, Plumpland.
(4)Cedar M.
Sea salt and caramel was awesome! Line was a bit long, but was understandable once you realize how good it is and that the staff doesn't rush sampling regardless of line. More than just internet hype. Will definitely make a return trip the next time we are in town.
(5)Princess J.
yes!
(5)newsha m.
Awesome
(5)Anne B.
Delicious! Definitely worth the wait. The flavors are so unique and amazing. The service is great, they let you try as many flavors as you want. Everyone that is working there seems to be in a great mood. Get the waffle cone! The waffles are fresh and being made right in front of your eyes.
(5)Cory S.
We were on the fence about where to go get the best ice cream while we were in town. We had to stay close to the NS line in order to get around town. The flavors here seemed to over the top to me and we asked a local and they said go here. Thankfully we listened. The line was 20 minutes long but worth the wait. What won us over is that they have so many obscure flavors, but they have their staff meet you on line and have you try as many flavors as you want to ensure you get what you want. We tried 10 flavors and we both got a flavor we would not have unless we tried it. Great customer service! The price is a little high in my opinion, but they aren't going to change that if they have a 20-30 line!
(4)Erica L.
I've tried this place three times now and I am sadly underwhelmed. The flavors seem so unique and so awesome. The first time I tried the Chocolate Brownie. It didn't have a particularly chocolate-y taste and in the entire 2 scoop bowl I found 2 small brownie chunks. Given the raving reviews and unique flavors I chalked it up to a bad batch. I went back a second time and had the Snickerdoodle. I got into a kerfluffle with the sales girl after asking for a bowl and being handed a cone. When I asked if I could have it in a bowl again she grew irritated, tossed the cone in the trash, and scooped me a new bowl all while huffing and sighing. The Snickerdoodle was not bad, but not good and not worth the $3.50 price. Today after a lunch a friend and I decided to try them one more time. We ordered the Caramel Apple and the Cheddar Apple Pie. After paying and leaving we weren't sure we had the right order. My Cheddar Apple Pie had caramel in it, exactly one small chunk of cheese at the bottom, and the apple taste was barely there. My partner's had flecks of cheese in it and barely any caramel. There were none of the promised pie chunks in either of our bowls. Three strikes and we're done for me. The high prices and long lines don't make the crap ice cream and dubious service worth it.
(2)Aimee L.
Delicious, as always, and a well coordinated team handling the logistics that is vital for handling the crazy lines at S&S. Almond brittle w/ salted ganache? Insanely amazing. Congrats on another fantastic location!
(5)Laurie M.
Terrific ice cream. I had a seasonal flavor: apricot with Citra hops. It was an inspired combination. There was a line, but it was not excessive, and this brings me to the most significant part of my review... This lovely shop is still free of the pervasive "attitude" that overcomes so many of Portland's newly trendy destinations. The people were polite and friendly, and it was a real pleasure both during and after. I will happily be back. Please don't change, S&S.
(5)Lea W.
Ya, they've got your vanilla and your coffee ice cream, but this is the kind of place with sea salt-and-caramel and goat cheese-marionberry-jalapeno as well. Cute little shop with enormous fold-open windows and sidewalk seating. Friendly staff do their best to ameliorate the (sometimes ridiculous) line by bringing samples to you while you wait. I was impressed by the effort to present fresh ice cream from locally or ethically sourced ingredients for really the same price as any other scoop shop I've been in lately. The ice cream is pretty good; probably not the best I've ever had but certainly the most fun and a great atmosphere.
(4)Irwan N.
The place it's packed with long line. My favorite choice is Coffee with Bourbon on a waffle cone. Need I say more. It's excellente.
(4)Jess C.
Salt and Straw really is the best ice cream ever. Seriously! It's ruined all other ice cream, nothing lives up. I'm partial to the Sea Salt and Caramel, but they also have a rotating list of monthly flavors that are always interesting and so good! Last month was beer inspired flavors to celebrate Portland's beer week, of which the Bourbon Barrel and IPA Upside Down Cake were amazing. The staff is friendly and assist you with samples, however prepare to wait in lines when you go - sometimes out the door and around the block. If you know what you are getting into, it's not as annoying to wait and trust me, this ice cream is worth it. If you want to avoid lines, I've noticed that they are shorter when it rains (imagine that!) and around 5-6pm weekdays while everyone else is having dinner. Do yourself a favor, try Salt and Straw.
(5)Dylan C.
Some of the best ice cream I've had with some of the most interesting flavors that rival Ben and Jerry. I decided on the taster menu where you get 4 scoops of whatever flavors you want. My choices were The Universe II, Honey Lavender, Almond Brittle, and Strawberry Balsamic. The Universe II (which has a kick of cayenne pepper in it) and honey lavender were my favorites but all of them were good. Very rich and flavorful. The taster seems to be the best option because it would be a shame to have only one flavor if you ever decide to visit this place. It was a bit much for me though because I'm not a huge fan of a lot of sweet things at once.
(5)Sean K.
I read all the reviews and heard all the hypes, but never had a chance to visit the "legendary" Salt and Straw of Portland. And I only have one word to say: DAMN. Salt and Straw ice creams are by far the BEST, I repeat, the BEST ice creams I ever had. I'm sure with different flavors, my reviews will be different but even factoring that I'm confident that Salt and Straw stands above all ice cream places/shops/carts/trucks at least in the Pacific Northwest. I had sea salt with caramel and strawberry honey with balsamic vinegar. Weird - and also amazing - thing is that the flavors found here are unique. Lack of generic flavors and the extra bonus of seasonal flavors make Salt and Straw an absolute gem of an ice cream place. Waffle cones are must since they are so good, i could order just a waffle cone and eat it. It's that good. I was there with five of my friends and we didn't say much the whole time there except for, "OHHHHHH it's SOOOOOO GOOD!!! Should we get another one?" I really wanted another one but didn't want to wait for another 40 minutes... By the time i finished my ice cream, the line had moved around the block for good measure. Service was great. People were friendly and helpful in choosing flavors and sampling few at the same time. Old ice cream factory interior was very interesting and it definitely well-suited Salt and Straw. There is a reason why people in Portland love Salt and Straw despite the crappy weather. This ice cream is delicious!!! I would definitely drive to 23rd during a freezing cold winder day/night just to get me some Salt and Straw. Am I a fan? You bet I am. As good as it gets? Oh yeah, fosho.
(5)Brie P.
Love Love Love this place! They change the specials each month, but the standards are pretty stellar as well. My husband was chatting with some of the servers and they said the icecream recipe creator is only 25....crazy good talent for someone so young!
(5)Jason P.
A++ for ambiance, homemade ice-cream, eclectic creativity, and friendly staff. The only reason I can't give it a full-five stars is the eccentric flavors seemed simply too strong. I settled for the "safe" classic of sea-salt and caramel, and while I really wanted to love it, it was simply too heavy on the salt. I tried the honey lavender and the strawberry balsamic as well, and the lavender and balsamic were just really overpowering.
(4)Loveday C.
I have been to Salt&Straw a couple of times now having heard fabulous things and wanting to love it. The first time I went the line was insane, but I'd been warned about that. When I got up to the counter, after waiting for twenty five minutes, the girl with bangs and...blue contacts?... appeared extremely resentful about offering samples, even though I'd heard about this as a major selling point. After trying a few- among them strawberry honey balsamic and a flavor called "the universe" described to me as vanilla and lime ice cream laced with cayenne cinnamon chocolate pudding and candied sunflower seeds- she wanted to know if "we" were ready to order yet. We...her and me? The royal "we"? "We" as in she's talking to a six year old? In any case, "we" were royally pissed and exhausted by that point and we ended up going with the Double Fold vanilla, which tastes like absolutely nothing. For double the normal price. The second time I tried it, I found out, to my great shock, that they use corn syrup as their ice cream base, not sugar. CORN SYRUP in their artisanal, practically $4 scoop of ice cream, $5 if you get a waffle cone. Oh, and let me say this about the cones. I happened to be with a friend this time, who has a dairy intolerance (she got the woodblock chocolate sorbet, their only non dairy option. And yuck.), and was asking about the dairy content in the cones. They were evasive about answering, very uncomfortable-seeming, and when we pressed them, they finally opened up about the fact that they don't actually make their own waffle mix. It's made by Crusty's or CrustEasy or something. Now I'm sure most ice cream places don't make their own waffle cones. But very few tout it as a major selling point or go to such lengths to hide that they don't do it. We will not be coming back.
(1)Kayla T.
Best ice cream experience. There was no rush, try as many samples as you want. They will explain the flavors and their company to you, the staff is friendly and appears to be having a good time. My boyfriend had brewstump coffee icecream and I had the salted caramel. It was Delicious.
(5)Brian R.
Pear and Blue Cheese in an ice cream, they made it work :) I'll admit to avoiding this place, seeing the line out the door, but caught it in a rare moment of calm and now understand why that line gets long. Appreciate they give samples before actually buying, staff I found warm.
(5)Adriana P.
This place was awesome and worth the wait! The line is long but it goes by fast and while you are waiting the person who is going to help you offers you samples! As many as you want!!!!!!!! They have the best attitude at this place and the ice-cream was delicious. You can pay a little more for a small and then get a cup with two flavors, half and half. We were disappointed to find out they had ice-cream flights after we were sitting down enjoying our ice-cream. I had never heard of that but that's genius idea cause we wanted to try everything!
(5)Lisa Y.
HOLLLLLLLLLY. So I was in Portland for 10 hours en route to Seattle and am sosososooso glad that this was one of the few spots I tried. Judging from the other reviews, it seems like there's usually a long wait; but given that I was there at 11AM on a Wednesday morning, it's safe to say that I was the only one in the shop (woohoo!) I tried a few of their flavors, which were all tasty, but settled on the amazinglyscrumptious Almond Brittle! My favorite ice cream place of all time is Bi-Rite in SF, but this almond brittle seriously gives it a run for it's monaay. & a huge plus: the workers are as sweet as the ice cream. :)
(4)Marissa T.
Four Stars for the experience!!! This place really doesn't need another review, but hey!!!! Here goes. I've been here twice. It's on NW 23rd. Anything on this street with half a brain seems to succeed. It's got a super hot corner location too. The choices of flavors are extensive and fun. I've tried about three flavors and liked them all. I could eat ice cream every day. I could not pay this price, however. It's a little more hype than I need for ice cream. The employees are all very friendly, helpful, and patient. Flavor picking is very time consuming here. I'm also not wild about the ipad screen payment. I realize most people think ipads are all the rage. However, signing with my finger is so not high tech. The decor of the restaurant doesn't seem to match finger signing!!! They seem to be going for Old Fashioned! ipads don't scream Old Fashioned. Perhaps my most favorite detail of this place is the employee watching. LOL. They certainly are an interesting bunch. I give it 4 stars for the service, quality, and location. Little too much hype for a FIVE.
(4)Jen L.
The caramel and sea salt is excellent - similar to salted caramel from Bi-Rite in San Francisco with the added benefit of a REAL CARAMEL RIBBON. Heavenly! The other flavors are so-so. I tried the almond brittle with salted ganache. While the almond brittle was tasty (sweet, savory, and crunchy), the ganache pieces were too big and kind of made me forget that I was eating ice cream, not in a good way. I would have gobbled it up without the ganache pieces. Oregon-style rocky road was great, with candied hazelnuts instead of almonds. Yum. Their waffle cone is the best I've tried - crunchy, buttery, and thick - tastes even better than it smells. This almost never happens.
(4)Katie W.
I'm not a huge ice cream fan but I am certainly a fan of salt and straw. Love the inventive flavors that are true to description (no gimmicks here). I tasted the Pear and Blue Cheese, the Honey Lavender, the Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper and all were yummy and intriguing. It is ice cream that makes you think. In the end I settled on the sea salt with caramel ribbon and a homemade waffle cone. Glorious. The best part of the experience is that despite the line, it moved pretty fast (maybe took 25 min) and as you get closer the staff start to let you taste things so that you can decide before getting to the counter. While they are slammed all day and night the staff was patient with each person. I was amazed at how enjoyed the experience even though I was standing in a line. Where I am from that would have a been a disaster. Must do.
(5)Jared C.
Fantastic hipster joint with the best ice cream in the city.
(5)Lindsay M.
My hubby and I went here after pizza for our date night and it was amazing!! The staff was very friendly, they met us while still in line to introduce us to all their flavors and offered to get us samples for as many as we wanted to try as they have very unique flavors! We ended up with double scoops each in their fresh handmade waffle cones... Aaaammmazing! the decor is very cute very "shabby chic" a def must try for any local or tourist! :)
(5)Steven P.
Great if you like ice cream made with hipster ingredients like Tap Water & Lawn Trimmings, or Shrimp & Windex. I do not malign the base ice cream, which is probably very good. However, I cannot understand the whole new & cool hipster ideology involved in combining foods into medleys typically only seen in the city's finest compost bins. Spendy and inedible, but you'll look like one of the cool kids while waiting in line out the door for it.
(1)Alex P.
Had the pecan pie ice cream. Amazing! I also tried the figgy pudding and the almond brittle---also delicious.
(5)Lauren K.
As a lactard, I abstain from anything with cream. Granted, it should be "anything with milk" but sometimes I just cannot help myself. My lack of discipline got the best of me when I went to Salt & Straw with my bf. Waiting in line, you cannot help but inhale the sweet scent of fresh-made waffle cones. As the line inched forward, you drool over the menu of well-named ice creams that line the back wall. You even peak at their pastry section and strangely crave a bagel while you wait for a mini spoonful of heaven. I wound up ordering their Oregon Rocky Road and Double Fold Vanilla. Instead of a single scoop, I got a half scoop of each flavor in a homemade waffle cone. It was an absolute treat after we had walked 3 miles from downtown, up to Thurman/23rd, then down 23rd to Salt & Straw. Loved it - this is the kind of place I could see popping up all over the country.
(4)Alfred F.
They have a ton of weird flavors and also regular stuff too. They were also really patient with us wanting to try a few before we bought, so don't feel bad about that.
(5)Kenny P.
I want to give 4 stars.. but... You will know why by reading the comment It was a good place for chill out ! It's a new hype at Portland. If you go there, prepare to see endless line. Sometimes, you have to wait for 45 minutes to get in front of the counter. Having said that, this ice cream place sell unique flavor. Definitely worth a try. I have try almost all and my best favorite is still Sea Salt and Caramel. I have to have that everytime I go there. BUT !!!!! The quality control need to be increased. - The last two times I went there, I got sea salt caramel. Both times, I could not taste the sea salt and only caramel. It was bit plain and taste like normal vanilla ice cream. I was disappointed. If only they can maintain the taste that would be awesome - Every time I go there, I got different size of scoop. Sometimes it was big and sometimes it was small. Even the person who stand before or after me get different size. I wish they have kind of standard to do that. If they can fix those two problem, I am going to give 4 stars :) Maintain the quality is difficult but it is understandable. I still recommend this place to everybody !!!!
(3)Albert W.
I have been to this and the other two locations at least 20 times cumulatively (yikes/awesome). All of the scoopers (no idea what their title is) are impeccably polite, helpful, and cheery which has been a stark contrast to my experiences at Ruby Jewel and What's the Scoop?. I also enjoy the texture/creaminess and of course flavor of Salt & Straw versus the other two shops. Their seasonal flavors can be a bit hit or miss as expected, but I really like seeing their effort and ingenuity in trying and melding new combinations. Also, their breakfast/pastry items are excellent. Please do try a hand pie when you can. Flaky, and not overly sweet. In short, the lines are worth it. My favorite ice cream shop in the Bay Area or Portland areas.
(5)Paty E.
Best, best, ice cream ever. The favors are unbelievable and so creative. I craved them all the time.
(5)W R.
This place is highly mediocre. My wife and I shared a flight, a sampling of four flavors, and also tried about two or three different flavors while in line. The only flavor that had any taste at all worth mentioning is the salt and Caramel, But it was too salty. I like the chocolate brownie, but again, not spectacular, which is what you expect And usually get when you're paying top dollar for homemade ice cream. PS. Somehow, in the flight of four samples they gave us two of the same flavor by accident. They fixed it, but it was annoying and An example of their not-great service.
(2)Jami Marie F.
Yum, yum, yum. Great ingredients and their flavors are always changing. I've sampled every single one! My fav is always going to be the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, but I love trying all the new flavors when they come out. Only drawback is the line - but thats how you know its really good - cuz its worth it!
(4)Eric P.
It is a good thing I don't live in Portland or I would gain serious weight going through all of Salt & Straw's wares. This location on the edge of the latest craze -- gourmet ice creams -- had a following before opening in this trendy district. Now you can indulge in honey-lavender, horchata sorbet, and all sorts of hand-crafted, not-your-mother's-Baskin-Robbins flavors. Granted, we went on a hot summer Friday, so ice cream was definitely a popular option. Add in the character of Salt & Straw, and the windows-open-wide location on 23rd, and we knew it would be a wait going in. Honestly, I think we waited longer here than at Voodoo Doughnuts. That is not a complaint, however, as at least here, you can wait indoors and ponder the menu before it's decision time. Plus, the friendly staff works the line, offering as many samples as you like (on washable, reusable spoons -- kudos!) to help you decide. I ended up opting for a sea-salt-and-caramel scoop, though also was tempted by a rocky road (with candied hazelnuts!) and a strawberries-and-balsamic flavor. Perhaps one can justify additional visits if one promises to walk to Salt & Straw instead of using the Streetcar.
(5)Meghan C.
Absolutely amazing! The lines are long but they move at a decent pace & the employees come to you while you're waiting to offer advice and tastes. Alex helped us and she was an absolute doll; so genuine and helpful! Every flavor we tried was delicious in its own way and the house made waffle cones are to die for! Highly recommend this place, particularly if you're looking for a cute spot to bring out of town guests!
(5)Leslie C.
If your an Ice Cream fanatic like I am, then you know Salt and Straw has it all- We've been to tons and tons of Ice Cream places and stands - ranging from Ben & Jerry's, Cold Stone Creamery, Tillamook Cheese Factory, Mio Gelota, etc etc etc Salt and Straw is hands down the best we've hand thus far - lets start off with the line - If there isn't a line out the door and around the store, than either the place is closed or its Snowing. no joke! the lines wrap around the store on the sidewalk and there are always crowds inside as well! Fortunately, the line moves fairly quickly, as they're very well staffed. Tons of great options and they give you the option to taste any/all flavors before you commit. We've been here twice with the family and must say, we've loved it both times. If you want a Heavenly experience, ask them for a WARM and fresh waffle cone, one just out of the grill. They are softer and still warm, which really compliments ice cream well, as we all know! My "favo flav" has been the Arbequina Olive Oil - you might not think this is very interesting and might almost be disgusted, but Salty and sweet mix very well. You can imagine Creamy Vanilla Ice cream with a zing of salt and a warm waffle cone............ yummmmmmmmmmy! Enough said, for under $6, you can get 2 scoops and enjoy some of the best ice cream this side of the equator! Enjoy!
(5)Vincent G.
Best ice cream I've ever had in my life. So cool that you can try all of their flavors. When you're in line and there's a good wait, someone will actually come and ask you what you'd like to try. So cool. Had the almond chocolate ganache I believe and it was incredible. Also had the cinnamon snicker doodle. Like heaven. I tried the fruit flavors and I didn't dig those too much, but I'm definitely a sweets guy. I'll be stopping in here every time I'm in Portland.
(5)Pooja B.
Salt and straw ice cream-I've been thinking of you for weeks now. Have been busy and haven't got a chance to meet you because of the distance. My husband has been a bit jealous since I've been craving for you and taking your name often. I can't wait to try another new flavour of yours. You know I've always loved you and your ancestors-ice cream has always been my favorite. But you are one of a kind and the best in Portland. Can't wait to have a spoon of you- the way to stroke my taste buds and slide down my throat and land in my cushiony satisfied belly.bliss! I may be fat and you may be termed fatty, but life's too short and my clock is ticking away. See you soon. Your lover. PS : Sea Salt Caramel is amazing. and one of the best waffle cones ever!! Try it.
(5)J S.
Ice cream lives up to hype, kindest servers, our remembered us from day before which is crazy since there's hundreds coming through every day.
(5)Christina B.
Yummy! I ordered the Sea Salt & Carmel and Strawberry Balsamic. I was definitely a fan of the Sea Salt & Caramel, probably the best I've tasted so far, dare I say better than Bi-Rite in San Francisco (and I'm a big fan of Bi-Rite)! The Strawberry Balsamic was not as impressive, however. The balsamic was a tad too strong for my taste. To each his own!
(4)Rebecca C.
Great place, usual flavors. Sea salt with caramel and almond brittle are the two most mentioned flavors but a bit too sweet for me. Honey plum and strawberry balsamic are also good. Given that sf has outlawed fois gras, to much dismay of my french friends, i had to get the ox-fois s'mores - great hint of rich fois gras flavor infused in the ice cream without inclination to start tasting like a main course. S'more was a bit of a distraction - I almost wished that they kept it to fois gras only and maybe add some sprinkle of bitter dark chocolate powder instead. Coffee with bourbon was excellent!
(4)Marina P.
Delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious delicious inovative!!!!
(5)Janelle T.
This place is totally overrated. It is not worth the wait. It looks like the main hold up in the line is people paying, because instead of a cash register they have an ipad. Most of the flavors are totally gross like melon & prosciutto and the normal flavors they have are no better than they are at other ice cream shops. Don't believe the reviews saying the line moves fast, I walk by this place all the time and can tell it barely moves, and when I finally did decide to wait and try it (at a time when the line was less bad than usual) it still took a half hour to get to the front. The chocolate fudge brownie flavor literally tasted like a Frosty from Wendy's, so I would just go there and not wait as long. This place is nothing special, and is probably only so popular because Oprah liked it.
(1)Michael L.
Fuck you again Salt and Straw for being so damn delicious. Do you realize that I flew back to Portland to indulge in your awesome flavors...in the cold, and while it was raining? Make love to me your bastards...I love your ice cream.
(5)Sara Q.
Best ice cream in PDX. My absolute favorite ice cream shop, cheers!! never fail salt and straw. bueno bueno bueno!
(5)Lili K.
Apparently, Oprah loves this place. I loved the sea salt with caramel ribbons! The pear and blue cheese was interesting but a sample was enough, and my friends all liked the apricot. Sample a few flavors before you make your pick!
(4)Mel W.
yes it's packed. but-the line moves quickly. and the employees are cool, knowledgeable, patient, and passionate. i had a waffle cone with which what i think was a seasonal flavor-walnut ricotta crisps in a honey ice cream. my god was it awesome. definitely go. absolutely worth it. i'm only sad i didn't go again while there.
(5)Charlie L.
the ice cream was okay. they let you sample the ice cream before you purchase so that was nice and they seemed open to you taking 2-3 samples. Elvis ice cream was the best (peanut butter, jelly, and some banana?) the rest of the other ice cream was way too sweet or weird for me.
(3)Danae S.
I love this place. Went while I was visiting Portland and it was the best ice cream I've ever had. I got a waffle cone and split it with the almond brittle with salted ganache and cinnamon snicker doodle. The cinnamon snicker doodle had bits of cookie in it. It was AMAZING. The staff was soo friendly. I was really taken aback. People come in and sample flavors all the time but they aren't even bothered by it. I tried four flavors. They're really helpful and made the experience even better. I'm gonna eat here again before I leave. GO HERE!! I went here again before I left Portland and had an even better experience. The employees are so stinkin' nice there! I was paired with NICHOLE - awesome personality and nice worker. The line was really long but it moved pretty fast considering it was outside the door. I wish there was one in San Diego!
(5)Curtis C.
Every flavor I tried was amazing. I really liked the lavender honey, and the pumpkin custard with chevre. Delicious. Very generous with their samples too so you can try all you want before you make up your mind, and they use metal spoons so you aren't wasting a bunch of plastic or wood spoons. Oh so Portland.
(5)Matt R.
This is probably a 3.5 star review. Maybe it was the mild, cloudy weather. Maybe it was the fact that we had two young hungry kids. Maybe it was the long (expected) line. Whatever it was, Salt & Straw left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. This place has TONS of hype, and probably deservedly so. Let's get one thing straight. The ice cream was really good. It just wasn't "knock my socks off"" great- which I was hoping for. The coffee and bourbon was just fine- but not great. The sea salt and caramel ribbons was actually very good- but not great. The "great" came with my daughter's cinnamon snickerdoodle (DELICIOUS, BTW). Maybe I am a bit jaded/spoiled in that the last time we came to Portland (which doesn't always happen), we went to the ice cream food cart, Scoop, and were blown away. This just didn't do it, and unfortunately I can't find myself coming back to stand in line another 35 minutes to try, what look to be, some unique flavors. Bummer.
(3)Bryan V.
This is the best ice cream shop I've been to....ever! Pear with blue cheese and coffee were so amazing, paired with delicious fresh waffle cones. The flavor selection rotates often, and all the combinations they come up with sound mouth-watering. There must be serious thought that goes into it. I love it! The street view from the window is beautiful during the day. Avoid the long lines by grabbing a pint and heading straight for the cashier. You can get cones to-go also! I cannot wait to come back!
(5)Anthony K.
Ahhhh-mazing ice cream. This place definitely screams "portland" If you see a line do not be intimidated. Just wait your turn and make your wait worth it when you get to the counter and go ape shit on samples! The flavors here are out of this world. The ice cream is by far the freshest, creamiest, and uniquest I have ever had. Rock on S&S! Rock on!
(5)Sydney P.
Mature and delicious ice cream. Pears and blue cheese? Candy cap Mushroom and port red wine? Honey balsamic with cracked pepper? These flavors are insane, and incredible!! I've never had such amazing ice cream in my entire life. When you walk in you feel like a kid going into an ice cream shop, so much nogalistia in one store. Simply amazing!
(5)Amanda B.
There are barely any words to describe how tasty this ice cream is. I was in Portland for 2 days, and had Salt & Straw both of those days. Thank goodness I don't live there because I'm sure I'd have to have some at least 4 or 5 days a week. Chocolate with gooey brownies: The texture of the little chunks of brownies was awesome, chewy and delicious. Sea salt with caramel ribbons: Devine with the perfect about of salt. Almond Brittle with salted ganache: My personal favorite. The almond brittle is out of this world! I'd buy the brittle if it was for sale by itself. Again, this one had the perfect amount of salt. Yes there can be a long line, but I think it's worth it. The cute silver tasting spoons scream "Portland" to me, and the inside has a great vibe to it.
(5)Ben S.
Perfection on a cone or in a cup--or any of the other ways they put it together. Eating any other ice cream after having Salt and Straw is a massive disappointment. The flavors here are so different and innovative, and so refreshing to palates overwhelmed by the same ol' ice cream options. On my latest visit, I really enjoyed the malted plum ice cream which was not too sweet and perfectly captured the essence of plum. The light purple color was also spectacular.
(5)Frank C.
Love the honey lavender. And bourbon/pecan pie
(5)Chris D.
Many people rave about the ice cream (and for good reason) but a lesser known reason worth visiting S&S is for their pastries and baked goods, which are the best in the city. Pro Tip: If you just want coffee or anything non-ice cream related, you can skip the line and go straight to the register to order.
(5)Rish I.
Amazing and unique ice cream experience. You have to try this place, just be prepared to stand in line for about EVER! But, when something is this good...everyone wants a bite.
(5)Sally G.
OMG ... OMG ... OMG ... OMG!!! I'm right now between crying from the longing and salivating like Pavlov's dog don't know!
(5)Elizabeth W.
Super yummy rich and creamy ice cream and freshly made waffle cones~! I love this place. I want to go back!
(4)Candice N.
"Seriously, we're going to wait in line for ice cream??" That was my initial reaction to this place, but I've since learned that when it's Salt & Straw you're talking about, the answer is always "YES!" Not only are the flavors creative and decadent, but I really appreciate the vibe of the store. The staff never rushes you, despite the line snaking down the block, you're encouraged to sample and taste everything before making your selection. We're always greeted with a smile and a menu that changes with the seasons. Highly recommend!!
(5)Laurel M.
Honestly, I thought this place would be gross. Ice cream is supposed to be chocolate,vanilla, and if you're feeling funky, strawberry. So I was really hesitant to try this place with their "Portland-esque" flavors. My sister and I stood in line gawking the menu for about 10 minutes, then had some samples. They're super generous and let you try tons, which is awesome. I tried the strawberry balsamic and it was pretty good. It was one of those "this is good, I taste a lot of flavors and don't know what they all are" kind of experiences. I settled on a salt and caramel cone and it was pretty fantastic. Gooey caramel and rock salt. There is usually a line but they're pretty efficient.Give it a try. Go be funky!
(5)Latisha W.
Mmmm... do yourself a favor and order the Salted Brittle with Caramel Ganache. You won't regret it.
(5)Ashley F.
Salt & Straw is such a fun, energetic place. Firstly, their customer service is exemplary. They're always SO nice and are more than happy to let you taste as many different flavors as you want, even if there's a long line out the door (which happens often). They were all friendly, and the line, though it stretched almost around the corner, went very fast due to their efficiency. Their flavors of ice cream are SO creative and tasty. I tasted the carmel and sea salt, and ultimately ended up getting the chocolate with chocolate brownie chunks on a sugar cone. Soooo good. Will definitely go back, and happily wait in the inevitably long line!
(4)Kim E.
Salt and Straw is a truly amazing ice cream shop. My favorites were the strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper and olive oil. You must get the waffle cone - the smell is intoxicating as you approach the store. Service is super-friendly. The line is quite daunting, but it is well worth the wait. Sampling flavors using actual spoons is phenomenal and try something exciting.
(5)Kristine N.
It doesn't even matter if the line is out the door and around the block -- I'll wait in line for the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle any day! If you're feeling adventurous or just want some darn good ice cream, I'd skip the other ice cream shops and go straight to Salt & Straw!
(5)Mozzie B.
This place is pretty cool. It has and flavor ice cream you could think of! I got a scoop of cinnamon snickerdoodle and a scoop of birthday cake with blackberries and they were both delicious! Very rich though so I would recommend only getting one scoop. They make their cones in house also so you can watch while you decide what flavor of ice cream you want. The workers were very nice and came to you to see if you wanted any sample flavors so they could keep the line moving since there are always people out the door! There are no pets allowed though.
(4)Dalton C.
Stop reading. Go there. Put everything in your face. Now.
(5)Marie H.
The ice cream is amazing. My favorite is the sea salt and caramel. I took one star off for this location only because when I went, my friend and I were harassed by a homeless person almost the entire time we were waiting in line (about 15 minutes). A stranger even walked up to us to ask us if we needed help. I know this isn't the businesses fault, but it was pretty unpleasant.
(4)K-Dawg A.
The coolest ice cream shop ever. It's very Portland-ish & the ice cream is amazing. Often times a line but we just visited mid-day & we were the only customers in the store. A+!
(5)Heidi I.
This place was AH-MAZING! The sea salt ice cream with a caramel ribbon was to die for. My second favorite flavor was the almond brittle ice cream. Holy cow it's good...this place is awesome. I really wish there was a Salt & Straw in L.A. because I would go there all the time. Definitely a "not to be missed" whenever you're in Portland!
(5)Vic C.
Great unique flavor combinations! I really enjoyed the lemon ricotta w/ cookie crumbles! Not too sweet, very creamy, nice texture with the cookies. Best ice cream I've had in a VERY long time! Extremely friendly and great service! They also have good coffee from Stumptown Roasters and good organic flavored syrups from a local producer (Holy Kakow).
(5)Kellee M.
A friend took me here a few months ago when I was visiting Portland and I really enjoyed it although I don't remember what flavor I chose. I did, however, remember liking it enough that I wanted to go back with my husband. We finally got the chance to go back. We went on a decently nice Sunday evening in March around 8 pm. The line was out the door! I had heard the line can be ridiculously long more often than not, but it was no fun experiencing it for myself. I waited outside with my baby and carriage while my husband navigated the line. He was getting nowhere fast and figured out that if he bought pre-packaged pints he could skip the line. We ended up going home with coffee & bourbon and almond brittle with salted ganache. They were/are both very yummy and I would recommend the two! On a side note, my husband had a hard time sleeping that night and claims it could have been the coffee ice cream which he has sworn not to eat again after 3pm. Haha. Salt & Straw also claims to buy as much local ingredients as possible. I think it is great they are choosing to support the local economy, which I, too, will do by continuing to return here again and again!!! Try them at least once for the eclectic but surprisingly delightful flavors they offer that you will not find anywhere else!
(5)Lexi H.
I wasn't a huge fan of ice cream until I tried salt and straw. I love this company- awesome marketing strategy as well as the product. I don't even think its over priced. My favorite part about this place is that you can get one scoop and two flavors like omg who does that anymore? 5 starzzzzz beby
(5)Paula W.
Based on thirty years in the food service industry. This is just insanely good ice cream. Blows all others away. I recommend the 4 flavors serving and you choose the flavors!!
(5)Wendy J.
I was going to indulge on some ice cream post-dinner, but so did everyone else apparently on that same evening. The line was at least 15 people out the door, I can only imagine this place in the middle of summer - not mid-March. So I decided to go the next morning - who says you can't have ice cream in the morning!? I was very happy with that decision. There was no line at 11am and my ice cream scooper was super friendly allowing me to try about 5 or 6 of their unusual marriages of flavors. Each was creamy and delicious! I settled on a split-single scoop (two kid sized scoops) to enjoy Sea Salt Caramel & Almond Brittle-Salted Ganache. I wish I lived closer, I'd definitely be a regular!
(5)Jessica T.
Love, love, love it. The best.
(5)Austin P.
When I passed Salt & Straw and noticed that the line wasn't out the door and around the corner, I had to seize the opportunity and try it. The clerk let me sample a couple of flavors (Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, and Snickerdoodle), and per the suggestion of another Yelp reviewer, I got a half-scoop of each flavor. That turned out to be the perfect sized portion of each flavor. Bonus points to S&S for doing that. The Snickerdoodle was quite tasty (of course, I'm borderline-obsessed with cinnamon and anything containing it, so this was right up my alley), but I thought the Strawberry Honey Balsamic was too sweet. All I could taste was the Strawberry, which is all good and well when it's the first thing in the name, but if you're going to add cracked pepper, I want to be able to taste a hint of it. If you get here and the line's ridiculous, just venture up the road to Alotto Gelato.
(4)McKenna K.
Pretty good ice cream. The flavors they have are fun, the pear and blue cheese is the most original I have seen so far. The service is great. There seems to be a lack of organization with the line system. Everyone is all over the place but I hope that is because we went after dinner on a holiday evening and everyone in line seemed to have the drunchies. I tried the flight tasting which was a unique way of tasting more than one flavor instead of getting a whole bunch of free sample and holding up the line. I would suggest trying the honey lavender or the strawberry honey balsamic with cracked black pepper, both were very tasty.
(3)Lauren T.
AMAZING, just try it. I really loved their olive oil ice cream. Sounds weird right? It is. Just try it. I couldn't eat a whole scoop of it, but there was just something about it which was to die for. I'm glad I don't live in Portland because I would be much heftier if I did from always getting Salt & Straw!
(5)Jee H.
During a recent trip to Portland, my sister shared that she wanted to visit Salt & Straw. She said that she saw it showcased on the Food Channel and she wanted to try it out. We arrived about 6:30/7ish and there was already a line out the door. It didn't help that it was hotter than Hades and our wait was about 45 minutes. The line didn't move very fast and they had menus near the door so that you could preview the flavors. This is what we got: 1) NW Wild harvested berries 2) Beast 3) Cinnamon Snickerdoodle 4) Blueberry w/ Key Lime Marmalade and 5) Double Fold Singing Dog Vanilla. Two of them were in a waffle cone and the 5th choice was a child's size scoop. With four 1-scoop, 1 child's scoop and a bottle of coke, it was (if I remember correctly) either $20 or $22. When we got closer in line, they provided us samples and that helped narrow our choices. They have one bathroom (unisex) and a big selection of pastries. They also served coffee and shakes. Cool decor inside and it felt retro without the overkill. There was some outdoor seating in addition to seating inside but we chose an outdoor spot with some shade. All of us enjoyed our ice cream -- especially my 2 year old son. It was worth the wait and I will definitely go back again. Check out their link at saltandstraw.com -- pretty cool website too.
(4)Bo H.
Great service and great ice cream! I got a scoop of almond brittle and a scoop of coffee on a waffle cone. Waffles were freshly baked! I loved almond brittle very much! They said Almond brittle is a recipe from the owner's grandma. The coffee ice cream was good but not as good as almond brittle. My husband got a scoop of lavender. It was super lavendery!!! It was great but very sweet. We will definitely go here again next time we visit Portland.
(4)Lauren G.
I didn't want to like this place because of all the hype. After all, it is just ice cream. That said, I went on Saturday afternoon in the middle of the afternoon heat in a group of 5. The line was out the door and around the corner but it moved decently fast. Once we got inside, I have to acknowledge how great the service was. I appreciated that the staff would come out and offer samples so that once we got to the counter we were all set to order. It was smart and efficient service. And the pear and bleu cheese ice cream was delicious.
(5)Svea A.
Cute place, all vintage hip decorated, excellent small batch made ice cream (coffee ice cream tasted like a great cup of coffee turned into ice cream, strong great coffee flavor), and while the line was long the service was excellent. They volunteered tastes when I was indecisive, cheerily and patiently.
(5)Quisha F.
My 1st time there & I had a beard hair that looked like a pubic hair in my ice cream!! GROSS!! However it didn't totally gross me out, so I told them; they threw it away & gave me a free scoop!! Still my favorite place to get ice cream & so worth the drive across the bridge
(5)Brandon D.
Best ice cream I have ever had! Make sure you try a bunch of samples before choosing. The salted caramel was my favorite.
(5)Lisa K.
Add Salt & Straw to the Portland Bucket List of must do activities. Everyone else seems to have. With the consistently long line of people going out the door and down the street at all hours and all days, there seems to be no good time to go and beat the crowd. Maybe there is and nobody's sharing their guarded secret. I wouldn't. We finally broke down and joined the ever-present line to see what all the hype was about. Yes, as everyone has said, this place dishes up innovative and gourmet flavors of ice cream. Was it worth the wait? Without my 2.5 year old in tow I would have said yes. With her in tow, not so much. Maybe the strawberry balsamic vinegar black pepper ice cream was a little too sophisticated for the palate of 2-year old, but she wanted pink ice cream. And as every parent knows, you don't mess with the wishes of a kid in her terrible two's, that has somehow managed to barely make it through that long line without a major tantrum. Some basic kid friendly flavors may be nice addition to the menu for the munchkins and unadventurous, but I didn't mind too much because guess who got to eat it her unwanted scoop...
(5)Danyel S.
This is definitely the Voodoo Doughnuts of Ice Cream. It's not traditional ice cream because it's very... very creamy and the unusual flavors are outrageously fabulous. My friends told me about this place for ages and finally I decided to try it. When you first try one of their recipes, the flavor is very subtle and then it hits you - your taste buds are having a party. The first time I came here I was lost in space with the menu that had names that made me hungry. Luckily the staff is very friendly and patient with all newcomers. You'll always be surprised because the menu changes according to seasons. You can sample every single flavor... but in the end you have to make a choice. I had some difficulties with that because I wanted to get almost every single one of them. In the end I had to settle for "strawberry honey balsamic vinegar with cracked black pepper," "pear with blue cheese," "honey lavender," and the exquisite "coffee and bourbon."
(4)Philip M.
Would have ordered the loaded baked potato ice cream but feel that it would have benefited from a ribeye pairing. Chose a Thai chile brittle with coconut cream. It was very good.
(4)Francis A.
Great place for ice cream. Go many times as all flavors are worth trying.
(5)Sarah B.
Sooo yummy! Some flavors are a little out there, but definitely worth a try! The staff is always friendly and super helpful, willing to let you sample as many flavors as you want. Their salted caramel is their signature, and their almond brittle and ganache is the best!!! Would definitely recommend!
(5)Marlaina R.
This place came highly recommended from one of my non-foodie friends. This friend never recommends anything (except maybe computer software), so I really had to take him seriously and see what this place was all about myself. When my sister, my wife, and I arrive, there was a long line snaking out the door and people were clogging up the sidewalk. To me, something like this is a positive sign, an annoying one, but positive none the less. We finally get to the head of the line and the staff member was very friendly and very patient with us newbies. He was more than happy to scoop up sample after sample for us. I went with the cinnamon snicker-doodle in the fresh waffle cone, my wife got the salted caramel in a sugar cone, and my sister who didn't want to spoil her din din (what a nerd) got a bottled lavender soda. All in all, the three of us were happy campers! That cinnamon snicker-doodle was amazing! It had an unmistakable freshness and the natural cinnamon was just so yummy. Imagine those cinnamon twist things from Taco Bell transformed in to an even more awesome ice cream... oh yeah! Yes, the line is annoying, but really it is worth it. I scream for fresh ice cream! Or yelp for fresh ice cream, rather...
(4)Dave S.
This is better than Mallards in Bellingham. We had sea salt with Carmel and almond brittle, what a special rich treat.
(5)Erin P.
Their sea salt & caramel is my dream ice cream. I'm also a big fan of the strawberry balsamic and black pepper ice cream, and even the olive oil ice cream!
(5)Michelle S.
I live around here so I wish I could say this place sucks so people wouldn't go, but sadly it is probably the best ice cream I've had. Especially if you like offbeat flavors, which everyone does these days. So good! And nice people working in there. I also like that they use square, I just do.
(5)Jess C.
My black currant sorbet and pear blue cheese ice cream were definitely worth the wait (only about half hour at 9pm on a Tues. night)! I was back in the area the next day and saw that there was no line at all around noon. I love that you can try as many flavors as you want before you commit to one (or more if you pay for the split scoop). I loved the fresh, smooth taste of the black currant more than the pear after awhile, as the blue cheese kind of started to overtake the pear flavor. Overall, Salt & Straw a hot spot that you don't want to miss when you're in town!
(4)Faye F.
I'm not usually a fan of ice cream but this place is magnificent! I love their wide variety of choices and innovative flavors (especially the different seasonal ones). The only downside is if it's hot, expect to wait in a long line! You can sample flavors right before you pick (which can slow down the line) and they're really good at being patient (thank you!!). It's pretty cheap for the portions they scoop for you and you can buy pint size ones.
(4)Leila R.
I've been to salt and straw so many times and never remembered to review them!!! The ice cream is the best you can ever get. I love how they change their menu often so you can always have something new ! The employees are awesome and helpful :)
(5)Elle M.
Went in February and the line was still out the door. That's how you know it's good ice cream! The line moved quickly. I probably only waited 20 minutes and the time passed easily by chatting with folks in line. You can also sample as many flavors as you like, which is appreciated for narrowing down the decision. I had the Oregon Kiss - chocolate hazelnut ice cream with dark chocolate chunks. So good. And the Cinnamon Snicker-doodle, which had cookie chunks in it. Loved them both! Worth the wait if you're an ice cream lover.
(5)Erica L.
I waited in line for about an hour last Saturday night but it was worth every minute. I also learned an insiders tip that if you get a pint you can just walk up to the register....next time I will definitely use that trick!
(5)Richard L.
My 2 friends and I each got the ice cream flight. Winning. Best flavors: olive oil (fave); pear and bleu cheese; lemon ricotta/honey (forgot the full name); and almond brittle
(5)G L.
Visited Portland in June and was told to give this place a try. Apparently usually the lines go around the block, but we caught it at an off time where there were only 10 people in line. The employees come to you and literally give you like 10 tastes of ice cream before you decide. I got a super delicious sorbet (pear) and the mister got a salted caramel brittle (or something like that) ice-cream that had large chunks of peanut brittle (family recipe of owner) and carmel-y stuff. The joint is ridiculous. I believe that the line goes out the door and around the block.
(5)Tom W.
A must if you're in Portland. It's a teeny drive away from Downtown. The flavors are great, the employees are great, the quality is great. Anywhere that has Habanero as a flavor of ice cream is a friend of mine. And they're very good about free samples. I miss it already.
(5)Kari H.
My first trip into Salt & Straw was last night. I'm a mom of 3 boys under three years old. Life is busy, wonderful, and often draining. I had not made enough dinner that night and so we went for a drive in search of something tasty. I had seen MANY friends on social media posting about Salt & Straw so my husband and I decided to give it a try. He sent me in since he knew I needed a break. I was standing in line when Travis walked up to me with a big smile on his face. I was still glazed over from the day and didn't know what I wanted. He gave me delicious samples and helped me decide what would be best for my family. The service he gave was truly above and beyond and made me feel very human and so thankful. It really brightened my day. He is a keeper for sure! Keep up the good work!
(5)Darlene A.
I'm not a big ice cream fan, but this place is now an absolute must when I visit Portland next. I was there on a Tuesday night this week around 9:15p and the line was about 40 minutes long, but absolutely worth the wait. The flavor combinations are ridiculous and shouldn't work, but holy hell they do. I tried the Goat Cheese Marion Berry Habinero, Pear and Blue Cheese, Strawberry Cilantro Lime Cheesecake, and the Salt with Carmel Ribbons. (The latter two were what I actually bought, and weirdly, they tasted awesome TOGETHER. Yes, together!) I'm going to have to plan another trip to Portland SOON!
(5)Jennifer O.
This place is so good and I'm not even a big ice cream person. The flavors were so creamy and delicious. They give you samples of anything you want. This is the go to place for my out of town guests. All my in town guests have already been there. :)
(5)The J.
Treat Yourself. I'm not a big fan of ice cream but I am a fan of this place. The inventive, meticulous, and delicious pairing of quality flavors is exactly what I want when I go out to get a treat. I also want to be assured that ingredients and execution are held to a high standard as well-- Salt & Straw does all of this. The efficiency and care taken by the staff, who will offer you a sample and tell you about the flavors and origin of some of the products really put me over the edge. I didn't just go get a scoop of ice cream-- I had a delicious new experience with ice cream. Kudos Salt & Straw-- ya done good.
(5)Amy F.
The handmade fresh waffle cones are to die for
(5)Brian S.
I went to Salt and Straw in anticipation of having some good, locally produced ice cream. However, when I got there I was surprised and saddened to see that they had NOTHING on the menu that was chocolate. I understand that they often change their menu to reflect seasonal ingredients, and they may have chocolate on the menu now, but as a chocoholic I really can't give them more than 3 stars for this error. I did taste other flavors and they were very good, of course. But nothing chocolate? C'mon people!
(3)Jessica N.
Pros: - Delicious and innovative ice cream flavors like pear & gorgonzola and birthday cake & blackberry - Excellent service: you can try as many different flavors as you like before ordering Cons: - Waited in a 40-minute line out the door. We didn't mind because it was a Sunday night, but it would have been a problem at almost any other time. - I ended up ordering the salted ganache & almond brittle ice cream, and I found it a little unbalanced. Biting into large pieces of brittle and chunks of ganache while trying to eat an ice cream cone is kind of difficult. I would have liked the mix-ins to be smaller. - Pricey Overall, this place was fun to try once, but waiting 40-minutes for an overpriced ice cream cone is not something I'd do every day.
(4)Heather C.
This place has only one downside and it's the line; however, it's worth it and the hype is legitimate. First of all, the staff is amazing. Everyone there is so friendly and accommodating. What makes their positive attitude even more impressive is seeing how tirelessly charming they are while working their asses off to serve hundreds of people as quickly as possible. In terms of their ice cream: amazing. Hands down. The rhubarb with anise crumbles was mind-blowing. They take creative liberties and it pays off big time. Taste before you commit because there are too many amazing flavors for you to settle on something that seems safe. I know it looks daunting, but don't miss this place. Really. I hate lines because I'm the most impatient person around, but even I will shut up and wait.
(4)Ben J.
The only thing keeping this place from being 5 stars for me is that there's always a really long wait due to the ridiculously long lines that form, which just goes to show you how awesome this place is. High quality ice creams with some very unique flavors. I recommend at least sampling some of the odd flavors, whether you're adventurous enough to get whole scoops of them is up to you. I found the pear blue cheese pretty tasty actually and the Honey Balsamic Strawberry was alright (The balsamic came through a little strong for me). There are plenty of tasty more normal flavors as well so whether you enjoy being adventurous with what you put in your mouth or stick to what you're used to regardless of what that might be, they will probably have a flavor for you.
(4)Cindy M.
I had been hearing of Salt and Straw and couldn't wait to check it out for myself! Guess the entire world has heard the buzz since there were 28 people in front of us. Good thing they were well staffed with friendly helpful workers! So many outrageous, and crazy favors to choose from! I tried many but settled for an almond brittle! My taste buds were very pleased! Excellent ice cream and super cool location! Thumbs up ya all :-)
(5)Annie A.
OMG.... DROOOL...... STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC ICE CREAM.... Sounds gross, but its FRIGGIN AMAZING!! I wanted to take a tub home with me to sf!!! Visiting from the bay area/california we have plenty of quirky weird flavor ice cream shops. But seriously this place was amazing and I think it topped bi-rite in sf (which is voted one of the top ice cream shops in America...). Soo good!!!! Me and my bf were annoying customers and asked to sample like almost all of their ice cream and honestly I've never had ice cream so good and unique!! I also got a coffee drink here hazelnut something and it was delicious! They make all the syrups themselves and take time to make your drink perfect for you :) I think its funny how on the menu they explain where they get every single ingredient from haha... Soo portlandia :P
(5)Britty H.
The Freckled woodblock chocolate is perfection!!!! It's not overly decadent that it makes you thirsty and you can only tolerate some of it and its not light enough for the chocolate taste to be bland and boring! It's the best chocolate taste I have ever experienced (all around- not just for an ice cream). The snicker doodle was good too, but I'm just more of a chocolate person! The staff is very friendly and helpful despite their long line and let me sample as many of the flavors as I wanted! It's in such a cute location and the decor is suiting for their product! Love!
(5)Wesley W.
Believe the hype, this place is phenomenal. I didn't even realize ice cream could taste this good until I set foot in Salt & Straw. Get the Single + Waffle Cone for under 5 bucks and you'll get two heaping scoops of orgasmic ice cream on top of a warm, freshly made waffle cone. I honestly started giggling like an idiot (much to the chagrin of my friends) when I first sank my teeth into this marvelous creation. The servers are extremely friendly despite having to serve an endless line of customers, and are more than happy to let you taste as many flavors as you desire (great way to try out some of their more exotic flavors without committing to them i.e. olive oil). The only downside is that you'll probably wait 20+ minutes in line before you get served, but that's the price you pay for a truly memorable experience.
(5)Crystal L.
The ice cream is just ok. I wonder if they use eggs in their ice cream. Just taste like it is missing something. But I'm accustomed to old fashion handmade natural cream eggs and sugar type ice cream. Also it seems the baked goods lack too. I visited a few times last summer and they were amazing and creative. What happen?? Did they get a new chief or something?? Can u say day old taste. I would say over all it's just OK. To me this place is like voo doo donuts a popular "gotta have it" name that delivers mediocre food.. Not a fav of mine
(2)Roanna L.
Totally amazed at how Salt and Straw has transformed into a retro parlor from a food truck, and yet has maintained a casual and friendly feel. I put it down to the great customer service and their attentiveness to one's cool treat needs. Sampling is sufficient, payment is quick, and indulgence is inevitable. The quality of the ingredients is proudly displayed. I went for the Almond brittle with chocolate ganache in the end. Ice cream is creamy, not too rich or sweet(!!) and leaves you wanting more. Kid friendly and open.
(5)Vinh T.
Get almond brittle
(5)Sunflower G.
OMGosh - this place is too good to be true. Multitude of unique flavors; the friendliest staff I've ever encountered. Went with my mom who is diabetic and the nice girl helping us provided great suggestions for flavors with limited sugar content. Then she told us she could relate because she's diabetic too. Talk about attentive service. p.s. PLEASE consider making the cute gray t-shorts in long sleeve :-)
(5)Steph A.
It's all about their specialty beer flavors! That's what gets them 5 stars. The rest of their flavors are also great but not unique. I know what you're thinking "how is honey lavender with pepper not unique?". There's lots of places that do fun flavors like that but very rarely do you find beer flavors made so delicious. Portland prides itself on beer and I don't like beer but their beer flavors are very tasty!
(5)Mini- C.
This place is bound to have a million reviews, as it seems to be Portland's Flavor Of The Week. You could wade through each of them, subjecting yourselves to variations of "Omigosh this ice cream blew my mind!" for the next 5 days, or just use the handy summary below. Here's what you need to know: - Is the ice cream tasty? See the other 6000 comments. Survey says yes, and I tend to agree. - Is the line long? You bet your barking dogs it is. Unless you hit this place on Wednesday at noon, bring a buddy to keep you entertained. - Are the servers nice? This is what tipped the scales for me. The line to get in might be snaking all the way to the Pearl District, but when it's finally your time to order, they encourage you to sample away and take your time deciding. You can feel free to taste some of their wackier concoctions (Fish sauce caramel and lemongrass? How did we get here?) before you settle on something simple and scrumptious. (Cinnamon Snickerdoodle for the win!) - Is it worth the trip? Well, do you like delicious ice cream that comes with a set of bragging rights? Then check them out!
(4)Kevin L.
Fantastic ice cream. Crazy lines, even on a cold winter night
(5)Karya L.
Whimsical and strong flavors . Generous portions one scoop is definitely enough . Long line but moves fast . In heart of trendy neighborhood . Great vibe and very friendly staff. I'd give it a double thumbs up. :)
(5)Rozella K.
Amazing flavors! Incredible value -- it's just so sinfully rich that now I feel like a hideous monster for having had a split scoop. how could one do this more than once a year!! Wow. Amazing!
(4)Pip S.
Delicious, one-of-a-kind icream in softball sized scoops! The line is not only worth waiting in, but just part of the Salt & Straw experience. Their friendly staff is always eager to answer questions, offer their qualified opinion, and grab you as many samples as your little heart/taste buds desire. Seasonal flavors are delightfully unique, and prices are reasonable.
(5)Owen C.
Pear and blue cheese ice cream? I was skeptical. I'll admit it.... I thought it sounded kinda gross. Holy moly I was proven sooooo wrong. Real pears and the the subtle flavor from the cheese was divine. We went back twice and got a flight each time. How could we make up our minds with such a delectable and unique menu? The flight allows you 4 flavors. Our favorites were the pear and blue cheese and almond brittle with salted ganache. We tried almost every flavor with their beautiful silver spoons and personalized service. They asked for a tip at the end and I gladly obliged. I'm so angry though that they've ruined ice cream forever for us. Nothing comes close. Please oh please come to the Sacramento area.
(5)Kim P.
I'm a local and they attract yuppies/tourists which is always a bummer but DAMN do they have good ice cream so more power to them. Three locations in pdx plus a little cart in LO. I personally think that half of the ice cream sounds terrible (ie anything olive oil flavored) but then I try it and remember why they are so popular. Everything, literally everything tastes good. The ice cream is made in small batches and most of the ingredients are sourced locally. This means that there is a vast differences in flavors over the years as the berries and veggies in things go in and out of season. If you can stand to wait an hour + in the summer, I recommend it. If not, just come back in the winter. Their service is great. Customers are encourage to try as many flavors as they want and S&S has a good system in place to make this happen fast. You can tell that one of the owners used to work at Starbucks because it has the same vibe. If you try it, you will like and then get crabby that all of the yuppies/tourists are making the lines so long. But again, it's great to see a local business doing so well! PS Secret: You can get half scoops of different flavors! My stomach wants to kill me if I try to eat two scoops so I always go for this option if I am in the mood for two flavors. I think one scoop in a waffle cone is like $5 which seems typical to me....
(4)Izarra V.
Yes, folks, it really is a delicious as everyone says. This is one Portland business that is sure to become a city staple (a la Coco's Donuts, Spella Coffee and small-batch brews).
(5)Alicen R.
5 star ice cream, 5 star servers. Although it was busy and the line was long it moved fast and our servers were SOOOOO nice! They didn't care how many samples we tried and kept making suggestions. Super cool that samples are on real spoons and not cheap plastic that changes the flavor. Bonus star for that! Okay, so now the flavors...TO DIE FOR! We had the flight, of course. I wish I could've had 2 flights it was THAT yummy. The strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper was on point. It tasted of fresh berries and no hint of black pepper at all (thankfully). ands down the best strawberry ice cream I've ever had! My fave was the Coconut W/ Salted Caramel Bar. Insanely good. After I devoured and licked the bowl the server mentioned that it was their vegan/gluten free option...made with coconut cream not ice cream. It was super smooth and creamy with chunks of chocolate and caramel. Can I have a carton ofit shipped to me in San Diego??? The Chocolate Gooey Brownie was good too as was the cinnamon snickerdoodle...but those were HIS choices. I would've probably got the Sea Salt Caramel, the Pear With Blue Cheese & the Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon for the rest of my flight. That pear stuff was hard to pass on, let me tell ya. Note: Shout out to our server...she was SOOOO sweet! I don't know her name but she's from Escondido in San Diego. Such a sweetheart and super helpful!
(5)Monica G.
Yes the line is worth waiting in! even when you are near the workers will come up to you to get samples while you wait. and yes you can sample all! if you are visiting and only have time for a single visit then i suggest getting the ice cream flight.....yes not a beer flight, but ICE CREAM FLIGHT! choose four flavors and eat your heart out! I got the lavender: it was ok, maybe because I actually use lavender lotion and shower gel, it was like eating my soap. but my bf loved it. it was def refreshing. -chocolate brownie: this was my favorite! large chunks of brownie, with chocolate ice cream, yum! -toffee crunch: this was good as well, but not memorable -strawberry: this came with sometime of herb, i forgot, but nonetheless very interesting and refreshing I had to go back in line to get the snicker doodle, which was amazing! I must warn you though, it was super cinnamon-y! each ice cream you can def taste that hint of salt! with my flight i also got a waffle cone of the side, I broke it into pieces and kinda ate my ice cream and waffle cone pieces like chips and dip lol!
(5)Paul P.
Do I need a balsamic vinegar flavoured ice cream? Maybe not. Lots of interesting and bizarre flavours, some I'm sure more successful than others. I ordered the Almond brittle and it was delicious, but the line and the hype made my expectations too high.
(3)Katherine W.
Lines are always extremely long but for good reason! I have never enjoyed an ice cream cone so much. I got the split with wildflower honey with ricotta walnut lace cookies and the almond brittle with salted ganache. Both absolutely delicious! Definitely recommend going for the more exotic flavors. The employees are also super friendly and helpful. This place is a must-go in Portland!
(5)Cristen T.
As if Salt & Straw needs another five star review of some one talking about how their inventive and creative flavors, no matter how unappetizing they may sound, always end up being the best ice cream one has ever eaten... They don't need more people saying that the texture of the ice cream is consistently rich and creamy and perfect every time. But I will say it, along with all the others. I am so glad I am where Salt & Straw is. I can't tell you how many times I've been there, even if I haven't planned on going there. Nor can I tell you how many times I've raced the clock and tucked as many pints that would fit into my insulated bag and made the trek through traffic that was just descending into rush hour madness to get my precious cargo into the freezer at my home out in Forest Grove (and it can be done without melting into a puddle, in case you're wondering...). I also couldn't tell you how I manage to resist eating all the pints I bring home the second they get there like an insane person. Instead, I ration it out until I know I can head back into Portland and get more. My sister said it best when she noted, "Salt & Straw ice cream has ruined all other ice creams." The ice cream from this fantastic establishment is my gold standard now and if, for example, I can't bring it to a birthday gathering in Bend, we just don't eat ice cream. While Tillamook ice cream is alright in a pinch, I almost always hold out for the concoctions at Salt & Straw. There is something for everyone here. If you like lavender or pears and blue cheese or just a knock-your-socks-off vanilla, these guys do it right. Oh, you want a dairy-free option? Well, they have it. Sorbets? Yep. Milkshakes? Sure. A flippin' flight of ice cream? Yeah, they have that too. Their classic menu is epic and their monthly rotation is like a dose of Christmas all year long. They support local artisans regularly and even have some of their product at their locations (might I suggest Pinkleton's Caramel Corn or Woodblock Chocolate?) If you want to emulate their kind and friendly staff you can even buy an awesome ice cream scoop inscribed with the Salt & Straw logo... it is kind of akin to getting your Junior Pilot wings. For those of you who fear the queue and have let it deter you from stopping in, knock it off. Use the opportunity to meet someone new and chat about the flavors or where they're from (people come from all over to partake in these icy delights and they're generally in a good mood as they are about to eat delicious ice cream). Or, just know that if you are adventurous and can commit to a pint before tasting, you can move straight to the front of the line with one or many of the prepackaged flavors. Also, it really is just worth it. The staff is friendly and treat you like you're the only person there once it is your turn. They encourage tasting the myriad of flavors and are great with suggestions. Just make sure once you're at the front of the line at the Alberta location to keep moving forward if there is a gap. I know this review is superfluous because everyone already knows how great Salt & Straw is but I love this place and support it with all of my being. The folks here do what they love and that passion spreads to all who partake in it.
(5)Kevin A.
Overrated - I felt that many of their flavors, although rich in ingredients, lacked the richness in flavor. I did; however, love their fresh made waffle cones. -Absolutely not worth the ridiculous line.
(3)Diane L.
Smooth and rich ice cream, slowly churned. Had tomato-water/olive oil sherbet which was extremely sweet with no discernible tomato flavor. Very crowded on a Wednesday afternoon, traffic flow through the long line was chaotic.
(3)Nicole C.
The ice cream is good, so good. We found parking and were debating whether or not to wait in their notoriously long line, but upon seeing the line wrapped around the corner and going down the block, we decided that it was probably more worth it to just pick up a few pints. We headed straight back to the freezer and got the Honey Lavender, the Double Bock Bacon, and the Coffee and Bourbon. To my shock, the cashier rang us up at $27. Literally, the only reason that this place doesn't get five stars from me is because $9/pint is RIDICULOUS. I hadn't realized that it would be so expensive, but we got all three anyways. To start, the Honey Lavender is amazing. The flavor balance is perfect. I've tried making my own lavender ice cream because it's one of my newer obsessions, and I'll admit that it came out tasting rather synthetic and heady. But the Salt and Straw version is wonderful. It's hard to explain, but the taste of the fresh cream and the subtle sweetness and the realness of the lavender makes the combination so delectable. It's definitely my favorite. The Double Bock Bacon was also quite good. It really hits the spot. It's smoky, and the bacon is thick-cut. The only one that I found to be rather average was the Coffee Bourbon one. There's nothing terribly special about it, and I prefer the Haagen Dasz version (especially considering the price difference). However, it was impressive enough that I will be trying new flavors pint by pint (since I will not be standing in those absurd lines).
(4)Raymond S.
No need to say anything. Worth the wait. Let you taste what you want. No wait for pre packed pints. Won't eat ice cream elsewhere until I have a better reason.
(5)Goldilocks J.
Hands down the best ice cream of the 3 places we tried. There is a line around the corner, so be prepared to wait. Loved that the staff come check on you when you get closer in line and bring you a couple of things to try while you wait so you can make your decision before you get up there. I had the sea salt and caramel and gooey chocolate brownie flavors. Hubby had the almond brittle with salted ganache and mint mojito cocktail flavors. All were creamy, flavorful, and worth the wait. Would definitely come back here again.
(4)Steven H.
Super long lines for some trendy ice cream. Not all it's cracked up to be but it's not bad. If I could walk right in then I'd eat it... but not worth waiting in a line.
(3)Baby B.
Best ice cream I've ever had. When I saw how packed this place was in February, I didn't get it. But, after trying the flight of four flavors, it makes sense. $8 is kinda ridiculous for a milkshake, but given the ingredients (locally sourced for the most part) and the flavors (very original combinations that I haven't seen elsewhere), I suppose it's justified. The other options are pretty on par with any other gourmet ice cream places. Also, maybe it's just that I'm new to Portland, but I couldn't believe how freaking nice the employees are. Absurdly patient and kind, without being phony.
(5)Stan W.
On my recent visit to Portland I bookmarked Salt & Straw because I love to try local ice cream shops in different cities and towns. I had just eaten a very filling lunch and was walking off as many calories as I could when I accidentally stumbled across Salt & Straw. It was unfortunate that I was so full from lunch but that didn't stop me from trying it out and boy was I still happy I did! Salt & Straw has some of the most unique flavors I have ever seen. I knew Portland had its quirks and the flavors of ice cream here are a great example of that. Honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper?!?!?! A little to weird for me but I did enjoy an awesome eggnog custard...in a waffle cone :) Strong and pungent creamy flavors in a fresh waffle cone really sent me over the top. Although I was feeling guilty for having dessert so early in the afternoon (especially after a big lunch) Salt & Straw's great customer service and excellent/unique flavors made it worth my while.
(4)Michelle M.
I was down in Portland for a weekend trying to visit as many places as possible and I'm so glad I did this one! Not usually adventurous, I tried the pear and blue cheese option and was astounded. SURPRISE AND DELIGHT IN EVERY BITE. Lick? Anyways, it was worth the wait and the staff was bright and helpful.
(5)April M.
Yummy, interesting ice cream flavors. Long wait, but there's a cool option where you can sample a lot of the flavors. Got sick of it pretty fast though because it's very rich.
(4)Mindy K.
Yeah, they have unusual flavored ice cream but it's not worth the long lines they have all the time. Not worth the hype. It's just a fad. Don't waste your time.
(3)Kiku R.
Going to Salt & Straw is an experience. They have so many unique flavors, some that you might not have ever imagined. But they are all lovely! The staff allow you to sample plenty before you decide on your flavor (which is nice because that's all a part of the fun - going from Lavender Honey to Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper). Be sure to stop back in for fun seasonal flavors. Two reasons I rated 4 stars: it is pretty pricey, especially for a float or shake ($8). You can drop a pretty penny on you and a date stopping here for dessert. Also, the Alberta location has very limited seating. If you go in the evenings, you will almost never find an open seat unless you wait.
(4)Janell M.
Long lines, ice cream was okay, not enough setting and packed. I might have liked it better on non packed chaotic day but I'm thinking that's how this business is lol busy! I had the chocolate lime bon bon with bourbon... It defiantly had bourbon, the lime was an interesting kick, although I was looking for more of a chocolate flavor, something rich.
(3)Taylor S.
A little expensive, but the ice cream is fantastic!
(4)Heather F.
I first came with my mom because I thought it was a necessary thing to do while she was in town. I'm not much of an ice cream person, and I knew it was a pretty touristy spot, so I never expected to be back as frequently as I have been. Apparently I just can't get enough of it. I love trying all the new seasonal flavors, but I often go back to the standard sea salt and caramel - always satisfying.
(5)Galang P.
Really good homemade ice cream. Highly recommend getting the sampler!
(4)Gia A.
Waited in line for an hour just to get ice cream but it was so worth it. There was a lot of flavors to choose from including some unusual ones like the pear and blue cheese and some holiday concoctions for Halloween. I tried a few but settled on the coconut with petunia's salted caramel bars.
(5)Trina U.
It's the Voodoo Donuts of ice cream! So many flavors there's guaranteed to be something for everyone. You've got to try it if you're anywhere nearby. Highly recommended.
(5)Eric H.
As a tourist in the area, I quickly fell in love with this ice cream shop. I admired the founder's story and was hopelessly intrigued their fantastic and unexpected flavors. During your visit, if you're overwhelmed by the menu and don't know where to start, don't worry: the staff are always super friendly and are happy to treat you to a generous sampling (sometimes even while you wait in line). I am usually shy about taking advantage of these free samples, but I think they knew I was a Salt & Straw virgin on my first visit. They gladly let me try 3-4 flavors before I found "the One". (NOTE: I tried the Strawberry Balsamic w/ Cracked Pepper, Sea Salt Ice Cream with Caramel Ribbon, Arbequina Olive Oil, and Pear with Blue Cheese...All of them were amazing and led to subsequent visits). My favorite, surprisingly, was the Pear with Blue Cheese. I am not a Blue Cheese guy, but I absolutely love the combination of flavors in this particular cold and creamy scoop. I've since been back to try the Honey Lavendar (another favorite), as well as Alma's Boozy Bon Bon...and some featured scoop that had bacon in it (my mind was obviously blown because I do not remember the name). And yes, they were all ridiculously good. Go to this place with an open mind and prepare to be delighted.
(5)Susanne A.
Aside from real gelato in Italy, this is the best ice cream I've ever tried. The line was long, but completely worth it (and moved rather quickly). If you don't want to wait in line and already know what flavor you like, you can grab a pint of ice cream and go straight to the register. I love that the employees allow you to try the flavors. I tried olive oil and was glad I didn't get it, even though it was better than I expected! My favorite was the almond brittle chocolate ganache. I got a split scoop and also had the salted caramel cupcake. Hubby loved the snicker doodle. I seriously wanted to go back the next day for more!! You just can't go wrong here. If you like ice cream, this place is a MUST TRY while visiting Portland!
(5)Benjamin R.
This is really good ice cream. It is. The quality is rich and delicious. The flavors they do are highly inventive, sometimes at the expense of simple deliciousness. For example, bone marrow ice cream is an interesting concept, but not something I want a whole scoop of ever. But they have plenty of interesting but more approachable options too. So, its good. That said, it is no where near good enough to justify the insane wait times at peak hours. Go during a slow time and it is totally worth 15 minutes, but not 80.
(3)Iriet A.
June 16th, a rainy day in Portland, OR. Not surprising, I know, but it is not the normal drizzle and stop kind of rain often experienced in the area. More like a torrential downpour with a side of hail on the head. After touring the Japanese and Rose Gardens we decide to try our luck on 23rd Ave. maybe the kids will be up for a few more miles in the rain with a side of window shopping? Maybe not! The whining ensues and quickly becomes a steady stream of protests. Must appease the gremlins! Then, we see it, Salt & Straw. My kids already know that this is the place the travel sites promised would yield delightful scoops of ice cream. We are dragged kicking and screaming into the shop (not). Thankfully the line is not too long and we are able to try nearly every flavor on the board. I make the difficult choice and have only two scoops. This was not an easy choice given the assortment of unique flavors. Amongst my favorites; Salted Caramel, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Chocolate Gooey Brownie and Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. While the kids and I sat to enjoy our ice cream my husband took his time only joining us once we had already polished off our afternoon treat. If you happen to find yourself in Portland give it a try. My guess is that it will taste just as good on a warm, sunny day as it did on this wet and wild one. Kids are done complaining...for now!
(5)Bree G.
First let me start off my telling you how awesome their customer service is. I had just had dinner at the sushi restaurant so I wasn't hungry but it was my last night in Portland and I just had to try the ice cream. So the person behind the counter (wish I could remember your name you were great) let me pick 4 flavors and made them into one scoop for me as I only wanted a taste. Thanks again for doing that. Now for the ice cream..best ice cream I've ever had! Tried the pear and blue cheese, candy cap mushroom and port, strawberry balsamic and the honey lavender (my favorite) but all flavors were delicious and I can't wait to go back next year and try their new flavors
(5)Megan M.
It's amazing. Yes, you'll wait in line (sometimes for quite a while) but the servers are very efficient and you can sample to your heart's content. Also, if you buy a pint you can skip the line! Salt & Straw beats Voodoo Donuts any day!
(5)Jaclyn C.
Waited in a 45 minute line at 10:00 PM, but it was totally worth it. Delicious ice cream, fun flavor variety, and excellent service.
(5)Gina A.
I had decided long ago that I really needed to venture away from the cocoon like comfort of the suburbs to indulge in some serious ice cream cause B & R & TCB (why?) aren't my cup of tea. PREP: On purpose I ate no breakfast nor lunch, keeping my stomach a pure, bare vessel ready to absorb this famed goodness. TIMING: We went midday (2ish) during the post Christmas, pre-New Years lull so maybe that explains why we were stunned to find that there was no outside line (it's sometimes ridiculous), and it probably helped that it was a Sunday that happened to be freezing ass cold.... VIBE: The place was warm inside, polished wood counters, chalk board selection replete with delightful flavors. Acolytes and aficionados alike were all rewarded (after waiting in line) with exceptional customer service - free tastes, helpful advice, combo consultations, and overall hand holding helped us feel right at home. TASTES: The flavor spectrum runs from Adult oriented (lots of alcohol based flavors) to the Sexy (wine sorbet) to the Strange (stuffing as in Thanksgiving). They are totally wanting and willing to give you tastes of it all on perfect little REAL spoons. They suggested a chocolate caramel concoction that I immediately dismissed as plebeian (sorry) though I suspect it's amazing... PRICE: Under $4.00 for a single scoop, other stuff is extra $ - like salt or a cone, but overall the ice cream scoop/flightss seemed reasonable to me. The $8.00 milkshakes did NOT seem nearly so reasonable or creative. POST: Wandering and window shopping around trendy third avenue licking a ball of frozen goodness on a frozen day seemed a nearly transcendental study in cold. Lick, brrrr, shiver, lick, lick, brrrr....shake....lips and fingers numb, but my taste buds were alive,- dancing and reporting in unison on the tastiness of my FIGGY PUDDING, followed by the bites hubby gave me of his PEAR AND BLUE CHEESE. Oh lordy, taste buds launch into living version of the Rockettes high kick. NIT PICKING: My one little bitty complaint is that some of it is just too sweet (Strawberry Balsamic has an overly thick ribbon of jam that overpowers the entire thing) or too mainstream (Salted Caramel/Chocolate). Snooze. Also, I had to breakdown and try the $8.00 shake...it was just an average old shake, except the price.
(4)Alison V.
This really is as good as it gets! Best ice cream in Portland by far. Handmade people! Delish! I've been to all the locations, all great! I love how they let you try everything. The first time I went an hour wait, but it really was worth it. And even with that long of wait behind us, we were able to try what we wanted. I had the pear blue cheese which sounds crazy, but it is good. Any flavor you think might taste bad, you should still try it because you'll be surprised. They have seasonal flavors, which are all unique and taste great. There was only one sample out of all of them I didn't like. And get it in their waffle cone, it's worth it. My friend got a regular root beer float, and even that was better than your average float! Try to go late at night before it's closing, no line!
(5)Christina C.
HOLY MOLY. ICE CREAM HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!! The workers are awesome. They let you taste any and every flavor because they have the same philosophy as ice cream lovers! 1) honey balsamic strawberry w. cracked pepper 2) almond brittle w/ salted ganache .. and the best 3) PEAR WITH BLUE CHEESE! (must try.. who would've thought this combo?) Also, if you're ever at the location on NW 23rd avenue..USE THE BATHROOM! and WASH YOUR HANDS! (please wash your hands, regardless, whenever you use the bathroom hahah) you'll see why! (:
(5)Scott M.
Obviously the ice cream here is good. You can tell that by the quality of ingredients that they use and the absurd number of people that wait in line (does everyone not realize that they can buy a pint and cones and skip the entire line? read the house rules). The cons are that the ice cream is overpriced, 9 dollars for a pint is pretty ridiculous. I guess when you think of a dessert at a restaurant being anywhere from 6-12 bucks then it's right there in the middle, but it still feels pretty steep. Also, some of the flavors that they make each month just sound gross. Ingredients such as bone marrow, mashed potatoes, kimchi?? Where are the salt and straw versions of classics such as chocolate peanut butter, or cookies and cream? I bet they could make some bomb versions of those. I almost always just get chocolate brownie because you can never go wrong there and it's by far the best flavor they have.
(3)Tatyana B.
Came back here and tried some more adventurous flavors; strawberry with balsamic and arequebina olive oil-these paired really well together and I absolutely loved it! My husband had pear and blue cheese which he thoroughly enjoyed-especially the chunks of blue cheese. My daughter had coconut caramel chocolate-which was fabulous. Very sad to leave this place, I will dream of their ice cream.
(5)Ana R.
I don't get all the hype. Waited in line for 20 or so minutes to order a scoop of their Roasted Fig and Yogurt Sherbet (me) and two scoops of the limited edition Elvis for my husband. The flavors were nice and the hand-made cone was a nice touch, but I wouldn't stand in line again for 20 min to come back. I'm going to stick to our favorite ice cream place (Cool Moon) from now on.
(3)Paul O.
Despite the long line in the hot Summer heat, I absolutely adore this place. I love the unusual assortment of flavors (even the ones that I dare not try). In the end, no matter which flavor you pick, you will ALWAYS be happy because they are all just so delicious. Although this place is a tourist trap, it's definitely worth staying in line for.
(4)Eddard S.
I ordered a brownie sundae bowl here...small and $8.The brownie was warm, dense, and tasty. It took literally 10 minutes to just warm up the brownie though. The ice creams I tried were all pretty good. The honey lavendar was especially tasty as well as the salted caramel that came with the brownie sundae. I do think this place is good, but very overpriced for ice cream. It is worth a visit though.
(4)Jennifer Y.
Creamy and yummy. For the creativity of the flavors, despite the cold outside, I'll be back. This location, although some say it's got smaller portions does have a seating area inside and allows for the line to curve around inside which seems to me better than having folks stream outside in the cold like the other location (unless of course there are more than can fit along the length of the store and the line's out the door like it seemed to be quite frequently). Salted Caramel and Pear and Blue cheese are my favorites. The seasonal varietals seem to be a big hit, but I like consistency and I do like the fact that they're so patient with samples. Too bad I don't live in Portland!
(4)Debrin S.
Delectable. So loved the interior design- it's warm nod in homage to a by gone era of neighborhood creameries & to the farmers who provide the liquid gold to craft ice cream such as this. The scents of cream & sugar and fresh hot waffle cones permeate the air around you. Sampling is encouraged- I think I literally tried everything in order to be best equipped for an informed decision. I loved, yes loved, every flavor. Outstanding texture, flavor, temperature. Unique combinations swirled between dense, dreamy, cool creaminess. The peach marmalade was exquisite.... like sitting among groves of Georgia peach trees on a lazy hot afternoon. It's a sensory sensation! The pear & blue cheese is like surprisingly delightful charcuterie (w/o the cured meat part). The salted caramel was amazing. the chocolate wood block has a crazy texture but also yummy, & the cinnamon snickerdoodle was a fave too. However I selected the almond brittle w salted ganache. Words literally escape me. Head shaking, disbelief, palms up "How could this be created, crafted, concocted?" Mastermind genius, I thank you!
(5)Molly M.
Salt and Straw is fantastic, with varied flavors and endless samples. Whatever the weather, I love a scoop of their ice cream.
(5)Vi E.
This place is delicious! The smell when you walk in of the fresh waffle cones... Oh my god! Both times I've been there I've had to wait in line about 10 minutes which really isn't bad, seriously, the smell of those waffle cones. When you're almost to the front of the line someone comes up and asks which flavors you want to sample. My second trip, our buddy Travis fed us ice cream. It was awesome! He was super helpful. He let us try almost all of the flavors! I ended up with a split scoop ( .50 cents extra) of cinnamon snickerdoodle and coffee & bourbon in a waffle cone. SO good! It is a little bit spendy, but its all natural and tastes amazing. Great experiences! I will be back!
(4)Connie H.
I can't stay too far away from Salt & Straw! Their unique seasonal ice cream flavors keep me coming back because I just want to try each and every one of them! The people who work here are super nice. They let me try a spoon of some of the flavors before I decided to go with the strawberry balsamic ice cream with cracked pepper. I recommend eating the ice cream in their freshly made waffle cones. It makes it all the more delicious. Also they have pretty delicious cookies. I got some sort of chocolate chip/nut cookie and I was surprised that it had a salty/peppery aftertaste. At first, I thought it was kind of strange but I ended up liking it a lot. Haha.
(5)Sean And McKinze F.
Just the best ice cream, hands down. Great selection of totally inventive flavors that the helpful and friendly staff is always eager to let you sample -- as many as you want for as long as you want. We've been here in the middle of the afternoon when we're about the only ones in there, or at 5 minutes before closing on a weekend night, when people are still lined up a the counter (and not being rushed out of the place). Every time, the quality and service are exceptional. As a bonus, the iPad checkout system utilizing Square and email/text receipts is cool. Nice to see them embracing technology.
(5)Tony L.
When you get to Salt & Straw you have a decision to make, do you want to go safe or be adventurous? On our first visit, we decided for the latter, and got a double scoop of strawberry vinaigrette with black pepper and bleu cheese with pear. While I've had strawberry vinaigrette a couple of times at different places, they always strike me as tasting like typical strawberry ice cream. This one was a little different. It was a little tart, with a jammy ribbon of strawberry whipped throughout for texture. What was different (or wasn't, depending on how you look at it), was the black pepper. Never seen it on any menu. But didn't catch a hint of it in the ice cream either. Unfortunate. The bleu cheese with pear was definitely a unique flavor, though if it weren't for the pungent, yet muted-by-the-cold, chunks of bleu cheese in the ice cream, you might mistake it for cheesecake ice cream (growing up, one of my favorites was blueberry cheesecake). The pear was subtle. I was hoping for more of it. Both scoops in the cup were generous, and the service was super friendly, with one of the staff members answering questions for people in line. Reminds you of being in line at Disneyland, or talking to a salesperson at a cell phone kiosk at the mall. Take your pick. Ultimately, while a bit of a novelty, or a quirky Portland tourist destination, Salt & Straw was worth the visit, though unlikely a return visit.
(3)Brittany M.
THE BEST ICE CREAM IN THE WORLD. Get on a plane, fly to Portland and get a scoop. Seriously delicious. The richest, creamiest ice cream I have ever come across. The line is usually long but it moves fast and they feed you samples while you wait. The flavors are unique and feature local ingredients. Don't miss it!
(5)Katy C.
I am pretty difficult when it comes to ice cream. I love ice cream, especially the homemade specialty type ice creams. I was recommended this place by a friend telling me it has the best ice cream. They let me try several samples, which was good. But the ice cream was just Too Sweet. I love how they use fresh flavors but if it wasn't too sweet.
(2)Antonio C.
Worst Service Ever!!!! I stood in a line that was wrapped around the building. After 20 minutes finally got inside and excited to have some ice cream. Well the serves kept skipping me. They had about 6 servers and each would look at me and skip and go on to the next. I stood in front of the line for an additional 20 minutes. I figured they were super busy. After about 10 customers after me got serve I decided I should leave. I told the manager I did not get helped. He offered to give me a free ice cream, but I was no longer in the mood. I will be contacting corporate headquarters to submit a complaint.
(1)Mish M.
Truth: Its hard for me to dislike an ice cream shop, so I may be biased. That said, I love Salt & Straw. I love the unique flavor combinations that blend together so well. I love that I can try any flavor before committing - on real spoons! And they compost. One whole star for being environmentally awesome. I especially love the sea salt with caramel ribbons. Sea salt ice cream?! Yep. Hand it over. I always plan to try something from their bakery case, but I get so into the ice cream that I haven't actually done it yet. Maybe next time. Their staff are wonderfully cheerful, the space is small, but it helps contain the heavenly smells. I only wish it were closer to me......
(5)Bernicemina M.
The line out the door justifies that this place is GREAT! Saw this place featured on "Unique Sweets" and just had to try it while visiting Portland. In a span of spending four days visiting PDX, my sister and I went TWICE. Because it is that great! The flavors we tried were: Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black pepper: - at first you raise your eyebrows and think "black pepper in ice cream?" It was very GOOD. The flavors mesh real well that even if you can see the little granules of black pepper, you can't taste it it. The balsamic really brings out the rich flavor of the strawberries and the honey balances out the flavors. This is a regular item on their menu. Cheddar Apple Pie - Apples and cheese pair quite nicely as a snack. But in ice cream? Even better! There's nothing better than taking a spoonful of this and then tasting a chunk of cheddar cheese with apple pie...crust included. I liked this so much that I took a pint of this home....to San Diego! And it survived! This is a seasonal flavor so if you see it on their menu when you visit, GET IT! Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache - oh.my .goodness. I don't know how else to describe this. But the salted ganache does enhance the flavor of the almond brittle. There is something about that crunch that makes it taste so good every bite! Chocolate Brownie - enough said. It is divine. Do not let the line deter you from trying out the goodness that is Salt & Straw. I miss it so much that I might order a few pints (yes, they ship!) just to have my fix =) Oh! And if you are feeling adventurous, I wasn't brave enough to try it, but they have a sea urchin and mint ice cream. Good luck!
(5)David W.
The ice cream is great! They have some interesting combinations I you wouldn't see often. I got a split cone, which is more like a double, of almond brittle and stumptown coffee. The almond brittle is highly recommended and I'd recommend the coffee if you like stronger coffee flavors
(5)Amado L.
I must begin this review by saying how saddened I am about having a Salt & Straw location within two blocks from home. I must then follow that statement with ARE YOU FVCKN KIDDING ME?! THERE'S A SALT & STRAW LOCATION WITHIN TWO BLOCKS FROM HOME?! WOOT!! The NW Portland location is at once too close to be tempting and close enough to be convenient. Therein lies my quandary. I know, I know. It's a good problem to have. Simply put, Salt & Straw is da bomb. I don't use that phrase often because (a) it's no longer the 90's, and (b) not many places deserve such an accolade. In fact, I don't know anyone who doesn't love Salt & Straw. And the handful who don't-- well, let's just say I took care of it so that they won't be bothering anyone else again with their misjudgment. I mean, there is a legitimate reason behind the long lines-- their stuff is just that good. Who would think of mixing Honey, Balsamic and Black Pepper into Strawberry Ice Cream, and making it absofvcknlutely delicious? The folks at Salt & Straw would and did. It's actually my second favorite flavor of theirs, and I'm not a strawberry ice cream kind of guy. Remember the Neapolitan Ice Cream that you can buy at Freddy's or Safeway? I would always eat just the vanilla and chocolate, and leave the strawberry ice cream section for my bawling little sister. (She cried for no reason most times.) Now, I can't get enough of it! My all-time favorite, though, is their classic Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons. It's a pint-sized nirvana. And, you know what? Just writing this review has stirred within me a craving for Salt & Straw Ice Cream. Dammit. (But, in a good way.)
(5)Jill M.
So glad a friend recommended this place to me! Probably the best, definitely the most unique, ice cream shop I've ever visited. The staff here is really cool and will help you find what suits you, including giving you samples. The variety of flavors is so interesting--they put together things I never would have thought made sense to blend. I had the sea salt with caramel ribbons and added hot fudge, and my boyfriend had the strawberry with balsamic vinegar and black pepper. Both were absolutely delicious! **TIP: You can add a variety of toppings to your ice cream selection to make it even more unique and delicious! You can also pick up a variety souvenirs here, including coffee mugs, tees and Stumptown coffee beans. Just brought some back down to San Diego...yummy!
(5)Tarin W.
Husband and I are moving to Portland shortly and were in the neighborhood looking at places, and now I have a serious dilemma: live far away from Nob Hill and save my waistline from Salt and Straw or live in the area and eat deliciousness every single day. We randomly walked by on a Monday evening, and didn't have to wait, which judging by the other Yelp reviews is a miracle. A wonderfully peppy employee, Veronica, talked us through all the various flavors and options. She was so darn nice and happy! Apparently she was only a few shifts in to her employment at the shop, but she was awesome and made the experience great. So Veronica's boss, if you read Yelp reviews, give Veronica some kudos! Anyway, after probably a scoops' worth of samples, we finally decided on honey lavender (for me) and nutty brownie sundae with sea salt with caramel ribbon (for him). They were both great and exactly what we wanted. The lavender was really refreshing and not too sweet. The salt ice cream wasn't too sweet either, so it paired well with the fudge. All in all, it's definitely worth going by to try some flavors you definitely won't get anywhere else! I will be back tomorrow.
(5)Shy A.
I'm addicted to ice cream. Not having a major sweet tooth but I can get down with the ice cream! A really great experience all around-I could've sampled all of their great and unique flavors-the staff was wonderful and was eager to help me find the perfect sweet treat. Loved their holiday flavors-egg nog and pecan pie were my personal favorites. SO FUN! Their regular rotating flavors are delicious as well. Any time anyone visits Portland, I swing them by Salt and Straw!
(4)Jenny K.
Those are some oddly flavored ice-cream, but dang, they are so darn delicious. Cheddar Apple Pie? My favorite! They use several kinds of fresh apple chunks for this particular seasonal flavor, and you can totally taste its difference from other artificially flavored ice-creams. It's so worth the wait and my $5 for a single scoope waffle cone--fresh waffle cone that you can smell from around the street corner. I went there four times this month... just brought a pint of pumpkin spice ice-cream home a few days ago... just saying... #NoMoneyForGroceryBecuzIAteTooMuchIceCream#
(5)Tasha M.
Birthday Cake and Blackberry is a must have seasonal selection! I dream about it at night... but lez be honest - I dream about this place all day, erryday. By far the worst ice cream addiction I've had in my life. Over the summer I stopped by here 3 times in the same week. Yeah, it's just that good. And it's not as expensive as you might think in comparison with some of the other gourmet options out there. The flavorful combinations are some of the least likely you'd probably ever expect to see paired together in frozen dairy form, but they are so damn delish! For example, the Widmer Smoked Hefe doesn't taste like a beer float, rather it sweetly mimics the smokey wheat and malt flavors you'll find refreshing in a tall glass on tap. It's one of my personal faves. But do not fret if your taste buds are not daring enough to try the more insane creativities - there are still ultra classic flavors like Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and Freckled Woodblock Chocolate for every customer's delight. Handmade and locally selected. Topnotch customer service. Awesome musical selection. And even cool iPad pay stations. This is the stuff Portlanders rave over. If you haven't made it a habit yet, then you really need to. Few things to note though: there is very limited seating, parking can be a pain, and lines have a tendency to wrap around the building (even on the coldest winter days), so please plan according. Or check out one of the other locations on NE Alberta or SE Division.
(5)Rossana Y.
Wow the ice cream here blew me away! I was skeptical when I saw the long line meandering away from this little ice cream store and thought it would be overrated like Molly Moon's. After waiting for over half an hour in line, I finally tasted the most amazing ice cream ever. I tried a few flavors: arbequino olive oil (my absolute favorite!), pear with blue cheese, and the sea salt and caramel. The olive oil had a sweet, creamy and nutty flavor that caught me by surprise...I was in love! The pear with blue cheese sounded weird to me but the combo actually worked. The blue cheese wasn't too strong and I also tasted real pear in the ice cream. I personally am a fan of salted caramel ice cream, so it was no surprise that I also loved the sea salt and caramel flavor. It wasn't too salty and not too sweet, just perfect. The ice cream here is reasonably priced but I felt the pint sized containers were a little expensive ($8). Considering the fact that they use a lot of local organic ingredients, and that my bf and I were on vacation, we decided to splurge and got a pint of the pear with blue cheese and the sea salt and caramel. My only regret was not getting a pint of the olive oil flavor...which means I'll have to make another trek down to Portland to redeem my losses. Be prepared to wait in line, but it will be worth it.
(5)Paula B.
Well, I don't know what I like more the ice cream? Or the fact that I smell like a waffle cone for hours after going in to get ice cream. Yes the line is long but you can go to the freezer for a pint, just try not to eat it in one sitting!
(4)DA Y.
Attendant was extremely friendly and helpful. Ice cream was good and unique in flavor. Too bad they ran out of dumpling sundae. I'll be back for it.
(5)Esther C.
Struggling to begin describing all of the reasons why I can lavish my stars on this ice cream shop heaven. First and foremost, the product is simply unrivaled by any other... in terms of its quality and sheer ability to delight the senses... Salt & Straw stands alone, at the pinnacle of all ice cream places! Wow, I am shocked by my own words. :) Our curiosity is acknowledged and welcomed, as new seasonal flavors are created and introduced EACH month, and scoopers invite customers to taste and enjoy... as many of the flavors as you so fancy! I love the Arbequina Olive Oil, and would get it every time as a single scoop in a waffle cone if I wasn't such a curious kid (and dedicated to posting pictures on my facebook for friends in other parts of the country who don't get to experience such unique and enticing ice cream flavors). The line can be long in the evenings and on the weekends, but they open early so if you are unwilling to wait (I've waited as long as an hour and a half on either a Friday or a Saturday evening...) you can treat yourself to a cone during the day, or even in the morning if you feel so inclined. The perfect spot that is inclusive and suitable to all ages, young and old. I can enjoy it with my four-year-old nephew, and I can enjoy it after dinner on a date. How beautiful is that? So, thank you Salt & Straw, for your delicious product, your excellence in customer service, and for existing as a place I can share with friends and family across the board! You are awesome.
(5)Stanley C.
If you have ever been to Berkeley, this place is like Ici's but better. Why I say that? Because the ice cream here was soooo smooth compared to Ici's. They both have similar flavors in that they are unique like Meyer Lemon, Candied Pecan Orange Peel, etc, but I think Salt & Straw executed the service, the environment and the overall feel for homemade ice cream really well. The cone was also delicious and complimented the ice cream flavors really well. The service was great and the facility was large enough that I didn't feel crammed standing in a semi-long line.
(5)Lauren J.
YUM. Funky flavors and a nice atmosphere--kind of a minimalist found-objects type of vibe? AND Friendly and patient service on a Friday night during closing time when the line was still out the door. Bonus points for that!
(5)Rob H.
This was good stuff. I waited in line for approximately a week, but the stuff lived up to the anticipation. I was stuffed from my meal earlier but shamefully and slowly ate my salted caramel and chip chocolate. I look forward to consuming this again.
(5)Kamila B.
Move over Voodoo Donuts, it's about time Portland had a delicious dessert place to boast about other than stale overpriced donuts. I was lucky enough to visit on a day with no line and was able to take my time sampling and selecting the perfect cone. Their icecreams are not overly sweet, but they are super rich. I had lavender honey, which was just subtly herbally and floral and the pear and blue cheese, which was like a creamy cheese plate blob. It was tasty and unexpected. Usually there is a monstrous line to get into this place, but if you're ever in the neighborhood and there isn't a line, it is worth it to pop in and check out the unique flavors. I can't think of any other locations that can satisfy my icecream cravings like Salt & Straw.
(5)Izzy N.
So. Fucking. Good. I'm spoiled now and cannot bring myself to eat any of this mediocre stuff in Chicago. Bobtail? Bitch sit down. Oberweis? Girl, Please. Paciugo gelato? LOL. Black Dog gelato? NEXT! Salt & Straw is worth the stop and worth all the raves. My sister in law says that usually there's a line outside the door.. hell no, we're not playing those games so we go during off times. So what's so special? It's really good handmade ice cream made in small batches using only all natural dairy with local organic and sustainable ingredients that Oregon has to offer. They have really good flavors that make it so hard to choose from but they are eager to let you sample whatever you want with a real spoon, not plastic- we're tree huggers,did you forget? So what did I try? The Portland harvested caramel apple is very, very good. Very apple like with lots of yummy, buttery caramel. A great fall flavor. Also the cheddar apple pie is pretty good, it's subtle with a nice little zip from the cheddar. The sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon is also very good. Just the right amount of sweet and salty in that one. I loved the pear with blue cheese.. so rich with a little tang and the pears balances it all out.. soo good! I hope to try the strawberry honey balsamic vinegar with cracked pepper, honey lavender and snicker doodle when I come back! So many great flavors where you can sit back and people watch on NW 23rd. I've yet to visit their NE location. I miss you already.
(5)Anna C.
This place is worth the lines! 1. They have very unique flavors from Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper to Cinnamon Snickerdoodle! 2. They have seasonal flavors. I saw minced meat, something pumpkin and I think an apple cranberry stuffing while I was in town. 3. They let you try as many flavors as you want! 4. Service is super friendly. 5. Don't get me started on their cones. 100% recommend this place. And I got the cinnamon snicker doodle and it was delicious!
(5)Krysta C.
Ice cream is amazing, line was out the door and around the corner so we decided to buy the ice cream by the pint which was a lot easier and faster than waiting in line. Pretty expensive for a pint $9. But worth it for the quality of ice cream you are getting.
(5)Tia H.
Living within walking distance from this location has allowed me the benefit of trying this place during a less busy time (Wed at ~ 1pm) The service was great and I love the unique little touches from the little silver tasting spoons to the pairing of flavors. I ordered the coffee & bourbon waffle cone and my boyfriend ordered the snickerdoodle (which had tasty chunks of cookie) sugar cone, both delicious. The ice cream was very rich and creamy so one scoop was plenty for us. I personally would not wait in a long line for it but there isn't much I would wait in line for.
(4)Nathalie Nhi P.
This is a spot that most tourists visit when coming to Portland. As a result, there is quite a line that goes out of the door- basically at all hours of the day. The service here is amazing. The line never stops but they do their best to entertain the customers while they wait. The workers here will come out and ask each customer what they are interested in trying. They'll provide each customer a few samples (or a lot if you ask nicely) while the customer waits in line. The worker that was helping me was very nice and gave me a bunch of flavors to try. The most memorable flavor was the baked potato flavored ice cream. I don't think anyone actually buys this flavor but they have it there just for fun. It really tastes like a baked potato with sour cream and onions!
(3)Justin S.
We have heard about the flavors and creations at Salt and Straw for a while now from our Portland friends. After finally making it to Portland we got to experience the experience for ourselves. Crazy combinations you would never ever think of are concocted here and they are all awesome.
(5)Mariya K.
Great ice cream spot. The staff is very friendly and patient when you want to try different flavors of ice cream.
(4)Samantha B.
Don't let the long line intimidate you! It is well worth the wait. I had the bone marrow & bourbon smoked cherries ice cream, on their freshly made waffle cone... To die for! Mmmmmmm mm m m m
(5)Mike C.
There's a line for a reason, the ice cream is great. Don't be worried about the odd flavors , it's all good. Kinda pricey but I suppose that's expected because it's more "gourmet" than your average ice cream.
(4)Emily C.
We visited salt and straw during our road trip from CA to Seattle. I am unusually not a big fin of ice cream but couldn't get enough of this one. Super delicious and very original flavors. They def have grown ups on their mind when designing the flavors. We made sure to stop again on our way back. I going to miss this place !
(5)Ron A.
We met a young mom on the streetcar who said we should hurry here before 3 pm to miss the long lines. She was partially correct: it was only a 20 minute wait ... and totally worth it. From the personal greeting and service to the unique homemade flavors, definitely a must-stop along this stretch of eateries.
(5)Kat D.
Salt & Straw is brilliant because they got it right. From the creation of the idea for the business to just the most delicious ice cream flavors possible, they really hit the sweet spot. Not sure how they produce the flavors they do, or if there is a science behind it, but this place seems to know which seemingly unusual flavor pairings to put together, and it works! The only thing I could wish for is to have more flavors available that are on the less sweet side. But then again, I'm someone who has a sweet tooth with a sugar aversion. Weird, I know.
(5)Jay P.
Ice cream galore!!! Probably the best ice cream you'll find in Portland. Salt and Straw is located right on 23rd and Kearney, in close proximity of Little Big Burger, Two Tarts, and right next door to Bamboo Sushi. It's quaint little place but still quite popular. It's and experience to even line up for this place, in the summer time you can see a line for a few blocks, in the winter time you can see people all piled inside blocking the entrance and creating a fire hazard; but hey it's all worth it once you get to try these exotic flavors. Best time to come would be during mid day where the lines are short so you can get in and out without having to fight for your spot in line. Inside there are a few chairs and tables that people can sit at, there is one spot in the very back by the freezer also. The employees here are super friendly and would be happy to talk to you about their flavors and would help you sample a few also! So sample away that ice cream, every time I come here I always try at least 3-4 flavors because it's so delicious. A great one to default to would be sea salt caramel! But try their seasonal flavors, it doesn't last long and it may even be better than the original flavors they have! Personally I've been in love with their pumpkin custard with goat cheese this season. They also have free wifi! icecream is the WiFi password who would've thought!
(5)Brittany D.
Lines for scoops are always CRAZY (sometimes around the block) so it's best to pop straight in to buy a little pint for your freezer! Then you can head straight to register. It is the BEST ice cream I have ever had in my entire life. Slam dunk on any flavor but you have to try the classic salted caramel and cream. You will be happy.
(5)Jenn T.
They have some really unique flavors here, maybe too unique for my taste. Some of the really popular ones are honey lavender, cinnamon snickerdoodle, and sea salt with caramel. Honestly I didn't really jump for joy for any of the 3 of them, but I went with a scoop of the cinnamon snickerdoodle. It may be that I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon, but it was ok. Overall I think my tastebuds don't agree with this place as much as everyone seems to on yelp. I think they have cool interesting flavors that may go together well, but I'm just not used to all these flavors together. Not sure if I'll be back but it was definitely a friendly staff and a great concept!
(3)Dorothy T.
The honey lavender, strawberry with balsamic, and pear with blue cheese was tasty, but the sea salt with carmel ribbons is the absolute best. I waited about 35 minutes in line.
(5)Shannon C.
Not worth the hype or the wait. The line is always really long. The ice cream itself is too sweet and too liquid. It's not bad it's just not worth the wait when there are far better places to get ice cream in Portland. It's a good place to go once to see and try out all the fun flavors. Fun fact: if you just want to go buy a pint you can walk in, go the fridge, grab one and pay without waiting in the long line of all the people getting cones.
(3)Will T.
Amazing flavors and wonderfully friendly staff. I cannot stress that enough; they really give the place a wonderful atmosphere. Despite having a line nearly out the door, the guy assisting us gave us lots of samples while chatting us up a bit. Not trying to push us through the line. The other members, rushing around helping others, threw in a few friendly comments too. Coming from a retail background, this is the perfect example of how to provide service to customers. As for the ice cream, everything was tasty and felt very homemade, even the odd holiday flavors. Turkey? Meat pie?? Thankfully made without the actual meat ingredients! Unique flavors were a surprising treat. Great waffle cones. Worth the line and finding street parking. Who cares if it's 30-odd degrees out? Great ice cream is great anytime!
(5)Aidan G.
The line is always way to long and isn't really worth the wait, the homemade flavors are okay but it's a meh.... I do love the location and service. Sorry Salt & Straw... :(
(2)John C.
All I can say is that it's been a while since I have been with so many genuinely happy people in one public place! Everyone was so clearly excited to be in there. And then the SERVICE! Thank you so much to the Salt and Straw Ambassador...TRAVIS! He not only made sure we tasted everything with grace and charm, he also spoke with sincere authority about the processing and quality of the ice cream and ingredients. I had the Pear and Blue Cheese with the Salted Caramel. I was nervous about tasting the Strawberry, Cilantro Lime Cheesecake, but Travis made it hard to say no. My mind opened up and now my palate is all the more sophisticated because of it! Thank you Travis. You and Salt and Straw Rock!
(5)Andrew W.
This place is fun and puts interesting combos together. And is in a super fun neighborhood.
(4)Phil M.
Salt & Straw is quickly becoming a Portland institution. Wickedly inventive flavor combinations and amazing waffle cones come together to make a dessert experience that is completely worth the ridiculous lines that weave outside its doors. If you can hit this place when the line isn't around the block, by all means, GO THERE!
(5)Sara F.
I love lavender ice cream (we have some up here by a company called snoqualmie creamery) and was so happy to see it on the menu there. My boyfriend and I came by here mid afternoon during our stay in alberta. He had the bourbon and coffee ice cream as well as some brownie. Everything was perfect. Had the line not been so insane most days when we walked by, we would've returned quite a few times. The employees were friendly, quick, and the store was clean despite being so busy.
(5)lorena g.
Omg I want to eat this all the time but I don't live in Oregon. It's so yummy I can't stand it. I got the four scoop plate and each one rocked. I think they were salted caramel, almond ganache, balsamic berry, goat cheese or milk something. they were all delish. Nothing compares.
(5)Jess P.
All it took was one lick to get me hooked. Inventive ice cream flavors that are created by food-geniuses achieving one incredibly smooth, incredibly delicious, and incredibly decadent dessert. The space off NW is nice and inviting, lots of seating both indoor and outdoor with a window that opens to the street. The location is well lit and comfortable- although we had planned to take our ice cream to go, after checking out the place we decided to eat it there. There is coffee, desserts and other things but the main attraction here is the ice cream. Don't be shy about asking to taste-test, the servers are incredibly accommodating and don't give you the usual guilt-trip expression when you ask for another try. In fact, the individuals working there were so genuinely nice I want to give them an extra star, but alas, I've already met my 5 star limit. Also, the tester spoons are metal (read: washable) so Earth is smiling. The flavors I tried were out of this world. Dandelion sorbet- amazingly refreshing. Cinnamon snickerdoodle- like a warm embrace next to the fireplace. Apricot Ale with candied peppers- brilliant! I tried others too, but decided on the sea salt with caramel ribbons- WOW! So rich that I probably would have been fine with a half portion. Be warned- 1 scoop is a lot! However, the flavors worked so perfectly together, I was in an ice-cream induced nirvana (or that could be all the sugar and cream talking). Also, the waffle cone was spectacular- made fresh before you, the cone was one of my favorite parts of the experience. Next time I visit I think I'll split a flight of four. Only $9 for four cups of your chosen flavor and a guaranteed happy soul. Score.
(5)Olivia T.
I'm a big fan of Salt and Straw so I'm super excited to try their new location on NW 23rd. They still serve amazing ice cream. I had the Rhubarb with chunk of Anise cookies. It was delicious. I think it's my new favorite flavor. At this location, they also sell bakery goodies more than their first location. I haven't try it yet just because I didn't think ice cream + cake/pastry was a good idea. I love the fact that they have more tables here and they have these windows they can open during summer time so even when you are inside, you still feel like you are outside. I will be a regular at this location. It's closer from our work and home. Salt & Straw, you totally rock this town!
(5)Joey Y.
If you gave this place less than 4 stars, it's time for you to get your taste buds checked by a medical professional. A short walk from the street car station, this Salt and Straw location has all the flavors and character of that of the Alberta's. The glorious caramel ribbons, strawberry with black pepper and balsamic vinegar, almond brittle, olive oil, and other "it-taste-just-like-its-name" flavors make me rejoice and my heart beat with joy. Local ingredients. Made in store. Made in Portland. Made in Oregon. Hallelujah.
(5)Bil B.
You had me at Ice Cream! Loved all the unusual flavor combos & the fact that they pretty much let you try every flavor they have before ordering....
(5)Tiffany C.
We thought the lines out the door were due to some mystical quality of the ice cream. Incorrect, it's actually due to the slow and abrupt service. Pros: My ice cream was pretty good. Lavender and honey is a pretty safe bet. My husband's sundae was delicious! Great brownies and toppings. Awesome. Cons: The service. Oh god the service. They tried hard but they're totally overwhelmed and unprepared. I would have expected they could get it down by now. The place has been mobbed since their opening but... no. The strawberry/basil/vinegar is VILE by the way. Don't do it. Emporer's new ice cream. Overall, if I have a craving for ice cream I probably won't think "oh hey I need to go to Salt and Straw." And if I have a craving for a milkshake I'll probably head to Moonstruck. Overall, meh. Random: The decor tries so hard to be like, rustic, it's ridiculous. The decorators must have some relationship with Rejuvenation and Olympic Provisions. (12 bux for ice cream + sundae is pretty outrageous.)
(3)Brian N.
I was really looking forward to the opening here but was a little bit dismayed that they probably rolled out just a little too quickly....good ice creamed marred by poor service. They anticipated correctly that there would be huge lines forming for this place and hired more people to serve ice cream, but the servers were really not trained well enough to live up to quality of the ice cream. Inconsistent scoop size and packing, leaky waffle cones... I'm going to head back to Alberta for the same ice cream, polished service. I will admit though that the space here is bigger and more accommodating of outdoor seating so if you're in a group, this may still end up being the better place to go. In the NW, this is best ice cream spot still.
(3)Leigh F.
F-ing awesome. Just wanted my 2cents thrown in as well. And they're open late so you can probably still go! Go now!
(5)Steffen W.
The long line is worth the wait...
(4)El W.
Amazing ice cream. Everything tastes good here. I tasted almost everything and so far, have never disappointed. The taste is well balanced, unique, and complex. The vanilla is simply amazing. Just try it already. 5* My only complaint: It's expensive. 2*
(4)Julie T.
Yeah, I'm gonna step out on a limb here and just say that this is the Voodoo Doughnuts of ice cream in Portland. It's good, don't get me wrong, but it's just not worth standing that long line. The flavors are interesting, yes. I tried the strawberry balsamic with pepper. But, I must admit, I've definitely had better ice cream. I left kind of scratching my head about what all the fuss was about.
(3)Tyler C.
Easily the best ice cream in the world... If you find something even remotely close to this delicious let me know. 2 words... Salted caramel! Yum! Everything here is extremely low calorie so eat as much as you want! Tips - you can try every kind of ice cream before you decide. Don't be shy! Once you choose get it in a waffle cone. Also, you can split your single scoop between two flavors. Say "split single" to sound awesome & like a regular.
(5)Lioness E.
Great waffle cone and salted ice cream , Yum !!!!!
(4)Simon T.
Today, I tried my first bit of Salt & Straw. Actually, I tried about a dozen different flavors. The ice cream is amazing - the flavors are complex and brilliantly ring out different notes while you are eating and afterwards as well. Some lean towards more savory (such as their chevre with marrionberry and habenero jam), others more sweet (like the blueberry with key lime marmalade), and others have a nice mix of both. I ended up getting a cup of the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. This location also includes a coffee shop, a delicious companion to the ice cream. It has a great location on NW 23rd so you can people watch, enjoy local shopping, and enjoy the weather (both with inside and outside seating). The staff is also great - very friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help an intimate knowledge of every flavor they offer (quite impressive!). The manager, Ro, is awesome and her whole team really takes the time to make sure that every customer has a great experience. Leave them some good tips, they are well deserved! Fair warning: it does get crowded, especially on weekends where new comers are excited about trying the huge variety of new flavors and experiences awaiting them.
(5)O M.
Its very good but not amazing. The line is always long but moves at a decent pace.
(4)shar d.
some of the best ice cream i've ever had. well designed store and fun friendly people inside serving you some of the best crafted ice cream. salted caramel is a fav and the riccanella is also awesome. love it.
(5)Annie T.
Okay, does ANYONE remember the banana with spicy monkey vodka, caramel, and walnuts?! That was my absolute most favorite ice cream EVER and they've never brought it back yet... A lot of fun to sample all the different flavors here but I have to admit, I haven't found one I want more than just a spoon of! Have to say though, I like my ice cream to be sweet, not savory.
(4)Brett L.
If you are in Portland and looking for THE place to get ice cream, look no further than salt and straw. Amazing flavor combos that will blow your mind. For me, the answer to all the world problems is a cone of Caramel Sea-Salt ice cream from Salt and Straw.
(5)Stephanie H.
I like this place, I like that they come and greet you with little spoons full of samples when you get close to the front so you know what you want when you get up there. I do not like that the 2 times ive been there ive checked there special online and get super excited and they are out of it when I get there. I like that the people working look like they are having a good time and they try to keep the line moving as quickly as possible. I like the crazy flavors and its an awesome place for people who like to try unique and fun things.
(4)Jazmen D.
great tasting ice cream but the price is a little too much for us for ice cream so we don't go often. The place is small inside and usually a long line. Parking is horrible. Workers are friendly and helpful.
(5)Sushane G.
I've tried a lot of ice cream ranging from cheap store bought ice cream to gourmet cruise line ice cream. When I heard about this place, I was a bit skeptical since the lines were horrendous (45 minutes standing in line) and the prices weren't cheap. I was wondering if this ice cream was really that great so I gave it a go a week ago. The first thing I noticed was the service. While I was in line, the employees would give samples to those in line, making the wait less exhausting/frustrating. Their menu was also well visible, even from outside the shop, allowing me to make a decision ahead of time. The sampling was great as well, although I don't like what I've seen many people do: get a sample of every flavor until they've literally eaten the equivalent of half a scoop (which also holds up the line). There were a lot of "interesting" flavors, ranging from Arbequina Olive Oil to Pear with Blue Cheese. I played it safe, getting the Chocolate with Gooey Brownies in a sugar cone (they have Waffle Cones for $1 extra). From the first lick, I realized this was the best ice cream I'd ever eaten. The consistency of the ice cream was incredible- even after it melted, it was thick enough to be enjoyed and didn't get runny (no need to wolf it down like frozen yogurt). The 17% butterfat makeup was evident. It was bursting with flavor, with the chewy brownie pieces perfectly complementing the rich taste of chocolate ice cream, giving me a heavenly experience. I will definitely be coming here again and doubt I'll ever eat any ice cream besides frozen yogurt ever again while I'm in Portland. Oh yeah here's a tip: come with the Chinook Book coupon. It becomes Buy 1 Get 1 Free for a scoop, making the experience a lot cheaper and even more enjoyable!
(5)Andre E.
Great ice cream but way too crowed....this is a place to try once and then only return when the lines are not ridiculous.
(4)Sriram S.
I'd give them 5 stars just for the waffle cone - super light and not eggy! The strawberry balsamic is my fav.
(5)Nicole T.
don't settle for basic - try something original!! we had the honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper... best ice cream i've ever had!! amazing...
(5)Jeff R.
This place is great! The scones are a must have event. The maple scone is perfect, the topping is sweet but not too much, the outside is crusty as a scone should be, and the inside is soft and flavor is perfect. I personally like the bacon and cheese scone the best, though. What you would think is a acquired taste, is not. It's a scone that feels like a breakfast! I consider myself a picky coffee house patron, but this bakery type place has great Stumptown Roaster coffee. My wife and I have been there three times last week alone, and we live 30 minutes away! The ambiance is great. The type of place you can just sit and stare at the decor. My only complaint is the coffee cup lids, the don't fit the cups. Don't get me wrong, the don't fall off or leak, it just takes a weight lifter to force it on the cup. Get new lids!
(5)Alison T.
I might be tempted to say that this is the best ice cream I've ever eaten and it's not the creamy, smooth texture because you can find that in most quality ice creams, but it's the creativeness and execution of flavors. Plus you have to love a place that allows you to taste til your heart's content. So I've tried a majority of the long standing flavors and while not a fan of the more strange (strawberry balsamic pepper or blue cheese pear) I've love everything else I've had/tried. I'm obsessed with the almond brittle dark chocolate salted ganache and I love the matcha green tea (seasonal). But when in doubt, try more, I guarantee there's a flavor you'll love.
(5)Nic K.
AWESOME ice cream. A fun mix of unusual flavors and yummy favorites. There's a line in the summer but it's worth the wait!! Definitely recommend!
(5)Lola C.
So good. This will definitely be our new go to ice cream spot. Ice cream is one of those little luxuries, for me, that if I eat it I want it to be awesome. This ice cream fills the bill. The staff is warm and helpful, the decor is darling, and the ice cream...oh mama. I sampled olive oil (can't stop thinking about it), and blue cheese and pear-delightful. But then I ate the rhubarb and my daughter had the chocolate brownie. Both great. Hello summer lover.
(5)Jill S.
Delicious and exciting ice cream! Weeks before Xmas, I had Mincemeat (spiced nuts and fruits and lots of spices) -- thrilling! Sis had pear and blue cheese - incandescent! I only wish we could have enjoyed the experience properly instead of wolfing it down as if we were in a Baskin Robbins with a sticky floor. They need to do something with the decor. Lots of kids and all the slick surfaces makes the atmosphere tinny and shouty. Flouro-like, greenish lighting. The ice cream would have tasted more precious to me if the decor hadn't been so cold and dull. Take it To Go.
(4)Peter V.
I've eaten ice cream in 5 countries and this is the best Ive ever had! What a scene here too. Line out the door on a Sunday night and music blasting. An ice cream nite club? Samples provided while you waited . Sea salt caramel and a burnt chocolate were quite a combo. I was told that their ice cream will migrate to Los Angeles soon ( Joans on 3rd). Nobody does it better..
(5)Deja A.
I enjoy swinging by here. Yes,There's always a long line but the ice cream is great. A lot of crazy but cool flavors but you'll always find something that suits your taste. I love the coffee one and my boyfriend goes crazy for the bluecheese and peach ice cream. Their cones are home made and soooo yummy!
(3)April J.
obsessed, love all the unique flavors. Ice cream snob's dream
(5)M C.
I visited Salt and Straw right after they opened last week. Everything was perfect. I tried nearly every flavor- all delicious- and finally decided on the banana walnut with Hot Monkey vodka caramel. I also got a marionberry hand pie to go. The pie is unlike any I have had. More like a very fancy turnover, the pie was slightly tart had a flaky buttery crust with a drizzle of vanilla glaze. You can really tell how much thought the folks at S&S put into delivering a great product. Even after asking to try ALL the flavors my server, Marlena, was super friendly (and cute BTW)! Also, they are open early for coffee! These baristas are trained and know whats up. Finally a good coffee place on NW 23rd. Salt and Straw you are a godsend! Thank you! I have big tips for you in the future!
(5)Melissa T.
This was my first time to have a treat at Salt and Straw. I had actually walked by a couple of weeks ago and the line was out the door! The ice cream that people ordered look so good that I vowed to come back and try it one day. Went back a couple of weeks later and the line wasn't as long. We must have gotten there during a "lull" because once we got to the front the line, I noticed that the line was again out the door! The ice cream is superb...all quality ingredients, sourced locally, hand packed...and better yet...it tasted great! All of the flavors sound tempting and they let you sample. But the good news is that if you can't decide, they offer a "tasting flight" which cost $9 for 4 flavors. You can add an additional flavor for $1 each. Tip: it''s a good way to share a dessert on "date night".
(5)Sean N.
Super bomb ice-cream and coffee. Quality products. ---Word is line can be long... however, i had no wait. Very Good ice cream.
(4)ann l.
Sweet corn waffle caramel ice cream was the best tasting ice cream I had in a long time. The combination works and everything just gelled together. Definitely a must go to in Portland!
(5)adam p.
Lived upto the hype, feel like they were trying to do a little to much with some of the fancy flavors but still very fun to try. Bring some patience with you as we waited in line for about 1/2 on a sunday night about 8PM.
(4)teresa m.
we hadn't tried this one on nw 23rd, so wanted to celebrate. i had the twice folfed vanilla, and the gooey brownie chocolate on a waffle cone. my partner had the vanilla and woodchuck chocolate. the servers were very friendly and informative.to move the line quickly, they gave you samples while in line, and answered your questions. great place, thx!
(5)Brent W.
I like to go early to beat the lines. My favorites are the waffle cone, strawberry balsamic, and the almond brittle ganache. Seems like they could be a bit more efficient with their operations and they should have a separate entrance and exit.
(4)Klara K.
I don't know where I have been to miss this ice cream for so long. This is heaven. Very amazing flavors. Already have a favorite in the cinnamon snickerdoodle.
(5)LA to PDX ..
We literally just left and are so happy to have these folks as our new neighborhood ice cream joint. The servers are so sweet and knowledgeable and we saw some familiar faces and were doing a great job handling curious customers on a starting-to-get-very-busy first day. We tried the ice cream flight at $9, ours included four tasting-sized cups of ethereal goodness that included: * Pear and Blue Cheese: Blue cheese seemed to be in "ribbons" so some bites had more than others, probably more consistent in a full serving than a tasting size but the overall effect was extremely appealing. We suggest you take the time to really mull the flavors in your mouth for full effect, especially with this one to warm the cheese for best flavor. * Apricot Wheat Ale w/ Candied Hot Pepper: Really wonderfully balanced with a lovely spiciness to the pepper bits, looked absolutely beautiful in the cup. * Balsamic Strawberry w/ Black Pepper: Didn't taste the balsamic unfortunately and would have liked more pepper "kick", strawberry was a bit "jammy" sweet for me. * Arbequina Olive Oil: You've got to be kidding me, how can ice cream taste this good?!?!?! The color is translucent like rare white jade, and the subtle first bite somehow turns into a stronger infusion the more you eat until it becomes so much more rich and delightful, perfectly accentuating the butterfat of the cream. It's so simple in theory but so complex in your mouth, we just sat there contemplating it's goodness with each tiny spoon full. I could write a page on just this flavor, but just go try it for yourself. I need more of this in my life, we're buying a pint next time. Sure I would have liked some subtle changes in the specific mixture of a flavor or two, but this is a hand-made artisanal product that varies with every batch so I do not consider this a fault in any way, heck you can watch them making the stuff through a cute peep-window as you wait in line. There's definitely something for everyone and you are welcome and encouraged to sample any and all flavors by the friendly staff. I like the technology-forward iPad/Square-based checkout, I plan to use the phone app for purchases in the future. No paper receipts but you can have one emailed or sent to your phone. The decor is "country soda shop elegant" and well thought. Some kids we saw were fully engaged by their surroundings so you know this will be a favored memory of their youth as time goes by. We really enjoyed our visit here and are thankful to have them in the neighborhood, we will be in often! Good luck Salt & Straw!!!
(5)Ryan Y.
Everything about this ice cream place is great. Fresh made waffle cones and great local and seasonal flavors. I had a delicious and great textured dandelion and spring flower sorbet. And the staff is very helpful and eager to give samples of their ice cream.
(5)Michael H.
Great little establishment with great ice cream. Went in with the husband on a Friday evening to check the place out since it has recently opened and were greeted by a huge line. While the staff were trying their best to manage the line, it was pretty chaotic and there is definitely a need for improvement here. After we fought our way through the line and paid we were able to enjoy the fruits of our 'labors'. The ice cream was great and we both loved it. I loved the coffee flavored but I'm definitely getting the Snickerdoodle next time. It's cinnamon ice cream with snicker doodles crumbled into. Total cinnamon overload but so yummy! Would definitely come in again for a scoop some day.
(4)Denton E.
The Sea Salt & Caramel Ribbon is not only the best Ice Cream of all time, anywhere, made by anyone - but once combined with the caramel syrup and a finishing salt - it is the most delicious food item I have ever eaten, and it's not even close. In fact, if it weren't so cold, I would absolutely attempt to make love to it. When I die and go to heaven, I want to ride in on a sled pulled by French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, eating Salt & Straw ice cream.
(5)Peter C.
This place essentially ruined all other ice cream for me. Almond Brittle and Salted Ganache? IPA Upside down cake?! yum!!
(5)Elle P. S.
World-class ice cream in Portland, Oregon....Y E S !!! My daughter and I used to visit the Alberta location to get our delicious ice cream but now that Salt n' Straw is here on the NW side, we're better able to retrieve some....I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!!! We have a few fav's but the major winner is Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache...OMG. We're just so happy to have one of the best ice creams in the world here...no joke. I've had ice cream all over the globe...this place is sick! To those of you worried about some of the 'weird' flavors, think of it as -sweet cheese.- Cheese and ice cream are not that far apart. ~Cheers~ and go enjoy some I Scream.
(5)Troy S.
Excellent ice cream coupled with wonderful service made for an awesome experience! Will definitely be back!
(5)Sam B.
Love love love it, and I'm not even a big ice cream person, but went there, had samples of literally EVERY flavor, great service with a smile, and the salted caramel, olive oil, and most of the other flavors were just insanely good. Might make a trip back to portland JUST to eat here. Lots of times, stuff is overhyped and then you get all excited and go there and your just disappointed. Well this was the opposite experience for me and I can't say enough good things about it. Only downside is that there is a line but having already tasted whats at the end of the line, I've made my piece with having to wait in it and will gladly do it again the next time I'm in Oregon.
(5)Rose B.
I have to admit, the unconventional flavors on the menu intimidated me at first, but they work and taste delicious! It's nice to taste fresh waffle cones for a change, and their customer line moves quickly for the amount of people that is always in it. Will be back!
(5)Al L.
This is the main location for salt and straw. The other locations are the carts. We have taken many friends here and always have a great time. The seasonal flavors are the best. We have eaten at the carts around town, but if you are just coming to visit town or bringing a friend I think it is worth the extra trip to coffee to the main location. Parking us a little painful, but I think if you are willing to walk a fee blocks the street car stop is pretty close. Three us almost always a line outside the door so expect a wait.
(5)Mailani S.
Whaaaaaaaaaat? This place is insane. I've never seen these kind of flavor combinations before and they're all pretty delicious. I'm not kidding. Would I lie to you? You don't know me, but I promise I wouldn't lie to you. The first time we went, we got a half scoop of Honey Lavender and Snickerdoodle in a waffle cone. The Honey and Lavender was fresh and light and just...I can't explain it. I'm a huge fan of Lavender but had never had lavender flavored ice cream before and I was not disappointed. I think it's my new favorite. But enough about the Honey Lavender. The Snickerdoodle was pretty legit, too. Tasted exactly like the cookie so if you're a fan, this is for you. It's not like a book to movie deal -- both the cookie and the ice cream are amazing and well interpreted. My friend got the Mint Leaves with Sea Urchin Meringues. Hold up. Sea Urchin? I know what you're thinking but it was actually pretty delicious. Not fishy at all. Pear with Blue Cheese is another good one that I tried the following time that we went. My only beef with it is that it's a little too much for my taste. The flavor is so strong it's just overwhelming and I couldn't finish it. Sweet Corn, Waffle Cone & Caramel was another favorite. The corn isn't a heavy flavor but still somehow compliments the waffle cone and caramel. Try. This. Place. If you like good ice cream, if you wanna be adventurous, then go here. They have less crazy sounding flavors but hey, you can always sample as many as you like, which is always a plus is my book. So take advantage of that when you go here. Also, the staff is really friendly and the atmosphere is fun. It's a nice after dinner treat place to go to on a date or out with friends.
(5)Ryan W.
Man.. The fermented pear, cinnamon snicker doodle, vanilla, passion fruit, hefeweizen.. All delish. Great service to top it off
(5)Erich S.
Amazing flavors of ice cream, and even better staff. They come out to your place in line and ask you if you want any samples. If you pick what you want right away you can skip the line and go straight to the register. Great place!
(5)Joshua M.
Unlike anything I've ever had before. I live in southern ca and we stopped in on a road trip, we got lucky and there was no line. Blue cheese pear, sweet corn, almond brittle....all amazing. Would be worth the wait if there was a line!!!
(5)Pamela H.
Visited the NW23rd location - being Friday night, it was rather busy but I was so happy to see how quickly people were taken care of. The smell upon walking in is intoxicating. Had the bourbon pecan pie flavor, part of their Thanksgiving selection. Also tasted the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Mincemeat and Mexican Cajeta - it was a very difficult decision. I resigned myself to the Bourbon Pecan Pie knowing it was a seasonal flavor. I'm heading back there tomorrow (yes, gluttony is my sin) to get the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. BEST FLAVORS EVER. Creamy texture, nice combination of flavors. And Amy Keo is the sweetest scooper. :)
(5)Nichole M.
Service was a little crappy so that's why I'm giving four stars. I tasted five different flavored and settled on the lavender honey. Everything was amazing! Wow!
(4)Heather P.
The almond brittle with salted chocolate ganache is decadent. We also got a scoop of the snicker doodle cinnamon. Both flavors proved that this place deserves all the hype it gets. Wonderful quality ingredients for a great price. We will definitely be back next time were in Portland!
(5)Michael V.
The lines are a bit long but they move fairly quickly. The staff is very friendly and helpful and you can try as many flavors as you like! (: I tried the almond brittle with salted ganache and chevre with marionberry habanero jam. They were both amazing, with the latter having a spicy kick at the end. I ended up however getting the sea salt with caramel ribbon. It was such a delicious treat on a warm summer day and reminded me of sea salt coffee. What a great addition to NW 23rd!
(5)Emilie S.
Man, that Lemon Basil Sorbet makes me so happy. Also recommended: Arbequina Olive Oil Ice Cream and any of the Mexican Coke Floats.
(5)Gary Y.
Summary: Really cool flavors, offer ice cream samplers, but has a long wait. Came on a weekend and tried the ice cream sampler, which includes four small scoops of different ice creams. I forgot all of the flavors, but the most memorable were the pear and blue cheese, and the sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon. All of the ice creams were really good.
(5)Javier A.
The snickerdoodle was the best!! Great service & friendly environment. Definitely a return customer!!
(5)K T.
We finally got there to see why everybody waits in line here. It was probably the busiest nite to go...Saturday at 8:30 p.m. The line was out the door and around the corner, but I had to try it since we had dinner next door! I am an ice cream lover and all for of us were totally disappointed. We thought the flavors offered were a bit strange and we are adventurous, but they just didn't grab us. I ordered the one scoop in a cup of the salty Carmel and could hardly eat it because there was soooo much salt. Maybe this was an off nite and they poured to much salt in the mixture. The fudge was so thick, it lacked the richness of really good chocolate. Really didn't have much of a chocolate taste/flavor. My husband had chocolate gooey brownie but didn't have a particle of brownie. It really lacked the wonderful chocolate flavor that so many of us crave! Our other friends ordered the same and said "ditto" to what I said before. We are just 4 in this review, but honestly, it didn't even pique our curiosity enough to return. Some people complained about the price. This wasn't the issue for us. We've paid more! Been there and done it! Sorry!
(2)Rachel K.
Oh God, yes please! If you are buying pints, you don't have to wait in the insane line.. jus' sayin'.. I ordered the melon and prosciutto. Heaven in a cone.. bits of real prosciutto in the ice cream, people... My hubby ordered the strawberry and balsamic... SO GOOD!! I heard you can buy it in LA, but it's double the price here. Maybe I can ask hubby for a pint for Christmas? Eat lots of this ice cream.. it's good for you!!
(5)Janet J.
Went for the first time today, really looking forward to trying the different favors. Arrived at 4:40 and waited in line an hour. I was offered a taste and was given the pear and blue cheese and strawberry honey balsamic vinegar. These really did not appeal to me so asked for the almond brittle with salted ganache. The girl who was helping me really showed her disdain that I dared to request to taste another sample, she was scowling and obviously not happy. I had just waited in line for an hour! What happened to customer service and friendly faces? I don't expect summersaults but a simple smile goes a long way. My husband ordered a sundae, by the time they gave it to him everyone else in our group had already finished their ice cream, even though we all ordered together and was paid for at the same time. He stood at the counter waiting for longer than 6 minutes. They said they had to heat the brownie... It seems to me they were punishing our group; they were in no hurry to serve him (he did not ask for any samples, either!). The coffee and bourbon ice cream tasted the best, but honestly the ice cream was not worth waiting in line for.
(3)Melisa A.
I would so go back again. Great employee's, very helpful and if you like funky ice cream you gotta try it.
(4)Zoe W.
Okay, so as a born and raised Portlandian, I have always talked shit about people who wait an hour in line for ice cream... (and for donuts, I will never understand the Voodoo thing). I've had Salt & Straw a couple times and yeah its good, but I can honestly say I'd be just as happy with a pint of Ben & Jerry's or Talenti Gelato on the couch. Salt & Straw is one of the things that bothers me about Portland (& I'm allowed to say this because I'm from here). Why can't you just give us the regular, delicious ice cream flavors we all know and love in addition to your hipster, out-there flavors. Like seriously, sea urchin ice cream? That being said, I did enjoy the Blackberry Goat Cheese but when I went back again to get it, it was no longer available. I think that there's too much of the goopy berry stuff in their fruitier flavors. And the Sea Salt & Carmel has WAY too much salt. I would recommend the Almond Brittle & Salted Ganache to someone going there for the first time.
(3)Meghan H.
You may have to wait in line, but it is well worth it. They have unusual flavor that can satisfy anyone. My favorite was the pear and blue cheese. They use local ingredients, and the staff was friendly and helpful even though there was a crowd.
(5)Ruben C.
If you visit Portland, you must visit Salt & Straw. The staff was super nice, letting me try any flavors I wanted. I recommend the cinnamon snickerdoodle. There are big chunks of snickerdoodle in the ice cream. DELICIOUS!
(5)Andrea S.
Don't be put off by the long line - the night we were there the staff worked through it very quickly and handed out samples, took orders and moved things along very efficiently. Worth the wait - the ice cream is to die for.
(5)Camron J.
Great ice cream! And amazing workers, they're very friendly and have a good sense of humor. Definitely the best ice cream I've ever had.
(5)Phycus M.
Imagine a goat riding a unicycle that is made from popsicle sticks... Ok, that was fun. Now let's focus on Salt & Straw. I just moved up here from AZ and if there is anything that we like down there on the surface of the sun, it's ice cream...Actually, it's air conditioning but Ice Cream is in there somewhere. I walk into this place and immediately get overwhelmed with the smell of fresh waffle cones. Holy Mother of Pearl in a sidecar doing 60!!! BAM!!! This place is like Valhalla for people who love to indulge. I imagine this place is awesome if you are trying to rectify things with your significant other. Seriously, after a fight who doesn't wanna shove frozen dairy products in their mouth? The selection is eclectic and delish. Can't beat the charm and the location allows you to take a beautiful walk about while exceeding your daily calorie intake. Do I recommend this place? Does Dolly Parton float?
(5)Nic M.
Just go, you won't be disappointed. The flavors look really nasty on the first glance, but the sweet/savory/salty combo is really done right here. They really are ice cream professionals who know exactly what they are doing. Everything is crafted so well. You will want to wait in the line, it's worth it. It's usually wrapped around the building so it may be a 45 min wait, but do it. You won't regret it. There are usually people playing guitar out front too.
(5)Wendy Y.
I understand it's summer and it's hot. People from young to old want something to cool them down, ok, but lining up for 20-30 minutes to get a scoop of ice cream? That's a little insane. So the three of us, me, my partner, and his friend, lined up under the scorching hot sun outside of this corner ice cream shop silently cursing the slowness of the line up and the heat. The one thing I've noticed was, everyone who came out of there wore a glowing big smile. Hmm...maybe the line ups are worth it after all? Half an hour later, when we were close to seeing the ice creams, we were asked what flavours we would like to sample. After a few tastings served from metal spoons (good for you for being environmentally friendly), I got myself half a scoop of strawberry, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper as well as lavender. My partner got a full scoop of pear and blue cheese. His friend got chocolate and something else. We got out of there wearing glowing big smiles. I believe whoever created the ice cream recipes in there must be a chemist of some sort. This guy/or gal knows his/her chemistry and ratios. The ice cream, regardless of flavour, was smooth, concentrated (full of flavour), and addictive. Some of these creations make up tilt our heads, but hey, they WORK. My strawberry balsamic pepper ice cream kicked ass. Pear and blue cheese, oh, I'd eat you again. This place will be repeated.
(5)Michelle C.
Perfection, really. I have dreams about this from time to time because I live in New York. This place is as good as it can get for ice cream. Their flavors are unique but absolutely delicious, every single one of them.
(5)Jenny M.
BACKGROUND - I have a massive sweet tooth. So when this local business hit town, I was one of the first ones there. I'm also a lavender gal, anything lavender, I'm in love. And this place executes one of their most sought after ice cream flavors, Honey Lavender, beautifully. PROS - Honey Lavender. That's all I gotta say. CONS - None. POINTERS - Honey Lavender. They run out of this flavor by dinner time (sometimes even earlier) and it's no wonder why. If they do run out and you happen to be an addict to this flavor like me, check the pre-scooped take home buckets available in their freezer...you might get lucky :)
(5)Ken W.
I've been here quite a few times. Excellent ice cream, interesting flavors. A must try for everyone who wants a bite of Portland in a form of ice cream. Simply put. Everyone knows it's good, everyone knows it's weird, so if you haven't, just do it already.
(4)Yak Y.
Can't miss this place if you have a sweet tooth. The first night I had the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and Sea Salt with Carmel. It was great, but the second night (pear and blue cheese on top of almond brittle grenache) was out of this world!! Waffle cones are made fresh on the spot and you can tell. The line can be long, but moves pretty quick and is worth the wait. Cool neighborhood to walk around while you eat.
(5)Annie H.
I already know I'm going to be craving this tomorrow. We need one in Salt Lake so bad! Best ice cream I've ever had in my mouth! So far I've been every day I've been in portland. It's worth the wait. Seriously
(5)Lina M.
Can't wait till they open a store in Cali this year! Love going to this place in PDX, even in the winter. I fell in love with their lavender honey ice cream. It is so refreshing and tasty. The salted caramel is also Delish!
(5)Amy D.
Blue cheese & pear, honey lavender, & peanut brittle with salted chocolate ganache. Trust me, if a flavor ever sounds odd, it certainly never tastes it. The line is worth it, but some smart patron shared that you can just go to the front of the line to buy pre packaged pints. When ice cream tastes this good, you don't want a scoop or two any way. Pretty, please come to the bay area, so I don't have to visit Portland so often. Please? With ice cream & a cherry on top?
(5)Zofia T.
So many disgusting flavors all made okay by the few unbelievably delicious ones. definitely worth the wait when you find that one special flavor. the service is also great, everyone is really friendly.
(5)Tim G.
Tasty ice cream with some fun flavors. They have some go-to flavors (i like the caramel sea salt ) which are yummy but its always fun to try their latest creations.....a worty pdx stop for locals and tourists alike.
(4)Amy B.
We went back when there was no line. I know, it is possible, you have to have the right combo. It was 11am and it was 30 degrees. Nonetheless we went in, and tasted so many samples. She had us try everything. I ended up with the honey balsamic strawberry with black pepper. I loved it because it made it feel like summer. It was so good. I will admit the mushroom was intriguingly good, but I just loved the freshness of the strawberry. Again, like I had said before, this ice cream didn't bother me at all. I had given up ice cream years ago, but this....there's something different. Thanks Salt and Straw for making awesome ice cream.
(5)Hannah J.
Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper is HANDS DOWN the best strawberry ice cream my boyfriend and I have ever had. Also, especially for first timers (as we were), we highly recommend splitting a flight between two people. It's a great way to sample more flavors and is definitely enough for two.
(5)Hyun J.
Probably worth the 45 min wait for out-of-towners. Else off-peak (earlier/later, or crappy weather) or two other non 23rd locations worth the trip!
(3)Paulette L.
Finally got to try this place. Be warned - parking is a bootch. Try not to go during happy hour or after dinner. Then again, every time we drove by this place in the summer, the line was out the door, around the corner, down the street. No joke. Now we know why. The flavors sound scary, but are surprisingly good! Best part is being able to sample every single flavor you want. (then again, we were there when it was 45 degrees out so they were not busy). The flavors we tried were: Honey Lavendar - YUM and fragrant too Almond brittle - got some crunch and chocolate bits, a little sweet but good Sea salt and caramel - a little salty for me, but hubs was all over it Peppermint cocoa - YUM, not too minty and not to cocoa-y Blue cheese and... something - it was ok, but i'm not fan of blue cheese Chocolate (for my daughter) - YUM, but pretty ordinary The small isn't a humongous scoop - just right. But if you're looking to fill a minor sweet craving, I'd suggest a kid scoop, a little bigger than a golf ball size.
(5)David N.
I just recently traveled up to the NW for the first time in over 10 years. I have a friend who lives in Portland and was my tour guide the whole trip. I did my research and there were a few spots that I had to try on my list and there were places he just had to show me. This was one of the first places that overlapped. After completely my ice cream it was with good reason, that when you're in Portland you MUST stop in. This is probably one of the best ice creams I've had in all of the country. It follows most things in Portland, meaning handmade in small-batches using only all-natural dairy with the best local, sustainable and organic ingredients. So you know it's packed with the good stuff to start out. But does that equate to good flavor? In this case yes! The line is ALWAYS out the door, but it moves fast. They have people who start to help you sample the flavors as you're making the home stretch. I tried two flavors and since my friend has had all of their flavors before I sampled two more through him. I tasted the birthday cake with blackberries, cinnamon snickerdoodle, sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon, and almond brittle. I ended up buying a double scoop with the birthday cake and the cinnamon snickerdoodle. But all the flavors I tasted blew me away! It's just so rich and creamy and the taste spuds erupted.
(5)kevin j.
Unfair or not, I give this place one star because of the lines of people waiting outside are like so many toddlers clamoring to get ice cream. Many of these folks are grown a$$ed men, and what real mean are doing waiting 30 minutes for ice cream is anyone's guess. I mean: in the end it's ice cream. You buy it, then walk around licking a cone like a child, gaping at all the dirty buildings and dirty people, before driving back to the suburbs or vancouver thinking: did I really just drive 15 miles and wait in a line for 30 minutes for two scoops of braised eel & onion ice cream?
(1)Aj T.
Tyler is a genius. Kim is a genius. Both are as sweet as the goods. Holy shitbags...be ready to wait in line in the summer weekends.
(5)Eunice M.
Without any hesitation, this place is a 5 star. The selection of ice cream flavors is unheard of - Malted plum (seasonal), Pear with Blue Cheese, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons (#1 seller), Almond Brittle, Coffee and Bourbon - need I say more? In addition to the delicious flavors, their service is just impeccable. My server was friendly and patient despite the long line going out the door and wrapping around the store. This place is just perfect. Perfect on a sunny day, rainy day, snowy day, any day. Additional pluses: - Free wifi - Nice patio + indoor seating (wide, open windows to soak in the nice breeze) - Location (on NW 23rd Ave) - a nice break from boutique shopping This place is a gem.
(5)Luis L.
Ratings here don't lie. This place is simply a must go when you're in Portland. Great flavors as well as a down-to-earth staff that really makes you feel at home. Salt and straw certainly lives up to the hype if you have a sweet tooth and are in town get your butt over here! Everything from staff to ice cream to waffle comes made right in front of you are amazing.
(5)Brionne V.
Awesome experience. As we stood in line we sampled many of their flavors and decided on a strawberry/balsamic/pepper cone and a newer "hawaiian" scoop with rice krispies. Quick, friendly service and great ice cream.
(5)Jennifer S.
Great ice cream flavor combinations! This was our last stop in Portland and I'm glad we left on a good note. They are very nice about offering samples here. Some ice cream joints are not as friendly. I love sweet potato, but hesitant to try it in an ice cream. It works! The pumpkin and snickerdoodle were also delicious. I want to come back.
(5)justine c.
Waited almost an hour in line but it was well worth it. The samples are absolutely amazing. I had about five samples before I chose the perfect flavor! They really are serious about ice cream if they reiterate to let them know if you want any more samples after the fifth one. The strawberry cheesecake with cilantro lime was delicious!!!! the hint of lime and cilantro gives the strawberry cheesecake the tang it needs. It is not as sweet as other places that I've tried strawberry cheesecake- it was perfect!
(5)Anthony N.
Hands down the best ice cream I've ever had! The flight was a good choice to sample multiple flavors. THE LINE WAS RIDICULOUSLY LONG BUT IT'S WORTH IT!
(5)Grace L.
All the ice cream- so freaking good. !!! Definitely worth the wait. I'm pretty sure the Seasonal Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise is the best ice cream flavor I've ever had. I'm from San Francisco so that's saying a lot. Make sure to eat your ice cream with the waffle cone- fantastic. All the flavors here are so unique and the workers are happy to give you samples of anything you'd like. Love this place.
(5)Chris Y.
I can definitely see why it's one of oprah's favorite spots to go to. I just wanted to try every flavor but I will say the gooey chocolate was pretty dang good. The ambience is good but expect to be waiting for a while because the line could wrap around the building.
(5)Leigh P.
Yes - the wait can be long. It's worth it. Yes - the ice cream is a bit more expensive than other places. It's worth it. Yes - the flavors sound exotic & sometimes odd. Try them - they're worth it. The staff is super friendly. The ice cream is unlike ANYTHING I've tasted - and I grew up with lots of good ice cream. This is a place you have to experience while in Portland.
(5)Benno L.
Stupidly long lines that no self respecting person would endure for overpriced ice cream. But apparently, if you are a tourist, its on the "must do" list along with Voodoo Donuts, because Oprah or somebody said so. Because there is goat cheese and balsamic vinegar in the ice cream. Oh. My. Gawd! Maybe they'll put some bacon and fresh mozzarella in another flavor? Seriously people, get some self respect and stop standing in around the block lines for ice cream. ANY ice cream.. Hint: Go to Ruby Jewel where it takes 3 min and the ice cream is delicious!
(1)Homan L.
Portland has Seattle beat on quality and variety of restaurants for sure, from the food trucks to fancy sit downs. However, I think Seattle has better ice cream over all. I assume this is the best if not one of the best establishments in Portland, so I will compare with what I think is our best. I must say though; I don't think this is as good as what I think our best is: Molly Moons. Wait! Don't throw your hipster beanies at me just yet! It is good, no denying that. Also, I really do adore their creativity and willingness to push the envelope but when it comes down to it, I feel the ice cream is too heavy, maybe there is too much cream in it? Wasn't overly sweet but I had the "felt like I ate too much baskin robins" feeling even after just 2 scoops here. I can eat a pint at Molly Moon's and not feel sick. I am not sure why, maybe it's just the flavors I ordered. When I eat ice cream at Molly Moon's, I do not feel sick and I feel even the heavier flavors don't make me feel sick. I feel the Molly Moon flavors really shine thru without the punishment, can't say the same about this. Also, the scoops were TINY. They really pack it on at Molly Moon's, not sure why they are so cheap here. Not to sound like a broken record but Molly Moon's to me is better in every way. Maybe I am nitpicking, it's just that I expected a lot when there is a line out the door and around the block and for the level of culinary oasis that Portland is, I felt Salt and Straw really dropped the ball. I only tried the ice cream so I can't comment on the other stuff.
(3)Ashley L.
I am in love. Selection of unique flavors that rotate daily. Ask for samples. Waffle cones made in-house. Space is bright and open with lots of natural light. Good amount of seating available. Try to go during off-times to avoid long lines. (Sea Salt + Caramel) Thick caramel ribbons made this variation unique. Creamy, rich and buttery. Perfectly balanced. (Coffee & Bourbon) Strong coffee flavor with hints of bourbon. Creamy and subtle. Definitely up to par with ice cream in SF.
(5)Christine N.
So I actually heard on the radio today that Portlanders are on the top 5 list of weirdest people in the US. I ain't complainin' because they make some strange yet TASTY ice cream. Here are some of the flavors i can recall from our trip: pear and blue cheese, sea salt (Oprah's favorite?!), sea urchin - what the what?! All in all, I recommend this place to anyone and everyone. Oh btw, they give out free samples while youre waiting in line, so don't forget to take advantage of that!
(5)B B.
Solid ice cream. Worth the wait and the prices? Absolutely not. It is fun to see all the mindless portland's flocking to yet another over hyped establishment.
(4)Brian W.
If VooDoo Doughnuts had a classier, diligent, more politically-correct younger brother, Salt & Straw would certainly be a contender. About the only downside is the number of people; like VooDoo, the line is constantly out the door. However, Salt & Straw does it a little differently. I stood in line with some friends and was only outside for about ten minutes. Very soon after we entered, we were greeted by a couple staff members and offered some samples, all the while viewing the options and making our choices. To add to the efficiency, they even served us while we were in line! By the time we got to the cashier, all we needed to do was swipe a card and sign on their nifty little iPad monitors. The experience itself was entertaining enough. And say goodbye to mimicking flavors. Unlike the "processed banana" or "used to be strawberry" you might expect from a Baskin Robbins, the unique flavors at Salt & Straw are exactly what you see. I tried the honey lavender, and was honestly shocked to discover that it actually tasted like, well.. honey and lavender! And it was a delicious blend, stimulating my taste buds and tricking my imagination to perceive that I indeed was frolicking through a field of lush lavender whilst dousing my tongue in the freshest of honeybee nectar. It was a joyous occasion. But all silliness aside, the effect is more than satisfactory. While their remarkable flavors revisit you to all the vivid joys of your childhood, you can take a stroll down the charismatic streets of Northwest Portland and soak up the nightlife. Just don't let your sweatshirt soak up the drips.
(5)MirMack M.
After waiting in a long line the service is great. You can taste as many flavors as you want without feeling pressured so you will get the ice cream that's right for you. Recently I had the Pim's cup ice cream and it was the best ice cream I've had. The waffle cones are also great.
(5)Amy L.
Very tasty love their rotating ice cream flavors. Never cease to surprise me. Always a fan of the Almond brittle with salted ganache ice cream. Waffle cones are made daily and very tasty.
(4)Claudine V.
Shared toffee and salty ganache with the hunnie and it was delicious! I'm not a fan of sweets but this place you gotta try when you are in Portland. They have all kinds exotic and unimaginable flavors which makes it fun! Tried the pomegranate balsamic and honey lavender and it was good as well. I don't like the vinegar/sour flavor coming from the balsamic vinegar though. Came here on a rainy afternoon and there was no line at all. Thank goodness!!!
(5)Krista G.
I'm one of those people who love ice cream, I mean I'd eat it for breakfast if my vanity didn't win over. This place serves up some of the most outrageous flavors which include apple pie with cheddar, pear blue cheese and my favorite sea salt caramel. The sweet servers kindly give samples so go on try something weird!
(5)Luke Y.
Salt & Straw is fabulous and worth every second you spend in line. I have never really loved sweet desserts including ice cream, but I fell in love with the coconut milk with thai chili and candied nuts. The staff is super nice and makes you feel very welcome, encouraging you to sample despite the pressure of the line behind you so you're comfortable buying something that you really enjoy (and will maybe buy a bigger one as a result). Unfortunately the thai coconut flavor was a September seasonal and is probably gone by now, but I'm sure they've replaced it with something equally tasty. The decor and music are always pleasant and you know they'll treat you well when it's your turn, so waiting in line isn't annoying. Very well done.
(5)Jung K.
Service and originality 5 stars, flavor only 3 stars. I've been to both locations and tried 4 cones so far (vanilla, brownie chocolate and the two Chef Collaboration flavors) so I think I've got a good idea of the place by now. All four cones were way too sweet for my taste. Their website emphasizes that they use less sugar to bring out the flavors but if this is their idea of less sweet, I don't want to know what they think is really sweet. The crunchy cones are delish and the staff are extremely accomodating and nice to the point that makes the lines VERY slow (since they let you try out all the flavors and I know some folks really try to milk this despite the million people patiently waiting) One beef I have is with the ice cream temperature. The thing is all melty even when I first receive the cone so it's one big mess by the time I step outside to eat it and I don't even have to tell you what kind of mess that creates for people with kids. Seriously, just turn down the cooler temp just a few degrees so the scoops at least stay put together. I want to enjoy my gourmet ice cream and not have to wolf it down without tasting because the thing is melting so fast (and this was on a cold day!) Seriously, all I can remember from that ice cream was "whoa that was way too sweet." and nothing else. Cut back on the sugar just a tad bit. Please! It would make your ice cream so much better IMO
(4)Denni P.
Waiting in line, it's out the door and around the corner. Apparently Portland's best ice cream. Will let you know once I've tried it. I've tried it...and it's up there with Mallard's in Bellingham, WA. What's up with Portland and its AWESOME food?!! STOP, I need to go on a diet before I head to Portland so I can gain back the the weight I lost! FANTASTIC, great job!
(5)J S.
Wow! Agree with all the other reviews...awesome place, line goes quickly, ice cream one of the best we've ever had! We got the Sea Salt Caramel and Almond Brittle w/ Chocolate Ganache (#1 and #2 on the list, I believe), and they were wonderful!! on a waffle cone, of course - you MUST have the super-fresh waffle cone - it's a "can't miss" Try samples...flavors are very interesting here It absolutely made up for the horrible experience we had earlier at a sandwich place and completely satisfied our appetite(s). Happy, happy :)
(5)Greer T.
What can you say about Salt & Straw? There is a character limit. . .It's Great! On this cold Winter day, we went for an afternoon treat. We each got double cups: the first with Pear with Blue Cheese/Coffee and Bourbon; the second with The Universe II/Freckled Woodblock Chocolate. All excellent flavors, but oh my, the Woodblock Chocolate was AMAZING! You MUST try some!
(5)Valerie W.
Update - Get the Boke Bowl and FEAST Oregon Bounty before it's too late! Your tastebuds will thank you. And the waffle cone. And the salted caramel. Hell, just go for the whole flight of tasters. Enjoy.
(4)William J.
Quite honestly, this place is overrated. I ought to give it a single star to pull the average rating down just a little bit more, but I suppose that wouldn't be responsible Yelping. Here are some tips: You can push your way through the line and go straight to the freezers with pints, grab a pint or more, and then head to the front of the line. Or, you can go at an off-peak hour, like in the morning. Otherwise, you'll wait in a very long line, one that may in fact wrap around the block, for ice cream that is unique and all but which may disappoint. The employees are nice and welcome you to sample flavors. Take them up on it. At least this way, your choice is an educated one. Still, I've found more than once that flavors I've sampled here turn out to be less exciting when I have an entire scoop. It may be that the place is so hyped, and the wait so long, that expectations grow to unrealistic heights -- but I'm not really sure that this is the whole story. Some of their ice cream, adventurous as the flavor combination might be, just isn't executed that well (perhaps, in some cases, the combination couldn't be executed very well, no matter who is attempting the execution). All in all, an okay place if you're looking for gourmet ice cream in Portland, but similar places offer a superior experience.
(3)Ophelia Y.
My first time at this location, and it was a great one! Had the Beast and the Chocolate with Gooey Brownie. SO delish! The line was long but moved quickly. The prices are somewhat steep ($3.75 for a single, $5.25 or $5.75 for a double, $2 for a kid's scoop, and $8 for a pint), but they're the newest trend since the hype of bubble tea, gelato, cupcakes, and froyo are all over and done with. This location has the bake shop with it, which is pretty awesome. I haven't tried anything besides ice cream, but with so many flavors, why would I? I haven't tried it yet, but the root beer float sounds incredible since Crater Lake Root Beer is probably the best thing since sliced bread. For serious. My favorite flavors are sea salt with caramel, chocolate with gooey brownie, strawberry balsamic with black pepper, and Beast. Try it. It will change your life.
(5)Haroun K.
Unlimited samples! Flavors you'd never imagine! This is one of those hyped up places in PDX that totally deserves it. I had the lemon ricotta in a waffle cone, and my god it was good. It didn't last nearly as long as I'd hoped, but my god! The staff, besides being cheerful in the midst of being barraged for free samples, are also very informative, and have good ideas for flavor combinations if you get 2+ scoops. The price is right, considering the quality and the experience. The line moves pretty fast. When you're shooting off fireworks this 4th of July in honor of our nation's freedom, dedicate one to the fact that there are places like this. Take that England.
(5)Erin P.
The ice cream is delicious and you can ask questions and try flavors. They are very cheerful and helpful. It's not inexpensive; but it's not DQ... it's gourmet. I find the tip line weird... and I asked my group of friends last time if they really felt compelled to tip at an ice cream shop... they were totally divided... half thought it was fine, half thought it was weird. I thought it was weird... But fun and delicious, for sure.
(5)Savoia Di L.
Business: Salt and Straw is an ice cream parlor that like others offers dry goods and coffee. However, it differentiates itself from its competitors by collaborating with community foodies to offer non-traditional flavors that are interesting and unique. They also try to build and improve upon traditional flavors by using better/additional ingredients. They have enjoyed quite a bit of success and have become a Portland/Eugene institution. I went to Salt and Straw with high expectations, especially after it garnered a 4 1/2 star rating on Yelp comprising 400+ reviews. Food: The non-traditional flavors (Pear/Blue Cheese, Loaded Baked Potato, Mint with Sea Urchin) were very unique. Very compelling granted their unusual ingredients and atypical preparation. But I found these flavors nothing more than novelties, something that elicited intrigue but not satisifaction. The more traditional flavors (Double-Folded Vanilla, Almond-Brittle with Salted Ganache) were extremely bland! I had a hard time finding any semblance of almond flavor in the almond-brittle! And despite using "twice as many vanilla beans when making it", my double-folded vanilla suggested to me they used half rather than twice as many vanilla beans! Summary: Salt and Straw was interesting but unsatisfying.
(2)Christopher T.
If ice cream where a religion this would definitely be its temple. I am from San Francisco and this kills Bi-Rite, Humphrey's, and Mitchell's. When I went there I was helped by the amazing Travis who guided me through each flavor after asking my likes and dislikes and finding my flavor profile. I honestly felt like I was wine tasting in Napa. Some of the flavors may look weird but they are mixed in perfect proportions for a heavenly divine blend. For example I settled with the 1) almond brittle and salted ganache and then 2) marion berry, habanero, goat cheese ice cream. You would not have guessed it but my favorite was the latter. Perfect combinations of everything for the right balance of an awesome gourmet treat. I am counting down the days for my next trip to Portland just to eat ice cream here.
(5)Dan C.
Do we really need another Salt & Straw review? No. Are you going to get one from me? Yes, because my opinion matters, dangit. "THE HYPE" - First of all folks, it's ice cream. I don't quite understand some of the disappointed reviewers here, claiming they came because of the hype and then discovered it was "just" ice cream. It's as if they mark the shop down because the line is long, or people talk it up. "THE QUALITY" I can't think of a single better place to get ice cream in town. Heck, this is right up there with the best ice cream I've ever had (in Boston, MA - ice cream capitol of the world). If you honestly can't tell the difference between this and what you get at the grocery store, I'd say that has less to do with Salt & Straw and more to do with you. The ice cream here isn't just sugar-ized dairy. It's rich, creamy, and every ingredient is top quality; ever recipe balanced carefully. The rainbow sorbet is made with skittles that have been individually separated, crushed, and mixed. The Rhubarb pie is made with real pie (homemade with fresh, local, organic ingredients), crumbled and mixed into the homemade ice cream. The salted ice creams use the finest salts available (ask them about it, the obsessive attention to every detail is reminiscent of an episode of Portlandia). And of course, the actual base ice cream itself has been given incredible attention - this isn't mass produced ice cream, each batch is hand prepared, and you can taste the difference. "THE PRICE" You can pay $3.50 for a "split single" which gives you 2 flavors and more ice cream than many shops give you when you order a double. I'm 200lbs, and the one time I got a "split double" I thought I was going to explode. So sure, if you get a homemade waffle cone, a topping, and multiple massive scoops of ice cream you're going to pay more. But the prices here are pretty much in line with any other ice cream shop, and for both the quality and quantity of ice cream here (this isn't frozen grocery store sugar that you're going to pick up at Winco) I never once have felt like I was overpaying. These guys are handmaking every waffle cone and batch of ice cream. "THE SERVICE" Considering there is a never ending line pouring out the door to this place, the fact that I have always had great service is even more impressive. I've never felt rushed when sampling flavors, never been treated rudely, and have always been served and moved through the line at a pace that's respectful to the customers behind me. The staff here seems genuinely enthusiastic about their ice cream, as if they helped handmake it themselves - a distinct difference from other ice cream chains where you can tell the staff is full of high school kids that just want to go home. "THE VIBE" This is going to be preference, but for what Salt & Straw is trying to do, they pull it off very well. I was immediately impressed by the decoration. It's an eclectic combination of vintage 20's and 50's, with a modern twist and oldies playing in the background. It's a little bit of everything, and the sum of the parts work well to create a distinct feel that's fun, modern and classic all at the same time. There's something about this place that just makes you feel good, and checking out on an iPad makes you wonder why every business in town doesn't sell off their old, antiquated registers and card readers. "THE COMPETITION" Really, there's not much else out there that can compare. Scoop Handmade Ice Cream is a cart in North Portland that serves great ice cream, and Ruby Jewel in NE (and soon in SW) has more traditional flavors than Salt & Straw. But I would argue that Salt & Straw edges both out, and with their unique combination of classic flavors and original, creative flavors (Olive Oil, Sweet Wheat Ale, Bone Marrow, etc.) there is no other ice cream shop in town that delivers the same quality & originality. BOTTOM LINE: Salt & Straw is my top pick for Ice Cream in Portland, in every category.
(5)Randal S.
If I'm to be honest, this is likely the best ice cream place I have ever been to. The flavors are unique and the menu is always bringing something new. The staff is genuinely interested in you having a good experience and they are truly happy to give you as many samples as you want. The creativity of the flavor combinations alone deserves accolades. This is a Portland must do.
(5)Ahmad R.
Scrumptious. Fun flavors. Friendly service. Lavender honey, brownie, and vanilla were all winners. My three year old is well on his way to an American obesity lifestyle.
(5)Jenni L.
So, here's the deal. I don't usually have much of a sweet tooth, but I'd gladly eat Salt & Straw's Honey Lavender ice cream every meal of every day for eternity. Ok, maybe not eternity. But it's bloody fabulous just the same. This particular scoop is comprised of Lavender harvested from Red Ridge Farm in Dundee, OR and Bee Local honey gathered from hives around Portland. That's pretty stinkin' cool, if you ask me; and you're reading this, so you basically did. The great part of Salt & Straw is that you really can't go wrong with any flavor you try, it's all ridiculously good; even the odd flavors. Take the Pear with Blue Cheese, for example. This sounds great on a salad, but a little off the wall for ice cream right? Don't be timid because this particular flavor will blow you away just like it did me. It's incredibly creamy and light, with just the right amount of Rogue Creamer's Crater Lake Blue Cheese to balance out the flavors of Pear, from the Truitt Brothers in Salem, OR. The super friendly staff will gladly insist that you try out as many flavors as you want, and present them to you on an adorable miniature spoon. A real spoon. Not one of those tiny, flat, pink spoons that 31 flavors doles out. Did I mention that you can have scoops halved in case you can't make your mind up? For someone who only wants a single scoop but can't bear to choose one flavor over the other, S&S will gladly give you two half scoops so that you can enjoy both flavors without overindulging. Ha. Overindulging... fairly certain that's an impossible label to put on something so marvelous. For those who want to take the party in their mouth home, one can take their favorite flavor (or favorite 14 flavors) home with them in a jolly little pint, made to fit perfectly on one's lap whilst they watch TV in their underwear. Might as well be honest... Get your tastebuds to Salt & Straw, they'll thank you.
(5)Su S.
Delicious and creamy ice cream. It's quite small and the line was long but well worth it. You can ask for samples. Next time will go for a flight. Want to try all the flavors.
(5)Van V.
Just have a friend wait in the long line while you shop around the nice street. Go for the big cone of salty caramel. Lavender flavor good too. We were happy we tried S and S as visitors to Portland.
(4)Cicely T.
This place is amazing! Local fresh ingredients and really darn good ice cream. I had a seasonal flavor - salted caramel thxgiving day turkey! it was delicious. It's very helpful that they give you samples because I wouldnt know what to chose from otherwise. Great place and so sad that they dont have one in SF. This is much better than some of the local ice cream places here. Sorry bi-rite. S+ S has you beat!
(5)Lisa S.
Worth the hype, worth the wait, worth the drive, worth the money. A+ super duper extra-swell happiness in a cup!
(5)Kristen M.
Salt & Straw's sophomore store opened in May 2012. If you live in Portland and you haven't had their ice cream, you need to check this place out! I like that Salt & Straw has opened this location in the Alphabet district because it's much closer to my home. What I love about Salt & Straw is that they use Oregonian ingredients and make totally unusual flavors that really go well together! The end result? TRUE MOUTH-GASM WORTHY ICE CREAM! My brother raves about Handle's Ice Cream back home in Redondo Beach, CA. Salt and Straw makes Handle's look like a wanna-be. I don't think I've had a bad flavor of ice cream from Salt & Straw. I love their regular flavors, but my all time faves: *Grandma Malek's Almond Brittle & Salted Ganache (my #1 favorite!) *Honey Balsamic Strawberry with cracked pepper (my 2nd fave!) *Pear with Blue Cheese (yes made with chunks of blue cheese! amazing!) *Arbequina Olive Oil (yes ice cream made with olive oil!) Seasonal flavors I've fallen in love with: *Rhubarb crumble with toasted anise = I swear I order this at every visit! Get it while it lasts! *Apricot Wheat Ale with candied peppers = Love something sweet with heat? This is a good pick for sweet-tooths and a heat of a surprise! *Mint Chocolate Chip with candied lemon confetti = A classic twist to mint chocolate chip ice cream! It's kicked up a notch with the lemon essence! *Honey Lavender = if you love lavender anything, this one's for you! There's a lot of lavender going on and for some people it can be a turn-off, but the combo with honey is mesmerizing! There's always a line outside and that's because you know this place is good! This location is a bit bigger than the original on Alberta. But the bright side to this is that they have more seating areas for people to chill and a nice place for people watching too! Parking is in the neighborhood or alongside the street. Can be quite difficult on weekends and evenings! So pat yourself on the back for a hard days work or you're just enjoying a warm summer day - get yourself some ice cream at SALT & STRAW! You won't be disappointed!
(5)Eric H.
This ice cream is great.. the wait is stupid.. its good but its not good enough to warrant a 20 minute line.. I had the snickerdoodle ice cream or something.. and man was it delicious. At the end of the day, its really just ice cream though. Very good ice cream. haha.
(5)Brittany H.
Best ice cream OF MY LIFE (and I've had a lot of ice cream!) No kidding. This place is incredible. They have the most unique flavor combinations and they change often so there's always a new concoction to try. They always have a super friendly staff and they don't make you feel rushed at all. They'll also let you try as many flavors as you like. This place is addicting!!
(5)James H.
Instant trip hit - flavors were exciting and different. So many good options. Love that attendant greets you in line and brings any samples desired. Cool atmosphere. Clean bathrooms. If you are just visiting the area like we were, the is must see.
(5)Justin S.
Dear Salt & Straw, I think I'm in love, please open a San Francisco location so I can get my Portland Foodie fix more often. The line was at least 20 minutes on a hot summer night but the wait was nothing in comparison to how wonderful the ice cream was. I will be back next time I'm in your town.
(5)Kristen V.
I think this place is worth every bit of 5 stars. I just hate the line. You can sneak pass the crowd to buy a pint right at the register. Go for the balsamic strawberry and black pepper. a classic. I also respect that they are contracted with a local farm and get their cream as clean as possible. Innovative and pull it off with every flavor.
(5)Sara B.
Strange and interesting combos of flavors makes ice cream a new adventure at this place. While hanging out in a cool neighborhood, check this place out and enjoy some balsamic strawberry ice cream!
(4)Ana M.
Salt and Straw was alright. My younger brother and I waited for about 40 minutes till we could order. The staff was super friendly and nice. A little underwhelmed for how much buzz it had gotten. Honestly though a great place to try but I probably won't be going back.
(3)Jane I.
It's gourmet icecream! Don't come here being basic. I mean you can get some basic flavors, but it's going to be extra rich and extra creamy. If you love a lot of flavor, and you are open minded to trying combinations you probably wouldn't think of together then this is the icecream parlor for you! Don't be a noob and show up on a weekend and stand in line for an hour, unless you are a weekend tourist, then sorry. Then, in that case, it's worth the wait. Make sure you sample as much as you can, so you know what you are going to be trying. If you are too shy and it's too much of a fast paced environment for you because the servers are too outgoing and friendly for your bland personality, and you are intimidated by simple sampling, go with the salted caramel. It's a winner. I usually hate that flavor, but Salt & Straw has made it my official favorite with them. It's the cakes of icecream. It takes the cake.
(5)Carolyn B.
Nice storefront and delicious flavors.The almond brittle flavor was so flavorful--the salted ganache was almost too much! The coffee and bourbon ice cream was a nice pairing.
(4)Cynthia S.
Hold the phone!!! Before we even arrived to the front door (or line of people in front of door) a smelly smell hit me. OMG freshly made waffle cones!!! After a short wait, we made it inside and could see the staff cranking out waffle cone after waffle cone. Sweeeet! Cool vintage decor, nice set up. The staff is really friendly and are eager for you to sample their fresh made ice cream. They also sell coffee and other treats. They had some cool shirts but they were only in kids sizes. They did have adult tees but they weren't nearly as fun as the kids ones. Ice cream was yummy and very creamy. You cant go wrong with their crazy concoctions. Definitely will return when back in Portland.
(5)Anne-Mary P.
the 5 of us shared 2 flights. We sampled the chef series along with some staples. I cannot say all were great but I can definitely say it was quite interesting. Here is the rundown: Mint Leaves and Sea Urchin Meringues: light and salty... i couldnt taste the mint Loaded baked potato... WAS NOT A FAN! the onion juice caramel was too redic for me Sweet corn, waffle cone and caramel... not memorable Thai chilli and brittle.... sweet and spicy!! Pear and blue cheese.... MY FAV Salted caramel... 2nd FAV There were others but I cannot remember them! long wait but i think it is totally worth it!
(5)Olivia O.
Top quality ice cream in creative, refreshing flavours. Be prepared for a line. Come with ear plugs and possibly shin guards. Screaming children run around unattended after being loaded up on sugar. I recommend the flight of ice cream for first-time visitors. Choose any four flavours and share the scoops with your friends. It's exciting and you get to see what all the fuss is about. My personal favourite so far: The dandelion sorbet.
(5)James G.
From a San Franciscan - the ice cream is creamy with quality on par with Bi-Rite and/or Fentons. The combinations are Humpheys-like, but "more fun". As an aside we met Kim Malek who knew all about San Francisco ice creams. Cool.
(4)Amy P.
Truly amazing ice cream! The selections are inspired by local, seasonal flavors. The results are creative, yet sometimes unexpected, pairings. My husband and I split an ice cream flight, four small bowls of individual scoops. We had the Pear with Blue Cheese, Coffee & Bourbon, Elvis (pb, bacon, banana, & berry), and Candy Cap Mushroom with Port Wine. If you are in Portland, visiting Salt & Straw is a must.
(5)Samar N.
Sometimes I dream about this place. I wish we had one in California . The ice cream is absolutely amazing! The staff was super friendly and let us try as many flavor says we wanted and suggesting things based on our taste. We ended up doing a 4 scoop taster and it was so rich we couldn't come close to finishing it. They have unique and delicious favors. A must eat in Portland.
(5)Kaitlyn G.
Somehow I have so far missed out on all the hype about this place, but I can say that it totally deserves all the praise it gets. The employees were really friendly, and I love that you can try some flavors before you decide. I had a double with the honey lavender and cinnamon snickerdoodle -- they go amazing with each other.
(5)Furai X.
Yes, yes, a thousands times, YES. Earlier in the day, I was scoffing at the idea of pear blue cheese flavored ice cream, obnoxiously daring my coworker to try it just so he'll gag and I'll get a laugh out of his disgust. Little did I know, pear blue cheese was my favorite out of the flavors I sampled. The pear chunks worked perfectly with the slightly "blue" taste. No hint of cheesiness at all. Pure creamy heaven. I didn't stop there, of course. Considering that I had waited in line for half-an-hour, I had to get a second scoop and the almond brittle with chocolate ganache was the way to go. Not only are the portions generous, but the service is exceptional. Our ice cream server seemed genuinely interested in our whereabouts (small talk was had) and gladly offered her personal recommendations. Will definitely be back. Repeatedly.
(5)Mike R.
Ummm....heaven on earth...? Quite likely! Ok...so here it is...the straight scoop (lol, I couldn't resist). This place is AMAZING. The ice cream is hand-made and comes in a bounty of flavors, some of which are traditional and some of which are special concoction. More on that later. First, the line. I'm going to say three things about it. 1) It is long and can look quite intimidating. 2) It does actually move pretty quick. 3) Quit thinking about it and get in the line....it is well worth the wait. Now for the ice cream. It is really good. The staff will give you samples until your heart is content. Do not feel bad asking for samples...they love to give them. Really, they do. So sample away. As for the flavors, there are many to choose from. Some are simple and uncomplicated. Like today I had the Freckled Chocolate...it is basically delicious chocolate ice cream. Then there are more complex flavors such as the pear and blue cheese. It is good, but it isn't for everybody...but...remember what I said about samples? Sample it. If you don't like it then move on to the next...you will find something you like here. Other than that, the prices and the staff. The prices are a higher than what you'd find at Baskin and Robbins or Ben and Jerrys...but you are getting amazing ice cream here loving made by hand and you are supporting local people....and it is really good ice cream. The staff. They all were super friendly and very helpful. What more can you want. Even after my order was taken and being made I had other staffers asked me if I had been helped...and then they even asked about my choice for the day...like I said...they are super friendly. So, to wrap it up...if you are a local or an out-of-town visitor...try to put this place on your list. It has great ice cream in a wide assortment of amazing flavors that you won't find anywhere else. The line is long, but there is a reason for that....so go enjoy!
(5)RIbbon M.
I rarely rate 5 stars, so I must've had a good time here! I'd never had a waffle cone before - never really wanted one. But the smell of this place, the smell of waffle cones all the way down the street - I am now a fan. I am boring and only go for traditional ice cream flavors,but this place makes me very adventurous. I love the coffee and bourbon and the boozy bon bon and the gooey brownie.... This is a really special place, and it's worth a visit. I've been to the one close to me a few times (Division) and also to the one on Alberta. Both get 5 stars!
(5)Matthew K.
Wonderful, wonderful. I tried some of the odd flavors (strawberry balsamic -- Pretty good), and some unique flavors (lumberjack stack -- mix of maple and blueberry pancakes, delicious; lavender -- great flavor but too strong). I am impressed with the quality of the flavors. Oh, and the waffle cones were the perfect taste and perfectly baked. Compared to other ice cream shops, I think it is competitive. The only reason I didn't give a five star is that the shop could not keep up with the size of line. While I don't mind waiting in line, and I realize a line helps a shop's image, I don't know if I am willing to sit through that long line again (or at least as frequently as I would otherwise). Great place, though and I highly recommend it!
(4)Dietra E.
Long line... means it's worth it. and this place is so genius they have the people help you in line with tasters. Which means this line goes fast. So good, try everything on the menu. The staff are SO NICE.
(5)Yvett R.
We came here last Saturday evening, a warm evening even by my standards. As we walked towards the shop, I noticed that there was a line out the door. Then we got closer and noticed that the line was actually around the corner and down the block. Thinking that this was clearly the line to make out with David Tennant, I joined the queue. So, no, I was wrong this long line was the line that forms when they're handing out free ice cream. That explains it. Oh, wait no, this is a line to go into the shop to then pay for ice cream. If I'm waiting in line for an hour, this better be good. All kidding aside, I'd read about the long lines so wasn't really too surprised. I guess I was sort of secretly hoping that everyone had decided to go elsewhere. As we got closer, we were able to see the menu and then staff members were out asking if we wanted to try any samples. We were told that we could try as many flavors as we wanted, but I really only wanted validation on the one I thought I wanted . . the honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper. I've been to shops that try to come up with interesting flavor combinations (think carrot & jalapeño, avocado, lettuce and cactus ice creams) but end up falling short. It's clear that the people at Salt & Straw carefully combine ingredients to enhance flavors and not just for the sake of being different. I loved my choice of the strawberry. My husband chose coffee & bourbon and my kids chose chocolate w/brownies and the olive oil flavor. Being the mom there's a rule that I must be allowed to taste all of them. All were tastebud explosions of yayness in their own way! We were all happy with our choices and are willing to wait in line once again for this. This is by no means a complaint, only a suggestion . . . Every time I have ice cream, I get thirsty. I know I'm not the only person. I think there was a little water station in the shop, but I didn't want to go through the crowd to get that. Yes, that was lazy of me. At my favorite gelato place in AZ, staff members would periodically walk around with a tray of little cups of water for people that wanted one. I don't know if they do that here; it might have just been a busy night. Given how friendly the staff was, I think if they don't already do this, it would be something to consider.
(5)Gabe S.
Amazing service and amazing flavor. This is now my favorite ice cream place, you can get Bourbon and coffee flavor and a lot more exotic flavors. Love this place and will visit again soon.
(5)Joyce V.
We have passed this location on another trip to Portland but the line was too long & I was denied! Lucky for me, this time there was a mobile cart that was participating in a house tour nearby. She only had one flavor but it happened to be my favorite...Salted Caramel. Yummy! This one is truly the best I've had! Next time in Portland, I will force my husband to brave the line & suck it up, Buttercup!
(5)Stefanie S.
Not much to say, because obviously this place is fantastic. I love that they let everyone sample whatever you like. I tried almost everything on the menu. I regret not sampling more of the chef's creations, but I'm guessing they will change over time. Not a big fan of the famous Olive Oil, but I loved the sea urchin mint and meringue. Delicious.
(5)Jennifer D.
I don't even like ice cream and this place was pretty damn good. Bonus being that I smelled like waffle cones for the rest of the day which was pretty damn heavenly.
(4)Caroline N.
Good flavors, but sometimes their experimental ones can be a little too... out there. But give it all a try, some flavors might surprise you! The Stumptown Coffee & Bourbon, Almond brittle with salted ganache, and the honey lavender are usually safe bets if you get to the front and panic from the many, many choices (like I usually do). The ice cream is a little too soft - I'm a slow ice cream eater because I like to savor each spoonful, so at the end it's all just a big soupy mess. Turn down the temperature! It must be all the opening and closing of the freezer from giving out so many samples (ok, I'm guilty). If you're really craving one of their regular flavors, but don't want to stand in the line, they have pre-packed pints to go! Skip the line and just walk right in and weave your way to the freezer in the back.
(4)Jeremy F.
Wow, we were blown away by this ice cream. Didn't get to try everything. They let you have samples and the prices are pretty reasonable. We were visiting Portland at the time and craving ice cream. This is a must visit if you are in Portland. Waffle Cone was delicious. Salt/Caramel flavor is awesome. It's really rich and creamy. Salt and savory at the same time. Almond was also very good. Go now. What are you waiting for :)
(5)Aaron B.
Slightly addicting. Just slightly. Great flavor combinations... strawberry balsamic? Pear and cheese? Sauces that taste made from scratch and not artificial. Friendly employees that will give countless samples (how could you not?) make it all work. Excellent any time of the year!
(4)Yoshi K.
Revisiting, still fantastic. This time I went for the roasted fig with goat cheese and it was also unbelievably tasty. I think one of favorite things about them besides the incredibly good food is the great service. They make you feel really comfortable asking for multiple samples and are always chatting with you and greeting you with a smile which considering they work multiple hours shifts of a never ending line is INCREDIBLY impressive. Cant recommend this place more.
(5)Nichole L.
I was prepared for a line when I showed up here and I am definitely glad I waited! AMAZING! The flavor combinations are so unique. The lady who helped me was super nice, she let me sample all the flavors before I ordered. Yes, ALL THE FLAVORS. The Dandelion Sorbet with Spring Flowers was my fav. I also got a scoop of Pear and Blue Cheese. Yummmm.
(5)Erin K.
This is my favorite Portland Ice Cream place. It's pricy, and some of the flavors don't sound appetizing to me (Honey Balsamic Strawberry with cracked pepper sounds gross to me, but I have not personally tried it) but most of them sound fascinating to me and the ones I have tried are to die for (Almond Brittle, Sea Salt w/Caramel, Chocolate Brownie, and Goat Cheese Marionberry Habenaro). They often have rotating in seasonal flavors. My favorite so far was Almond Brittle. Overall, this is worth the price and the hype and it is always a fun adventure trying new flavors. Plus, you can sample as many as you want until you find your dream flavor! This site gets SUPER busy in the summer (especially early summer) so be prepared for a wait...but it's worth it! FYI - Olive oil! The most weirdly amazing ice cream...its at least worth a sample of and you might even fall in love with it!
(5)John L.
My favorite ice cream shop in Portland. Many different flavors. All of them spot on. Everything is made from scratch in house. Many eclectic flavors for those brave and adventurous. I prefer the regular flavors. My favorite is the almond brittle with salted ganache. Only complaint is parking can sometimes be hard to find and the wait can get long at certain times. Be warned, the new location in the Alphabet district has ridiculous lines... much worse than the Alberta location.
(5)Judith P.
Yes, I realize I'm prbly the only 1 star review. Oh well sorry S&S. I've never been so disappointed and frankly shocked at the difference between the hype and what we actually tasted. First of all $9.00 for a pint of ice cream-- RIDICULOUS. Having said that if it was the best ice cream ever--well OK. We had the chocolate, or I think it was chocolate. It had no taste and ice crystals throughout. We also had the pear and gorgonzola. Sounds delicious and interesting yes? Well, no actually there was a faint taste of the cheese wafting through the ice crystals. That's about it. I understand that ppl get on the band wagon for the latest, greatest hippest thing in hip Portland but please think beyond the buzz. In fairness our friends thought it was MEH and would perhaps give it two stars....
(1)Nikee W.
Don't let the vintage vibe fool you, Salt and Straw is was ahead of the other scoop shops when it comes to modern and innovative flavors. The 23rd location is great because it's larger and they have the most beautiful open air dining room so you can sit and eat your treats while enjoying the great outdoors. If ice cream ain't yo thing they have a case filled with muffins and brownies and other delectable pastries. My only complaint is that they don't have more dairy free options. I would love to see them put together a few flavors with a almond or coconut milk base, or even just commit to having 2-3 sorbets on the menu. Vegans and lactards alike would rejoice!
(5)Kabeer S.
Great selection of flavors which you will not get anywhere else. I got some bourbon combo flavor with their homemade waffle cone which was fantastic. The only downside was the 30min line which wrapped around the corner - reluctantly I say a reasonable wait for the wide variety of options and unlimited and guilt free sampling offered by the staff. Cant wait to go back!
(5)Sarah H.
I had previously posted a less-than-stellar 3-star review of Salt & Straw but I've completely changed my mind... Except about the wait and the zillions of teenagers on dates you wait in line with - those are still the same as my previous review. And still annoying. But I can overlook pretty much anything negative about this place because their olive oil ice cream (really!) and strawberry balsamic with cracked pepper ice cream are the things dreams are made of! Seriously, I dream about this stuff. My obsession is borderline disturbing but really it's so so so good. So forget everything I said before because Salt & Straw is my new favorite place for dessert.
(5)Crystal M.
I've been wanting to go to Salt & Salt all summer. However, every time I'm near one, the line actually warps around the building. Every time. Luckily, today I was on 23rd just after noon, there was no line. Lucky me! I went in, was greeted by a few a people and then went to the board. A gal came up and chatted to me about the flavors, recommending and letting me try some flavors. I went with the almond brittle and salted ganache, upon her recommendation. It was delicious. I still don't think I'll ever wait in those ridiculous lines but it does pay off to show up early.
(4)Leah Y.
There always seems to be a line here. However, I will say that I'm a big fan of the employees coming up to you when you're about 5-6 people away from the register to ask if there are any flavors you'd like to try (UM YES!). Like magic ice cream angels, they return with spoons filled with yummy flavors like strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper (my favorite!) and honey lavender. Also love how they use real spoons vs. plastic ones for samples. It's not the best ice cream I've ever had though definitely worth a taste if you're in Portland.
(4)Kimberly N.
They let you taste the flavors before you get yourself a nice little waffle cone full of this goodness. Swing by and consider your day made :)
(5)Des D.
Honey -lavender ice cream a must try , very old fashion which I love and friend staff even on a cold day!!! Always will stop here when in town :-) and there little spoons are cute too
(5)Andrew C.
I'm normally not a huge fan of ice cream - don't buy it at the store and usually dislike the specialty shops that everyone raves about. That all changed when I visited Salt & Straw. This place is worth the hype from GQ magazine and the line that stretches around the block. Yes, it's definitely worth the wait! I had the Freckled Woodblock Chocolate. I loved the salty flavor (apparently Oregon-harvested sea salt!)
(4)Anthony S.
Holy hell. This place is a dream. The flavors, the service, the neighborhood. Everything. GO HERE
(5)Nathasha S.
First time there yesterday! The store and area of 23rd street is nice and pleasant to walk around. The server who helped me and my friend was super nice and gave us generous samples heh. They have a good selection but I ended up getting the strawberry with honey balsamic and black pepper, which was not bad but I like regular balsamic vinegar weaved through so it's more acidic, and the mint & sea urchin meringue cause I was feeling adventurous, it was actually pretty good and refreshing - the sea urchin meringue was just sweet and weaved in here and there! I would go back again for sure!!
(4)Holly C.
The line was super long tonight, but it went by quick. I like that they let you try flavors before committing to a cone. It would be better if they had the flavors posted up front so you can think about what you want why waiting in line. Also a door in the back would have been a good idea. I had the Thai Cocounut and the Pear Bleu Cheese. Both really good.
(4)Rick C.
I made our crew trek the twenty or so blocks from Ace to try some delicious Salt & Straw and it was well worth it. I had the cinnamon snickerdoodle flavoured ice cream and it was insanely good.
(5)Marissa P.
Dear Salt & Straw, I think I'm in love, please open a Midwest location so I can get my Portland Foodie fix more often. Okay, I realize this might be love a first taste but after sharing a flight of Honey Lavender, Dandelion Sorbet, Rhubarb Crumble and Strawberry Balsamic with the family I think this is a lasting love! Your staff is super friendly and oh so sweet about providing samples or recommendations. You serve Stumptown Coffee enough said! While the line to order is long, the service is fast and worth the wait, especially for the seasonal flavors! Don't worry new love, I will return!
(5)Gina C.
The most unique flavors of ice cream I've ever had! That being said it's hard to have more than a spoonful. Flavors are rich & at times overpowering. Their most subtle flavor which is my fave is honey lavender. Negative is that lines can be insanely long. Positive you can try all the flavors.
(4)Tiffany B.
Everyone loves ice cream! Salt n Straw definitely has some love goin' on up in here!... This has been on our must try list for a bit, but when I heard about their 2nd location (already?! Wow!) we jammed over here with kids in tow after dinner on a Sat night. As we stood in line, which was out the door but we were very willing to wait, one of the gals working here came over to us and let us sample some ice cream! OoOhHh yummy!!! (This must be a ploy to get you to see it's worth the wait, and a good idea it is!) The line moved quickly thru the small shop and we were at the counter before we knew it! The kids wanted a double scoop because they couldn't decide on one flavor, the guy behind the counter says if you want only one scoop, cuz they are that huge, we can make 2 flavors into one scoop for you. Hey, I like this already! The bf pointed out the sampler they have cuz I can't decide on only one flavor myself! I was stoked! The flavors are not the typical chocolate, vanilla, strawberry....omg, think grown up flavors made into an ice cream. Pear and blue cheese was very creamy, but the rhubarb crumble was delish! Olive oil...say what...yes, Olive oil ice cream we had to try...very very smooth. But I think my favorite was the strawberry and balsamic, yes that's my favorite, it reminded me of my cobblers I make at home. Strawberries and Balsamic are so great together, the sweet and tang is like a party in your mouth! Oh and although I say these are grown up flavors, my kiddos enjoyed every last drop of their ice cream! Yay for a really really great ice cream place! I will gladly make the trek from the burbs out to the city to visit them again, and again!
(5)Cynthia Y.
mMmm a fat kid's heaven on earth.. We arrived here on a Sunday evening, at about 7PM. After a few roundabouts, we finally found street parking. There was a line that was out the door, I was a bit hesitant but I was told that the line moved fairly quickly. In my opinion, it didn't move quick enough, I think we were in line for about 30+ minutes! But I guess my 1 scoop ice cream was worth the wait. I guess the reason why the wait was long was because people, including myself, wanted to sample all the weird flavors. I ended up getting 1 scoop of the coffee & bourbon, which I thought was perfect, not too sweet or bitter, but my cousin said she could taste the bourbon. There are some weird flavors, there's one with strawberry & balsamic vinegar? Anyways, the ice cream is pretty good here. Unique flavors, super friendly staff, and waffle cones freshly made in front of you!
(4)Monkey T.
Flavors really stand out, just like the line out the door, around the corner and down the block. We happened along and got lucky with a short line out the door. OREGON BOUNTY - an incredible combination of the best parts of Oregon in a scoop of ice cream PEAR & BLUE CHEESE - an incredible mix of separate flavors, both bits of pear and blue cheese BOURBON & STUMPTOWN COFFEE - outstanding scoop of your favorite mug BROWN BUTTER POPCORN & BLACK PEPPERCORN - truly buttery, especially when it melted The flavors here are so different and interesting, you actually need to stand in a long line to give yourself enough time to narrow it down. You do get to taste quite a bit to confirm your choices, once you approach the registers. Between the two of us, we shared 4 half scoops of each without blowing $10 bucks on too much ice cream.
(5)Taylor W.
This place is the quintessential Portland establishment. They are unique and pull from local ingredients for inspiration. I tend to go straight for the Almond Brittle with a slated Ganache as it is the perfect for those who love that Salty/sweet combo. I have also tried the brownie flavor, lavender, olive oil, salted cupcake, strawberry balsamic, and a handful of their favors that rotate out. Most recently they did a Beer inspired menu and I had the Hefeweizen flavored one. AmAZING! I have also done this location for a morning coffee with their homemade syrups. Got the salted caramel one. Also so delicious! If you come to Portland and are looking for dessert, look no other place then here.
(5)Rebecca C.
Thankfully Salt and Straw lets you taste their flavors before purchasing because there are some I just could not handle. What I did get, the almond brittle with the salted chocolate ganache, was phenomenal, and the homemade fresh waffle cone just made the whole treat a pleasure. Definitely a place to try some unique flavors if the same old, same old is boring you as much as it is me.
(4)Brooke M.
Line is long, but so worth the wait. It moves quickly, the staff are efficient and friendly, and they give you tons of samples toward the front of the line. Split scoop is the way to go, I think you get more ice cream for the price of a single scoop and who doesn't want that? Honey Lavender + Olive Oil split scoop is my heaven!
(5)Scott A.
Salt & Straw has the most flavorful ice cream I have ever tasted. The Sea Salt and Caramel has such a pure and rich taste it blows away that Caramel de Leche other places try to pass off. I also love the Chocolate Brownie because it actually has brownies in it, and good size ones too. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon, because they usually have a line around the corner at night. Also this place is full of "sample abuser." They are very generous when it comes to samples, and its fine to try a couple, but I've been behind some people who spend a good five minutes trying everything on the menu! This place isn't going out of business anything soon, so save some for another visit. ;)
(5)Kayla S.
this ice cream is so delicious and the staff is very patient. takes awhile to pick out an ice cream when they have so many flavors you can try!!!! yum!
(5)M M.
I have never seen so many interesting flavors before and you can sample flavors! I was only slightly "eh" about their Halloween flavors because we didn't know what they actually were, they had fun names but we had to ask what each one was. There were flavors that you would think... ice cream?? Yet, the flavor worked and worked well. Plus they have a non-dairy option that was so much better then anything you would find in a grocery store Staff was very friendly, plus there was water glasses available which is great when eating sweets.
(5)Meredith K.
Most delicious ice cream in Portland and worth the wait! We sampled a few unique flavors and tried a few different ice creams to share - all very good. The waffle cone you smell while waiting in line is well worth it too!
(5)Grace T.
The lack of parking and long line can be a deterrant to getting a scoop at Salt & Straw, but if you're willing to conquer the obstacles, the super unique flavors will not disappoint!
(4)Noey D.
The ice cream is good but I would not wait in a line 'round the block for it again. Some of the weird flavors are just that...weird. I've tried a few flavors at local events (salted caramel (yum) & loaded baked potato at Feast - so so strange but potatoes are my favorite food so I had to try it, but the ice cream was so odd although I think that was the point there!!). I had a few samples and ordered a vanilla cone when I went to the shop, I think it's the best flavor to judge on due to it's simplicity. It was good but not 45-minute-line good although I'm not sure what ice cream is? The creaminess of the ice cream is really nice though!
(3)Donna H.
Super creamy ice cream with bleu cheese and pears, salted caramel and my favorite olive oil! It is worth standing in line for!
(5)Nancy J.
So yummy. I ordered the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons ice cream. It wasn't too salty and the bites of sweet from the caramel made it perfect. I've tried other sea salt caramel ice creams before and hated them for being way over the top sweet. This was perfect. I want to try some more flavors! The line was ridiculous after I had gotten my ice cream. I probably wouldn't have gotten ice cream if it was that long when I walked by. Luckily it was a less than 10 minute wait for me.
(4)Sudipto G.
Worth the long wait! You need to go there and taste all their weird (but awesome!!) flavors! Whoever thought of putting ham, olive oil, habanero peppers, salt, goat cheese into an ice cream! Pure genius!
(5)Michael F.
It's a bit pricey for ice cream, but you'll find unique flavors here (Pear and Blue Cheese) and a hip atmosphere full of friendly people. Try the Snickerdoodle!
(4)Jill L.
It's nice they let you try everything before you commit, and have you try stuff you normally wouldn't. I said, eww gross, blue cheese and pear ice cream! Tried it, guess which one I ended up choosing?! She also had me try the olive oil one, and it is the best ice cream I've ever tasted. Ever!
(5)Crystal W.
This location is so cute. The ice cream is so good. My friend and I got lucky and got here right before the long line started to form (Score!). This place would be worth the wait though. We sampled many of their intringuing offerings and I ultimately went with honey strawberry balsamic with cracked pepper, coffee and bourbon, almond brittle with salted ganache, and cinnamon snickerdoodle. Yes I indulged and do not feel guilty one bit! Honey Strawberry Balsamic w/ Cracked Pepper-easily the most interesting ice cream I've ever had. So many flavors that there is no way you can be bored eating this. Great balance and such a memorable taste! Coffee and bourbon-so creamy and packed some real adult punch! Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache-rich and decadent, this made me feel so spoiled. Cinnamon snickerdoodle-don't get this if you don't like cinnamon (I do) and there were some sizable chunks of snickerdoodle cookies in my ice cream that I enjoyed very much. YOU MUST COME HERE (especially if you dig ice cream as much as I do!).
(5)Tien D.
This place is alright. Just like Voo Doo, I don't really understand the hype. The lines are long on semi-warm days and the ice cream is okay. I am a pretty adventurous person and when I found out that they had some interesting flavors, I couldn't wait to go. I had the Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper and while I didn't like the taste that much after a few licks, it got better once my taste buds got used to it. The staff is friendly and give you lots of samples if you ask for them. Maybe that is why the wait in line is so long! I think this is a decent, cute looking ice cream place.
(3)Kylie D.
Fabulous ice cream and creative sorbets for folks like me who are eating Paleo or just not big dairy fans. I loved the lemon basil- so refreshing! I also had tastes of the strawberry balsamic and coffee bourbon. Wow. Such depth of flavor! Certainly worth the wait!
(4)Chloe V.
The wait is at least 30mins- 1 hour during the weekend especially at night!! They have quirky flavors and normal flavors! But I would highly recommend trying their unique flavors!! I got to try about 4 flavors. They also give out 1/2 scoops (1/2 of 1 full scoop). I ended up getting 1/2 scoop of lavender and the almond brittle.
(4)Michael W.
Wow! It was completely unexpected how good this place was! Salt & Straw has about two dozen flavors, all custom made for them. The flavor combinations sound odd and unusual but were surprisingly delicious! They let you sample before you select which was great. We ended up getting several flavors we wouldn't have tried otherwise. All were great! Even my 7-year old loves the Mint & Sea Urchin Meringues Ice Cream. I had the sweet corn, waffles and caramel ice cream and also the olive oil ice cream. My wife had the pear and Brie. All were yummy! The lines are long and took about 15-30 minutes. Probably because everyone was sampling first. You can skip to the register if you want to buy pre-packaged pints. We're making this a routine stop on our visits to Portland!
(5)Hunter S.
Delicious, with a conscience.
(5)Gev M.
Expect to stand in a long line (1/2 an hour) when the sun is out. Definitely worth it though, especially since endless samples and friendly gals await at the end of that line. Tried the honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper, almond brittle with salted ganache, and the Arbequina olive oil. All were divine, but the olive oil and strawberry, together, was exceptional. Higher fat content (less sugar) makes for an extra creamy and thick treat. Unique flavors, friendly staff, great space = cannot wait to be back!
(4)Lila Z.
I am updating this review because the place is great if there is no line... I would not wait 45 min to get ice cream. I would not recommend the sea salt and caramel ice cream. It is very salty.... Although their snicker doodle ice cream is a winner.
(3)Maggie L.
OMG, soooooo goood! I don't want to say it's the BEST ice cream ever, since there might be something better out there (hard to believe but who knows?!) but I can eat here three times. The line was, again, like any touristy spot, extremely long, especially on a weekend evening after dinner when the weather is this beautiful. It took about half an hour to get closer to the counter, where you are then given samples to try. I tried about 6 or 7 different flavors, Plum, Strawberry Balsamic with Black Pepper, Coffee & Bourbon... but my favorite one is Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons! With the freshly made waffle cone, it's divine. The only slight disappointment was that my waffle cone was so freshly made that it still needed some time to cool and become crunchy. Besides that, everything was nearly perfect. I guess I will have to come back again for a perfect experience next time.
(5)Chris D.
Tasty ice cream made from the good stuff in exciting flavors... I got that part. What I don't get is waiting in line 20+ minutes to get some. I either don't like ice cream that much (wouldn't be the first time I've been accused of that) or I don't really get waiting in line for any food. If there's no line, this is the place to be. If it's around the block and out into the street... yeah, into the street, I'm probably going to pass.
(4)Stephanie H.
I came here twice on my trip to Portland. That's right, TWO times during my four day stay in Portland. The line was super long on a Thursday night. We waited about 45 minutes until we got to the front of the line. The good thing is that they let you sample whatever flavors you want and they aren't mean about it. They definitely have some unique flavors. I sampled the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbon which was pretty good and rich in flavor. The Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper had a definite kick to it. During my first trip, I ordered the Birthday Cake with Blackberries. That was okay. It had bits of birthday cake layered into the ice cream which was good. It was during my second trip where I was convinced that they had really good ice cream and the best part of it was that there was no wait for a line since we went right before lunch on a weekday. The game changing decision for me was the Coffee and Bourbon which was amazing. That was definitely our favorite flavor. I'm still dreaming about it. I've never had such a good coffee flavored ice cream before. They nailed it and changed my mind about this place. Definitely a stop if you're ever in Portland!
(4)Jonathan N.
I love this place like Batman loves his cave. The servers are so nice and they want you to try as many flavors as you'd like before ordering. Honestly, everything was so good, it made deciding on a choice harder than it should be. I could live off their Sea Salt and Caramel ice cream. I was lucky to experience their beer and alcohol inspired flavors. The Bourbon Barrel ice cream made me want to pour bourbon into everything. One of the best ice creams I've ever had.
(5)Jasmine D.
I always say that ice cream can cure any bad day. This ice cream can cure a bad year! I loooved it and appreciate the creative flavors! I'd live off of their ice cream if possible. Plus, the staff is friendly and catering even with the crowds of people coming through.
(5)Jazeleene G.
First timer. The neighborhood Salt & Straw is in is absolutely adorable! There was a bit of a line but it went by fast. Once you made your way inside and to the front of the line, the workers there met you in line and asked if you wanted to try any samples. I asked to try 4 different samples! LOL. They all sounded so weird I had to try them to make sure they were good. And to make sure I ended up with a good flavor! I tried: Spicy Monkey Banana Walnut, Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper, Pear with Blue Cheese and Arbequina Olive Oil. I ended up with a scoop of the pear with blue cheese. This place reminded me of Molly Moon's in Seattle, however I think it's way better! All the flavors I tried were delicious... I can't wait to go back.
(5)Jennifer P.
Yes.. This place actually warrants the 4.5 stars... It was delicious. Had a group of us and everyone loved their treats ( almond brittle & salted ganache, salted caramel, stump town coffee & bourbon, and honey lavender root beer float). Treat yourself.. You won't regret it.
(5)Lauren G.
We loved this place so much we went twice during our 4 day Portland trip! We tried both locations and now I'm planning to order some for delivery to my home in California. Frigging Olive Oil ice cream- who knew it could be such a beautiful thing??
(5)Dream C.
Best. Ice cream place. EVERRR SUCH unique flavors. TOTALLY worth the wait and hype. I had a scoop of strawberry honey balsamic w/ black pepper and another of melon/prosciutto. The former was definitely the winner, though I would've liked to taste more black pepper in the ice cream! The melon/prosciutto was odd... I thought bacon and ice cream might be good, but the prosciutto chunks were bitter, though the melon ice cream was nice enough. The staff were friendly too, despite it being so busy. Would definitely be back if I'm ever in Portland again!
(5)Anna K.
BEST ICE CREAM IN PORTLAND. There I said it. I have gone to the Alberta shop but I really liked this one better because it was closer to me. Also, it's on 23rd aka shopping heaven. DUH. I really love their flavors, especially the sea salt with caramel swirls. It's one of the best salted caramel ice cream I ever had. It doesn't have that toffee taste that a lot of ice cream places create. The honey lavender is their seasonal flavor and it's great. I hate honey lavender ice creams in which the lavender isn't really infused in it. UGH. The best thing about Salt & Straw is that their ice creams are really creamy and lip smacking good. The lines are typically long but don't let it get to you. It moves fairly quick so be patient as you wait in line for the best ice cream Portland has to offer you.
(5)Isabella B.
I love ice cream. Love. I was a little skeptical when I heard my friend tell me that it was some of the best ice cream she'd ever eaten. I'm so glad they have more than just the spot on NW 23rd because the lines are sooo long there. I don't even know which is my favorite flavor because they always have something new and delicious. It's so awesome that they let you try any flavor you like, without making you feel like a mooch. I'm just sad that I've moved too far away to make it my summer spot...
(5)Charlotte D.
So last night was me and my boyfriend's first night in Portland for Spring Break, and we decided to drive down to Salt & Straw in NW Portland before it closed. We were able to find parking right across the street, and it was super cold, but that obviously didn't stop the people standing in line in the ice cream shop. The line looked pretty long, so we took the time to look at what flavors they offered. The shop is very clean, and it has a very welcoming feel to it. We didn't wait in line very long, and the staff was incredibly polite and courteous, offering us samples when we got the front of the line. My boyfriend tried the Double Fold Vanilla and Sea Salt with Caramel; I tried the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and the Salted Caramel Cupcake. We couldn't decide between both, so of course we got double scoops, and I got mine in one of their handmade waffle cones. The best thing about this ice cream shop is that they make all their ice creams in small batches, and you can taste that in the quality of the ice cream. They're very generous on their scoops, and that ice cream is so worth the price, which is not that bad for how much they serve you. The Almond Brittle ice cream I got was a bit rich for my taste after a while, but the Caramel Cupcake really helped my stomach calm down a little. My boyfriend couldn't finish his ice cream either, so we're both saving the ice cream in our hotel fridge. You probably shouldn't get a double if you're already full from a meal.
(4)Julie C.
One morning, while visiting a friend in search for breakfast we came across Salt and Straw. That morning, we realized there was no line, no wait, and no one in the store. It was our chance. So ice cream for breakfast it was!! Delicious and there was no regrets at all.
(5)Richard B.
Best effing ice cream on the planet. The double fold vanilla is the bell weather to measure all others. This brilliantly succeeds.
(5)Holly D.
Finally a late spring evening and a craving for some great ice cream. Found this place on Yelp (where else!) The Honey Balsamic Strawberry and Black Pepper was wonderful! Go ahead..put it on your bucket list! No quite that adventurous? Then how about the Coffee and Bourbon...now this is a flavor whose time has come! (we have had Kahlua and Creme, and Daquiri Ice for centuries...it is about time Wild Turkey was represented in the ice cream arena! Since we live in Buckman and don't get up to Alberta very often, we were morally obligated to bring home some Chocolate with Gooey Brownie! Guests from out of town? Take them to Salt and Straw. There was a line out the door, but it seemed to go pretty fast...good thing too, I was drooling and people were beginning to stare.
(4)Joe G.
Second longest line ever!!! Plain and simple... Best ice cream ever. Have to get kombucha or pear with blue cheese. Customer service is always great! Staff always willing to give a lot of samples.
(5)Jeanie V.
I had Salt & Straw withdrawals that I contemplated on having an order of itty bitty pints shipped to CA! I came here almost everyday when I was in town for work. I'm just kind of obsessed. The workers here aren't irritated that you wanna sample more than 2 or 3 or 4 of their flavors. It's not everyday you get bleu cheese and pear in ice cream, you know?
(5)Ruby O.
OMG. I want to have you all day, everyday olive oil ice cream. All. Day. Every. Day.
(5)Danielle K.
It's worth the wait! When we got here the line wrapped around the building and we were able to get up to the front in about 20-30 minutes. Everything about this place was amazing--decor, service and, more importantly, the ice cream :) Once at the front of the line they let us try as many samples as we wanted and despite the names/ingredients of several of the flavors everything tasted divine! After taste testing almost all of the flavors, our party settled on the black currant sorbet, almond brittle with salted ganache, pear and blue cheese and the strawberry with cilantro lime cheesecake (all in freshly made waffle cones, of course!). Some of the other flavors that we really enjoyed were the arbequina olive oil and the bourbon barrel aged stout. The major plus of this ice cream joint had to be the ability to try as many flavors as possible! Also, if you're only going to order pints you can skip the line!
(5)Sol A.
Explosion of flavors. Long lines but efficient service. Beautiful inside. Lucky Charms, Coffee & Bourbon, Olive Oil, Blue Cheese- these are some of the flavors.
(5)P C.
Lines are long, but they move pretty fast (or maybe not and I just had good company in line which made it seem like it moved fast). Tip for any who might also be indecisive and in denial about their lactose intolerance, the dilemma is always, what 1 scoop to order. Since 2 is overkill, so you want your 1 scoop to be the best flavor, that others in your party are coveting. After trying 4 flavors, and feeling the pressure of the line behind me, I was offered for 50 cents extra to get a "split single scoop." Best 0.50 cents spent ever!
(4)Eve T.
After a weekend bike trip to Portland, riding nearly 50 miles around town I was looking forward to all the wonderful reviews from Yelp and friends about Salt & Straw and trying it for myself. The "unlimited" samples were delightful. I tried the Pear and Blue Cheese, Arbequina olive oil, and Kombucha Sorbet before a huge line started to form behind me so I quickly asked for a scoop of the Kombucha and a scoop of the Pear Blue Cheese. The sorbet was much more than I expected b/c of all things Kombucha... I never knew it could come in a sorbet form. It was bubbly, flavorful, and well-crafted. The Pear and Blue Cheese was something else! The chunks of blue cheese mixed with the creamy sweet homemade ice cream and fresh delightful pear cubes made eating ice cream go beyond just a unique experience- it made me actually like blue cheese. eek! to the one who's lactose intolerant. Wish I had more time to sample the rest of the flavors but didn't want to hold up the line and make Yelpers give only 4 stars!
(5)Formicas F.
Unique flavors, fresh made waffle cones -some of the best ice cream we've ever Had. Sea salt with caramel is their most popular flavor and is divine - worth its own trip!
(5)Alison C.
The only flaw is that I felt like the consistency was a little more like gelato rather than ice cream. Otherwise, the waffle come was freshly made there & fantastic! The almond brittle with salted ganache was so delicious and stumpton coffee and bourbon was amazing too! My husband got the salted caramel and he couldn't get enough. Quality ingredients, creative flavors, and great service. Even though there was a line out the door, it was absolutely worth it! (4.5 star really)
(5)Mary's C.
Salt & Straw is always my number one suggestion when I talk to out-of-towners. Don't be turned away by the potential long lines. They keep things moving pretty quickly and it's well worth it. The atmosphere is cute and fresh. It feels almost country-chic with the rustic wood and decor, but has weird modern art. Kinda strange. The ice-cream itself is amazing beyond words. It isn't as dense as other local ice-creams which sets the texture apart. Their menu consists of a set of regular flavors and monthly seasonal flavors. What they come up with is just genius. My advice is trust Salt & Straw and try the weird flavors. For me, olive oil is the regular flavor that you must try. Rich, but unique and addicting. I usually get mine in a dish, but the waffle cones are made right there and fill the entire block with a delicious smell. The prices are a little spendy (4.25 for a single I believe), but well worth it.
(5)Annie R.
Best Ice Cream on the Planet. It ruined all other ice cream for me. Their seasonal flavors are to DIE for. For sure try all their non-traditional flavors, especially the savory ones. There are no bad flavors here.
(5)Brooke G.
Worth every penny and every moment in line. Every time I go, my tastebuds get their socks blown off. Their creative flavors are fun and delicious. It's the perfect treat.
(5).caroline. ..
Ahh. Maaaaz. Ing. Almond brittle and salted ganache ice cream, will you marry me? Love.
(5)mong linh n.
i absolutely loved this place! line goes out the door. you get as much samples as you'd like. they have very interesting combos and flavors. i had the almond ganache. it was soooooooooo GOOD! if i lived in portland, id be a regular.
(5)Em L.
Best ice cream I've had. Although I waited 20 mins in line the staff were efficient and friendly. They had great personalities especially the guy that was giving us tasters. The staff seem to enjoy their jobs. The waffle cones are made fresh which is super cool. I got 1/2 coffee bourbon and 1/2 cinnamon snicker doodle. Both flavors were so delicious and satisfying. Being from out of town, I can see what the hype is all about. I will back for sure.
(5)Paulina D.
Salt & Straw is god's gift to mankind. Seriously. Best ice cream I have ever eaten in my life. And I eat a lot of ice cream. Don't be afraid of the line out the door. That wait is worth every lick. Get the snickerdoodle ice cream. You won't regret it.
(5)Nicole R.
The wait was a bit long, but boy was it worth it! I felt bad because I sampled like half of the flavors, but the young man that helped me didn't mind a single bit, making sure I was happy with my order. I'll be returning, keep it up!
(4)Julie I.
So many interesting flavored to choose from that it is hard to choose just one or two! Luckily they let you sample. Long line out the door when we got there, but they move it along pretty efficiently. And the ice cream is definitely worth the wait!
(4)susan l.
my friends and i were just walking around the neighborhood when we suddenly, unanimously agreed that an afternoon ice cream treat would be an awesome idea, diets be damned. what i ate: - pistachio: so tasty and rich. pros: - ice cream! seriously delicious. and this is coming from someone who doesnt crave ice cream at all - unique flavors: last time i tried their pear and goat cheese which was good - small store with large windows that opened up to the street. it was nice to sit and enjoy the awesome portland weather cons: none that i can think of... unless you dont like ice cream? would i come again? yes
(5)Roman S.
5 stars..hands down! or up? is there any other ice cream shop in the US that gets as a line that spans the block and people wait for over an hour? nuff said
(5)Diane C.
Salt and Straw is amazing. The line can be long but it is definitely worth the wait. They give samples of as many ice creams as you care to try (and not on environment-killing plastic spoons, either)...they have little silver spoons for sampling. The ice cream is handmade and absolutely amazingly delish.
(5)Leslie C.
We waited a long time to get here so our expectations were high. I got the strawberry one which was way too sweet. There was too much jam in it. The salt & caramel was too salty. The best ice cream I had here was the pear and blue cheese one. It was pretty good but I'm not sure it was worth $5 for ice cream...
(3)Amanda C.
Oh good heavens, now THIS is good ice cream! I have to admit, I stumbled upon this place accidentally. We drove down to Portland from Seattle for the day to eat and pickup some tax-free items. We stopped at PB&J Grilled, but I was desperate to find a bathroom. Well, down the road was a nice looking, clean place that looked like it would have a clean toilet. Lo and behold, Salt & Straw. First impression - damn, its crowded, where's the bathroom? After 10 seconds - OMG it smells amazing in here. Within the next 5 minutes, I had called my fiance to get over here immediately 'cause we were eating ice cream, and no, I don't care that you're super full. Despite being stuffed, this ice cream was amazing. I had the sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons and almond brittle with salted ganache. My fiance had something with rum...? I don't remember, it was a seasonal flavor. We both had waffles cones. Everything I tasted was sooo delicious. Throw the diet out the window and savor the flavors here! Coming from Seattle, I have to shamelessly admit that this place is better than Molly Moon. Yup, I said it. And so now my quest to return to Portland has begun... Special thanks to my bladder, for leading me to the promised land.
(5)Daniel M.
This may be the best ice cream ever. I just wish they had cheaper pints. eight dollars for a pint of ice cream is a bit too much for me. However, their product is absolutely amazing and we love to go in for a cone every now and then.
(4)Lisa K.
Lavender honey is a must. So yummy!! Can't wait to come back to this place.
(5)Marc T.
Don't be afraid of the line. It moves very quickly! For example, at the location on NW 23rd, a line out the door and around the side will take you about 10-15 minutes to get to the counter. Employees will also come out to you before then in order to answer any questions and retrieve samples for you. You can also decide then and there what you want to order and meet the employee at the register to pay. To skip the line entirely, walk to the freezer in the back and grab a pint or two. Then walk straight to the register to pay. Chances are, even if you've not tried anything there before, what you pick out will be super tasty.
(4)J. T.
Yes it really is as good as all the hype & the service was unexpectedly awesome (no elitist food snobbery here!). All of the staff were authentically helpful & happy however Sam was extraordinary! I heard about this place from The Food Network and Oh My Goodness its THE best ice cream bar none. We hit this place up on our way back to LA from Seattle on an epic road trip. The line was to the door however it moved quickly & they bring you samples while you wait. A wonderful experience.
(5)ErUta N.
I fell in love with Scoops in LA, and when I'd visit Humphrey Slocombe in SF or Penny's in SC I'd always wonder which had the best ice cream. A few samples into Salt & Straw and it was clearly the best. The flight I had was mindblowingly good. Hats off for having genuine artisan flavours while keeping the creamy amazing consistency of good coffee.
(5)Diane T.
I went for the bone marrow and smoked cherry so I was a little disappointed to find out that it was not available. : ( Lucky for me, I found a consolation flavor: Olive Oil! It was the perfect balance of creaminess with just a tad oily flavor. I also sampled the pear and blue cheese which was very tasty, but a little much for me in terms of flavor committal for an entire cone. My husband went with the espresso bourbon. It was all espresso and no bourbon..kind of disappointed hence the 4 vs. 5 star rating.
(4)Travis P.
I often criticize those who give a low-star count for wait time, service, etc if the food is great. But this wait is just ridiculous and caused me to loathe my fellow Portlanders for not screaming "SHENANIGANS! EVERYBODY GET A BROOM!!!". It's ice cream people. Yeah, it was really good and yes, I try to eat only organic so I was pleased with how amazing the pear tasted in my Pear/Blue Cheese ice cream. ...and yes, they moved up from 1 to 2 stars by coming out and giving samples to people in line. But the bad-- FIFTY minutes! That's assuming the call I made at 9:40 was the moment I stepped in line. I thought, hey, it's ice cream so the 50 or so people in line should move fast. But no. I have to give this low stars because it just wasn't good enough for the wait. I'd rather have ice cream that's an 8 or 9 and takes 1 minute than a 9.5 and takes an hour. I also am saddened by the state of affairs that so many people are willing to wait for this or Voodoo donut or screen door. All of which are terribly unhealthy and just comfort foods. What is our nation coming to? We should be waiting in line for the gym! That said...there was a surprisingly high proportion of thin people in said line. So maybe Salt & Straw ice cream contains thinning agents and that's why the line is so long. If you can get to this place with a ten minute or less line, I'd say it's pretty darned good. Props to anyone that can make olive oil ice cream worthy for my friend Will to purchase.
(2)Jen K.
Though I was disappointed with the chef designed flavors they had recently (the three I tried were boring and too sweet with not enough stuff in them) this place is delicious. Especially they're sorbets. Chances are you'll find an option you find mind-blowing. I will say that I often feel that some of they're options need tweaking. The one with the blue cheese and pears needs more blue cheese. The one that was something like rhubarb crumble should have been about the rhubarb, not the crumble. And I couldn't detect the habenero in the one that had some kind of berry (marionberry?) and supposedly habenero. People who order things with spicy ingredients expect their food to be spicy. I wish that all of food service would figure out this simple fact. For me the mind blowing one's (so far) are the olive oil, wood block chocolate, balsamic strawberry pepper, and my favorite: black currant sorbet
(5)Dick C.
Oh my god! I've never had better ice cream in my life. Mouth waters as you stand in the line waiting to order. What a success and worthy of it.
(5)Nuria C.
Who's the crack head that thought Olive Oil and Coffee flavor would go together well on a delicious waffle cone? Me, that's right. And.It.Was.Amazing. I love all things coffee and I love olive oil (of course, not at the same time). Surprisingly the prices are not super inflated. I ate a generous split single cone for like $3? I love the location, and I love the fact that I avoided the line that usually stretches around the block. I have nothing bad to say about this place. They have the regular ice cream flavors and then rotate seasonal choices, so I'm happy to report that I'll be coming back quarterly to see what each new season brings me!
(5)Moriah C.
Delicious and ingenious flavors like lavender honey, strawberry with balsamic and black pepper, and olive oil, make this a must! Great customer service-- they will bring you a sample of any and all flavors while you wait in line. Gluten free options, too!
(5)Carmen L.
Strawberry and crushed black pepper. So good!
(5)michele v.
The scent of the homemade waffle cones alone wafting down the street is to-die-for. Juuuust wait until you surround your taste buds with the sea salt and caramel ice cream, and/or the fresh whipped cream, and/or fresh corn ice cream, and/or Hawaiian PB&J... It is totally worth waiting in line for this fresh/local/homemade deliciousness.
(5)Jen M.
To me, Ice cream is two major things: Flavor Texture Salt n straw scores very high on unique flavors. I had a kids' scoop of fermented pear and fudge and a kids' scoop of Stumptown coffee and burnside bourbon. The flavors were bold and interesting. However...the texture is NOT a rich, creamy mouthfeel. In fact it is almost thin and walks a fine line between ice milk and ice cream. I have sampled some pretty killer homestyle ice cream in my time (Little Man in Denver, Churned in Cleveland) and I think people rate this place so highly because of the unique flavors. Gimme a scoop of full fat, creamy ice cream any day over this flavored ice milk stuff...
(3)Jeremy J.
Can I give this 6 stars? Please? Everything was wonderful from the second we stepped in. I could hug the person who recommended this place to me (its cool to hug your boss, right?) We walked in around 530, no one there. Lucky us. The gal behind the counter was so friendly. When we told her we had never been before she stopped and said that we had to sample at least 3 flavors before we could choose, it's her rule. What a way to take the pressure off of the whole awkward sampling thing. She gave us samples of their 2 most popular, her favorite, and then 4 others of our choosing. They were all delicious and I loved hearing her talk about each one and about the business. Really a great experience. I ended up with the Universe, a seasonal flavor that was quite complex and kept me intrigued to the last bite. My gf had the sea salt and caramel. Absolutely the most divine ice cream I've ever had. I will be going back to this place routinely.
(5)Derrick A.
Great ice cream! Friendly staff too! We had the strawberry and balsamic with black pepper and Gorgonzola pear. Both rocked my socks.
(5)Andrew R.
Really awesome ice cream. True quality for a good price. Innovative flavors! Standing in the line sucks, but I guess the line is a true testament to the quality.
(5)Ann D.
My friends told me I had to try this place when I came to Portland. I thought to myself, how good can ice cream really be? The answer: SO GOOD. SO SO SO GOOD. I'm glad I let myself (out-of-towner) be dragged here by my friends (locals), on a rainy night for some ice cream. I was full and not really in the mood for a frozen treat. But this place stole my heart. Flavors I tried: - Honey lavender = OH MY GOD, I'M ORDERING THIS. I was in love with it. The lavender flavor is so strong, so fragrant, so on point. I came back a second time for this flavor because I wanted it to be the last thing I ate before I left Portland. I'm glad I made that decision. - Almond brittle w salted ganache = delicious. I also ordered this flavor. Great textures. The chunks of brittle, the soft ganache, the melty ice cream... mmmmm - Stumptown coffee and burnside bourbon = best coffee flavored ice cream I've ever had, and I'm a big fan of coffee ice cream. Very strong, and the bourbon is nice, but subtle - Sea salt w caramel ribbons = delicious, rich, perfect saltiness - Arbequina olive oil = delicious, especially when combined with chocolate drizzle like my brilliant friend did for her scoop - Cinnamon snickerdoodle = very cinnamony. Has pieces of snickerdoodle actually in it. - Freckled woodblock chocolate = chocolate, but with some salt too. Interesting, but a little too chocolatey for me. - Coconut with Petunia's salted caramel bars = okay, but nothing special, and the coconut didn't taste particularly fragrant to me There were clearly flavors I loved and flavors I'd pass on, but in general, this place was a hit. I love how generous they are about letting you try flavors, and I didn't even touch half of the list. The line moves quickly when there is one, and they never rush you about your decision making process, since you get to try samples while waiting. The system is very well run. I love everything about this place. I think I need to move out to Portland now.
(5)Linh M.
Ice cream is out of control here. Got the strawberry ice cream and it was so good. Everything is made in house and based in Oregon but there's a location in LA. You can try as many sample as you want and the cone is made fresh there too. The coconut was also good here. Long lines at time but worth the wait.
(5)Fumunda C.
I don't even like Ice cream & I loved this! Rhubard, Anise, olive oil, dandelion.....yes please!
(5)Shu T.
I believe I got the almond brittle. I had head of this ice cream place and it was the only ice cream place in portland that I tried. If you're in Portland, I definitely suggest coming here for ice cream!
(4)Nicole T.
Amazing ice cream. I'm so glad we coincidentally stumbled upon Salt & Straw post view scouting. It was near closing and there was still a line out the door, but it went pretty quickly and they didn't turn anyone away. Super cool. The ambience was super cute with a few tables inside and cute novelty Salt & Straw or ice cream related goodies to purchase. As we were in line I could see someone behind the counter rolling freshly made waffle cones, omg. I was kind of full and would've gotten my ice cream in a cup, but DAT WAFFLE CONE DOE. Yeah, good choice it was probably the best cone I've had, or maybe equally as yummy as the cone from Ici in Berkeley. As you get closer to ordering, someone come out and asks if you'd like to sample a few flavors and I tried a few but finally decided with Honey Lavender. Perfection! It wasn't too sweet, or has an overpowering lavender taste. It was perrrrrfect. I'm craving some now. Wahhh Portland, why you gotta be so far?
(5)Maddie N.
I'm such a foodie and this filled my foodie heart with so much joy. I wish I could try every single flavor without being so obnoxious. I tried the fennel and maple, it was great. I decided on the honey lavender and it was amazing. Like I said, my heart and tongue were skipping through a meadow of amazingness hand in hand. My sister went for the strawberry balsamic and loved it-- she's 8. Great place. Try to avoid the line around the building, but it'll be worth it either way. I wish I lived in Portland to enjoy it all the time.
(5)Cindy C.
My favorite ice cream place ever. Better than any of the famous SF places easily. If the weather wasn't so dreary, I'd be tempted to move up simply for ice cream. The ice cream is perfectly creamy and each flavor I tried made me happy. Also one of the only places where the odder flavor combos actually work instead of feeling slightly gimmicky and good for a couple of bites, but pretty hard to enjoy past that - something that many places of the Humphery Slocombe ilk suffer from in the Bay Area.
(5)Lisa W.
YUMM YUMM YUMM!!! Diet, what diet? Sea Salt Caramel: Probably the best I've tasted! It wasn't too salty or too too sweet, just spot on. They also make their own waffle cones, the smell lures you in! Good thing they opened a location in LA, no need to go to Portland for this delicious treat. One suggestion, they should have an ice cream flight! 3 small cones of different flavors. It was so hard to just pick one. I didn't want to comingle flavors because one might cancel out the taste of the other, you know. Treat yourself out!
(5)Rachel P.
Well, there may be a line out the door, but don't let that deter you! You know those places where there's a ton of hype and there's always a long line and then you get the product/food only to feel a bit disappointed? This, in my opinion, is not one of them! Definitely some of the best ice cream I've ever had. And while some places that have tons of flavors tend to only have a handful that are really good, we tried multiple flavors and all were delicious!!! We came here twice while visiting the Portland area and we are still dreaming about it:)
(5)Sam A.
Hey, home made ice-cream - pretty good stuff a LITTLE pricey - and definitely not worth the wait in line - they take a little too long to serve people sometimes, my dad's milkshake took FOREVER But tasty stuff I should have gotten the fresh made waffle cone - I was foolish and had it in a cup - the lack of a star could be completely my fault.
(4)Luka K.
Very delicious ice cream. Big scoops, but all kinds of options to spilt scoops etc. They even encouraged you to try, whilst sweetening your wait in line, due to the high popularity. The flavors they have are like nothing you've seen, heard or tasted before. It all makes up to a very satisfying dessert experience.
(4)tatiana p.
Mmm.. So good! I love salt and straw. I dream of the salted vanilla with caramel ribbons in a homemade waffle cone!
(5)Landee F.
Omg...we waited around the entire building but it was WELL worth it!!! Their goat cheese habanero marionberry ice cream was SHOCKINGLY delicious. They let you sample whatever you'd like or walk right in and purchase pints to take home! Hot fudge is homemade and they're constantly making hot waffle cones! Yum!
(5)George A.
Great service! Have a large variety of intriguing and delicious flavors and what can I say I love my samples! Just seeing how much fun and creative Salt and Straw is able to get with their flavors is inspiring. I got the coconut and caramel - something like that - flavor and loved, my mom adored the lavender ice cream. My first time here I got the pear and blue cheese... I don't recommend it. I mean I don't even like blue cheese, so if you do you might like it. I was just trying to open my palate or some shit like that.
(5)Kate W.
Yes, the ice cream is good and creamy and wonderful. I try not to order the coffee variety they sell, but am a creature of habit and know that I fu***ng love their coffee ice cream. Don't be like me: branch out and try every flavor. Their vinegar floats are surprisingly good - if you like the taste of vinegar and you like the taste of ice cream, you're basically guaranteed to enjoy this unique float experience. Waiting in line suck, though, and have gone to other ice cream joints to avoid the line and was equally pleased. So it's good.... but haven't tried many ice cream places that didn't serve delicious ice cream... nah mean?
(4)Haylee L.
This is the best ice cream I have ever had!! Absolutely amazing! We kinda got lost and ended up walking over a mile to get here but I would gladly walk that mile again for this stuff. The honey lavender was incredible! Highly highly recommend! If you end up in this area you should check it out! It's amazing!
(5)Mark T.
I love these types of local Portland businesses that make Portland a unique place to live. I'm always amazed how many people are in line every time come here and how many tourists find out about this place. There ice cream is very good and their unique flavors are one of the trademarks of their success.
(5)Dan N.
I came near closing, I think quarter 'till, and they still gave service with a smile. I love their waffle cones here. It's so light, crispy, and sweet. Emphasis on crispy, not to be confused with other waffles which are crunchy. Tried a bunch of their flavors, but that night, my favorites were Stumptown Coffee and Honey Lavender. Their Pear and Blue Cheese was yummy too but I was afraid my sample spoon only had pear and no blue cheese so I opted not to get it in my cone. Why can't Orange County have a place like this?
(5)Lisa T.
I'm originally from California and the best ice cream place I've ever been to is Bi-rite in SF. Salt & Straw is what I consider to be the "Bi-rite" of Portland. It's too good for words! When my boyfriend and I came here, the line was around the corner. Despite the long line, it went by fairly quickly (~15-20 min). The servers are also really nice and patient! They let you try as many flavors as you want despite how many people are waiting behind you, and their selection is spectacular. All the flavors are uniquely bizarre but delicious nonetheless. I decided to go with Honey Lavender and Pineapple Honey Dorleac. The honey lavender had a very clean and refreshing taste that cleanses your palate while the pineapple honey dorleac offers a light tropical taste that wasn't too strong in the pineapple taste, but still refreshing nonetheless! The texture of the ice cream was very rich and creamy. If you're ever in Portland, always make sure to stop by here! Your trip wouldn't be complete without it!
(5)Bill Q.
Just finished my super bomb ice cream cone! I got a double with freckled woodblock chocolate and chocolate chip mint julep in a freshly made waffle cone. It I was my first time at this spot with my girlfriend. We wanted ice cream and decided to check out this place. Best idea ever. This place is just amazing. As we arrived there was a long line and we started around the corner; however, after a few minutes we are already at the door. Once inside, we enjoyed the music and aesthetics of the shop. It had an urban and hip feeling with a touch of Portland goodness. Within a few short minutes we were being helped already. ( less than 10 minutes to the top of the line since arrival) The workers here were super helpful with flavor profiles and what goes well together. We even good a lot of samples which was welcomed. Customer service plus! They used square for payment, always welcomed in my book. Now to the ice cream. The freckled woodblock chocolate was smooth and rich with chocolate flavor with a salty bite. The texture had a little crunch from the chocolate with a smooth and buttery profile. The aftertaste of chocolate remains in your mouth for a while (which is good). The chocolate chip mint julep was clean and refreshing, it had a clean chocolate taste with fresh mint julep profile; you can really taste the mint. (The flavor resembles freshly crushed mint leaves with chocolate chip). The texture was really smooth. Overall the mint julep was the perfect refreshing flavor to balance out the rich freckled woodblock chocolate ice cream. All of this goodness was served in a freshly made waffle cone. You can see them making it in the back. The cone was the perfect thickness, enough to provide crunch and flavor but flaky enough for an easy bite. Definitely coming back here. I recommend this place to everyone. Don't worry about the lines, they move quick. Cheers!
(5)Debbie R.
What's not to love about this place. Every ice cream I have tried here is delicious, and if you want to try 2 favors but only want one scoop they will let you do half scoops
(5)Jed S.
Man! They have pretty good ice cream, but taking tons of time with each person to make a long line is pretty lame. I think that by doing this they alienate a large group of people that recognize that Ruby Jewels or the a lota gelato right across the street is just as good. Shoot, I think that Papa Haydens actually had better ice cream...
(3)Ryan F.
Interesting selection but is any ice cream worth waiting in line with a bunch of hipsters for 40m for ?
(3)Keith W.
Whoa... Long line, but worth the wait. The sea salt caramel was fantastic as was the -wait for it- blue cheese and pear ice cream... Sounds like it would be gross right? Amazing!
(5)Sharifa L.
Long line but it went by fast and definitely worth it! Alternatively, you can skip the line if you just want to buy a pint of ice cream already packaged. Despite the long line, the service is awesome and u can sample as much as u want! They developed an efficient way to streamline customers. Got the double scoop chocolate gooey brownie and seasonal flavor strawberry marmalade...no regrets!! And def get the waffle cone! Def would come back again!
(5)Stephanie P.
The BEST ice cream I've ever had!!! They were making waffle cones when we walked in. Smelled heavenly!!! I tested the coffee and strawberry but went with the sea salt with caramel ribbons. My bf and bestie had the cinnamon snickerdoodle which tasted divine!! Next time we're in Portland I will def stop in and get the strawberry honey balsamic + black pepper. We went there in the afternoon and line wasn't long at all.
(5)Holly B.
Absolutely amazing. There was a line out of the door wrapping around the building and honestly, it was worth every second. When we got to the front of the line, we told the girl it was our first time and she lit up! Asked us flavors we liked, didn't like...she brought us about eight spoons with different flavors and had us try one by one. With each flavor, she told a different story. For being so busy, she absolutely made us feel like the only people there. On to the flavors! I got the salt with caramel ribbons and my boyfriend got the strawberry marmalade may flavor. Both were incredible on a fresh waffle cone. We are absolutely in love with this spot.
(5)Megan B.
Karen is lovely and kind and sweet. She was so patient even though it was super busy.
(5)Pam W.
Long wait, but I love their flavor combinations and the constant additional new flavors. Some very creative minds at work here.
(4)Mike M.
I'm generally not a huge fan of waiting 30 minutes in line for anything. There are donut shops at home that pride themselves on having an hour long wait for a freaking donut. Are you kidding me? Never. One of our campus tour guides said not to leave Portland without some ice cream from this place. My son was riding the high of finally picking a college so we decided to brave the anticipated line and grab an ice cream cone. Fortunately the line was only 20 minutes or so. Long, but not ridiculous. The wait was well worth it. A truly unique selection of flavors including guacamole, balsamic, salt, bourbon, black pepper, and others, mixed in with more familiar and palatable varieties like chocolate, coffee and vanilla. All available in a cup, sugar cone or their famous fresh waffle cones. I had a taste of the salted caramel and it was quite good but I settled for the coffee bourbon and the gooey chocolate brownie. Both were delicious, as was the waffle cone. My son said it was the best cone he had ever had and that kid loves his ice cream. No, I will never wait more than 10 minutes for a donut but this place is super legit.
(5)Sylvia G.
I live in Honolulu, so I traveled thousands of miles to visit this place and it was everything I expected. Even though it was winter, there was still a line about 5 deep but it went fast. They have a very efficient system that didn't make you feel rushed at all. The guy who helped was awesome telling us we can try as many flavors as we wanted. So I tried 3 different flavors and finally decided on the almond brittle with salted ganache, which was absolutely amazing!!! The waffle cone was so good, crunchy not stale like other places. It was obviously freshly made as I saw that there was someone dedicated to cranking them out behind the counter. The prices were reasonable, everyone in our group got a kiddy scoop for $2.95 and it was a good size scoop. I will definitely be back every time I am in Portland to try out other seasonal flavors.
(5)Linz E.
The line is worth it! And there's always a line... For good reason. This ice cream is really tasty. I came here on a Monday night with a friend. Drawn in by the smell of freshly made waffle cones, and the temptation of unusual ice cream flavors, we couldn't resist. We stood in the line, which moved fairly quickly considering it wrapped around the building. Once inside, we were confronted with a long list of delicious flavors (which you get to sample! And sample as many as you want to!). After treating my palate to 5 different flavors, I ended up getting a kiddie cone of the stumptown coffee and burnside bourbon and wasn't disappointed. But the pear with blue cheese, and rhubarb crumble with toasted anse were also very tasty. Sample the array of unusual ice creams and treat yo self for a reasonable price.
(5)Jewel L.
Great ice cream.....but that line....we got a pre packed pint to go. Tasted great. No need to wait in the incredibly long line.
(4)Ziyan C.
Best ice cream in PDX! They all have very smooth, creamy textures and a rich but not overly heavy. You might not like everything here but you're sure to find something you love. I sampled a couple flavors: * Chocolate w/ Gooey Brownie - 3 stars Very true to its name. This tasted exactly like a soft brownie! I have a sweet tooth but even this was too intense and sweet for me. * Strawberry Honey Balsamic w/ Black Pepper - 3.5 stars I was a bit disappointed by this as I was excited about the balsamic and black pepper. This tasted like strawberry (though a really great strawberry) and I didn't get the sharpness of the other ingredients. But these were the two I went with, and they tasted great together! * Arbeuina Olive Oil - 4.5 stars This had a really nice subtle savory flavor. Starts out a little sweet but ends with a hint of savory, which worked really well with the sweetness of the Wildflower below. * Wildflower Honey & Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies - 4.5 stars Loved the light floral flavors, which were lightly sweet, & the bit of crunchy texture from the walnuts and cookie crumbles. Menu: yelp.com/biz_photos/salt… (I wished they weren't out of the Uni flavor so I could've tried that!)
(4)Bryan C.
Great....GREAT ice cream. The lines can be a little oppressive but it's worth it!
(5)Carly H.
This is one of the best ice cream shops I've ever been too. The quality is high and the price is very reasonable. Additionally, waffle cone was made very well. I got the almond brittle and salted ganache along with the freckled woodblock chocolate. Both were divine. This is a place you want to come to over and over again. They also have rotating seasonal flavors and everything is super fresh.
(5)Nathan R.
Do you scream for ice cream? Do you? Or do you scream at it? Thinking that store bought mediocrity is all that is available? Well it's time to scream again- for Salt and Straw. The staff is super friendly, much thanks to Samantha for her patience in answering all out many questions. She let us peruse and travel the flavor trails that have been blazed by SAS. I mean bourbon pecan pie ice cream? Mind blown. I landed on the Sea Salt ice cream with Carmel ribbon and I'm glad I did- a staple and well worth the calories. I screamed btw...all the way home.
(5)Janet M.
I have this theory that Salt and Straw was conceived out of an unfortunate accident featuring a rickety homemade ice cream maker and a bunch of rock salt. " EGADS!" the ice cream chef thought to himself. "I've ruined this batch of artisanal, handcrafted truffle butter & lavender ice cream and I haven't the funds to buy the ingredients for another batch. Dear me, what shall I do?" He tasted the ice cream, grimaced to himself, then smiled. "Of course," he thought to himself. "If I market this as a hip, new flavor combination, the foodies will eat this up." He chuckled darkly. The fools. And that, dear readers, is how Salt and Straw was probably born. Anyway, salty ice cream. Not impressed. The scoopers and cashiers are nice as all get out though. Give those kids a raise!
(2)Marianne H.
Ice cream is awesome! But how can it not be, it's ice cream!! However, please WASH YOUR HANDS after you rub your noes or your clothes and before you touch my food. I would really appreciate it and I also know it's part of the Oregon Food Handlers heath code. I want to come back but I'm so grossed out by this that I'm having a really hard time.
(2)Tiffany N.
They have an ice cream flight. I feel like that is all that needs to be said. At least that's all I would need to hear before heading over to an ice cream parlor. Just in case you feel the like you need some more convincing, here's my case for going: I hate to over hype, but this is the some of the best ice cream I've ever had, no, possibly one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. I've eaten more than my fair share (probably twice as much as any person should) of gourmet, made in store, locally sourced, non chain ice cream (AKA pretentious hipster ice cream), and this place tops all of them. Do you love unique and well executed ice cream flavors you can't find in other places? Do you love rich and creamy ice cream? Do you love rotating seasonal menus? Heck, do you love sticking good food in your mouth? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you need to go. People who don't understand my obsession with ice cream often complain that ice cream is too sweet. If you are one of those people, they offer an awesome selection of salted ice creams that I think will address this concern. As I was vacationing in Portland, I was able to visit here during work hours so had no issues with waiting in a super long line. The staff here do try to speed things up by offering you tastings of ice creams you may be interested in while you're still in line so that you have your order ready when it's your turn. They also have printed menus by the door for you to take so you can look over what's available before you get to the display. I got the tasting flight (4 kid sized scoops). I chose to go with the sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon, almond brittle with salted ganache, the seasonal summer sweet corn buttermilk, and my favorite ice cream flavor: cinnamon snickerdoodle. All of them were delicious. You wouldn't go wrong with getting any of these. My favorite of the 4 were snickerdoodle and the salt and caramel. Price: My ice cream flight was $9.00. I came back here a second time before I left (this was the only place in Portland I felt I had to have twice before leaving) and got a double scoop for $5.95 (they're hefty scoops). Part of me is happy to have had such amazing ice cream, but part of me is devastated that the best ice cream I've ever had is hundreds of miles away. Well, you know what they say in California, "It is better to have tasted Salt & Straw and lost, then to have never tasted it at all." Ok, no one actually says this, but it's how I feel. Also, the paper menu I took home still smells like freshly made waffle cone even though it's been over a week since I was there. I better save my sniffs for special occasions since I can't have the ice cream.
(5)Jean K.
No surprise that on a sunny Saturday there was a line out the door. It took about half an hour to get to the front but as you approach the counter the staff come out and start collecting samples for you to try. I think the theory is that you can sample while in line and by the time you get to the front you're ready to order. Of course this doesn't work all the time, especially if you're like me and have a lot is sample requests. I tasted the sea salt caramel, rhubarb champagne, olive oil, coffee, par blue cheese. The coffee and olive oil were really good. The rest were just okay. I ended up getting the post blue cheese because it was unusual and I knew I wouldn't be able to get that flavor back home. Yeah, sometimes I'm a sucker for novelty.
(4)Joanne B.
We just came from having a heavy and late lunch prior to stopping by Salt & Straw, but we wanted to try it out since it was our last full day in the city and we heard great things about Salt & Straw. To sample a scoop of their Sea Salt w/Caramel Ribbons was more than enough for me to enjoy. I can't remember what my husband tried, but he devoured it. Salt & Straw is definitely unique with their flavors, flavors you wouldn't ever think of putting together in ice cream. A single scoop will set you back $3.95 with a double costing $5.95 (yikes). Sorta steep for a scoop of ice cream, but if you must feed your sugar fix, then go for it and splurge on some of the goodness going on here. I wanted to buy some souvenirs, but I couldn't get myself to pay ten bucks for a measly, fancy chocolate bar that's the size of a much less, inexpensive Hershey bar, lol!
(4)Angel I.
BEST ICE CREAM IN THE WORLD. Good thing I don't live in Portland or I would be in trouble. But when I am in Portland, I am at Salt & Straw EVERYDAY! :) Very unique flavors for their ice cream, and everything is truly local and artisan. Expect waits, but the wait is well worth it.
(5)Whitney M.
Ok, I'm not a fan of ice cream. But this place showed me a side of ice cream I've never smelled, tasted, and seen! Everything is Devine here. The customer service is great!
(5)Teresa B.
I could sample their flavors forever. WHO CARES IF IT'S RAINING! I'M GOING TO SALT & STRAW... those were the words out of my mouth as soon as I landed. I love their decor and how everyone is so friendly to have you sample EVERYTHING. I ended up with their honey lavender, one of my faves. Next time, I will get the sampler..in 2's =D
(5)Valerie K.
Ok I am not sure what the deal is with this ice cream store. Sorry guys but the ice cream is really sweet and not that interesting. For a sophisticated palate this ice cream does not cut it. I was really excited to try it. But sorry, I think it's too hyped.
(2)Nate W.
Two words: best ever. We had pear & bleu cheese and olive oil. They're really good about letting you try before you commit. Such an inventive selection. Monthly flavors are really creative. I want them to establish a new location in my bedroom.
(5)Danny H.
As a Washingtonian, I stay loyal to Molly Moon's but Salt & Straw's Arbequina Olive Oil ice cream is untouchable. Some may hate it, some may love it. I fall into the latter of the groups probably because I heavily use olive oil as a dressing and for cooking. Every time I visit Portland, I'll always give Salt & Straw a visit just for a scoop of this... Give it a try! Also props to the employees for handling the crazy lines. 0 to 100, reviews are real quick.
(5)Angela T.
I had heard they sing opera to their cows at night, those are happier than California cows! I have followed Salt & Straw on Instagram for a long time. This was one of our first stops in Portland. It was a Thursday afternoon, and no lines. There were so many delicious options to choose from, I couldn't decide, and the girl taking our order was more than happy to continue giving me samples. I ended up with a scoop of Honey Lavender and Pear Blue Cheese. Excellent. So smooth and creamy, and I could tastes little chunks of the pear throughout the scoop. So I needed to try a third scoop in case we didn't make it back here, Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette with Black Pepper. I couldn't decide which one I liked better. They had one vegan option for my friend, chocolate sorbet, which I wasn't a fan of, but it's hard to be after having 3 amazing scoops of ice cream.
(5)Vania K.
Being a Seattleite, I feel obligated to diss Portland. A few years ago, I remember my friends going to Portland if they want to save some money on electronics and other large purchases (no sales tax and all)... now it's a tourist destination? A culinary mecca? What is going on?! Well, this skeptic was NOT convinced that Portland has Seattle beat on the culinary front. While standing in the slow-moving line at Salt & Straw, we started reading about the classic and seasonal flavors. "Locally imported ingredients?" What does that even mean? And what is up with hipster ice cream places and balsamic vinegar strawberry? Is that really the best flavor combination anyone can come up with for strawberry? Anyway, enough negativity... we'll turn this ship around, I swear! Once we got to the front of the line, we were warmly greeted by a staff member who cheerfully inquired whether we had any question or if we'd like any flavor sample. She somehow managed to remember all six of our flavor samples and she quickly came back with six spoons of heavenly goodness. I fell in love with the peach sangria sorbet. It was perfect for the hot summer weather. At $3.75 a scoop, I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's actually quite a good value. I wish I'd gotten two scoops. I wanted to come back to Salt & Straw the following day, but I ended up overeating at brunch and didn't feel like waiting for ice cream for 20-30 minutes. The area is really cute, with a lot of interesting stores (check out the Hip Hound, Goorin Bros, and Sloan!) that are tres Portland (aka super hipster with prices to match). Okay Portland, you win on having the best ice cream... Yes, absolutely get at least two scoops.
(5)J W.
Would be a 5 star review but encountered a strange response from an employee when we asked to sample the 4 options at the berry festival today. We were told that it was "a lot of work" to provide that for us. It was a very strange interaction and we left feeling like we had just been treated poorly. Ice cream is TOP NOTCH. No question about that. This place can make some deliciousness. Not sure what was going on with the employee. Not a great experience with her.
(4)Andrew V.
I finally revisited Salt and Straw for a family member's birthday. It had been a while since I first visited, but I was happy I got to give it another try. The only downside about this store is the line is always outrageously long, which is why I never visit while I'm in Portland. I highly suggest getting the four scoop sample flight $9 so you can have the opportunity to try multiple flavors. The flavors I tried were green fennel honey, pear gorgonzola, rhubarb pie, strawberry balsamic black pepper. The flavors were all delicious as expected.
(5)Alexis H.
I had the Strawberry Meadow Marmalade and the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. Both were absolutely fantastic. Service was fast and friendly.
(5)Vladimir G.
One of the best ice creams I've ever had in my life. The seasonal flavored and cheese mixes are ammmeeeeseeing. Perfect location on 23rd, excellent staff, super friendly. I loved how old school the hardware is and the soap in the bathroom, really gives a character to the place. Waffles cones are made fresh in front of you! Just awesome! Totally worth all the money!
(5)Nicole H.
My first time here was very memorable. The waffle cone and the vegan flavor with rhubarb and strawberry pie was so amazing. I will be back. The long line is worth the wait.
(5)Denise K.
This place has so many unique flavors. They encourage you to try any flavor that you want and are super helpful with recommendations. Don't be too concerned about the length of the line that wraps around the outside of the building. This obviously shows their popularity but the line moves quickly. They have their process down to move people through quickly and the staff has always been super friendly.
(5)Mariel E.
The absolute most delicious ice-cream. But the lines. Are. Insane. Don't try to go on Memorial Day, unless you have an hour to spare. Of course, you must know that skit on Portlandia about Portland and its lines. This is one of the places. I went to the one on NW 23rd and Kearney. I've gone many times to that one. The ice cream, though. It is beyond ice cream. It is your childhood in a scoop. It is love, happiness, and living in a frozen mess of cream and flavor. The price is reflective of the quality of the ice cream. Go and enjoy. Just be prepared for a line.
(4)Jimmy M.
3-4 stars. Ok weird ice cream is cool as a novelty but honestly I don't care for most of the flavors. If I'm going to keep it real I would rather go to Basken Robbins + the wait isn't 30 minutes like salt & straw. I support this Portlandia business but more for the experience of trying a unique ice cream. My wife's favorite is salted caramel (not that crazy). I don't have a favorite but I'm a plain chocolate kind of guy anyways. *TIP: do the "split" it's like 2 scoops for only 50 cents more than a single scoop.
(4)Bobby l.
Flights of ice cream, deliciously in house made ice cream, intriguing flavors, what more to say?! totally recommend this place for visitors, locals, and ice cream lovers!
(5)Naomi G.
Mmm salt and straw, always delicious after a late night outing with friends. Only downfall is the crazy long line that is ALWAYS outside the establishment. Though, SO worth it if you haven't been. Be ready to wait in line if you go mid evening on weekday and mid day to evening on fri-sun (especially when the sun is out!!)
(5)Hayden N.
I was so full from dinner with some friends and one suggested Salt & Straw. I am always in the mood for some ice cream! I don't stray very far from the my typical, the strawberry balsamic with cracked black pepper, but something caught my eyes on the seasonal menu...plum sangria sorbet. I love plum sorbet! As soon as I tasted it, I had already made up my mind. So good. Light and refreshing after a hearty meal. I wish I remembered that they offer a kid scoop because the regular one scoop is always too much.
(4)Melissa G.
What can I say that has not been said. This was the best ice cream I have ever had. That is a big statement since I llooooveee ice cream. I feel bad saying that since my favorite has always been Lappert's in Hawaii, but now they are in 2nd place. I saw pics on yelp of long lines and was a bit worried. I walked right in and was first to go up to the counter. No wait at all. The wait must be during certain times only and on a side note, I can't stand waiting in long lines for food, so I am glad there was no wait. When I went, they had seasonal berries and I probably should have gone for that, but I could not get away from their chocolate brownie (rich chocolate with chunks of chewy rich brownies-great for a chocolate craving, sea salt caramel (super salty and sweet), and the vegan option which was made with coconut milk and salted caramel which had thick ribbons of salted caramel in it. I was very impressed with the vegan ice cream. I have had good vegan ice cream before, but this was up there among the best vegan ice cream I have had. I would suggest checking out their seasonal flavors for some unique tastes. The lady who gave me samples gave me as many as I liked which made me happy. Some places the workers would seem annoyed to give you a sample, but not here. They are proud of their ice cream. I am happy to hear they are opening in LA! Now, come to Vegas please!! On a side note, parking is a major pain in this location. My hubby circled around for 15 minutes and no luck. We had to take it to go. I would find out which location has a easier parking. Also, I drove by a different day and they had a line out the door. I guess I got lucky!
(5)Scott S.
I took my 92-year-old grandmother here. She has never had anything like Salt & Straw ice cream. She also doesn't get out much and is confined to a wheelchair. Kate cheerfully supplied my grandmother with samples of all the seasonal flavors (March) until she settled on Lumberjack Stack. My grandmother loved it. Kate also made sure to ask ME if I wanted a sample, which showed attentiveness. Kate demonstrated excellent customer service skills and compassion for my grandmother. It made a huge difference in the life of an old woman. I hope Salt & Straw values her as much as my grandmother and I did. P.S. The ice cream is awesome. ALWAYS try the seasonal flavors. ALWAYS get two scoops in a waffle cone. Worth every penny.
(5)Jocelyn C.
Salt and Straw uses organic, local products to make their ice cream. Lines are terribly long on the weekend at all times of the day, but nice folks there come to you in line and ask what flavors you would like to try. Don't be afraid to try a ton of them. The folks are really nice. Scoops are big, and you can do a split scoop with two flavors for .50 more. Most popular flavor is sea salt and caramel, but it's quite salty. Snickerdoodle and strawberry balsamic are both delicious. Waffle cones are fresh on site.
(5)Nicole M.
There flavors this month are amazing, we go every month to see what new flavors they have. They deserve to be 6th best in u.s hands down.
(5)Mara C.
WOW! I don't care for ice-cream, but that was something out of this world! Honey Lavender, Pear & Blue Cheese, Rhubarb & toasted fennel..... what???? So unusual and so delicious! I only wish their ice-cream was made from grass-fed organic milk! Other than that it's just heavenly!
(4)Sonia S.
I mean, let's be real, this place is freaking good. But is it worth the line? Nahhh. I guess, if you've never been there before, you gotta try it at least once. But I'd probably just head somewhere else. The reason the line is so long is because everyone samples everything, but you just got to! Especially bc you dont want to have to ever wait in that line again, so just try them all while you're there. Some of the flavors sometimes are like, really? (olive oil), and some of the weird ones are actually pretty good (strawberry balsalmic) but you just gotta give them all a try and then only go back if there is no line to get your favorites.
(4)Jennifer L.
We waited 25 minutes in line with 4 kids because everyone said we had to try their ice cream...it was SO worth the wait!!!! We got Birthday Cake ice cream with Oregon Blackberries. Need I say more?!?! Great customer service and amazing waffle cones!!!!
(5)Grahame D.
Never disappoints even with a 45+ minute wait. Had the seasonal goat cheese marionberry habenaro, which was an unbelievable mix of complementary flavors that has left me craving ever since.
(5)Michael K.
This place was amazing. The line was long but moved quick. The staff was helpful because there were some non-conventional flavors here. I ended up getting a strawberry shake. It was a unique but clearly strawberry taste. Great consistency. If you're visiting Portland you have to go here.
(5)Ritu K.
There must be something in the drinking water in PDX. How is a city that sees so little sunlight so friendly? As most places in PDX, Salt and Straw has some of the nicest employees around. A cheerful greeter happily offered my husband and I a taste of any ice cream flavor while we hungrily stood in line drooling over our options. Did they want to have to roll me out of there? We politely declined and quickly settled on rhubarb with anise (yum!) Needless to say it was some of the best ice cream I've ever had. Just delicious!!! Plus big bonus points for the freshly made waffle cone. I'm in love....Do not be deterred by the cumbersome line. The wait is well worth it...
(5)Victoria H.
To all the idiots that wait 2+ hours for ice cream, go to Fifty Licks instead. YOU WILL NEVER WAIT MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES. The flavors are to die for, the customer service is great, and they put a little delicious cherry surprise in the bottom of your cone. Plus, they have ice cream with alcohol in it. Did I already say you never wait more than five minutes? Yeah? So go there already.
(3)Navjot S.
One of the best ice creams I've ever had. It was rich and smooth, and the flavors were a perfect blend. I didn't like every flavor so ended up getting their signature salted caramel (and my personal favorite coconut - this one was so-so). If you are in town, this is worth a stop.
(4)Karrin P.
You won't ever have a problem finding Salt & Straw because all you have to do is follow the long line that is constantly protruding out of the door! Please don't think that this only applies to peak hours like evenings and weekends because it's all day everyday and they close at 11pm! Pretty much every location has this same rule. I was intrigued by this farm to table ice cream concept, so I had to give it a try. I was disappointed to find out that they only offer 2 Vegan flavors: Toasted Coconut with Candied Macadamia Nuts and a berry sorbet. They had a spicy peanut butter flavor too that was very hot and not very tasty at all, so I forget the exact name, but it was only for the June menu anyway. The coconut flavored ice cream was delicious and extremely decadent. However, it wasn't enough to tempt to make multiple visits to Salt & Straw. When my sister wanted to go again (non-Vegan) I helped myself to a generous serving of kombucha on tap instead of getting the same flavor. The wafting smell of freshly made waffle cones will infiltrate your nostrils the moment you get close to the shop. But be aware that they are not Vegan. However, they do have equally delicious Vegan sugar cones, if you want to go all out and ditch the cup. I ordered my scoop in a cup but the server forgot and put it in a sugar cone, then when reminded, gave me an extra scoop and plopped the already full cone on top of it! Needless to say, I was appalled but ate the entire thing only because I didn't want to appear ungrateful (wink wink)...Either way, if you want to try something new and enjoy yet another Portland original culinary delight, then grab a book or good company and head over to Salt & Straw for a decadent treat that's worth the wait.
(3)Kelly B.
I guess I am the odd Yelper out as I didn't have as good of eating experience I thought I would have with all the great reviews. I think my daughter and I must have picked the wrong flavors to eat because our ice cream was just okay taste-wise. We didn't even finish the two cups we bought. After standing in a massively long line and waiting for over an hour, we finally got inside the store. We were offered samples but I tried only one as it was busy and I didn't want to be "one of those people" taking several samples. The sample I had I didn't care for. As it was busy, I went for another flavor for my final choice without taste testing. I should have taste tested. I decided to be exotic, as I usually just get chocolate, so I went for a dandelion flavor. My daughter got the exotic chocolate choice they had. We left the store to sample our choices with the friends we came with. My daughter, who loves, loves, loves ice cream didn't finish her ice cream which I was bewildered by. So I tried it and it was exotic chocolate alright. I could see why she didn't care for it as it was very mild in the chocolate department and didn't taste too much like chocolate. I wasn't fond of my dandelion section either so I ended my experience with an eh. Our friends though seemed to enjoy their choices. While the ice cream didn't rock my world, what did was the awesome ladies t-shirt I purchased! I love that shirt and I wear it all the time because its so soft ad comfy. So even thought the ice cream disappointed me, I am advertising your store with the wearing of my t-shirt. While I wouldn't return for the ice cream I would return for another t-shirt!
(3)Ty K.
Best Ice Cream I have ever had. The Olive Oil was one of best things I have ever eaten. Don't be afraid to try the vegetable flavors. The cauliflower with Cinnamon was perfect.
(5)Christine D.
Literally THE BEST ICE CREAM EVERRRRR!!!! So thankful for all my friends that recommended this place while on my trip to Portland! I love the fact they don't have the typical flavor a like a usual ice cream place (i.e. vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookie dough, etc). I tried the Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper!!!! Soo relish. The right kind of sweetness I tell you. If you love the fresh strawberry taste you will definitely love this! My friend got the Pear & Blue Cheese which was just as amazing. I'm not much of a fan of blue cheese, but this combo definitely works. I'm sad they don't have a Salt&Straw in San Diego :( the nearest one is in LA, which is two hours away. Salt & Straw does ship however you have to buy 5 pints minimum. Sadly with shipping it would cost $100 to get to my house. Hoping they make a store in San Diego.
(5)Nancy H.
Too expensive and not very good. Twice I avoided the lines and picked up their packaged pints and twice I have been disappointed. This is just another Portland fad ( think voodoo donuts ) without the substance to back it up. Way too sweet. If you want a Real dessert: Alloto Gelato across and down a block is so much better.
(2)Marangelo N.
Me and a friend mine got there around 7pm on a Tuesday and the line was very long. The service was great. While we were in line, we were helped with samples and popular recommendations. We were in line for 20min. The waffle cones are freshly made I recommended the almond brittle and honey lavendar.
(5)Amy B.
l Love this place, my favorite is the sea salted caramel
(5)Louise G.
Just had the May Special - Dandilon Sorbet and Pear with Blue cheese. The Sorbet was so fresh and floral tasting, and the Pear with Blue cheese was smooth and not overly sweet. I only got a little chunk of blue cheese at the end though. My husband had the coffee and strawberry balsamic with pepper and it was just okay, no unusual flavors. Tasted drab next to the fresh sorbet and pear. We had to stand in line and it took about 25 minutes. . . . was it worth it??. . .if you're a culinary snob yes! But I have to say I'm not a big ice cream person and I don't have a sweet tooth, so I could pass it up.
(4)Jennifer L.
Waited in line for about 45 minutes in pouring rain! I can't believe people actually stand in line for that long in that kind of weather. The line was out the door around the corner, so I recommend wearing a raincoat or bringing an umbrella if it's that kind of day. They offer samples while you're in line so that you are ready when it's time to order. I got the sea salt caramel, and it did not disappoint. It was THAT good to stand in line. Try as many flavors as you can! I was visiting, so I had to try it. Papa Haydn and Little Big Burger are nearby, so grab dinner there and then come on by for ice cream!
(5)No C.
The flavors of ice cream are so creative and so unique. I didn't like the olive oil one but my cousin ate all of it! My mom got pear and blue cheese but it just tasted like pear. The salted caramel was delicious a great combination of sweet and salty. I got the chocolate caramel potato chip cupcake. Absolutley delicious! I also liked to carrot cake one:). And if you dont know which one you want just try a bunch of samples!
(5)Christine L.
Definitely took advantage of all the Salt & Straws in Portland on my foodie trip (we went everyday O_O). I remember when first visiting, my favorite was the caramel ribbon but the almond brittle is definitely my favorite now. The ganache can be a bit much however. I just really liked the almond brittle YUM! I also tried the strawberry balsamic however I got tired and weird out by the taste of the black pepper here and there. I highly recommend getting the waffle cone as well. It smells delicious in Salt & Straw because of the fresh waffle cones that they make. I personally think it's better to get a waffle cone as well since it's sturdy and you don't have to worry about the cone getting soggy (I didn't finish my icecream because I was so full on the way to the airport and I just held it for a long time in the car lol). Service is always friendly even though a lot of tourists visiting. I'm glad that the employees are all very patient with people sampling. I also appreciate that they use actual spoons to sample rather than plastic ones (very eco-friendly!)
(4)Regina W.
3.5 stars. First time here and I came because I wanted to see what all the hype was about. I like the neighborhood that this shop is located in, so could see how this would be a fun place to stop in while going shopping, window shopping, or taking a stroll nearby. When I first walked in, I immediately had the smell of sugar hit me in the nose. It wasn't a bad scent, but I could feel my blood sugar rise just inhaling it. Once I approached the counter, I received very friendly service from a female staff member who let me taste a couple of the seasonal flavors for Halloween and also their best selling flavor Sea Salt w/ Caramel. I ended up getting a cup of the Sea Salt w/ Caramel and while I enjoyed it, I thought it was overpriced. I might give it another shot in the future if someone else wants to go.
(3)Ben B.
Good but way over hyped.. sometimes i yearn for just a solid, old fashioned ice cream flavor.. since this is the only shop near me, I have no other option. I like that they use natural and organic ingredients, but damn.. would a mint chocolate chip kill you guys once in a while??
(3)Woody B.
Went here twice on our three day stay in Portland! This is some of the best ice cream I have ever had!! The flavors here are so creative and they are amazingly delicious! The people here are also so nice and let you try as many flavors as you want. My wife and I came here a few days after our wedding and they gave us a complimentary scoop of ice cream! Love this place!
(5)D P.
I can't believe I have lived in Portland this long and never wrote a review. Salt & Straw is seriously one of the best parts of living in Portland. We go there at least once ever other week. The Sea Salt and Caramel and Almond Brittle are my two favs. the staff is so nice and they always let you try what ever you want and don't even judge you
(5)Thi D.
I think I found the ice cream shop that would outrank Bi Rite! It was a cold, rainy afternoon in Portland, but we had to go to Salt & Straw just based on the rave reviews we've read and heard. We were not disappointed. The Mr. ordered the coffee ice cream, which was good though nothing super special. Portland is known for good coffee so why not, right? I got the pear and blue cheese. I was definitely apprehensive at first, but man was it delicious! The blue cheese flavor is noticeable but not overpowering at all, and the chunks of what seemed like candied pears were a nice surprise in any bite where I got one. Our trip to Portland was about 3 months ago and I still randomly think about that pear and blue cheese ice cream. I would move to Portland and deal w/ the gloomy weather and hipsters for this place.
(5)Jordan J.
Let me start off by saying great ice-cream! Wonderful. However, if your looking for non-ethnically discriminatory service, this is the wrong place to go. I waited in line with a flavor in my head ready to order, only 7 people in the store so not busy. Right when the ice cream scooper and me make eye contact and I am about to speak, he relocates with no explanation. 30 seconds to a minute have passed, no one comes. Then a new ice cream server comes and helps the gentleman behind me, at this point I use words, "hey am I visible", a ice cream scooper shrugs and waits me. Contributing to the portland economy is near impossible.
(2)Shirley C.
The best salted caramel ice cream! You have to have it in a waffle cone, so yummy! The other standard flavored are ok to pretty good but the salted caramel is where it is at.
(5)James S.
Salt and straw has to be some of the best ice cream I've ever had, it may be THE best. However, unless you plan on eating there after breakfast (which we did), be ready to wait in line for a LONG time.
(4)Julie S.
It's ok. This place is not worth to stand in line for. Yes it's got some unique flavors, but they are not that great. When I want unique I also want it to taste like its out of this world, and it doesn't. I've been to 3 locations in Portland, and the customer service wasn't that great. I feel like they really open up to the hipsters, but anyone besides that is not treated the same. Ice cream is ok, but not delicious.
(3)Katie T.
This was on the "MUST HIT" list for Portland, and I'll sound redundant - but Salt & Straw is amazing. I had the Coconut w/Petunia's Salted Caramel Bars. Three thoughts went immediately through my head: 1) HOW IS THIS VEGAN? 2) must eat slower. 3) I NEED MORE. Do I need to say more? Go! The staff are super friendly. It's innovative, delicious fare. There is so much to try, and flavor combinations that many would never dream to putting together. Simply outstanding.
(5)Dude W.
EPICALLY EPIC EPICNESS!! Just go there. I can't even describe it! Wait in the seemingly long line, and find out that they are SUPER efficient at processing orders, so a 45-minute wait is actually a 20-minute wait. Just go!
(5)MC R.
Forget about beer flights in Portland! It's all about the ice cream flight at Salt and Straw! My faves were: almond brittle with salted ganache, salted caramel and good old vanilla. Good stuff, be prepared to wait.
(4)Alyx F.
Ice cream, oh ice cream, I love you. First off, you absolutely need to try all of the flavors. Okay, okay, maybe not ALL of them, but definitely try the pear with blue cheese (surprisingly awesome) and any of the other fruit tastic or weird flavors. They may not be your favorite, but they are awesome in their own way. As a chocolate lover, I got their Freckled Woodblock Chocolate and it was amazing. It was like having the best chocolate bar you have ever eaten, but in ice cream form. Also, it was salty, and I LOVE salty + sweet. Anyway, obsessed. The portions are large, but I definitely ate the whole thing with no regrets. They also make their own waffle cones and they are heavenly.
(5)Joanne L.
Look no further for delicious ice cream. I loved the waffle cone smell here. The olive oil is top notch and loved the lavender ice cream too! Hey those flavors aren't for everybody but I love eccentric flavors.
(4)Priscilla O.
I had a very short stay in Portland for a friend's wedding. I only had time to visit one ice cream shop and this was it. I got the sea salt with caramel and freckled woodblock chocolate on a waffle cone. Let me just say...their waffle cones are heavenly. I think their waffle cones were my favorite thing. The ice cream was creamy and smooth. The flavors were balanced and no flavor overwhelmed the other. A little part of me wished their chocolate...was more dense and chocolately (but that's the chocaholic in me talkin')... Their halloween flavors were extremely unique and definitely worth a try for those adventurous ones out there.
(4)Tyler J.
Best ice cream I have ever had, hands down. The line moves quickly, staff was super friendly, nothing bad to say about this place. I highly recommend it!
(5)Emily H.
The combinations they come up with sound weird, even kinda gross, but then you get to taste it and oh my word. BEST. Another one of my favorite places when I visit Portland. They make all their own waffle cones fresh, the service is always prompt and friendly (even when there's a line out the door which their often is) and the ice cream is the most delightful surprise of crazy combined flavors you'll ever try. Can't decide? Let one of the servers decide for you. Seriously--next level ice cream.
(5)Joann U.
It's been a while since I was last in Portland, but Salt and Straw never fails me. Still love the ice cream here! I told myself that the next time I go to Portland, I'm bringing a cooler to take some ice cream home and guess what, I did bring a cooler and brought a bunch of pints home to Seattle hahah!
(5)M P.
AWESOME!!!! So Many choices. VERY unique flavors! Get ready for crowds and to stand in line!
(5)Marie C.
Delicious! You can smell the shop blocks away. Had a couple of samples and the blue cheese and pear ice cream blew my mind. It was delicious! Step out of your comfort zone and try something new .. You might be surprised
(5)Miwako S.
When I told my friend, a past student of PSU, that I was going to be in Portland for a few days, he immediately suggested checking out Salt & Straw. Due to his recommendation and the great reviews, I decided to try it out (despite the brisk January weather) and I was definitely not disappointed! First of all--the service was amazing. The workers helped us try out all of the cool, interesting flavors and talked to us about their own personal favorites. Additionally, they were really nice and asked us about how our Portland trip had been thus far. (Also, when we said "YAS", they responded accordingly.) Next, the flavors were interesting, unique, and most importantly: delicious! I was skeptical when my PSU friend suggested I try the Candy Cap Mushroom & Bourbon flavor but it was probably one of the best things I've had in a long time! The ice cream was sweet (apparently the mushroom has a natural maple like flavor) but not overly so. The other flavors (such as olive oil and strawberry balsamic) were also delicious and made from great, local ingredients. I know that mushroom or olive oil flavored ice cream sounds a bit strange and you might think I'm crazy (an hour ago I would've agreed) but trust me when I say that Salt & Straw will blow your mind and convince you that you're in heaven. But don't take my word for it--go in and see for yourself.
(5)Tommy T.
Rogue's Crater Lake Danish Blue Cheese and pear ice cream...As Run the Jewels would say, "OH MY!" Such flavor! My wife mixed the honey lavender with the the olive oil and was drooling.
(5)Katarina D.
I can count on one hand how many places I know that carry cinnamon ice cream and this place definitely does it well. The hype is real. I'm not a big fan of long lines (and we definitely missed a few great places in Portland because of it) but this was definitely worth the wait. Great price, great taste. Definitely worth stopping by!
(5)Diana L.
The smell of home made waffle comes wafting through the air and will certainly draw you in. Wait in line, because you will be thankful you did. SEA SALT with caramel Ribbons was everything I would want. A little salty and sweet in a creamy base with decadent caramel. Drool. Get the waffle cone, anything in it will be delicious!
(5)Jane C.
Whenever I go, I am never disappointed! It was to die for. I will continue to come here for my ice cream needs, because lets face it. Not much can compare to Salt & Straw.
(5)Edward L.
Ok, I stood in line with my wife for 30 minutes to get what I thought was going to be the best ice cream at Salt & Straw. I told her it's got to be good cause there's 70 people ahead of us and they'd be crazy to wait that long for average ice cream. I figured, for the price, I'm gonna get a home made cone and extra creamy ice cream, right? The cones are the same as you get at Dairy Queen or Baskin Robins!! Really, look at the cones in the pictures, and for 4 times the cost. Or, you can eat it from a paper cup. The actual ice cream is not that impressive either. I have had much better at Justa Pasta in Nw and they get it from a place in Vancouver that I can't remember at this time. Anyway, who wants blue cheese flavored ice cream?? or potato chip flavor? Portland really is weird.
(2)Jennifer S.
If you have the time, it's definitely worth waiting in line. The Petunia's [vegan] coconut ice creams are definitely impressive nondairy alternatives. It's a special experience.
(4)Darryl S.
Poorly nada premier ice cream spot. I always like their seasonal flavors but the lavender is a popular choice. Line was short but we got lucky. We drive by yesterday and it literally wrapped around the block. Come early and be prepared to wait in line! Try all the flavors as the staff is super helpful. The gal that helped us was more than happy to have us try as many flavors.
(5)Matthew S.
Another Portland must! Be patient and wait the line out. Its worth it. All of the odd ingredients have been carefully blended into amazing ice cream masterpieces. These people take this tasty dessert to a whole new level. Don't be shy....ask the friendly staff for a sample, they would love for you try whatever you are curious about.
(4)Kelsi S.
If you don't want to wait in line, go at 10:59pm. Or if you know what flavor you want cut to the front of the line and buy a pint. This place is pretty pricey but you get what you pay for. The waffle cones are a hit. Best flavor is woodblock chocolate. Most of the other flavors like olive oil are really good but its hard to eat a full scoop of them. I really liked it when they had the woodblock chocolate sorbet. Wish they had more sorbet options. The staff is very friendly and will give you as many samples as you want, like literally I'm sure they'd love it if you asked to sample every single flavor. Maybe I'll do that next time and then leave.
(4)Dorothy G.
I first tried Salt and Straw in LA, and had to stop by on a recent trip to Portland. I adore their homemade and unique flavors, and the friendly environment. This particular stop was very enjoyable. I took my boyfriend there for the first time, and even though the line was long - we didn't mind waiting. The employees were incredibly nice and helpful when I couldn't decide what size scoop to get. Would definitely recommend trying at least once. Several to try the new flavors that come out often!
(4)Mike P.
Ice Cream is great here but typically, the line is long. My friends seem to have fun in line, maybe it's the excitement or anticipation.
(5)Mark A.
Had a change of heart about this place. I used to think we waited in line for Booger tasting Ice Cream. But the lines go really quick and all the new flavored are amazing. My fave location is Alberta.
(5)Staci G.
The popularity of this place made it a must try for us on vacation. I think we waited about 30-40 minutes in line, which seemed pretty normal given how popular it is. When we got up to the counter to be helped, somehow we were overlooked several times and when we brought it to one of the servers attention they were apologetic and we ended up being served by a very sweet gal who was patient to let us try as many flavors as we wanted and explain the story and taste behind them. Then she graciously gave my husband and I are ice cream on the house because she wanted us to have a good experience there. We are very appreciative of that gesture and would definitely go back because of her customer service.
(5)Jacob M.
Goodness must be seasonal, and this must not be the season. I have experienced much better ice cream, after much shorter lines, in 100° weather. The flavors were all very strange, as in "strawberry with balsamic vinegar." A sample was fine, but a bowl was too much. Next time I want a good bowl of something fat and unhealthy, I will just walk down to my local shop and grab a bowl of good old chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. Maybe when this place gets some fruit flavors, or other ice creams that resemble dessert and not salad, I will consider coming back and braving the line of people who have no idea why they are waiting for a bowl of whatever that is.
(2)Yannie S.
Another MUST if you're visiting Portland!! There was only three reasons I really wanted to go to Portland for my LDW. 1. I've never been 2. I wanted to check out the hikes/scenery 3. I heard the food and ICE CREAM was amazing!! So here we were, at one of the busier ice cream parlors in Portland..known for their weird yet delicious flavors. I mean..pear and blue cheese...? Bone marrow and cherries?? Oh my!! I tried a few and they were definitely more appetizing than they sounded. I forgot what I went with, but oh boy! It was soooo good!! Would definitely recommend for anyone visiting Portland!! The lines might be a little crazy and long, but it's TOTALLY worth it!!
(5)Kauri V.
The line is annoying, but it is SO worth it.
(4)McCade B.
Salt & Straw is the quintessential Portland ice cream shop, and I don't hesitate when I say that. NW 23rd is a very relaxed area that always has something going on, so it is a great option for a nighttime walk for sweets. As for the selection of flavors, there is something that everyone will enjoy. And not only that, but there are unique flavors that are certainly worth being checked out. The downside to Salt & Straw lies in its popularity. Much like Voodoo Doughnuts, you will almost never see this place without a large line. Last time I came by for a Stumptown Espresso scoop, I had to wait nearly half an hour in a line that went out the doors and around the corner. However, the fact that I was willing, and happy to spend the time waiting for the ice cream speaks volumes about its quality. Every visit to S&S ends with a delicious treat that is not soon to be forgotten. My recommendation: Stumptown Coffee Flavor (double scoop, if you dare).
(5)Amanda N.
Smell of waffles even before entering the shop. Many varieties to choose from, made locally. There's also seasonal flavors. You can sample any flavors you want before buying. Staff are friendly and helpful. They also deliver.
(4)E Travis H.
Great quality ice cream!
(5)Anjana A.
I don't care about the long lines, I don't care about waiting in the hot sun for an hour, I just want that icecream flavor no one else makes - Pear and Blue Cheese. Just for that bold flavor I give them 5 stars for innovation. I've tried several other flavors (from friends who ordered them) that were excellent - Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Coconut w/ Petunia's Salted Caramel Bars, Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Black Pepper, Sumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon but my favorite remains the Pear and Blue Cheese icecream. The juiciness of a perfectly ripened pear with the sharp surprise of the saltiness and tang of blue cheese makes you go mmm....and then hmmm...and then you want some more. The line was out the door, I waited patiently and then threw caution to winds as I tasted several flavors as my server encouraged me to try them. Yes, there were people lined up behind me but I had driven 5 hours to try this place as I wasn't able to try it on previous 2 trips as I could not wait that long those times. And I'd done my half hour in the hot sun before I could even get into the store and then waited another half hour. It's nice that they're so patient as people are grumpy after waiting that long and want their icecream! I am glad I tried and got the pear and blue cheese, as I write this review I want to drive back to Portland, OR to get some more! Pity it's so far away.
(5)Doug P.
WOW!!! I'm staying in the Portland area, and my Airbnb host told us about this place. We passed by after dinner, but there was such a long line that it reminded us of the traumatizing lines at Disneyland. We decided to go ahead and brave it, and are we ever glad we did. If you're ever in the Portland area, you owe it to yourself to try this place. The ice-cream is freshly prepared, and it feels like an orgasm for the tastebuds.
(5)MommyWarbucks and TheLeftoverKid o.
That is not my hair! This is the second time I've been to Salt & Straw. The first time we stood in a very long line and I watched one of the ice cream servers pick his nose and not wash his hands. I decided to try again. About 1/2 way through licking my delicious double scoop my tongue uncovered a long black hair that was not mine. I hope the health department comes and makes them fix this.
(1)Crystal H.
YUM. The lines are no joke--at pretty much any time of day, except maybe breakfast dessert time? This location also seems to attract much more of the frat bro and sorority girl demographic so waiting in line was distractingly annoying--but ended up being totally worth it! I don't know how they do it, but the staff are always incredibly cheerful and helpful. I LOVE their policy on samples--every time they've encouraged us to try more flavors and this time they were so right! We ended up getting scoops of the last flavors they suggested we try. Honey lavender was maybe the best flavor of ice cream I've ever tried in my life. If you aren't into the waiting in line (and the tons of samples...) you can skip the line and get a pint from the front.
(5)Darin T.
Amazingggg flavors and huge cones! We could hardly finish! The ice cream is rich, creamy and just tastes homemade. It was a tad pricey for two ice cream cones but well worth it! We had such a hard time choosing from all the unique flavors!!! I'm sure they change a bunch.
(4)Jonathan R.
Okay, I'm impressed. Bone marrow & and pork belly (really bacon I suspect) in gourmet ice- incredibly delicious. My main ice cream coarse was coconut bar with Petunia's scented caramel. OMG. Also tried snicker doodle, salted caramel, watermelon/ carrot sorbet, freckled chocolate and pear blue cheese - this one is not to be missed.
(5)Kari W.
Hands down the best and most unique ice cream I've ever had! Had no idea what Salt and Straw was until a friend of ours told us we had to go there while on a week stay in Portland. So glad we did! The flavors were all so unique, not your grandmas ice cream parlor for sure. I got a scoop of "Stumpside Coffee with Burnside Bournon" and a scoop of "Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache" (my favorite), my husband got "cinnamon snickerdoodle" and our daughter got "Freckled Woodblock Chocolate." They were all awesome!!!! Loved the shop and the staff was fun! The line was long but oh so worth it!!!
(5)T H.
Don't get me wrong, the ice cream is fantastic, but is it really worth the price? I can get two 1.75 quart containers of Tillamook Ice Cream from my local store for the same price as many things on their menu.
(3)Ellie H.
Its creative combination of different flavors is their key to success. They allow you to try different flavors before buying. So don't be shy to try before you make your decision. I end up buying two different flavors from what I planned to buy. Highly recommend the strawberry honey balsamic and pepper, sea salt with caramel, rose city riot, pear and blue-cheese, and olive oil!
(5)Petri Y.
cool ice cream spot for hipster ice cream similar to biRite in SF. We had the strawberry balsamic ice cream with black pepper. One of our favorite strawberry ice creams we've ever tasted! You can really taste the strong flavor of the ripened strawberries, fresh from portland I am sure! I also had the sorbet i think watermelon and something else? not my fav but refreshing. Get the two scoops deal vs single and it save you a $
(5)Joyce P.
I love how they have their own unique flavors, by far the best ice cream I've had besides Bi-Rite in SF. I tried their olive oil and honey lavender! Its soooooo good and creamy. Olive oil was actually a yummy flavor, and you lease expected to be. Def will come back here again when I'm in Portland!
(5)Courtney H.
Totally worth the 45 minute wait in line that snaked out and around the building. Tried multiple samples of nearly everything to finally settle on the Honey Lavender (floral, but balanced and refreshing and Cinnamon Snickerdoodle (loaded with spice and chucks of cookie). Perfect treat on a sunny day spent on 23rd Street.
(5)Karen D.
You've heard the rumors. The rumors are true. This place is everything you hoped an ice cream parlor could be and more.
(5)Jennifer K.
One of the BEST ice cream cones I've ever had. I had the pleasure of trying Salt & Straw at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival earlier this year; I ordered one scoop of the almond brittle on a waffle cone. In the sweltering desert heat, my mouth went from feeling like rough sandpaper to heaven's oasis once I took the first lick. I can't even begin to describe the flavorful sensations my taste buds experienced while I struggled to finish my quickly melting ice cream. (Damn you, unforgiving Indio sun.) Anyway, I've decided that I'm going to make a trip to Oregon for Salt & Straw. And Stumptown. So watch out, Portland. I'm comin' for ya!
(5)Tania D.
WOW.. just WOW.. I am going to have to agree with everyone on this one and say that salt & straw is one of the best, if not, the best ice cream I've ever tasted. This is NOT your ordinary ice cream shop. The variety of unique and thoughtful flavors are what makes this place so great, the almond brittle with salted ganache was a heavenly mixture of salty & sweet, and the oregon rocky road is definitely recommended for the chocolate lovers out there. I especially loved sampling the lavender honey, which I wished I could've ordered as well, but you really can't go wrong with anything because yes, its THAT good. Although there's usually a line here, it is definitely worth waiting for the amazing ice cream treat your tastebuds will later thank you for.
(5)Lindsey T.
Oh. My. Oh. My. I am not a huge ice cream fan, but this blows any ice cream I've had in the past out of the water. The pear and blue cheese is awesome. Awesome!!! The strawberry is also very tasty. Actually, it all is tasty. If you like ice cream, you'll love this. If you don't like ice cream, you'll love this. Cons: long lines!
(5)Justin N.
Very good handmade ice cream, staffs very friendly. My favorite ice cream here is sea salt with caramel ribbon. Get here early or be ready to wait in line.
(5)Jamie C.
Bone Marrow Bourbon was BOMB! Olive oil, was not my flavor. Bought a T shirt, so soft. Love this place. A must try in Portland.
(5)Amy H.
I will always compare my ice cream to Icis in Berkeley and nothing can beat my flavors and that cone. I would have given this place 5 stars if the cone was just as legit but it was just some waffle. The line is long and it takes about 35 minutes to get your ice cream. At least they let you sample as many as you want haha. I got the Sea Salt with Caramel, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and I had to try the Pear with Blue Cheese. Surprisingly the blue cheese wasnt disgusting and I would have considered getting it but I was only feeling the salted caramel. You def taste the sea salt and then all that delicious caramel. I was hoping the ganache would be yummy as well so I could do half and half but it didnt knock my socks off. The ice cream is creamy and flavorful so I would say that this is one of the top spots to visit in Portland.
(4)Jaxi C.
Worth the wait. Strawberry balsamic, salted caramel, chocolate ganache, and goat cheese pear were all delicious. Freshly made cones were delicious. A Portland must!
(5)Anna W.
Delicious, delicious ice cream. It was even worth braving the roughly 35 degree weather just to come and have a scoop. I ordered a scoop of Salt & Straw's Honey Lavender flavor. It wasn't very sweet, but it was still very tasty. The lavender is definitely the stronger of the two flavors (the honey being pretty subtle -- you really have to dig for it a bit), but I didn't find it overwhelming. Boyfriend ordered two scoops in a waffle cone of the olive oil and the pear with blue cheese. An odd combo, I'll admit, but the flavors were surprisingly not as strong as I expected them to be. The olive oil is VERY subtle (can barely tell what it is, actually), and the pear with blue cheese is actually pear ice cream with chunks of blue cheese mixed in (not blue cheese flavored like I thought it would be). The total for the three scoops and the waffle cone came out to be about $10. A teeeeeny bit on the pricier side, but since we were doing the touristy thing in Portland, we weren't too surprised. The ice cream is pretty yummy, and since the flavors are a little out there (coffee and bourbon? strawberry honey basalmic and black pepper??), I think it's definitely worth a stop if you're in the area :) especially if you have a sweet tooth!
(4)Brooke K.
I have never tasted better ice cream!!! This is a must go if you are visiting Portland. I have come here even in the snow to overcome my craving. As far as flavors go, Snickerdoodle is my favorite!
(5)Mark B.
Really: its ice cream. I've had wonderful icecream all over the place. Not sure what is so awesome about this place. But the ice cream we had was wonderful. The best - no, but certainly worth the trip .
(4)Chris O.
I still remain unimpressed with the flavors here. They may be creative but they either tend to be a bit over the top or lacking in the theme flavor in that it tastes more like heavy cream than say strawberry. I do like the coconut based "ice cream" that they offer even though it was a bit salty. I still much prefer the gelato place down the street but there is a charm to Salt and Straw that keeps me trying it when the line isn't too insane. The locally sourced and carefully selected ingredients are a very nice touch here, now if they could just make a few simple but excellent flavors I'd be coming back. How about just plain old strawberry with local berries? I don't need strawberry balsamic just for a thrill, I'm all down with new flavors for exploration but not at the expense of being an effectively tasty ice cream.
(3)Nichole T.
Truly, the best ice cream around. The flavors are rich and nuanced, and you can taste they're made with top quality ingredients. The staff is very friendly and patient while you test as many flavors you wish. Stumptown Coffee and Sea Salt Caramel are some of their most popular flavors, and definitely try them (although the caramel is so rich I can't finish it), but you don't want to miss their seasonal flavors. I think that is where their craft and creativity really shine through.
(5)Lauren W.
The ice cream is delicious! I would recommend the lavender honey flavor. It is super yummy!
(5)Corie L.
We came right before the rush. *self accomplishment* The flavors were interesting to see and taste. I got the lemon pie and strawberry with pepper. My boyfriend and I came here for an afternoon treat before going off to dinner. The flavors tasted very sweet which I enjoyed so much. There were definitely customers who were eyeing at us cause we were taking our time eating and they wanted to sit. There were other places to sit but I guess they didn't want to go elsewhere. I felt bad so I left with my boyfriend due to that reason. The workers were super nice. No matter the weather, ice cream and dessert is always appropriate =] Don't feel as bad as me if other customers are looking at you.
(5)Crystal R.
I won't be able to say anymore than other reviewers said....but this place was just wonderful and we all loved the ice cream. I also liked that they offer folded double scoops where you can get one scoop with two flavors folded together. Our line wasn't really long at all on a Saturday morning and our servers were all really great! The waffle cones are made fresh and smell amazing!
(5)Theresa B.
The best ice cream i have ever had. I tried a bunch when waiting in line (well worth the wait) and the gals that work there are very sweet. They have a ton of unique flavors - lavender honey, something with bone marrow, coffee and bourbon - and I loved every single one of them. A bit more pricey than an ordinary ice cream shop but so worth it. Fun environment for people of all ages.
(5)Navi R.
Their ice cream is DELISH! I had their Sea Salt and Caramel and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and they were just amazing. Love the combinations they put together as both flavors has a great balance between saltiness/sweetness or crunchiness from the brittle to the creamy texture of the ganache. We visited a cart so didn't get to explore all the flavors but I doubt any flavor will disappoint.
(5)Kathleen A.
BELIEVE THE HYPE. I don't wait in long lines for ice cream, but I was re-assured, over and over and over again by other patrons in line that it would be well worth it. Given that I was on vacation and I really didn't have anywhere important to be that day, I decided to just go for it. Honestly the line moves a lot quicker than you'd expect. Plus, you might make a new friend or two! They are pretty good at getting you samples before you step up to the counter thus making things flow pretty well. I was able to try the salted caramel, sweet corn buttermilk, and the balsamic strawberry. I would have tried more but I felt like a hog. I opted for the first two and got them split as a scoop, because I hadn't yet eaten dinner so I didn't want to go all out. The whole salted caramel's been overdone, but honestly S&S freaking nailed it. Best I've had yet! Like I said. Wait. You won't be sorry.
(5)Jamelyn-Ann H.
A fun place to go and discover new and quite interesting flavors, an awesome place to go with friends, sometimes crowded but worth the normally mild wait. Kind service and a good place to grad a scoop or a pint.
(5)Yvette B.
I like how the employees come back to the line to ask if you want a sample. They had two vegan flavors.
(5)Kristina M.
I commend their unique flavors but their long lines are too much. I recommend researching what flavors you might be interested in and buying a pint to share with friends and you can skip the line! Much better than waiting 1 hour plus for ice cream.
(4)Bradley S.
The line was sooooooo long, but the ice cream was so good and so many I tresting flavors you can't find in stores or many other places.it was awesome experience and I really enjoyed eatin there. The other problem was lack of seating but the food and awesome customer service way made up for it .
(4)Vanessa G.
Here's a good rule: don't trust anyone who doesn't like their ice cream. Their opinion is not to be trusted and you show question all of their life decisions. End of story. Sea salt caramel is life changing. And the new blackberry birthday cake.
(5)Chuck N.
Saturday, 10:45PM. High expectations. Quickie: +Creative options +Cool staff +Clean Didja know...? Kindergarteners from local school(s) help make flavors. With enough consumer votes, it'll make it on the menu. And then...? IT. IS. WORTH. THE. WAIT. ********** Stuffed my face in: 1. Churros ice cream in a waffle cone (freshly made) Constructive comment: *More seating
(5)Jessica Y.
So worth going to. And the new monthly flavors are really fun because it brings more variety to the mix. The flavors are very quirky and fit the portland culture perfectly!
(5)huy n.
I'm not a big ice cream person but this place hands down tastiest ice cream I have ever had. So many unique flavors. Must try if you are in the area and craving something sweet. Top notch customer service as well.
(5)Monserrat J.
One word: DELICIOUS!!! I got the coffee flavor on a waffle cone, great prices, enjoyed great music while we waited & the staff was super friendly and helpful.
(5)Alice L.
Aside from the delicious and amazingly creative flavors, I had a superb experience with the staff here! Came in since I saw that there was luckily, NO LINE! I sheepishly asked the young man at the counter if I could try a bunch of flavors since I'm planning on ordering 5 pints online to be shipped. Explained to him that "5 pints is quite a bit to commit to so I'm sorry for trying so many." To my utter delight, he replied, "wanna try them all?" DO I EVER?? My favorites, that I'm willing to pay $13/pint to be shipped to SF are: -Pear and Blue Cheese: yes, sounds weird, but the blue cheese taste is SO mild and the pear aroma is stunning. -Oregon Kiss: Hazelnut nuggets with rich dark chocolate -Bacon Raleigh Bar: This was a stretch for me since bacon weirds me out most of the time but this was worth it. Smokey, salty and sweet. -Boozy Bon Bon -Coffee and Bourbon -Cinnamon Snickerdoodle -Honey Lavender The ice cream here was light years more impressive than the "legendary" Bi-Rite ice cream here in SF.
(5)Felicia L.
Being a ice cream fan, I had to venture out to Salt & Straw to try some of their interesting flavors. When I arrived, I wasn't surprised by the line out of the door and around the corner. I joined in and slowly made my way in the store in about 30 minutes. The store is pretty cute. It has the classy farmers look inside. The menu display is huge and definitely nice to look at while waiting... a work of art! There were so many flavors that I wanted to try; luckily the staff here was helpful is giving us samples while in line. They pretty much come up to you, ask what flavors you want to try (could be any number you want) and they return with tiny spoons with the samples. I tried about 6 (lol) and I settled with the sea urchin flavor. Crazy right!?!?!? Sea urchin. Who would have thought that sea urchin ice cream would be available? It seemed like a dish you can only find in the Iron Chef battles. Surprisingly, it was tasty! Other than ice cream, they also served waffle cones, cookies, and Salt and Straw merch. They had some ice cream packed to go for the locals. Overall, Salt and Straw was a pretty good ice cream shop! I just heard they are opening a shop in Los Angeles, yay for me!
(4)Jennifer K.
I just could not believe my eyes when I saw that huge line up that snake all the way outside the store for some Salt & Straw ice cream. I just could not believe that my Yelp friends who refused to line up for anything willing to wait in line for over 45 minute for some Salt & Straw ice cream. I was just tired by the time I got to the front of the line, that's when I volunteered to get us some seats! Getting seats on the long communal table needs patience but luckily the turnover was fast. What flavours? I don't know? I let them pick and ended up we tried 2 sample trays. The challenge is who got the best flavours. That's a harder decision to made. Pear and Blue Cheese?! Coffee and Bourbon? Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper? Honey Lavender Feast's Oregon Bounty Aquabeet (Krogstad Aquavit & OR Beets) Every flavours were unique and creative, especially the seasonal ones. Salt & Straws now on my top to go list if I ever be back in town! And maybe one day... Mint Leaves with Sea Urchin Meringues... Seriously Uni ice cream... Me want!
(4)Timothy R.
Marionberry Habanero Ice Cream?! Pear with Blue Cheese? Black Raspberry with Smoked Ham? Yes, yes, and YES! I had all three. And I wanna try more. Uniquely delicious, unusually-flavored ice cream. I love this concept...truly. And the staff were great. I'm still waiting for Terminator Stout with Anchovies and Chocolate, though!
(5)Jessica F.
Now I wish I lived in Portland. Salt & Straw is as good as ice cream can get. Yes, the line can be intimidatingly long and you'll probably be waiting outside in the rain, but its so worth it. The ice cream itself is perfection - creamy, sweet, savory and totally drool worthy. There are adventurous options, such as pear and blue cheese or honey balsamic with pepper, as well as classic flavors, like their double folded vanilla, which have been perfected to a tee. I got the cinnamon snickerdoodle, and I'm drooling as I type these words. I think I'll be having dreams about that scoop until the next time I make it to Portland or LA. Get your ice cream in a waffle cone...you'll finish it all and you'll still be wanting more.
(5)Scott L.
Not like this place needs another review, but it's more my personal way of helping remember my experiences when I get too old. We walked by here one night and the line was ridiculously long. What to do? Come back tomorrow when they open at 10AM. Duh! I tried the peanut brittle and chocolate. It was so creamy and the flavors/ingredients really stood out. There weren't that many pieces, but I thought it was really tasty with the waffle cone. I can see how it could be addicting because they claim it's 17% butterfat. Makes sense. And I found out that these cows are from Eugene. They have unique flavors and it's just a matter of preference. My friend got the Guac and he summed his critique with "Interesting." It was worth the experience, but I would never want to wait in a 45 minute line to get some. It's got to be one of my all time favorite ice creams. That and Bassets in Philly.
(3)Kristin C.
Wow can't believe I forgot to write a review for this place. Long story short came here with some friends while were visiting the Portland area. Had the salted caramel and the honey lavender, I loved every delicious bite that went in my mouth. Came back to California hoping and praying they would open one here, I got my wish. If you are ever in Portland, do yourself a favor and have a scoop or three.
(5)Mariko K.
I tried a flight with lavender honey, pear and blue cheese, salted caramel cupcake, and stumptown coffee and bourbon. I loved how the flavors were real and strong. The coffee tasted like real coffee and the lavender tested liked real lavender. I wouldn't get the lavender again though, it reminded me too much of perfume. The salted caramel had real, big chunks of cupcake (but was a little too salty for my taste). I also tasted the olive oil, which was surprisingly good, and the balsamic pepper, which was OK. I can't wait to go back again and try more!
(5)Tiffany W.
Wow. Let's just say my boyfriend hates waiting in line, but even he could not deny how delicious this ice cream is. To be honest, even though the line looks long, the employees there are very efficient. While you're waiting in line, employees ask you if you would like to sample anything, and they will bring you whatever you ask for. Then you order, and then pay! Now to the ice cream. The ice cream was so delicious. It's the right amount of creaminess--it's not too icy, it's not too creamy. The flavors are so special too... can't find these flavors anywhere else! They also give ENORMOUS portions. Not that I'm not advocating anyone to eat less ice cream, but honestly, a small (junior? I can't remember the term they used) size is enough for one person. More than enough. And with the smaller size, you will have more room to try different flavors! :D
(5)Jaz H.
We stopped by this place after we had dinner at Pok Pok. We ordered 3 flavors of ice cream and were disappointed that the ice cream was not good as we thought it would be. This place is overrated. We had way better ice cream in the past at Santini Chiado in Portugal. We ordered the following at Salt & Straw: - strawberry balsamic black pepper (OK) - coconut with salted caramel bar (too sweet that we had to throw it away) - coffee ice cream (best out of the 3 flavors)
(2)Laylay B.
There service is great. They are friendly and welcoming. You get to sample as many as you want but even doing so I couldn't find the flavor for me . The salted caramel is way too salty and the chocolate gooey brownie just tastes like plain chocolate ice cream. I've had better from rite aid.. But because of the great service and creativeness in flavors and shop itself, I give it three stars !
(3)Clarice O.
I could go on and on about the flawlessness of Salt & Straw ice cream and I will never ever be able to satisfactorily describe what must simply be the gift of the ice cream gods to us mortals. My favorite flavors are pear with blue cheese, honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper, sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon, and almond brittle with salt ganache. But seriously, all of their flavors are amazing. Not one flavor is something that you should ignore. Even their vanilla and chocolate are nothing short of extraordinary. I preferred this location over the one in the Alberta District, though, because they had more seating area. Other than that, both are meccas of happiness for me.
(5)Jacob K.
My friend and I were debating whether salt & straw was gangster and we decided it's pretty gangster. I remember when this place little more than a cart in NE, my how things have changed but the ice cream is still top quality. My favorite is the double fold vanilla. Yes this place is known for their kitschy flavors but what you need to realize is Salt & Straw has the core fundamentals of ice cream making down. You don't need all the bells and whistles, those are distractions from the quality of their product. Once you try the double fold vanilla you'll understand what I mean. It's perfection in every way, it's the only ice cream you'll ever crave again. It's true, Salt & Straw costs more than grabbing a pint from the grocery store, but once you take that first bite you'll know exactly why you paid that extra money. This is no joke ice cream. Even through the hype and long lines, Salt & Straw quality is unwavering and doing Portland proud.
(5)Weir C.
It's awesome. Even thought I spent a lot of time waiting in the line, but I still like it.
(5)Robert G.
The last thing you want to do when you're dragging a sleep-deprived manic two-year old, is wait in line. So I took the coward's way out and just decided to get a pint of salted caramel ice cream. And for what it's worth, based on that flavor alone I'd give it five stars. The caramel was perfectly soft and salty, and the vanilla base excellent. I think there were even hints of coarse salt in the caramel, which was a nice touch. There was at least a 45 minute line in front of the store, which precludes me from saying anything about other flavors. Based on the salted caramel alone, it's worth the wait.
(5)Ryan R.
Ahh my 200th review! I'm trying to finish all my reviews before the year ends in 6 hours! its hard to judge this place because its in a different city/state and SF has soo many of these type of ice cream places that are hand made etc. With that said, its in the same caliber, but probably my least fav. It looks like they dont have many of these places in Seattle, so i can understand that its crowded. Salted caramel is what i tried, its good, but its not another monday flavor in SF. Check this place out if your into high quality ice cream!
(3)Mike W.
S&S is just too damn good!. If you don't want wait in the ridiculous line you can just walk in, grab a pint from the freezer, and they will ring you right up. Whats that? You wanted a waffle cone? They sell those to go too!
(5)Danette R.
I wanted to particularly review the experience and service from Salt & Straw, since the ice cream pretty much speaks for itself (as do the nearly 800 other reviews!). HusBeast and I were finishing up a late dinner in downtown when we realized that Salt & Straw, our next destination, would be closing in 20 minutes! We were a little over a mile away, so we power walked/half jogged to Salt & Straw at about 10:50p, only to discover a huge line wrapped around the building. Crap! New people kept joining the line, so we did too, and figured worst case scenario, they would close and we would go somewhere else. We made it through the line, had some awesome and unique samples, and ordered our ice cream. As we went up to the register to pay, we heard another customer asking another cashier about the closing time, as it was now around 11:30. She said to the customer, "Oh, we do close at 11, but we just stay open until everyone who wants to can get through the line. People are really nice about it." And, as I looked outside, I saw that the line WAS in fact almost done. That exchange alone would be 5 stars in my book, even if the ice cream was so-so (which, hello- it wasn't). It shows me not only the exceptional customer service and the positive mentality from the Salt & Straw staff, but also the community environment of this Portland neighborhood. Ok, alright, fine, and the ice cream and house-made waffle cones were OUT OF THIS WORLD. You happy?
(5)Ka L.
Erm. EVERYONE has got to visit this heavenly ice cream place. After being in dairyland for 7 years (still am), I thought I was done with ice cream. Maybe gelato sometimes. Then I encounter this most creative blend of savory food (and also sweet things, but that's not my pet) and dessert. Uni (sea urchin) ice cream; Olive oil ice cream; Corn + green stuff ice cream. I LOVE IT. Yes, it's a risk, and purists probably will shun away from this place. Out of the 8 flavors I have tried so far, only one I do not like. The special, port ice cream, was too exotic for my tastebuds. But I've found my one favorite! And it's on the regular menu!! The olive oil sundae. BEST blend of sweet and savory. Just a note, get rid of the chocolate flavor and replace it with their best selling olive oil ice cream. ooooohhhhh so good. I love good olive oil, and now I get ice cream to go with it! AND, there's cookie crumbs at the bottom. Yes, I'm satisfied. Sadly, this wonderful place I've only seen in Portland, more than 4 hour flight away from the dairyland. But, I WILL BE BACK. preferably in the summer, so I can have more scoops :p
(5)Chow H.
Nice staffs at the parlor, we had a 6-8 people ahead of us when we got in. The staffs were very patient with our order since we have a large group and kids. Nice treat, good experience and prices are reasonable. However, parking is hard to find except to park at other businesses.
(4)Monica T.
Really great place for homemade ice cream and cones! They have lots of interesting ice cream flavors and everything about this ice cream shop is great! The shop itself was modern, hip, fun, and gave off very positive vibes. And the staff is friendly and helpful when you can't figure out which ice cream flavor to choose. The location is also great. It's located on a busy street full of independent coffee shops, thrift stores, and small eateries. The only downside is the long wait here (even when it's 35 degrees outside)!. The line can get pretty long due to the bottle neck at the front of the line. Groups usually spend a good 5-10 mins deciding what to order and sampling all the different flavors. I ordered the the cinnamon snicker-doodle in a homemade cone. The ice cream was creamy and had delicious chunks of snicker-doodle cookies in it. It was so yummy. My sister had the sea salt ice cream with caramel swirl and loved it! We can't wait to try more flavors the next time we visit Portland!
(5)Nicole S.
It's probably a good thing I don't live very close to Salt & Straw. I haven't had anything here that I wasn't willing to give up my diet for. Sea Salt Caramel..yum. Olive Oil...yum and so unique. Rhubarb crumble...yum, tastes like pie! Coffee w/bourbon...yum. The only flavor I might not endorse with my life savings is the freckled chocolate. It's so hard to choose one or two flavors. Get there early...the line can get ridiculous!
(5)Lanay G.
Whoa whoa whoa! This place! My sister convinced me that we needed to stop in so I could try this place and I have to admit when I saw the menu I'm pretty sure my face wrinkled up a bit. Everything sounded so gross! But they turned out to taste so incredibly amazing. I was able to try as many flavors as I wanted (pretty big tasting portions) and I ended up settling for the stumptown coffee & burnside bourbon. I'll be back next time I'm in town!
(5)Andrea K.
I continue to love the ice cream. It's great that they have different flavors every month. The taste, texture and quality is always outstanding. The line is worth the wait.
(5)Justine W.
Unique selection of ice cream. I had the olive oil flavor. It was good 75% of the way through then all I could taste was oil. Probably all in my mind. I made the mistake of ordering a single vs a kid. Want to know my secret? I'm not a huge fan of ice cream. I'm actually only in it for the sugar cone. Yum. I definitely recommend coming here for some ice cream. Sampling can be endless! (Just don't over sample and ruin it for the rest of us folks.)
(4)Purdy J.
Delicious, creamy ice cream with amazing flavors. Salted caramel, almond brittle, the use of local woodblock chocolate, try them all. Yum. The cones are crispy and fresh. Bright, open seating, and a great place to people watch. Coffee, cold brew, sodas, kombucha, cookies, baked goods, and chocolate also available. So what if itself not even noon. Enjoy an ice cream with your morning coffee, and sit by the window to enjoy the beautiful day, rain or shine!
(5)Lissa K.
This place was so yummy!!! Honey lavender and sea salt with cameral ribbons flavor mix together and bomb.com ! The employee who helped me with my ice cream was super nice. I took a picture of her with the menu in the background. lol.
(5)Thom N.
The long line wrapping around the block should be the first indication of how good this place is. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, offering taste samples to customers, which is extremely helpful when you are trying to decide between any of their awesome flavored. I got the almond brittle and salted ganache on a waffle cone and it was just about perfect.
(4)Raja S.
Great service... they would give as many Their waffle cones are really good. I liked couple of flavors: Almond Brittle w/ Salted Ganache*; Olive Oil one. My wife liked the Chcoloate w/ Gooey Browneys*. The above 2 * flavors are our go-to flavors :) We would visit this place again & again.
(5)Anthony C.
Recommends: Blue Cheese and Pear. YUM! Sweet/Savory combination. Sea Salt Caramel: Great seasalt caramel... very liquidy and smooth but not thin either. Almond Brittle: Pretty good as well. You will find pieces of ganash chocolate... I didn't like it as was some salty chocolate but my girlfriend liked it. Their waffle cone is delicious!
(5)Holly H.
Some quick notes from my visit back in October: Pear and blue cheese = pleasantly surprised with how well they combined the 2 flavors. Surprised they made the blue cheese flavor so subtle but i think it was just right for ice cream. Wished the pear wasn't so large and chunky though, really distracted from the blue cheese flavor Witch's Brew (Halloween flavor) = AMAZING burst of flavor! Salted caramel = better than/on-par with SF's bi-rite Almond brittle = ok Really friendly and nice staff is always seals the deal :)
(4)Suhasini J.
Honestly I don't get the hype. Nothing really bad about the ice cream but nothing great either. And there's always a crazy long line, not worth the wait for me.
(2)Jonathan Y.
Stumptown bourbon coffee ice cream. Worth waiting in that 15 minute line. The only thing that makes me really sad is that it's coming to LA.........right after I leave. :(
(4)Shawn C.
Ok, so yeah...I'm a fan buuut seriously I pitty the fools I see walking around with Salt & Straw in their hands because I KNOW they just waited in a line a mile long for that ice cream!!! WTF its ice cream, yeah I'm judging you!!! I've done it once, it was good, and they have their business down, in and out but the line, it never goes away!!!!! Pro Tip, that line is easier in the summer with a couple drinks on board......
(4)Corin R.
Great location when you want to walk around downtown. And ice cream is amazing they have so many fun crazy flavors. Also very nice employees all around great place to go and get some yummy ice cream.
(5)Ithaca P.
I don't get the hype. Other than the quirky flavors, I don't think the ice cream here is any more special than any other place. Definitely not good enough for me to stand an hour in line for. I did like the endless sampling before you get to the counter, and the portions they let you sample are sizeable, but after trying 6 different flavors that I was told by people in front and behind me in line I had to get, I was not impressed at all! In the end I stuck to what would be deemed a very 'conservative' flavor, but hey at least I didn't hate it. The ice cream wasn't particularly smooth or creamy, and other than the exotic-ness of the flavors I don't really see what this place has going for it. I've had better.
(2)Tammy B.
As far as ice cream goes , Salt and Straw is just okay. It boggles my mind that the lines are so long. I have been three times and waited in line with herd twice. Other then that it's homemade/fresh made I do not see what the fuss is about. There are a several other ice cream places that I think are far better, Ruby Jewel, just to name one, is outstanding...and the lines are short!
(3)Kate N.
Yummy but definitely not worth the wait! Go to Alotto Gelato down the street - tastier, cheaper and faster!!
(2)Shane O.
Awesome how they let you try a bunch of flavors and the staff is super nice Went with a big group and got two flavors in one scoop Id only go two scoops if I was eating for two it fills you up!
(5)Shannon T.
This was our first time coming and the line was still inside so we felt lucky! The ice cream flavors we had: coffee, salted caramel, huckleberry and bourbon, and choc with brownie. They were all awesome, and the waffle cone was light and fresh! We were allowed to try a bunch of flavors before we decided. The staff was friendly and patient! If you have a lighter appetite, order the scoops as a half. The whole scoops are big! Tennis ball size! And because this is artisanal ice cream, it dense and rich. Next time I will order half scoops! Super Yummy! Great job Salt n Staw!
(5)CM R.
Absolutely worth the hype and a must-see if you're visiting. Sea salt caramel, chocolate, and vanilla were all fantastic... even some of the "out there" flavors (guac, olive oil, blue cheese/pear) were delightful. Don't be afraid to ask for samples, service was great and extra friendly despite the chaos of the place. Gonna squeeze in one more trip before leaving town!
(5)William G.
We usually avoid waiting in line like the plague, but decided to try this place out. After about an hour of feeling like a cow, we got our ice cream. Interesting favors, but definitely not worth the wait. Apparently, if you want to order a pint of their ice cream, you can blow past the line right up to the counter, as I saw a woman do this after we were nearly to the counter. That is definitely the way to go!
(3)S K.
Extremely good service. The staff there was very patient in letting us try out different flavours as this was our first time here. They use metal spoons to give out samples instead of plastic spoons which is so much more eco-friendly! Big applause for that!!!
(5)Alan K.
Just do yourself a favor and go here. FOOD QUALITY: Flavors? I tried a majority of them because they gladly gave me a spoonful of every flavor when I told them I couldn't decide. Double fold vanilla Strawberry Balsmic with Black Pepper Coffee and bourbon Salty Caramel ..and more. Everything was spot on. Double fold vanilla had such developed vanilla flavors that had varying degrees of sweetness with that woodfire overtone flavor. Hands down the best vanilla flavored ice cream I ever had. The strawberry balsamic with black pepper presented itself with a strong, natural strawberry flavor with sweet creaminess that followed with a nice tart sourness followed immediately with sweetness and a subtle spice. I don't think I've actually ever had a strawberry ice cream that tasted like I was actually eating strawberries. The ice cream, in texture, is very rich and creamy but retains a lightness in density that doesn't make your stomach feel full. It's a solid, but firm ice cream that can melt sweetly into your mouth. TL;DR - they are able to think about their flavors pretty carefully to provide intricate flavor profiles for those who are looking for something complex, and they are able to provide the pure simple goodness of sweetness but keeping it in check. Magical. SERVICE: I went when they barely opened, so they were beyond friendly in letting me go on a sampling spree. What I appreciated most was that they knew every component of each flavor of their ice cream. Overall. Go. Just go. I want more.. like now.
(5)Dean R.
I wanted not to love it. To be able to say all those people waiting in line are out of their minds. But I went in the middle of the day in the middle of the week and, yeah, it is all that. There was a seasonal flavor (Rhubarb crumble with anus) that was dope. I even tried what I thought was a coconut flavored ice cream with some other crap in it that was very nice. Apparently it was made with coconut milk instead of cow milk and it's friggin' vegan. I really want to hate vegan anything, but, alas, I could not. This is amazing. I might even eat it on purpose.
(5)Cristina B.
Delicious flavors that are packed full of happiness in every bite! Try the David's Brown butter and almond brittle. We had a split cone served in a waffle cone and it was delicious. If you can't decide between flavors, try the taste of flight. 4 kid size scoops served in individual bowls. Find a flavor you like and you can take home a hand packed pint for $9
(5)Emma D.
We love Salt & Straw, and we'll stand in the line if we really want some of the iconic Strawberry Balsamic; the Rhubarb Crumble that was a seasonal was really fantastic. But I thin that sometimes we (in the royal usage) forget that there are other great creameries, and gelateria as well. Alotto Gelato is actually just across the street. Cool Moon, at 10th across from Jamison Square, has an insanely good cinnamon ice cream. And those are just two off the top of my head. So spread a little love around. It might save you a wait too.
(4)Carla E.
Best salted caramel I have ever had. Also had the almond brittle and it was amazing! Need to go back asap!!!
(5)Vivian K.
Having tried a variety of outlandish ice cream flavors from the Bay to LA, Salt & Straw still managed to surprise my taste buds with their crazy but delicious flavors! I sampled the Pear and Brie as well as the Tamarind Chocolate and both were amazing. Unfortunately - my usually adventurish taste buds wanted a break that day and I settled on the Almond Brittle and my friend got the Thai Peanut Butter. I loved my ice cream - just enough sweetness, yet not over powering with great texture from the almond brittle. The Thai Peanut Butter had a surprisingly strong ginger taste so beware if that's not your preferred palette. Let me just say that even in 40/50 degree rainy, windy weather, there was a constant stream of people dropping by on a Monday afternoon. I think that speaks for itself.
(4)Daniella H.
I can't have dairy so I was so excited to find a place that offered some vegan ice cream flavors. The classic coconut ice cream had salted caramel and fudge in it that was to die for! I couldn't even tell there was no dairy in this ice cream. It was delicious!!! My husband also enjoyed his dairy filled chocolate, brownie ice cream in a waffle cone. I wish we had one of these places in Phoenix!
(5)Megan P.
Creamy. Rich. Adventuresome. Delicious. All words to describe the renown ice cream at Salt & Straw. There will be people in line waiting to try this famous ice cream if you go, which you should. But be patient. It's totally worth it. Salt & Straw is not afraid to mix unique ingredients, incorporate local foods, or surprise you with an unexpected bite (Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero). Everything on the menu is intriguing and thankfully, they let you sample to your heart's content! I tried the aforementioned goat cheese ice cream, which lacked the tartness I've had in goat cheese based ice creams before but it certainly had some spice with the habanero! Additionally, I tried the coffee bourbon (with Stumptown, of course), honey balsamic strawberry, and almond brittle with salted ganache before landing on my choice. Vegan coconut milk based ice cream with Petunia's salted caramel bars. It was a tough choice because the almond brittle was incredible too; however, the coconut milk made it extra creamy and the generous chunks of salted caramel throughout were too great to pass up. Salt & Straw lived up to its reputation as it was truly some of the best ice cream I've had in a while. This is a must if you are in Portland!
(5)Sarah M.
The most unique flavor selection I have ever seen. The ice cream flavors we chose were a bit soft - I would have preferred firmer ice cream. The cone was also a bit stale and bland. However, this place is unique enough to to recommend checking out if you want to crazy flavor - like Kimchi and rice ice cream! The line moved quickly, the staff encouraged us to try any flavor we wanted, and the customer service was excellent.
(4)Peter W.
A bit "yuppie" . . . . a little too-much for the touristes !
(2)Damian C.
Hi, have you ever had cheddar apple pie ice cream? If not, you should. You NEED to. Your life will become immensely better in that first single moment you dig your mouth into that dairy concoction of love. Add in some sea salt and caramel ribbon and you have got yourself a dessertporn explosion in your mouth. Go, child. Go to Salt & Straw.
(5)Jeromy G.
Now when you read articles and hear word of mouth about one of the best ice cream joints in the NATION, you tend to pay attention. I was a person just like you, reading an article or a yelp review just like this praising the dairy prowess of Salt and Straw. You may think to yourself that it is too cold for ice cream or that you are lactose intolerant (like me). Do not let that sway you from one of the greatest flavorful ventures of your creamy life! If you do, you don't deserve this. You just don't. Now if you're brave enough to get a cone, yes cone not a cup. If you get a cup you are wasting everyone's time. The waffle cone is freshly made and has the right amount of sweetness and texture to accompany your perfect frozen treat. You should get the salted caramel. Just trust me bro. If you don't like caramel then you are missing out on the golden ticket my friend. The right amount of caramel swirl in your vanilla cream, the texture is so smooth you'd think it was gelato and the flavors taste exactly what you'd imagine but tenfold. I am glad I got to try this marvel and I am angry that it is not in San Francisco. If people who live in Portland can't appreciate Salt and Straw I envy your location because you are closer than I am to one of the top 3 ice cream places I've ever tried and you don't even like it. For shame! Anyway good ice cream, friendly staff who are more than happy to help you pick your flavor and the place has a great hipster vibe with the things they sell in there besides ice cream. Get a waffle cone with your ice cream, just do it.
(5)Karen S.
The ice cream here ROCKED. MY. WORLD. Better than Bi-Rite in SF, Molly Moon's in Seattle, and Lick in Austin. It was worth waiting for even on a cold and rainy night. They speed things up by having a designated person assist you while you're in line to get the samples you want. And you can try as many flavors as you'd like! Our "person" was Bailey, and I promised to give her a shoutout on Yelp. I hope her manager is reading this because she was AWESOME. So very sweet and patient with us as we tried almost every flavor because they all honestly sounded that tantalizing. I used to work at an ice cream shop, and I kiiiiiinda despised the customers who would do this, so this is the worst behavior coming from me. Sorry, Bailey. I love that so many businesses in Portland suppot local schools. They feature student-created flavors here on rotation. I ended up choosing two mainstays on the menu- pear with blue cheese (just give it a chance, it's absolutely DIVINE), and almond brittle with salted ganache (infinite pleasure guaranteed). Maybe should've gone with a single scoop instead of double, but #NORAGRETS. I'm the moron who unapologetically devours two scoops of ice cream, but foregoes the waffle cone to save some calories. I make no sense. If you don't like the ice cream at Salt & Straw, then you probably just hate everything good and precious in life (ie. rainbows and puppies and Jennifer Lawrence).
(5)Kiwe W.
Fun place to go for ice cream. About $3.75 for a single scoop of the craziest flavors you could imagine. Pear and blue cheese, corn and bourbon, and even cranberry walnut stuffing for Thanksgiving. Don't worry, everything is sweet and tasty.
(4)Aishwarya J.
I have to say this place was worth the 15 minute wait in line. I got the Strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper; it tastes like the combination of strawberry and vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberry fruit and really liked the sweet taste! Recommend going here, must try dessert place in Portland!
(4)Sam M.
Salt and Straw is so very Portland! I was down visiting from Seattle and we had to go, since I've heard so many raves about it. It lived up to the hype. The ice cream is amazing. The line was around the block, but it was worth it. I love all the weird, but perfect flavors. My favorites were: Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, and Pear and Blue Cheese.
(5)Kaelee K.
Let's be honest - it's about the novelty of tasting off a silver baby spoon and unique flavors. To be honest I don't think it lives up to the hype, and certainly does not warrant waiting 45 minutes in line (PS - if you get a pint you don't have to wait in line, so there's a tip).
(2)Dana Z.
You must go here if you even kinda like ice cream. The flavors are so interesting and delicious that an ice cream aficionado or a novice must come here. They have their standard flavors like pear and blue cheese, almond brittle with salted ganache, and honey and lavender but then they always have incredible seasonal delights. February is chocolate month so they have flavors like missionary ginger and tamarind chocolate sorbet and Alma's thai peanut butter cup. I'm telling you, you must go! Go when the lines aren't around the block like at 4-5 pm or at sunrise. (Just kidding on that one) The lines get so long becasue the ice cream pushers (I mean employees) are great at getting you hooked, I mean give you tastes of many of the flavors. It is well worth the wait, if you do have to wait. Enjoy!
(5)Sara K.
I really love salt and straw.. Wishing for a basic flavor like a basic strawberry though. My favorite will always be olive oil. It is the best. Always smells like fresh vanilla waffle cones down the street even.. Really nice-- rich..
(4)Hayley K.
40 degree weather? Let's go eat Salt and Straw! It was my first time going here and I'm nothing but satisfied. I can't wait to come here again! (Idk when that will be since I'm from Hawai'i but I can't wait) I ordered the Strawberry Honey Balsamic w/Black Pepper and my fiancé ordered the Sea Salt w/Caramel Ribbons. Both really good choices, but I like the Caramel one better. The great thing about this place is that you can sample all the flavors you want! I got to try the Alma's Thai Peanut Buttercup, which was also pretty interesting. Wish I tried more! This place does get busy so make sure you have time to wait. You won't regret it!
(5)Lainey A.
Salt and Straw is great. Good ice cream, super friendly staff, really efficient process. I've been to Salt and Straw more times than I want to admit!! Definitely worth the experience. That being said, I've found the ice cream at Ruby Jewel and a few other places to be just as good without the wait. Now that I've had the Salt and Straw experience, I'll usually only go if the line is down--the line is usually 30+ minutes (to be clear, this is NOT due to staff issues--they are extremely efficient. It's just a lot of people!). Also, the prices are a little outrageous--I had a medium plain chocolate milkshake a few weeks ago and with a dollar tip it was nine dollars. An excellent milkshake, to be sure, but not worth nine dollars by any means. Definitely worth going to try some weird flavors and experience the wonderful staff, but for a more regular place, try something else.
(4)Ris P.
Living and working so close to this location is great. I even stop by for lunch sometimes. Great staff members, great vibes, great flavor list and seasonal flavor list. I'm always back to try their seasonal flavors and to buy pints to take home. The basis of this review is that their olive oil ice cream is heaven. If heaven had a flavor, I'm pretty sure it would be that. My second favorite is their strawberry and balsamic with black pepper, and my 3rd place would be a seasonal one called Rose City Riot was infused with rosewater, saffron cream, and had pistachios. My favorite sorbet so far was plum sangria.
(5)Victoria C.
I hate to admit it, but I need to get with it, that Portland's Salt and the Straw is just a teeny bit superior to Seattle's sister ice creamery, Molly Moons. Sure, they are similar. Each has the aroma of waffle cones cooking when you walk by, the hipster chalkboard with half a dozen flavors, the organic fair trade locally sourced ice cream ingredients, the lines out the door...but Salt and the Straw just does it better. The flavors are more unique, the execution better, the service nicer. For example, you order Cafe Vita coffee ice cream at Molly Moons and expect huge coffee granules in your ice cream. Too much for my taste. You order the stump town coffee ice cream here and it's silky smooth, not too strong but strong enough to keep you wanting more. Dang it, Portland, you did it better.
(5)Casey K.
This is a must try for anyone visiting Portland. I also really enjoy the new seasonal favors! I would recommend going when the weather is cooler Togo so that the line is shorter. However, when the line gets long, they give out sample further down the line!
(5)Ai M.
Hands down my favorite ice cream shop! I come here every month with friends... As line gets long and it's nice to have people to talk to. Sweet aroma hits your nostrils at 60 mph. Makes you salvate with anticipation every time. In October vampire blood pudding was unique (has *real* blood) and November my favorite was the stuffing. I am back for Spiked Eggnog for December, early is best as some sell out before end of the month. I sample all holiday flavors and get great customer service. It must be hard working at such a popular place, but all the workers are always smiling :)
(5)Kimi W.
Sorry guys but this is all hype. I think Ici icecream in Berkeley and Lottie's in walnut creek are the golden standard for this artisanal ice creams with interesting creative flavors sourcing local ingredients. Nice ideas for flavor combinations such as use of vegetables but some flavors were too muted and didn't really come out. Had a tasting flight of 4. None were spectacular. My husband's peanut brittle ganache one might have been the best of 4. Others were green fennel maple, lemon cucumber, and honey lavender. All were overly sweet. Generous portions but unnecessary for a tasting. The lemon flavor did not come out with the cucumber. The fennel didn't come out either. Try Ici icecream in Berkeley or other places in SF and SF Bay Area if you think this is good.
(3)Elle G.
Those flavors tho! Best bet is to order a flight. I did and it included Coconut w/ Caramel Bars, Arbequina Olive Oil, Seasalt w/ Caramel Ribbons, and vanilla. I thought a flight would be enough to sample a few different flavors, but the servings were huge. The employees were super friendly and didn't mind having to sample out a ton of flavors to every person that walked in. Interesting flavors but it was a nay on Mincemeat Pie and Pear & Blue Cheese for me. It really does taste like the description! Which I didn't find very tasty.
(5)Cassie S.
Someone told me to go here for a 'touristy dessert' instead of VooDoo. Oh thank goodness for that tip! This was amazing ice cream- and they have surprisingly friendly and fast staff!
(5)Sean S.
Some of the best ice cream on the planet. The huge line that snakes around the corner of this cozy ice cream parlor is testament to the quality of their frozen confections. As you approach the entrance you are greeted with the buttery aroma of freshly prepared waffle cones. The way the friendly and attentive staff juggles your questions, samples, and orders is poetry in motion. With monthly flavors like pear and brie, olive oil, and goat cheese Marion Berry habanero ice cream, there is always a reason to come back. DEFINITELY try the Olive Oil ice cream, its simply brilliant. But don't just take it from a slightly out of shape foodie like myself, Oprah thinks its one of the best things to eat as well. QED.
(5)Sara W.
Birthday cake blackberry was delicious! Recommend getting a single-split scoop. Always expect to wait in line at least 20 minutes. It's definitely worth it though.
(5)Donna W.
Sea salt & caramel, almond brittle with salted ganache, coffee & burnside bourbon, cinnamon snicker doodle, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper...all handmade in small batches
(5)Belinda C.
Salt and straw I'm sorry, i think i've been spoiled by the ice cream in San Francisco to have room for you in my heart and tummy. You were ok to me, you weren't special enough. I had the churro ice cream and the pear and blue cheese. The churro ice cream tasted good at first but after a few more bites it got too sweet. I got tired of it and didn't even feel like eating it. The blue cheese and pear was unique but i also found it too sweet. The pear might have been too overpowering for me. I have to admit though, the waffle cone was good. I wished i didn't feel rushed to place my order and didn't feel like the girl behind the counter was too happy with me taste testing for so long.
(3)Sherri O.
This is our family FAVORITE ice cream ever....totally worth the wait and flavors are amazing!!
(5)Trinity N.
I love ice cream and couldn't wait to try this place ! We came on a Tuesday night so it was not crowded at all which is a plus because we could try a lot of the flavors without rushing . I tried the almond brittle , coffee , snicker doodle , pear and blue cheese and xocolate - which is a Valentine's Day special flavor they're having for the month of February. All of the ice cream had nice flavor - but opted for the almond brittle and xocolate with a waffle cone . The waffle cone was delicious but nothing overly special . Overall I am completely satisfied with my visit . I still think the snicker doodle ice cream at Bi-rite is the best, but this comes in close second. I will definitely be back when I am in the area !
(5)Magen M.
As a Portland native, I have visited Salt & Straw on countless occasions. I can't tell you how many times someone has come up to me and asked if it was worth the wait. I can tell you with great confidence... IT IS! I have waited as long as 45 minutes BUT the second you enter the store, the smell of fresh vanilla waffle cones enchants you and immediately the hefty wait is forgotten. You can sample as many flavors as you'd like and I always take full advantage of this privilege. I love to try the new, creative flavors offered every month, although some are a little too adventurous for my taste! If the flavors of the month don't interest you, there are consistent flavors offered to satisfy any palette - chocolately, fruity, floral. I usually go with the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Oogey Gooey Brownie & have yet to be disappointed. The ice cream is so rich and creamy and the ingredients are very high quality. Elsewhere, I NEVER get my ice cream in a cone, they're just not my favorite. However, I cannot resist getting one at Salt & Straw. Overall, the wait doesn't bother me. The price doesn't bother me either because you get the quality that you pay for. The only real complaint I have is the lack of seating. Not just in the physical store but anywhere on 23rd! Better hope you're a fast eater! But with ice cream this good, it's not hard!
(5)seth f.
This review is a few weeks late, but have wanted to stop and finally check this place out. What a great ice cream shop, went with my 3yr old and you know the ice cream is good wjen you have to fight with your daughter just to get a lick in. She ate almost both mine and hers, will definately be back.
(5)Jennifer C.
Yum!!!! A line here during any type of weather. It was raining that day and there was still a fat line. I love how they ask you what you want to sample in line as you wait. It gives you the time to decide what flavor you want. They have tons of special flavors and random ingredients you wouldn't expect to go together. Very unique. All very amazing, sweet and hits your dessert spot. Some were a little too much for me, but hey, everyone has different tastes. The salted caramel was good, kind of the staple thing. The almond brittle one was interesting, sweet and crunchy. I really liked the strawberry honey one and some of the more subtle tasting ice creams. Everyone should try this place at least once (or once every time you visit Portland) because it sure does it the spot. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and workers as well. They were generous with helping you sample flavors so you can pick the one you liked best. Salt, yes. Straw, maybe? They also have floats. This place will float your boat. My mind just went everywhere.
(5)Leeza C.
I am not a huge ice cream fan but i feel the need to write this review because we were absolutley blown away by their vegan coconut with Petunia's salted caramel bars flavor. Neither of us are vegan but decided to give it a shot because made with coconut milk and caramel is always good. My oh my...AMAZING!!!! so for all you vegans out there finduign it hard to find a good dessert...march right over to Salt & Straw and give it a try. You won't regret it.
(4)Lauren B.
Hands down the best ice cream I have ever had. I tried the salted caramel ice cream in a home made waffle cone and absolutely loved it! However, be prepared for long lines, especially on the weekends. Totally worth the wait though and the line usually moves fast. They also let you sample many different ice creams before you make your final decision! Try it out!!
(5)Megan M.
Terrific ice cream, always super creative flavors, but the lines are indeed long. The servers are always happy to let you sample things, which is nice, and they do try to make things as efficient as possible to keep the line moving. Midday is often lighter than evening in terms of lines, and definitely slower in the fall and winter.
(5)Isaac C.
This place is great, the ice cream was delicious. Being a great place to get ice cream there is a long line (5-10) minute wait but it's worth it they give you samples while you wait! Plus the music was turnt
(4)Andrew N.
You may have heard of the pound for pound champ in the boxing ring, but when it comes to ice cream, Salt & Straw certainly reigns as the flavor for flavor champion. I've had some pretty damn good ice cream in my time..Bi-Rite Creamery in SF, Fosselmann's in LA, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in NYC (get the black sesame), but I'd have to say Salt & Straw is the winner when it comes to making each and every flavor amazing. First and foremost, the sea salt caramel is out of this world. Among the standard flavors, the coffee/bourbon, honey lavender, and pear blue cheese also stood out to me. The cool flavors were the seasonal ones for the month of May. There was a mint/sea urchin meringue which was unique and refreshing with subtle hints of uni. The black currant sorbet tasted of fresh berry and the dandelion/spring flowers concoction was fantastic too. Definitely a spot to hit up when exploring Portland. The line moves pretty quickly. The flight is a good idea if you want to try a lot of flavors/hoard from your friends.
(5)Sylvia C.
Sea Urchin and mint in ice cream?! Yup, it worked. The sea urchin comes in the finish, which is an essence of salty and ocean-y. Umami. Stumptown coffee and Burnside bourbon-deeeeeeelicous!
(5)Oulie T.
Salt and Straw Ice cream were featured at Coachella offering a selection of about 6 of their signature flavors. We had a two scoop order of the Stumptown coffee and strawberry balsamic with a cone. The coffee flavor was pretty intense, but the ice cream was smooth and creamy, with no ice chips! Really great artisanal ice cream. The strawberry balsamic was subtle in the balsamic aspect and perfectly strawberried. We would have sampled the other flavors over the weekend but we found the Fruttare free ice cream tent and that satiated our desire for ice cream for the rest of the weekend, otherwise Salt and Straw ice cream could've easily become a daily habit for us.
(4)Johanna L.
This ice cream never lets me down. I only go at times when there isn't a 100-plus line. Every single one of the recent Thanksgiving flavors were incredible - rosemary stuffing? Sign me up!! A month or so prior to that I got the vegan coconut salted caramel and their classic salted caramel. All top-rate, top-notch, creamy, mmmm. That said, some of their more interesting flavors can be a let down, but it really just depends on your palette. I loved the loaded baked potato flavor they had a few months ago, wasn't so crazy about the Bunk Hawaiian collaboration. You can try as many as you like before you scoop, so there's really nothing to lose. Love this ice cream.
(5)Jen S.
The type of avante garde flavors remind me of Bi-Rite Creamery - Honey Lavender, Honey Strawberry Balsalmic with Black Pepper, Pear and Blue Cheese with some familiar flavors like Double Chocolate Brownie and Double Fold Vanilla. I opted to get the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, hoping that my daughter might like it. She did not. Ah well, more for me! The flavor was a nice balance of salty and sweet. The people behind the counter were very friendly. For October, they are offering Halloween flavors - Candy Corn, Chocolate Graveyard, Dracula's Blood Pudding, Essence of Ghost etc. Now those are some inventive Halloween flavors. This is a great spot to satisfy a sweet or savory? tooth after your meal.
(5)Mark B.
Good icecream but i wasn't blown away, they have lines in good weather though so what do I know? I would rather go down the street to Moonstruck for a shake...now those blow me away!
(4)Salwa M.
Great ice cream for a great price! Salt & Straw may have some random flavours, but do not hesitate or get weirded out because they are simply delicious! I tried the lavender flavour as well as the coffee and bourbon, and they both tasted great! Although I am not a fan of ice cream in general, if I was to ever have random cravings for it, Salt & Straw would be the place I would go to!
(4)Taralee L.
Yummy and delicious and worth every penny. I got the snicker doodle caramel something icecream in a waffle cone and it was WORTH every calorie. Highly recommend. The service was amazing as well! Go! Now! Enjoy!!!!!
(5)Tiara H.
What can I say.. Best ice cream ever! Tried their almond brittle with chocolate ganache ice cream and I am speechless. It was creamy, sweet and plenty of brittle and ganache. We got in right before the rush and didn't have to deal with the long line. We heard about their cherry blossom ice cream and wanted to try it, but they were out...
(5)C B.
Arbequina Olive Oil. This ice cream makes up for the strong stench of urine, the trashy downtown, the people who sleep on the streets, the claustrophobic traffic, and the overhyped voodoo donuts.
(5)Barry P.
Some of the best ice cream i have ever had in my entire life! It's well worth the 45 min wait! The location is great because you can eat a cone while shopping along Nw 23rd. It is good for all ages. We will be coming back all summer long!
(4)Dana M.
Definitely delicious because of the fresh ingredients, you can literally taste each detail in the ice cream. But the ice cream itself is just like any other ice cream. I think this place is popular because of the creativity of their flavors, but honestly some of them are doing too much. Like who wants olive oil ice cream? Some flavors were just too random and too weird. Don't come here expecting to find any basic or classic flavors. Every flavor is on fleek, and sometimes it's a hit but the majority are like uhhh no. But a unique experience nonetheless.
(4)Alex Y.
There's a reason the lines are long, it's absolutely delicious! Unique flavor combinations and great service. Once you make it closer to the front of the line they basically give you unlimited free samples of whatever flavors you want to help you decide. They also have street food flavors available right now. I tried the Koi Fusion Kim chi and rice flavor ice cream and it was super weird. Ice cream, but spicy, not sweet. My usual favorites are the strawberry honey balsamic with cracked pepper and then the sea salt with caramel ribbons! I always try to stop by when I'm in 23rd area!
(5)Amy S.
Even on a rainy day, I had to try this ice cream!! A lot of my friends had recommended this place, and because everyone had such good things to say, I was afraid I was going to be disappointed. I WAS NOT! Things to know: - There are seasonal flavors in addition to the amazing other flavors they typically have. During thanksgiving/fall, they have turkey flavor and other such weird, but probably delicious flavors. - Lines get long!!! I came in the middle of the day and there was still a little line. I can only imagine what it's like during rush hours/weekends... - YOU CAN TRY AS MANY FLAVORS AS YOU WANT!!! The workers are SOOOO NICE! I probably tasted around 10 flavors and she didn't even get mad. My Favorites: - Donut Flavor: HOLY CRAP THIS WAS GOOD! It had bits and pieces of donuts swirled in with berries. It was DELICIOUS - Honey Lavender: SO GOOD! I may be biased because I love lavender, but I have to say this may be my favorite lavender ice cream that I've tried. The lavender flavor is not too subtle and mixed with the honey...AMAZING - Woodblock Chocolate: it's now a sorbet so it's not made with dairy. It's a little salty which is my favorite flavor combo! Really good - Snickerdoodle: the locals that I came with all grabbed a pint of this. I tried a bit of it and it was delicious. There are HUGE pieces of snickerdoodle cookies in it and somehow it's still soft!!! It's magic - Stumptown coffee and bourbon: Another delicious flavor for those who love coffee, especially stumptown coffee Seriously, everything here is amazing! It's definitely worth the trip. Another plus, the area is super cute!!
(5)Rob S.
Salt & Straw: it's a Portland staple. Whether it's midweek or weekend, there's typically a line, but it is always worth the wait. Explore the menu a bit, sample an atypical flavor and make your decision from there. You can't go wrong with two scoops in a waffle cone.
(5)Yvonne B.
An ice cream shop with unique flavors offered every day and seasonal ones. They give you generous sized samples to try before making your decision.
(4)Roger M.
Sweet sensational "SHOCK & AWE, heavy cream and sugar when you crave a sweet treat! Unique, creative ice cream flavors and seasonal ingredients along with chocolate, coffee, sea salt and so on, on a waffle cone is best--lick it!
(4)Magdalena K.
These are just INCREDIBLE. Probably one of the best ice cream shops in this country. Once you finally get by register, one of their sample people will come by and welcome you warmly and offer as many flavors to try as you wish. The guy that helped me was just fabulous: his knowledge about the flavors, attitude and honest opinion (he advised I can get half sizes as what I wanted to get may be too big of an order). My picks were honey lavender, almond brittle and strawberry balsamic. I will have many dreams about them now, especially honey lavender... Can't wait to be back in PDX and go there again. Mac usually doesn't want to participate in this madness, and while I patiently wait in line, mesmerized, he talks about commercialism, and blindness of the people who just stand there like sheep, but I will be fine waiting 30+ minutes for my turn next time. No problem!
(5)Connie C.
so glad we came here on a cold day = no line! =) We had the 4 flavor sampler and thought it was delicious. We had the salted caramel, strawberry balsamic vinegar, honey lavender, and stump town coffee. It was nice how you could have as many samples as you want, and when we ordered our platter, they put it from savory to sweet. My favorite was the honey lavender and coffee, and my husband loved the strawberry. We both left very happy and thought it was a great experience. We'll be back.
(5)Clayton V.
Ice cream. It's sugary, cold, tasty. A child hood treat, and adult indulgence. Really though, When you're eating Ice Cream, special scores bonus points. Salt & Straw is magical. Some wizard threw a fireball of flavor into here, the resulting explosion was divine. Focusing on Seasonal flavours, Salt & Straw dreams up things like Dandelion Sorbet. A divine, light, refreshing and floral combination, that caused me to keep stealing spoons of my friends. I opted for a Coffee and Local Bourbon combo. Rich and hearty. Some other interesting flavours: "Strawberry, Balsamic Vinegar, & Black Pepper", "Black Currant", and so much more. One of the nice things is they'll let you sample anything and everything. Mix and match and have a blast. The line's pretty hefty, but its not too long, and totally worth the wait. Be sure to bring a friend or two, so you can sample some of theirs!
(5)Amy L.
I'm not really sure what the hype is about....? Maybe I'm just jealous because they only had two vegan options, one of which was "Thai peanut brittle chili." Hard pass, and the east side location is incredibly less hectic. Amazing service, though, I will say that. These people are always smiling, and I'd like to personally give them each $50 for keeping a smile on with 600+ customers an hour.
(2)Jen B.
3.5* The smell of freshly made cones is intoxicating when one walks inside S&S! I liked the use of local ingredients and the variety on the menu of fun flavors. They allowed me to taste many of their choices with washable metal spoons (love that!) I really loved their almond brittle and salted ganache flavor, but the peppermint cocoa, coconut, and pecan pie were not as good. Overall a very good ice cream experience.
(3)Lucia F.
Love the vanilla ice cream with caramel and sea salt. Never knew about this place until a couple of friends from San Francisco told us about how good and rare the combinations are here. Love it :) The only bad thing is the line. We were lucky enough to arrive when the line was not so long.
(5)Sarah P.
I need more of this icecream in my life! I have never had a wait going to salt and straw. Maybe I always "beat the crowd". The icecream is so good and creamy and not to mention the flavors are
(5)Jason S.
Great little ice cream place. Cool energy and marketed well. Make sure to ask what's in the specialty ones as I found out there is real bugs blood in the witches brew one. Ick. LOL
(5)Jana C.
$9.50 for a fun dinner (as in we cancelled Wildwood rezzies and headed west 2 blocks). Of flavors like Arbequina olive oil Mint and uni meringue Corn waffle & caramel Thai chili brittle with coconut milk Order a split scoop to try two flavors for one regular serving. Fresh made waffle cones are $1 more. Only wish their ice cream was a wee bit creamier...little on the thin side tonight. Beat the lines! PS oh my... in retrospect, addidng an addendum. Just learned Wildwood is closing, after a 20 year run. Never assumed they would close. Really should have gone there for dinner... S&S is doing *just fine*; they'll stick around a long time.
(4)Kirby B.
Pretty tasty ice cream but on the pricier side. Also the service has been subpar every time I've been. The first few times it was busy and I cut them some slack, but when I went in yesterday the lady helping us acted like she would rather have been anywhere in the world rather than there. If you are deciding between going here or ruby jewel I definitely recommend ruby jewel. More affordable, better service and overall better ice cream in my opinion.
(3)Amadeo M.
If you have any respect for yourself, you'll come here at least once. The service here is by far the best I've ever had. They come and to while your in line and give you any sample you'd want and are super friendly. I ordered the Warm Berries and Dumblings Sundae, oh was it heavenly. It came in a jar and had to be served on a plate because of how hot the jar was- Awesome!
(5)Anthony N.
***I thought the ice cream at Salt & Straw was kept a little too cold; it was not icy, but it was quite hard; still, the ice cream was very creamy and they had some interesting and good flavors; great look to this ice cream parlor too, which seemed to fit with the Portland area (and this nice shopping area)*** Los Angeles has quite a few artisan ice cream shops like Carmela and Sweet Rose Creamery and I try to check out these types of artisan shops when traveling. Portland has one called Salt & Straw (with several locations throughout the city). Like other artisan ice cream parlors, Salt & Straw utilizes high quality, fresh ingredients and showcases unique and sometimes savory flavors. They also sport a very contemporary and well thought out decor. This Salt & Straw features several flavors and even offer some really interesting sounding flavors like the loaded baked potato, which they made in collaboration with Ink chef Michael Voltaggio. I sampled their Thai ice tea ice cream, which was good and unique. Their most popular flavor might be their sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbon. It was okay and had a good sweet flavor, but it lacked the pronounced salty flavor that I expected and it really tasted only like a throwback caramel ribbon flavor and not like the good and more contemporary salted caramel flavors at Bi-Rite Creamery (San Francisco), Sweet Rose Creamery and Carmela. Their lotus seed matcha was much better. It delivered that cool and refreshing green tea flavor and it was very dense and creamy without being too overloaded with fat, which can happen at Carmela where it can occasionally feel like your palate is coated in butterfat. While Salt & Straw's ice cream obviously features very high quality dairy and has a great smooth and dense consistency, it was a little hard. It was not icy, but they need to decrease the hardness and coldness of some of their ice cream flavors. Service was good and quick. Prices were about what you would expect to pay at a gourmet ice cream shop. Salt & Straw is a good option for ice cream in Portland. Their flavors are unique and some truly deliver on what they promise. I personally prefer the consistency of ice cream at places like Three Twins (Napa), Bi-Rite Creamery, Sweet Rose Creamery, and Jeni's (Ohio), but the variety of good flavors here make this a satisfying spot for a frozen treat. This Salt & Straw is located in a busy shopping area. You can find free street parking in the nearby residential area, but you might be in for a long walk.
(4)Matthew F.
I love Salt & Straw! Don't listen to the haters; this place is NOT the VooDoo Donuts of ice cream. This is genuinely high-quality, delicious food--all hype aside. The prices are a bit steep for ice cream but you're getting something unique and delicious that you cannot get anywhere else and the portion sizes are generous. Yes, you will wait in a line--even at 10:30 on a Tuesday night. But it's worth it. I promise.
(5)Lisa M.
Stumptown coffee & Burnside Bourbon. Seriously. I have never seen a more perfect marriage! The lines can be a bit daunting, but the staff always still seems happy to see you and never rushes you through samples, which I totally appreciate. Gotta love the local support for this neighborhood ice cream shop full of awesome! Prices are in line with other ice cream shops too, so no gauging based on popularity- another plus!
(4)Jessica H.
3 times in 24 hours?! Enough said. I'm stumbled across Salt & Straw when searching for attractions in Portland. I'm not a huge ice cream fan, but the flavors seemed interesting. My concoctions: One my first visit, I got a double scoop of Sea Salt with Caramel and Salted Caramel Cupcake. Oh my goodness.. both were divine. The cake in the Salted Caramel Cupcake ice cream was moist which usually isn't the case in the ice cream with cake pieces. The Sea Salt ice cream was perfection. Perfectly sweet, salty, smoothy, creamy.. everything you'd want in ice cream. During my next visit, I got a split scoop with Sea Salt and Almond Brittle Salted Ganache. Another winner. On my last trip, I got a combo of the three above. Hard to choose a favorite, but I would go with the Almond Brittle Salted Ganache. It's really hard to do it justice with words, so I'll just suggest that you sample it. I did sample to Olive Oil and Strawberry Balsamic. The Olive Oil was just okay.. I can't imagine eating a full scoop. The Strawberry Balsamic tasted like salad. Pretty gross! Waiting: The 23rd street location opens early. I went at 11:00am on Sunday and had no wait. I went again on Sunday around 5:00pm, and again there was no wait probably due to the rain. I had driven past it around 2:00pm on Saturday, and the line was around the corner. The Alberta location had around a 30 minute wait at 7:00pm on Saturday night. It moves pretty quickly considering the fact that everyone is sampling. Don't get discouraged by the line if there is one. It's absolutely worth it. Hands down - best ice cream ever. Better than Ben and Jerry's, Blue Bell or anything else you rank superior. If you're in Portland, go, wait and enjoy!
(5)Touchpoint F.
Great ice cream flavors - very unique and fresh. I got the hazelnut berries sundae. The strawberry ice cream was like none I've ever had before. Slightly tart with fresh strawberry jam swirled throughout. The vanilla was smooth and not overly sweet. Lots of great flavor combinations for the adventurous. Long line but goes fast and they are generous with the samples so try away.
(4)Thu N.
I've waiting in line for BBQ at both Franklin and La Barbecue, and I think this line was longer. WITH THAT SAID, the line actually went by pretty quickly. It helps if you've got good company. It's not unusual that the line snakes around the block, so keep that in mind! They play great music, so I think that's a plus! Seasonal, local, delicious flavors. This season (from what I remember/got): Birthday Cake + Blackberry Summer Cucumber + Raspberry sorbet Both delicious. The staff is friendly and super helpful. They'll let you taste all you want until you make your final decision. You can smell the waffle cones before you even see the store. I think that's how you know it's a good place. I understand it now, while I still have allegiance to my local Lick Ice Cream in ATX, I also love you Salt & Straw!
(4)Jessica A.
What can I say about Salt & Straw. It's amazing! And they just opened their Los Angeles location. It's a must try location for tourists. The Alphabet District is a cute, walkable area filled with boutique shops and good food. Salt & Straw is a perfect fit in the area. Rain or shine, it's generally crowded so be prepared to wait. But no matter how crowded it gets the staff is so friendly! They let you try numerous flavors and provide recommendations. It's awesome that no matter how crowded they get they don't try and rush you out. There's something for everyone- my favorite is the Lavender ice cream flavor. Delicious!
(5)Lindsey M.
I feel like I must review this place but it probably won't be as hyped as others. To be honest, it feels like a tourist spot. For example, the only reason I was here was because a friend had never been and I admit, you've gotta try it at least once. The flavors are crazy combinations that you would never think of and sometimes they totally work and other times they flop. The staff are friendly and never bat an eye no matter how many tastes you want. The lines though-oh the lines! I seriously drove past it because I was looking for the normal mile long line coming out of the place. The only reason there wasn't one was probably because only crazies like me get ice cream in November at night. My favorite is the coffee bourbon or the cinnamon snicker doodle.
(3)Wai V.
Salt & Straw was a great experience while we were visiting Portland. Even though the place was super busy and the line up for ice cream was around the corner and down the street, the girls that worked there were super friendly, walked down the line, took our orders before you get to the till and would let us try flavors while we were trying to decide what flavor to choose. It was a nice lil touch, and made the experience more pleasant and less boring. They had a great list of flavors that were, all so amazing, unique ones that you could drool over if you like try sty something different and some traditional ones for people that like playing it safe. I was intrigued by all the names and wanted to try everything..it was really hard to decide. If we visit Portland again and I would definitely go back to the Salt & Straw to try their other flavors.
(5)Shane W.
I've tried to come here so many times but the line is always wrapped around the building. Now I get it Strawberry balsamic black pepper. OMG. Honey lavender. Perfect. Salt and straw can do no wrong.
(5)Alex C.
Have been to salt and straw a handful of times now and it is hands down the best ice cream. With that said, all you need to know is to order the 'almond brittle salted ganache' in a fresh made waffle cone . Best ice cream ever! Do recommend that you be willing to wait in a line that can be between 30-45minutes. Do not fret about the wait though, it is well worth it. The workers are friendly and allow you to try any flavor you want before making your selection. Some interesting flavors to try would be the pear and bleu cheese, strawberry balsamic, and the olive oil. All were good and different. Unexpectedly better than anticipated. If you like to try different things, this would be a place to go. If you just like delicious ice cream, again this is the place to go.
(5)Anne B.
Sure, sometimes the line wraps around the building and even down the block...but it's so worth the wait!!! Olive Oil Sorbet is crazy delicious! Ample samples! Great place for locals and out of towners alike!!!
(5)Joe L.
Snicker doodle ice cream! The wait is totally worth it! They let you taste everything so bring your sweet tooth appetite.
(5)FoodieVal F.
I was really excited to try this place based on all the great reviews. The staff was great but the ice cream itself wasn't the best I've had or even compareable. Probably won't come back.
(2)Shanel S.
The smell of waffle cones just lures you into what is about to be the best ice cream you will ever have. Yes, there's a long line, but you would be crazy not to wait in it. You'll find tourist and locals waiting for a cup or cone of one of the many amazing flavors. That's when you know you've hit the ice cream jackpot. The flavors list isn't too long, but everything sounds like such a great combination that it becomes overwhelming. Luckily the staff is so incredible, they allow you to try any and as many flavors as you would like. We had Sophie help us and she was so great! She even suggested a place to dine afterwards (because we had dessert for dinner) and even a great second dessert spot (it's like she knew me). After trying everything, I decided to do three flavors in one of their incredibly fresh waffle cones. HONEY LAVENDAR, STUMPTOWN COFFEE, and ALMOND BRITTLE WITH SALTED GANACHE. What a beautiful combination. The Honey Lavendar is the best I have ever had. I normally eat Lavendar Macaroons and they put the flavor on another level in this ice cream. The Stumptown Coffee is so rich as if you're drinking a cup of coffee. I could not be happier, and lastly, their Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache which seems like a more popular choice, has the right amount of chunks of everything. I ate it in complete bliss. I even finished Lisa H's Snickerdoodle ice cream and it had CHUNKS of cookie. She added caramel sauce to it and I have never had caramel sauce like theirs before. Everything I tasted is the best I have ever had. I don't know how I am ever going to be able to eat any other type of ice cream again. You were right about this one, Oprah.
(5)Michael J.
Im not alone in this but I love this place especially the variety and seasonal flavors.
(5)Vi H.
I think my family is addicted to ice cream! We sampled a few before we went with the following: Lavender- I loved it; family said it tasted like soap! Sea Salt Caramel: delicious! Kind of like a super sweet Caramel Macchiato Strawberry Honey Balsamic: straight forward and tasty Park in the neighborhood or find street parking! There is also some seating inside and out.
(4)Amir A.
I don't particularly have a great sweet tooth but was pleased with the layout, location, and service at this establishment. I thought the flavors were very creatives however some of them just didn't taste or work as well as I thought they would - the pear was great but the bleu cheese I didn't particularly enjoy and the olive oil tasted....far too olive oily? The strawberry balsamic, coffee & burbon, were great. I advise you to find something you enjoy normally and pick an ice cream accordingly, the flavor is still spot on and not artificially flavored to mask it. Opt for a flight of flavors if you aren't settled on just having one!
(4)Katherine V.
Salt & Straw makes the best ice cream in Oregon. Yeah, sure, that's an opinion, but it's a lot of people's opinion and poll-the-audience says the majority is often correct. Firstly, Salt & Straw provides us with the elusive Sea Salt and Caramel Ribbons. It's perfect and all I ever order. Secondly, and importantly since I always order the same one, it's completely acceptable to ask to try a multitude of flavors. This makes me happy because I can try their entire seasonal menu and at the end of the day still end up with my favorite cone full of salty goodness. You can literally have your ice cream and eat it too. Oh, and then there's the super friendly but not over-the-top employees. What more could you ask for?
(5)Jack O.
Call me old fashioned, but if I'm waiting FORTY-FIVE minutes on a Friday night to get a sundae...it better come with an old fashioned, if you know what I mean. Let me just say flatly that this place is overrated. How could it not be? The ridiculous line that forms to get in here is almost a marketing ploy at this point. Wait, no, it literally might be since I guess you can skip the expected line if you buy a pint now? Do they have great ice cream here? Yes. Is it so out-of-this-world-amazing that it's worth swimming through hipsters and tourists as they instagram themselves while talking about how ah-mazing this ice cream is going to be days from now when they reach the front of the line? No. It might be four and a half star experience if you come off-peak hours, but as it is, this place really suffers from Portlandia syndrome - the malignant kind.
(4)Sandee T.
Needs no other intro than: * Stumptown coffee & Burnside bourbon as a flavor?! * Mint & sea urchin meringue....and honey lavendar?! Yes. Yes. Yes. Cute shop in Pearl district. Friendly servers.
(5)Kristen K.
Totally unique flavors and high quality ice cream.....I guess I can see why Salt & Straw is all the rage in Portland. I heard that the lines for this place are sometimes insane, and go out the door, alongside the building, and along the block. Would I stand in line that long for ice cream? Usually, no. But after trying Salt & Straw's Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise.....maybe I would. That was one of their seasonal flavors, this months theme is currently "May Flowers". It was rediculous. Creamy and decadent....not too overwhelmingly sweet (just enough rhubarb laced throughout) with crunchy crumble pieces. I also tried samples of the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Honey Lavender, and with Wildflower Honey & Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies (also seasonal). We were all intrigued by the Dandelion Sorbet with Spring Flowers but they were already out of that for the evening. The staff is super friendly and they let you all sample as many flavors as you all want! A definate dessert stop if you are in Portland!
(5)Shaun S.
Definitely worth the trip if you are staying in the downtown area. My wife and I had a 24 hour metro pass and took the NS streetcar to it. We were lucky to come in when there wasn't a line. The server was very friendly to us and let us sample as many flavors as we wanted. They have so many interesting flavors it makes you want to try them all. My wife and I both really enjoyed our ice cream. It was very smooth and had some really great flavors. If you take the streetcar be sure to hop on the NS and not the CL. The conductor warned us on the last downtown stop before it headed across the river.
(5)Cynthia H.
I am not an adventurous eater so I stuck to the tried and true Salted Caramel which was delicious! My daughter had the Honey Lavender which we all tasted and enjoyed a lot! Some of the flavors were too over the top like the Tahini and Cardamom. The line moved very fast and the process when you get in the building for getting a taste test and for your ultimate order is top notch!
(4)Tiffany T.
This place was top rated on Yelp for Portland's ice cream so I had to try it out during my trip. Salt & Straw reminded me of SF's Bi-Rite Creamery so I had high hopes. There was quite a wait (as the line wrapped around the corner), but it moved efficiently. The service was very friendly and I give props to the workers who have a positive attitude when people ask for samples on just about everything on the menu! I sampled 'Grandma Malek's almond brittle with salted chocolate ganache.' The salted ganache is a strong and acquired taste. It was good but I don't think I could eat a whole scoop of it! I ended up going with a scoop of salted caramel (which was still a little too salty for me - I should've sampled it, but I didn't want to be one of those people who ask to sample a million flavors) and a scoop of bourbon coffee ice cream. The next time I'm in Portland, I will probably try something else. But I will still give this place another try!
(3)Elizabeth R.
Eh, I don't see what all the fuss is. Texturally, the ice cream was a little soft and melty for my tastes and the flavors weren't strong enough. The olive oil was surprisingly pleasant and (as someone who abhors a salty dessert) not ickily salty like so many salted caramel etc. flavors out there. Inventive flavors, yes, but too mild for this gelato-loving lady (for the uninitiated, gelato has delightfully strong flavor, something to do with lower fat content). More robust, assertive, tasty flavor experiences to be had at 50 Licks, so in the future that's where I'll be. As a side note, there's very limited slightly awkward seating and no tables, which is a bummer on a day when you don't want to take your already melting ice cream out to collapse in the heat.
(2)Erich D.
Who cares if it's cold and rainy, you need to get the ice cream here--that's what we did. I discovered one of my favorite ice cream flavors of all time: pear with blue cheese! Sounds a little funky but the blue cheese crumbles within the ice cream are very small and fairly mild; the pear bits, however, are very flavorful. Other delicious flavors we had were the coffee and bourbon, chocolate with gooey brownies, and olive oil. I would definitely scream for some of Salt & Straw's ice cream!
(5)Avalon L.
I first tried the Pear And Blue Cheese, it was absolutely brilliant. More recently, I tried the Dracula's Blood Pudding, excited to see that someone else shared my opinion that pig's blood is distressingly underused in desserts, and was not disappointed. It was perfectly balanced, and more delicious than blood-based ice cream has any right to be. Kudos.
(5)Justin G.
The Sea salt and Carmel ribbon is the best ice cream I have ever had! Great little shop that serves local organic hand made ice cream. 4 of the 5 times I have been there has been a bit of a wait but trust me, it's worth it.
(5)Latifa S.
You had me at ice cream tasting! Yummmmmmmmm. Salt & Straw was all the rage in 2012. And from the looks of it, it still is. Why wouldn't it be? It is organic! It's handmade! It's made using only natural products and the best part of all- its farm to table! In this case: farm to cone. No mass production of ice cream batches going on in this shop. Why wouldn't you love it??! You couldn't get in without waiting in massive lines in this location. Well it is 23rd! It's always going to be popular and pack with hipsters. My first visit, I waited patiently for about 35 minutes even though I wasn't planning to eat. My friends went ahead and got the tasting and well, I just had to. Some of my favorites- Salted Caramel! Yummmmmm Spicy Monkey Bana walnut Honey Balsamic Strawberry - love this one! Coffee and Bourbon! And last but not least-my absolute favorite- Olive oil ice cream!! It was probably the best I've ever had. It was so clean, tasty and perfect. Too bad, I cant find it on their menu anymore. If they were to bring one flavor back, this would be it. I'll buy enough to stock them up for days. Who knows when the zombie apocalypse is going to hit. But when it does, I'd much rather be eating some tasty olive oil ice cream instead of some icky emergency can meals. Enough said. And if you are short on time, try the one in Alberta street. I have yet to wait in line at that location for my sea salt and caramel fix.
(5)Kayla N.
Best ice cream I have ever had! Lavender honey!!!! I can't get enough. I had a local tell me to try it out and I am addicted. Amazing taste. Also they are fairly priced.
(5)Alysun L.
This is the best ice cream I've ever had. I've recently become lactose intolerant and thought I had to give up ice cream forever, but Salt & Straw saved the day! This is not a normal ice cream shop. They have their consistent flavors and they have their seasonal flavors, which change depending on what kind of food is in season and they get all their ingredients locally. The coconut caramel is their consistent vegan ice cream and if someone didn't tell you, you'd never know. It's a lot of my dairy-eating friends favorites, anyway. But my all time favorite was last season's plum sangria sorbet.
(5)Erika M.
Amazing ice cream. Sure, it's a little on the pricey side. $8 & change for two one-scoop ice cream cones...eeesh! Granted, they were in a waffle cone. But still. What you're really paying for is the deliciousness you get. I had the snicker doodle & the husband had a salted caramel something or other and we were in heaven! WE didn't even care how cold it was outside! Try as many as you can! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Shu L.
Delicious ice cream! I did the ice cream tasting flight. Got 4 different flavors and the sea salt caramel was AWESOME! The almond brittle with salted ganache was good too. They had uni (sea urchin) flavored ice cream but they sold out of it. Yep, I was disappointed about that but the other ice cream flavors were great! By the way, this location plays interesting music for an ice cream shop. I felt like I was at a club... eating ice cream... LOL
(5)Karissa S.
The best ice cream I've ever had!!!! And I'm an expert when it comes to sweets, especially ice cream! It's better than Bi-Rite ice cream from SF, and I am in love with Bi-Rite! My favorite is the strawberry balsamic flavor and olive oil flavor. There is usually a long line, but it's worth it! They give you large sample spoons so you can actually get a good taste of the ice cream and they don't rush you when you're trying flavors! They know you've been waiting in a long line so they let you take your time and try as many flavors as you want!
(5)Michael S.
We had an ice cream spot like this in Hawaii!! Variety of flavors and cones are freshly made. Lines were long but well worth it. The workers were friendly and offered samples to any and all flavor you please. If in Portland, do come here!!
(5)J N.
OMG. I love this place. I love the way they've decorated, the old timey ice cream stuff they have on display and the stuff they have for sale. All of their ice cream is so very tasty. Their staff always goes out of their way to give you a good experience, they encourage taste testing before buying. Their coffee is delicious. They have seasonal flavors. My fav usual flavors are the coffee bourbon and the honey lavender. If you want to by a pint, you can skip the line and go directly to the counter after picking up your pint. Otherwise, expect a line. A must go to place if you have never been! They have multiple locations, all good.
(5)Lorrie M.
After several visits here, I finally decided that I'm going to like this place. I have to agree with Carol L. that some of their ice creams don't have much texture. I like my ice creams cold and sort of on the chewy side. Most of their ice creams are very soft and melty. I guess it is a characteristic of some of the flavors. I think if you get something with chocolate in it, the ice cream tends to be a little firmer. I really think Olive is a great flavor. For anyone who is skeptical, definitely get a sample of Olive because it's such a unique and delicious flavor of ice cream! The line here tends to be long probably because of their unique flavors and the popularity. They serve Stumptown coffee as well and can make you affogatos which are ohhhh so good! Definitely recommended. Worth the wait.
(4)Matthew W.
The line moves fast, and everybody's happy the whole time. (Why wouldn't they be - what's not to like about ice cream?) The flavor combinations sound a bit zany, but they are without fail excellent!
(4)Olivia S.
The quality of their ice cream?! Top notch! Swirls of strawberry jam with hints of cracked black pepper in declious creamy ice cream?! Hell yes!!! I also loved the pear & bleu cheese ice cream. Subtle hints of both flavors so neither overpowers the other. Yet you still get bits of soft pear and bleu cheese! The staff is very friendly & great with suggestions. Loved the homey feeling of Salt & Straw and it's great for groups, kids & sweet tooths like me!
(5)Melissa V.
ISCREAMED! Really lame, I know. Went here back in August 2014 when we were visiting Portland. Such a fantastic homemade ice cream place. If you go here and get a lonesome flavor like vanilla, you are missing out! Experience the work, local and unique flavors these guys put into their ice cream. I got their strawberry gone balsamic + pepper flavor. Big chunks of real strawberries throughout. Reminded me of how ice cream used to be. It't not too sweet or too creamy. Just right.
(5)Kara E.
Delicious! Small little shop with a few tables, and smelled so heavenly because they make the waffle cones fresh. Had the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and the Coffee Bourbon ice cream and both were so delicious! We got one scoop which was more than enough. The staff was incredibly nice and we will for sure be back to try the stout milkshake!
(5)Jana B.
Pure ice cream bliss. I have never tasted anything quite like the cinnamon snicker doodle - it actually had chunks of snicker doodle cookies in it! Out of the tasters that I did, the most interesting was the pear and blue cheese. Awesome spot!
(5)Nick J.
Totally legit and inventive flavours made with excellent quality. Very friendly staff and way too many exciting tastes to choose from. Generous servings for the price, so go for a split scoop if you can't choose just one.
(5)Jay P.
A friend and I went here at his recommendation and I must say that it wasn't a bad experience. The wait can be long, but after trying their smores ice cream it was worth it. Some of the flavors sound off putting, but for some odd reason they actually work. The staff is great and made sure we asked questions and they answered, and samples where given. Great place for the family and dessert after a meal.
(5)Chris C.
One of the best ice cream places in Portland and probably the US. Try something crazy if you go here I personally like the snickerdoodle ice cream.
(5)Richard S.
Ridiculous lines, ridiculous prices, unbelievably GREAT ice cream !!!!!
(5)Jennifer P.
The cinnamon snickerdoodle in the waffle cone was divine. A very healthy way to start the day if I don't say so myself!
(5)Heather H.
I am starting to think Portlanders overrate all their food. We went to the places that one is supposed to go, where there are long lines only to experience average food. Maybe the rating is unfair; we expected something better, different, more for our $9 pint and 1/2 hr wait. Service was excellent.
(2)Becky W.
The ice cream here is absolutely fantastic. Had the Honey Lavender and Olive Oil flavored ice cream and they were both amazing. The Honey Lavender had the perfect amount of lavender and sweetness. The Olive Oil was sweet and creamy, perfect with any flavors. We also tried the Burnt Coffee with Bourbon (I think that's what it was called), and its just really good coffee ice cream. This place is a must try when you're in Portland. The line gets insane on weekend, but it is worth it. Service is super friendly too!
(5)Ashli U.
Love that they let you try all the flavors. High quality ice cream - definitely a fan!
(4)Shawn W.
Best ice cream ever!!! I have yet to find ice cream to compare to this place. They prices are right for the product they provide. I wish I lived closer but when I am in Oregon I always find a way to make it to Salt and Straw. Great place highly recommend this business.
(5)eve y.
Honestly the best ice-cream I've ever had! The servers gave us tasters to help us decide which flavor you want. The place is small so you might have to stand and eat but def worth it.
(5)J S.
Believe the hype. The variety and quality of the flavors is AMAZING. Got the root beer float with coffee ice cream - best ever!
(5)Richard S.
PROTIP. Dont wait in line. it's silly. They have a house rule that if you're buying a pint you can cut the line. buy a pint. eat it on the street in front of everyone else and make them feel bad. or hell, take it to the park...or home. PROTIP. Dont wait in line. it's silly. They have several other locations that hardly ever have lines. PROTIp. Dont wait in line. it's silly. Lets say the wait is 20-45 mins.... you could get in your car. drive to the one on Alberta or Division, get some ice cream. drive back to 23rd and you would still see the same people waiting in line Salt and Straw has basically set it up so you never ever HAVE to wait in line. yall are just suckers for heat stroke and anxiety. dont wait in line. its silly.
(4)Ian F.
Finally got to the the "amazing" ice cream. Besides the long line it was very good. Tried about 4 different ones before I got my single scoop of ice cream. The girl helping me seemed to be "high" and waved us good bye after receiving our ice cream. Mine wasn't as cold as my friends and you could see it melting. Besides that it was a fun hip place.
(4)Meredith S.
Seriously annoying. They have like 10 people working and they care more about talking to each other than helping the people whom have been waiting FOREVER for their ice cream. It is like they purposely do this to keep the line going. So.... NO... sorry, can't support this business model. Soooo slow!
(1)Vanessa R.
I always say this is the BEST ICE CREAM SHOP IN THE WORLD! I'm impressed by the quality of their genius unique ice cream flavors and the amazing service. Even when the line is out the door all of the time, you are never rushed once it is your turn to decide on your ice cream selection. They allow you to try multiple flavors so you get the perfect one. For the first time you don't just eat ice cream, you experience it.
(5)Andrew H.
Can anyone ever say No to ice cream? I don't think so. I guess this is fitting that it's the last review I have left to do from the excursion to Portland. Ice cream like this is something to have again and again..... it's too bad it's only up in the great northwest. I am a foodie and I admit to being an addict. But when one gets to try ice cream flavors like Arbequina Olive Oil, Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero and Chocolate Blueberry Rice Krispy Treats, one jumps on that opportunity. Ok, maybe just me, and the line out the door of other people as well. What's really nice is that while you are getting closer to the front of the line, the staff comes around and asks if you'd like to sample some of the flavors, that's how I got to taste so many different types. This isn't just plain old chocolate and vanilla, if that's what you want? Move on. If you're feeling adventurous, then come wait in line with the rest of us. I got the chance to taste all the flavors above as well as Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. The kiddo got Gooey Chocolate Brownie, but she ate it so fast that I never got to taste it. Sneaky little girl. All of the fruits, goat cheese and milk are locally sourced which is really great and they even offer ice cream in prepacked pints. This is well worth waiting 20 minutes in line. When coming to Portland, make sure you hit up one of the four locations. You will be waiting, but it's sooooooooo worth it.
(5)Janet M.
Damn it damn it damn it. I hate that I loved this place. Today was Princess' last day of school. We picked her up and braved the drive in monsoon-like rain through the west hills so she could try some sea salt and caramel ice cream. Yeah, we wanted it too. I mean, come on. Their website list of flavors entices eastward even the most reluctant west sider. Coffee and bourbon? Yes please! Perfect timing. Parking a block away. Only 3 people ahead of us in line and quite a bit of available seating. ( that looked very very different by 5pm). The nice lady helped us try flavors. Balsamic strawberry bliss. ( ok I may have altered its actual monniker). Yummy olive oil. Salivating snickerdoodle. Bourbon coffee bomb. Yummmmm. 3 waffle cones with double scoops set us back $20.25. Which is admittedly expensive. This was a special treat. I think on a typical day we'd get one scoop ( which they generously allow you to choose two flavors for if you want, with two scoops you could try four kinds). The waffle cones are especially perfect. Vanilla-y. Light. Crisp. Mmmmm. Princess chose salted caramel and snickerdoodle. The snickerdoodle was super cinnamon flavored and had big cookie chunks in it. She loved it. Hubby had bourbon stout and coffee bourbon. The coffee was his favorite. It was awesome. My cone? Olive oil and salted caramel. I liked both. The olive oil was surprising and tasty. This was a successful outing into the wilds of NW 23rd. I think we're very likely to do it again. Next time? Affogato. I saw one and I pine for it now.
(5)Patrick M.
Wish they had more permanent coconut milk flavors but I'm a fan nonetheless. Their current flavor with Petunia's bars is decadent and exactly what ice cream should be. It's one one of the few places in Portland that I feel is worth the hype :)
(4)Anita C.
You CANNOT go wrong with this place. I highly recommend the pear and Bleu cheese ice cream. It tastes even more amazing than it sounds.
(5)Bonan L.
Great but do not deserve 40 mins waiting.
(4)Jen L.
During my short stint in the PNW, I passed by this place a few times during the warmest part of the day, noticing a sizable line out the door. When is it a good time to go? I wake up early the next day and pass by @ 8 am. Open and...empty! "Is it too early to buy ice cream?" I ask one of the staff. "Of course not." she replies. Taste testing ice cream @ 8 am is nice way to start the day. I sample the strawberry balsamic, chocolate with bourbon and settle with the strawberry with cilantro lime cheesecake. I buy a prepacked pint size to go = $8. That night, I share with my traveling pal and it's some of the best ice cream we've had. The crumbly cheesecake/graham crackers + the tang of the lime really sing. The following day I'm looking for some breakfast pastries...and I snag a strawberry scone and rhubarb pie...flaky, just sweet enough and slightly buttery. Ice cream, scones and pie. Oh my.
(5)Eileen A.
SO YUMMY... I got the honey lavender ice cream and wow... My heart dropped because of how delicious it was. Probably one of the best lavender ice creams I've ever tried. Also tried the sea salt caramel, which is also freaking delicious, and the pear blue cheese(?). Everything was amazing, the waffle cone was also to die for... *sigh* I want more.
(5)Diana K.
This is some of the best ice cream I've ever had! I love that they let you try whatever you want before ordering since they have so many options and a lot of them are so different compared to other ice cream shops. I ended up getting one some kids from a nearby elementary school came up with called gummy wummy. It was so refreshing and the perfect dessert after a heavy dinner.
(5)Ann S.
I just don't get what the fuss is about. Sure it smells good, but that smell is almost overpowering and definitely a distraction if you're eating sushi by the windows in the place next door. I like that they are local and committed to using local suppliers but what I don't like is the ice cream. It's just not very tasty. With flavors like lemongrass with fish sauce caramel or olive oil, it will be memorable, just not very pleasurable.
(3)Callie R.
One of the things I most long for after leaving Portland are Salt & Straw's unique flavors. The creativity that goes into these dynamic flavors is impressive alone--however the fact that they produce such a remarkably delicious product is even more impressive. I always looked forward to the facebook updates each month announcing the new flavors, and even though they taunt me from three time zones away--I can't bring myself to "unlike" them because I'd be lying.
(5)Tyler H.
I never understand the lines at restaurants and specialty eateries in Portland, yet I seem to always find a line(or two or three) to stand in when I'm there. The funny thing is that it is ALWAYS (with a couple of exceptions) worth the wait. Salt & Straw was no exception. I'm usually just a vanilla guy, but glad I decided to walk on the wild side here. I tried a few flavors before ordering. I went with the Sea Salt and a scoop of vanilla.lavender. I'm craving more. MORE!!!! The waffle cone???? MORE. I WANT MORE!!!!!!
(5)Ching-Yun L.
You know the saying, "Some ice creams come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." (Well at least I *think* it went something like that...?) Never been here before? Think about all the ice cream you've had in your life: Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs, Baskin Robbins, Dreyer's, Thrifty's, Coldstone, Dairy Queen, Strickland's, Bi-Rite, Mariposa, or maybe you've made your own at home like I have, etc. Sure, an argument can be made they're all pretty good ice creams. But that's the thing isn't it? Just "pretty good," right? Well, keeping up with the motto, "Keep Portland Weird," Salt & Straw offers freshly made ice cream flavors daily but with a twist. It's not enough that they serve delicious ice cream. Nope. The ice cream here is good AND weird, just like the city & its residents. The ice cream is mind-blowing, but not in the show-offy, liquid Nitrogen ice cream type of way. It's all about creativity. They've got so many cool and quirky combinations that I really wanted to taste them all. Trust me, I tried my best & the winners were: +Smoked Hefeweizen +Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon Hands down, these two were my favorite out of all the other flavors I tried (Bourbon barrel aged stout, hopped farmhouse ale, IPA upside down cake, & pear with blue cheese). This pair was so complementary to each other yet were so unique individually. Simply amazing! Cue Trey Songz: "I can't really explain what it is this ice cream does, But whatever it is, it's simply amaaaazzzzzzing..." They even have an olive oil ice cream! What the... Looking at their menu reminded me of the Harry Potter-themed, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Like the jelly beans, the ice cream names here are surprisingly true to their taste, and, similarly, its audience caters to the adventurous, risk-taking foodies out there. I mean, beer-flavored ice cream?!?! Yea, this isn't your average ice cream joint, although they do offer some safer options as well, such as almond brittle with salted ganache, sea salt with caramel ribbons, chocolate gooey brownie, etc, which I expect would be fantastic too. My time was limited so unfortunately I could not try any of those classic ones. Every flavor I did try, though, was very rich in taste and so unlike any other ice cream I've had. Salt & Straw also offers assorted baked goods & coffee. Furthermore, I love the vintage, local feel to their shop as well as their use of reclaimed materials & collabs with local businesses. Innovative and socially responsible. Bravo! Love it. Please open one in SoCal! Kthxbye. TIP: Come here randomly on a weekday if possible to avoid lines & get samples of everything your heart desires!
(5)Jesse W.
Came across many recommendations to visit this place, so we decided to stop by. It was a Thursday night and the line went around the corner. We and many others in the line wondered if this wait would be worth it, and while some did decide to leave we decided to commit. It took almost an hour to get to try some samples. We tried the olive oil, pear and goat cheese, and balsalmic strawberry, but ultimately decided to go with coconut salted caramel bar and sea salt with caramel. The ice cream flavors are very unique, definitely fitting their 'farm-to-cone' description. I would say that it's more of an interesting attraction than it is a go-to ice cream place, at least in my opinion. While on the bus the next afternoon we passed by and saw just a short line out the front door. A bit saddening. Next time we probably wouldn't wait in that line again.
(4)Dian K.
I'm finally writing a review for this place after going a few time. Since it's less than 10 minutes from my house, this is my go-to location when I'm jonesing for some good ice cream. They have the basic 10 or so flavors that's available all year round (my #1 fave is the salted caramel, can't go wrong with that one) and there are 5-6 flavors that are only available for that calendar month. Whenever they ask for what to taste, I always try the flavor of the month ones, no matter how weird they sounded. I've been (pleasantly) surprised so many times and ended up ordering it. Yes, the lines could be long. It was wrapped around the corner on a Sunday night (10pm!!), but it's a hang out experience anyways, so hang out & chat while waiting in line. Near the front of the line, they'll ask you which flavors you want to try, then you can make a final decision. You can actually select 2 flavors when you order a "one scoop", that is what I often do. And don't forget the waffle cone! They're made fresh right in front of you and it's super good. I would skip the tasting flight, just order 2 scoops with 4 flavors. Tip: If you don't wait in line, you can go straight to the front of the line for some pre-package pints. You can do this in some ice cream emergency situations :) Be adventurous, order something that sound totally weird and you might love it!
(5)Mallory S.
I love salt and straw! My favorite flavors that they have all the time are the honey lavender and the almond brittle with salted ganache. Their seasonal flavors are always changing but are usually pretty good! You can also sample flavors before you choose. Only thing I dislike are the lines and its a bit pricey.
(4)Patty D.
Yummy Strawberry balsamic black pepper and chocolate gooey brownie, was really good. Small shop with nice decor.
(5)Thomas M.
Probably the best ice cream in Portland, but a hell of a wait at almost anytime. Line always stretches outside, but for a very real reason. A Portland must.
(5)Michelle S.
Would Vincent Vega approve of an $8.00 milkshake in 2014 (with no bourbon in it) ? That's what they cost here. This place is good etc, but don't come here if you have to count your pennies.
(4)Leilani Q.
Try and get Sahi to help you with your ice cream! She's so enthusiastic and really loves ice cream, she was awesome! 5 stars for Sahi! She let my group of five people try all 18 flavors and made it more fun by making us guess each one. My favorites were the sweet potato casserole and the stumptown coffee! You must try the holiday specials, who has ever tried turkey brittle??
(5)Vanessa V.
Salt & Straw. Could an ice cream shop be anymore perfect than this one? This isn't your general Cold Stone or Baskin Robinns. The flavors are unique, and the ice cream is freshly made in-house. Don't be overwhelmed/surprised when you see a long line leading into this place. Be patient. It's worth the wait. The staff is nice and accommodating. Customers closer to the front of the line are asked if they've been helped and if they want to sample flavors -- and you can try as many as you want. The Strawberry Balsamic and Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon flavors sold me. + Strawberry Balsamic: You can taste both flavors at once, but it decrescendos into strawberry and ends with the balsamic as the finale. + Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon: The bourbon added a hint of flavor; whereas, the coffee is much more prominent. Still, a terrific balance. In addition to ice cream, there are also shakes and pastries, though ice cream is clearly the star of the show. Half scoops can be ordered if you want to order two different flavors and don't want to go with a double. Pints can also be bought here as well.
(5)Jade L.
What's not to love about an ice cream store with the fragrance of waffle cones pouring out the door. I got the chocolate brownie, which I'm normally not a chocolate person because it can be overwhelmingly sweet, but this chocolate ice cream was more on the bitter side. So good.
(4)Maret S.
As always, a pleasure. I worry about this place getting over-hyped, but after getting another cone yesterday, I was like. Okay. Yeah. This stuff is goddess nectar. I love their monthly specials--February was Portland Chocolatiers. I got the Oregon Kiss which had a hazelnut fudge going on that made me temporarily unaware of anything else but the flavor in my mouth.
(5)Kellee K.
Just when we thought we could not consume one more thing, we decided to go to Salt and Straw. It is the place for ice cream in Portland. We arrived after 10 and the line wrapped around the building. We began to worry we would not make it inside before the doors closed at 11. Thankfully, they stayed open long enough for us to get through. Half the fun is trying the different flavors. They're all delicious and not your usual combinations. I had to have more of the honey balsamic strawberry and cracked black pepper and the husband couldn't resist the double fold vanilla. It was the perfect something sweet.
(5)Keely N.
The flavors are highly unique but the line is extremely long. It is worth it though but it's pricey.
(5)Rick E.
SO. FREAKIN. AMAZING. Never was an ice cream person until coming here. Every flavor is delicious! I still dream about this place! Cant wait to visit PDX again!
(5)Laurie W.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THE SERVICES HERE! Our server/helper/amazing person walks us through the whole store and what not, gave us SO MANY SAMPLES TO TRY, we literally tasted everything on the menu...and she didn't mind at all EVEN WHEN there was a long line. Definitely do the sampler thing if you have a group and want to try multiple flavors and dont let the weird name and ingredients discourage you from trying the ice cream. We tried champagne flavor and i believe a olive oil one as well and they were ALL SO GOOD!! TRUE INGREDIENTS and fresh! the way ice cream should be made
(5)Brett W.
The Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon ice cream is amazing. The bourbon was light, almost as if it replaced a portion of the vanilla. The coffee on the other hand was stronger though not overpowering. I was not a big of a fan of the Freckled Woodblock Chocolate. It was good however I do not feel that the quality warranted the premium prices. Because of the basic flavor combination, this would be a great option for the less adventurous. Finally, the Bone Marrow and Smoked Cherry was nice however the cherries were not my favorite. A little lighter on the fruit and I would have really enjoyed this ice cream. The bone marrow added a beautiful texture and richness that could be mixed with many flavors.
(5)Natasha P.
I hate ice cream. I'm not even joking. I have hated it since I was a little kid. I was told Salt & Straw would change my mind. Let me tell you... this place changed my life. The ice cream is perfect. The service was fantastic. I tried so many different ones I was in heaven. The flavor that stood out the most was the Pear Blue Cheese. It sounds odd but, damn. It was creamy, sweet and salty. The blue cheese made it happen. Thank you Salt & Straw. :)
(5)Philip H.
Had an amazing sampler of ice cream at Salt & Straw, which ended up being the perfect lead in to a foodie weekend in Portland. The goat cheese marionberry and habanero was by far my favorite flavor, but everything we tried was unique and delicious. You can see photos of what we ate and hear a little more about our experience on our food website here: eatsporkjew.com/recipes/…
(5)Melissa A.
Meeeeeeeeh. Was the ice cream fine? Yes. Was it worth the 20 minute wait? No. The coffee bourbon ice cream was bland, and the chocolate brownie was nothing special. I will say that the staff there was excellent. They were knowledgeable and extremely friendly. I would only go back there is there wasn't a line, and I was already in the neighborhood. Also pear and bleu cheese? Bitch please.
(3)Charlotte K.
Went back in after a really nice reply from the owner and all I can say is: I am one happy customer. Salt & Straw has now 100% taken my heart - their honey lavender is my favourite and I will continue coming back here because of not only the ice cream, but also the awesome service. I wish there was one in California so my friends could try it out too! It's that good in my opinion.
(5)Dismas S.
Excellent varieties of custom, home-made ice creams. Go! One drawback is that the lines are loooooong. Go mid-afternoon.
(5)Joey L.
A place to hang out with friends. Their salted ice cream are so good. I tried the lavender ice cream. Love it. If you like the floral smell. You'll like lavender favor. Seating area by their big windows. They normally open all windows. But the 2nd time around, they shut the windows and Open their ac due to the hot weather. Long line as usual. A friend refer me to this place. A place you must try. Even my local Portland friends loved their ice cream. Unique and awesome.
(5)Luanna Y.
Was here a week ago visiting Portland and exploring the Pearl District. The gorgeous scent of waffle cone wafting in the wind guided me to this gem of an ice cream place. But there's really not much else I can say about Salt & Straw that hasn't already been said. SO.... I'm purely here to plug my favorite flavor: Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper!!! This flavor is amazing - especially if you don't like super sweet ice creams (ie: chocolate chocolate chip with chocolate bits -- bleeechh). But actually, even my super choco-crazy bf raved about this flavor. So far I've tried Chocolate Brownie, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Honey Lavender, and the Almond Brittle... and the Strawberry balsamic wins hands down. Loaded with chunks of fresh strawberry flavor with the tang of balsamic cutting down the sweetness. Then there's the pepper flavor, which initially turned me off until I actually tried it. It's very subtle... only after several bites do you start to notice just the faintest tingle on the back of your tongue. This flavor is unique, complex, and oh-so-delicious! Loved it.
(5)Linda H.
Salt & Straw has many unique flavors so be sure to sample a few while you're there. There's usually a line but you can bypass it by buying a pint instead. They cycle through seasonal flavors, so if there's one you love, be sure to pick up a pint or ten. If you ever see the Elvis (marionberry with peanut butter) or Chevre with ganache ice creams, be sure to try those, I wish I picked those up whlie they were available. Their Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache is amazing and my favorite regular menu choice. It'd be great to see them add some low sugar options (I know, I know, booooo lol) so that instead of getting only 2 scoops, I can get 5! Mmm Update: The "Coconut w/ Petunia's Salted Caramel Bars" is so amazing! I hope they keep this one on the menu forever. My new fave. MMMm
(5)Ahran J.
If the price was like 12% cheaper it wouldve gotten 5 stars easily. The plum sangria sorbet was the best sorbet i have ever tried. Not too sweet and just refreshening, and unique. The almond brittle was amazing as well but the chocolate chunks were too big. It was a verysalty chocolate so the size was a bit overwhelming
(4)P A.
MOST DEFINITELY WORTH THE WAIT! The ice-cream flavors range from Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper to Honey Lavender to Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon, and many more. You will definitely find something for your taste buds here and chances are you'll love it so much that you'll go back multiple times in the span of one month to satisfy your cravings for the unusual, hard-to-explain flavors such as pear and blue cheese. AHEM. Anyways, this is a MUST if you're in portland. The ice-cream is made in-house and is some of the BEST ice-cream you will ever have! :D
(5)Sara M.
We visited Portland on a weekend trip and had to go to this place twice! All the ice cream is of excellent quality and there are so many interesting flavors, not to mention the waffles cones are fresh (you can really tell the difference). While some of the flavors are a little too adventurous for me (bone marrow, pear and blue cheese...), you get the chance to sample them without getting a whole scoop while waiting in line. The line is long, but don't be intimidated. It goes fast as a server will come and bring you samples while you wait. I had the sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons and almond brittle with salted ganache in a waffle cone. 10/10 would eat again and again and again and again...You get the idea.
(5)Abbie P.
Salt & Straw is as good as everyone says it is -- but you have to be the adventurous type to really get the full experience this place has to offer! I love me some ice cream, and sure, some store bought ice cream suffices, but nothing ever compares to the freshly churned ice cream scooped right before your eyes. The seasonal flavors change, I wanna say once a month, or at least every few weeks, so it's always a surprise the next time you go in there. But there are also the classic flavors that are always there. My favorites have to be: Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, and Stumptown Coffee with Burnside Bourbon. The only downside is the ridiculous wait in line, but if you have some friends with you, the line doesn't seem to take too long. It's definitely worth the trip and the wait.
(4)Cornelious N.
This place alone brings more tourists that I can count to the neighborhood, and therefore I am forced to hate it... even though the ice cream ain't all that bad.
(2)Yum Y.
Everything about this place was fine. It would be a nice stop to take friends or relatives while exploring town. I took my daughter there while she was on a college break. Personally, I would be just as happy with a pint of Breyers or Dreyers etc... I can't tell the difference!
(5)Pam S.
Hello, yummy. Strolling around Portland during my much needed vacation, my friend/love suggested we stop in and at least taste. Since the weather was gorgeous for December and I had the warm fuzzies, ice cream was not a bad idea. After tasting the coffee/bourbon combo (which was delicious), I decided to go all out and get the pear/bleu cheese yumminess just so I could cross it off my bucket list (I didn't even know it was on there). Friend/love opted for the olive oil (which yes, sounds weird), and we continued on our merry little way. For unique flavors and quality made ice cream, I highly recommend...in winter. I can only imagine how insane this place gets when the weather's warm. Take it to go- the neighborhood is lovely for a walk.
(4)Meg R.
LOVE Salt & Straw! The staff is super friendly, helpful, and willing to let you sample many flavors. Their flavors are so unique and they do amazing versions of coconut-based vegan ice creams. Our favorite flavor is the Salt & Caramel, but they come out with new seasonal flavors each month. Our recommendation is to go right when they open up (10am is aggressive, but worth it!), so you don't have to wait in line.... or cut the lines by order pints to-go at the counter!
(5)Stacey L.
While on my Portland trip, my friends and I had just finished eating brunch at Screen Door and decided to come here because Salt & Straw is yet another PDX staple that I (as a foodie) had to try. We got here around 2 PM and the line was wrapped around the corner. We waited in yet another line, Portland really likes their food. We waited for around 30 mins and the line goes by fairly quickly. This place is known for their quirky exotic flavors and use of local produce. They are also known to turn their own ice cream fresh in the shop daily. The service was very friendly and kind. They were composed and upbeat considering they have a long line waiting outside the door for them. Out of all the flavors I really wanted to try the strawberry honey balsamic vinegar with cracked pepper. It sounded very interested. I got a single scoop, two flavor split. I might have been two scoops because it was a lot of ice cream. I got the strawberry balsamic and the salted caramel. Both were delicious and I was able to enjoy every bite till the end. This place is also amazing because they were playing 90s music and totally brought me back. Great ambiance, great food, great service, long lines. 4 stars. YUM!
(4)Gabriella S.
I had the strawberry honey balsamic black pepper ice cream, I thought it was fantastic but so rich. I wasn't able to finish it because it was too rich, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I've never had anything like it. The line was long, we waited 45 minutes on a Saturday around 8:30 pm. Too long imo, I don't think I'll be doing that again. The service was great. Very welcoming and tons of smiling faces from the staff.
(3)Kai F.
Finally made it here! and luckily there was nobody in line! (rare- I know) They let you sample as many as you want with small real spoons. I didn't want to be greedy so just I tried the Honey Bear (month special) and the Pear with Blue Chz. Honey Bear was pretty bland. Pear/Blue was yummy- I ended up with a pint of that, and a pint of Stumptown Coffee/Bourbon...which sounded so great, but really just tasted like coffee ice cream. shame on me for not tasting it first. The servers are really sweet,helpful, and patient. I didn't find the prices out of line considering the fresh products, quality, and the concept. I would probably order by the scoop next time...one pint had that icy thing going on that happens with ice cream when it's been in the freezer too long (freezer burn?). plenty of unique flavors to pull me back there. of course Ruby Jewel is another great scoop shop.
(4)Paxy D.
Fantastic home made ice cream? Check Awesome, friendly staff? Check Outrageous flavors like tomato water/watermelon, pears and blue cheese, bone marrow and berry compote? check Cute furnishings throw back style? check Long line to prove that this is gonna be the best ice cream you will ever eat? checkity check check!
(5)Johnny C.
Second favorite Ice Cream Shop in Portland with the main downfall being the line out the door and around the corner. It was an easy 30-45 minute wait and if it wasn't for being on vacation there would be no way this would be a regular place of visit. (The other location in Alberta had a similar line on a Sunday evening). That said the Ice Cream is very creative and tastes very good. I like beer-centric ice creams, and so of course i had to get those flavors. I went with their specials of Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout and Hopped Farmhouse Ale in a fresh waffle cone. Both were really good.
(4)Joel D.
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I simply love the fact that they locally source their ingredients. My big surprise was how much I loved the pear and blue cheese ice cream.
(5)Chris C.
Always a good time at Salt and Straw. My favorite flavor is the Olive Oil. I know, I know, weird. But the flavor (to me) tastes nutty and creamy and smooth. Almost like a vanilla, caramel, nut thing. I LOVE it. My wife does not agree. She loves the Woodblock Chocolate. I do love how Salt and Straw will have seasonal flavors. Every once in a while I will switch it up and get a seasonal flavor instead of my standard. Oh, the Waffle Cones are amazing. Must have. Only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the wait time. I hate lines. On certain summer nights the line could be 20 minutes long or longer.
(4)Jessica S.
Super cute place with some of the best ice cream I've ever had! The line was long but the staff was efficient and kept things moving quickly. Parking was a little tough on a Friday night but the salted Carmel ice cream in a fresh made waffle cone more than made up for it! Wild flavors like olive oil (actually reallllly good) and pear and blue cheese will keep even the snobbiest foodies intrigued! Great place, yummy ice cream and efficient staff!
(5)Quiana C.
Went here a day after my birthday! The staff member who helped me was super awesome. He offered me Birthday sprinkles and let me try almost all of the ice creams. It was a great first experience and Salt N Straw!
(5)Shannon B.
the twenty minute wait was well worth it!!! We got to sample the Pear and Blue cheese which was awesome and the rose water infused one was delicious. The ice cream was uber creamy and the flavors were exciting and exotic. I wish we had one of these in Seattle. I swear I would drive down to Portland just to buy this ice cream!!!
(5)Luke P.
The wait is always worth it. The snickerdoodle flavor is my favorite.
(4)Rena J.
Really good, fresh ice cream. They let me try all the flavors. I felt fancy.
(5)Whimseyland C.
Very special ice cream store. Lots of flavors to choose from. They make ice cream based on what's popular in the season. Highly recommended~! Also, they always use local ingredients which I love the most!
(5)Chad M.
This is a regular stop for me every time I visit Portland. I've had salt caramel ice cream a few times and their version is truly in a class by itself. Every single bite is an amalgam of sensual delights. If you're looking for an easy way to live in the present moment, get your ass down here and put this in your mouf.
(5)Linda N.
Salt & Straw is awesome! The line gets pretty long when it's warm out, but I always take visitors here even in the Winter. They employees are really nice here, they let you sample as many flavors as you want (which you should definitely take advantage of, unless you've been here before) My favorite flavors are the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and the Stumptown Coffee with Bourbon. Tip: If you buy a pint of ice cream you can skip the line!
(5)Colin M.
Best ice cream I've ever had. Living just a few blocks away is dangerous, I come here way too often. Almond brittle chocolate ganache is my go-to.
(5)Mar S.
This ice cream is great! The flavors are so unique, and the in-house made ice cream is so creamy and delicious. I tried the strawberry honey-balsamic and pepper and the pear and blue cheese. It sounds adventurous, but it was a pleasant surprise. There were undertones of flavor burst behind the sweet cream. A definite must-try.
(5)Cody C.
Unlimited tastes and amazing unique flavors. We loved the strawberry balsamic vinegar. Flavors change all the time, worth coming back often.
(5)Ben R.
I would definitely recommend this place to all ice cream lovers!!! Their flavors might sound a little weird but I can guaranteed that they are all very delicious!!! The ingress intend that we're use to make these ice creams are all great!! My personal recommendations are pear with blue cheese and strawberry with black pepper!!!
(5)Yesenia L.
Great ice cream!! We were recommended this place by a very nice man on the street car. The flavors were something out of the ordinary, the craziest combinations!!! But when you tasted them... They were amazing !!!! I decided on pear and blue cheese, Mmmmmm!!! There was a line but went by fast.
(4)Julie K.
I'm not a big fan of ice cream. But I was in town and was in a touristy-mood, so I decided to find out what everyone was raving about. Line was out the door, but moved fast. The staff come up to you while you're in line to help you sample out the flavors. Very efficient in getting the line moving and get to avoid a lot of "Ummmmm...."s from indecisive customers. Plus, great service from all the staff! All friendly and have great recommendations to fit your specific taste buds. You get to sample 3 flavors so choose wisely! Flavors are so unique and this place is definitely one of a kind icecream shop. I ended up choosing the blue cheese and pear and I loved it. The perfect blend of sweet and savory on a glorious waffle cone. Definitely will be back to try out the other flavors!
(5)Maddy K.
We went here on a Friday night and there was a terribly long line. I am very glad we decided to wait in line. It was well worth the wait. The people behind the counter were very nice and friendly. Just the waffle cone alone is worth standing in line for. I settled on the honey lavender ice-cream. It was fabulous. I wish I lived in Portland and could come here all the time.
(5)Zaina H.
BEST ICE CREAM IN THE WORLD. I would wait in the line for an hour for this ice cream. It's definitely worth the wait. I don't like in Oregon but when I come back and visit I will definitely make a visit to Salt&Straw.
(5)Shila B.
One of the best creamaries that I've been to ever, including the two major ones in Vancouver. Regardless of what flavor, you will get a healthy balance of all the listed flavors as intended. I hate going to creamaries and having to look for the flavor only to pay a lot for subtle taste. All notes are very prominent and "pop" in your mouth. The place is very small and it gets crowded very quickly sooner rather than later, therefore, don't be one of those jerks and just sit and "hang." I did a 4 sampler plate: Strawberry balsamic honey with black pepper, salted caramel, honey lavender and pear with blue cheese. Great alternative if you have a small appetite and can't decide. In fact the sampler is enough for sharing. If you're not a fan of a certain flavor don't try it, this is how prominent the flavors are. Customer service was friendly.
(5)Travis C.
They will let you try as many samples as you want, and have really creative flavors. A little spendy, but worth it for the unique ice cream experience.
(5)Joleen Q.
What a cute, trendy shop in cute area! There is a bit of a hipster, schoolhouse vibe inside and the staff is extremely kind/knowledgable and offered samples on little metal spoons. Get the lavender honey... it is SO delicious... i could have had 2 scoops instead of getting The Universe as well which was a gross mess of fudge, cayenne pepper, sunflower seeds. etc.
(4)Tim M.
The ice cream was perfect here and unique. Try to.sample before you get the items because its not just your typical chocolate, vanilla and what not. I got chocolate with brownies and coffee with Bourbon. There was also a honey leavender, olive oil, some alcohol inspired drinks and several other cool flavors. The waffle cones were fresh and not stale at all. Their cream also did not leave that after taste in your mouth or leave your saliva feeling thick. The ice cream was very smooth and fresh. Idk how they make it or what they add or don't add to keep your mouth from feeling sticky like most major ice cream places make it feel, but very good ice cream. Check out some souvenirs they have as well. This place was a must on or list and should be on yours as well.
(5)Vanessa M.
I am kind of an ice cream fanatic. This is really the best place for ice cream. My secret to skipping the line? Go straight for the pints in the fidge, grab a few and either eat out of the container or bring home for later! they will even sell you the cones at the register!!
(5)Helena Z.
Probably the best ice cream I've had in my life. Their flavors are really innovative and extremely delicious. I had the chocolate brownie which was so rich all creamy I thought I might die of utter ecstasy. Also tried the snicker doodle and honey lavender- both fantastic. Their waffle cones are really really good as well; handmade. Their ice cream is so rich and flavorful, I completely understand why this place is so popular. The only downside is there is usually long wait for the ice cream; lines go down the block- but trust me, It's worth it.
(5)John Y.
Some odd flavors but they let you sample anything you want. You can't go wrong with the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle!!! Great place to take visitors to Portland!
(5)Megan S.
I will convince my boyfriend to move to Portland with me so I can eat Salt and Straw every day. :) The line is very long during peak ice cream hours (all weekend, lunch time and happy hour times on weekdays) but moves relatively quickly. The staff is always nice and let's you try as many flavors as you want before you make your selection. The rotating flavors are exciting and always worth a taste. Sigh. I wish they had a Salt and Straw on the East Coast...
(5)Joyce H.
One of the best things in the world is having a delicious scoop of ice cream on a hot day. You can't possibly go wrong if you are at Salt and Straw. They have wonderful and unique flavors like Strawberry with Cilantro Lime Cheesecake, Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanaro, Birthday Cake and Blackberries, Chocolate Blueberry Rice Crispy Treats and Raspberry Lemon Basil Sorbet. Of all the flavors, my favorite flavor is Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbon. It is the most amazing combination of salty and sweet. Wonderfully delicious and satisfying on a summer day.
(4)Robyn A.
Got lucky and found parking & a short line. Yay! They ask you to taste the flavors that interest you on little metal spoons. Pretty awesome to taste the different varieties. Everything so creamy. I went with Stumptown coffee ice cream. Pretty yummy.
(4)Beth D.
Amazingly delicious and oh so fresh! Very unique flavors and they let you sample as many as you want. This is a very busy place so if you don't want to wait in the long line come at off peak times.
(5)Naomi F.
Made a tradition for my husband and I to come AT LEAST once a month! Worth the line. Worth the wait. Worth every ounce of patience. We especially love that their flavors and ingredients are local and fresh. Best, creative, gourmet ice cream we've ever had.
(5)Michael V.
Salt & Caramel. Need I say more? Okay. I will. This place has it all. Ice cream. Because that's all their really is: Ice Cream. I mean, they have other things, and there are other things in this world. But really: Ice Cream. That's all we really NEED in life, yeah? You're sad: Ice Cream. You're happy: Ice Cream. You're on a date? Ice Cream. Your car "broke down" in the Alphabet District and you're "waiting" for AAA to come bail you out... Ice Cream. This place is a delicious place to treat yourself, your guests, or anyone for that matter. It's a Must Try and as good as it gets. Be creative, try their more unusual flavors... you'll be glad you did!
(5)Christina N.
I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by their creative flavor combinations! They had exotic flavors for the season like minced meat and turkey stuffing. I was very tempted to try them but went with the safe classic option, Stumptown Coffee. I definitely plan to come back frequently, next time I'll venture outside my comfort zone :).
(5)Hly N.
I visited this fine establishment today for the first time and hopefully not the last. The ice cream was absolutely delicious. I tried three flavors and settled on a scoop of the chocolate gooey brownie served in a sweet, fresh waffle cone. The service was absolutely fantastic! There was a long line when we visited, but it was definitely worth the wait!
(5)Tasha H.
Loved that we got samples while waiting in line, way to keep people interested, especially if you are one to get impatient when trying a new place. It really helps to narrow down if you have your eye on multiple flavors. I really like the split scoop idea for only .50 cents more than the price of the single scoop, if you can't make a decision go that route! the line was out the door. but we had our tasty, creamy, sweet YUMMMY ice cream in our hands within minutes. It was a chilly night but that didn't keep us from trying the place out. Its been on our radar for MONTHS and it was our first time here. (new to Portland) It did not disappoint!! I had the Snickerdoodle and caramel sea salt [ I don't know the exact names] but i enjoyed the mix. It was suuper sweet, but still so very good. Everyone was kind with smiles on their faces. Nice and clean , even with how crazy busy it was. :) I would definitely say try this place out if you have a chance! You always have room for dessert.
(5)Kevin C.
As I stared at the many eclectic flavors on the menu, I thought to myself: "Could these flavors really go together? Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero? Really? Could this just be a pretentious douchebag hangout that is trying a little TOO hard to be quirk-" and before I knew it, it was my turn to try a sample. Just kidding... the line was longer than that. Anyways...once its your turn to sample flavors, feel free to ask the employee for multiple samples (4). They hand it out in metal spoons, cuz portlandians be against wastin that plastik. I asked to try the strawberry/honey/ balsamic vinegar one and the habanero goat cheese one among others... and I was blown away. Who would have thought that a little spice in ice cream could be so delicious? great stuff. get it.
(4)Ashwin S.
I've eaten far and wide, and Salt & Straw is by far the best ice cream I've ever had. Sure, the line took me about 45 minutes. But it was worth it! Each flavor I tasted was delicious and very unique. After sampling at least half the flavors (apologies to the person behind me!) I settled on Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and Sea Salt with a Caramel Ribbon. Both flavors were out of this world. I'm glad I was able to try exotic flavors like Sea Urchin and Pear with Blue Cheese, although not fully sure I'd be able to eat a full scoop of them. Major props on making Sea Urchin ice cream work though. This place deserves 5 stars on their ice cream alone, but the customer service really pushes it to another level! Once I finally got to the front of the line, I was not rushed in any way. The staff encouraged me to try many flavors and even gave recommendations which flavors pair well together. On my next Portland visit I will definitely be going straight from the airport to Salt & Straw (no shame at all)
(5)Kim K.
I had heard the legends about Salt & Straw for a few years before I had the pleasure of getting to PDX to try it. I finally went in May 2013 and oh boy, was I pleased. My husband and I could not decide on flavors! The staffer that helped up was amazing - she knew everything about every single flavor and told us we could sample any/all of them. She was patient and so knowledgeable. Come here just to meet the staff! Ultimately we ended up getting the ice cream tasting flight because we couldn't decide on anything. The flavors we got were: olive oil, snickerdoodle, pear & blue cheese, and almond brittle (see pictures). Hands down the olive oil was my favorite - fruity, creamy, and light, just amazing. The rest of the flavors were great too. It's so clear that Salt & Straw are making each batch with the utmost care and love. A must try!
(5)Chris S.
It's really hard not to like this place. Between the fun halloween flavors like Chocolate Graveyard, and the classics like Snickerdoodle (if you have never been here, get that one!) this is some of the best stuff on earth! Fresh waffle cones are a must. We don't often eat ice cream, but this is the best place to go when we get the craving. I can understand how someone might say it's overpriced, but if you don't eat here everyday it's affordable. Usually aim to go within the last 2 hours of closing on a weekday, least likely to be busy.
(5)phoithien d.
Living near creamistry, sprinkle's ice cream, and various home made ice cream joints- it has been a while since I've been wowed by ice cream. This place wowed me. The brownie ice cream was creamy and delicious with chewy pieces of brownie. But their signature salted Carmel ribbon ice cream made my husband and I fight over one cone. The flavor is deep and addictive, not overly sweet making you come back for more. The hype is real people!!! Wish I can bring this place this back to California.
(5)Jaimie M.
I don't even like Ice Cream but was told this place is amazing! So after giving it a try... I must say... So darn good!!! Wish I had one in Cali!
(5)Anita G.
If I had one last day on earth, I'd end it with eating this delicious ice cream! Got the nw berry pie and strawberry honey and black pepper. Heaven! And staff super friendly and helpful! Worth the wait!
(5)Lindsey M.
Deliciousness. I got the pear and blue cheese and the olive oil ice cream. We went at 6:30pm and there was a 2 minute wait, not that bad. It was great. I prefer the olive oil ice cream, but the pear and blue cheese was delicious too. Great customer service, delicious ice cream.
(4)Hana F.
It's good. A classic portland ice cream spot. There're always huge lines around the block. But is it actually that great? Is the ice cream delicious? It's actually just decent. All of the ice cream has salt in it, which is good for some folks, for me it can get too be a bit too much after a little while. And it's fairly pricey. The "weird" flavors are entertaining, if less-than appetizing haha. I don't know what the huge obsession with it is.
(3)Kelli S.
Such interesting flavors that sound weird and even a little gross for ice cream but they work. They also have seasonal flavors that change. One of my favorites is the pear and blue cheese, trust me. If it's the slightest bit warm there will be a line around the side of the building but it's worth the wait. The servers are friendly, have tons of recommendations and you can try every flavor if you want.
(5)Melanierose B.
Totally worth the wait. This place was highly recommend and was so happy that we got the chance to make a pit stop here. The neighborhood is a real gem and the folks who work there are so nice and pleasant. While waiting in line you get to sample as many flavors as possible, which makes it really easy to commit the flavors you'd like buy. I loved everything I tried, but settled on the pear and blue cheese and lavender honey, while my bf got the bone marrow. I also suggest splitting the 1 scoop so that you don't end up overwhelmed with too much ice cream.
(5)Diana M.
HANDS DOWN, best ice cream shop in Portland!!! I am not a fan of super sweet things - and ice cream is a dessert that I will have on rare occasions. It's definitely not an everyday bliss for me. Hubby kept pushing to try this spot. I just got done scarfing down a Lardo sandwich. I had to unbutton my jeans at this point and had no room for dessert. But we heard that this place draws a crowd out the door and as we happen to walk past this spot, there was no line. Screw it; muffin top for business. ODD/unique flavors - some flavors will make you think twice about ordering. Thank gawd they offer samplers before you commit to a scoop. My go-to is their salted caramel and hubby ordered the pear and blue cheese (hence, the odd/unique flavor) - but I promise you, you will not be disappointed. So as fat as I was feeling that day, I thoroughly enjoyed my ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone. =) I enjoyed it so much that I had to have it every day while I was there. Feeling fat became secondary.
(5)Brent T.
We'd heard so much about Salt & Straw before coming to Portland, there was no way we weren't coming. We picked this location for our first experience at a S&S as it was closest to us at the time. Situated in a kitschy little small-town type strip, which had plenty of little boutique shops and restaurants, this is actually quite a large shop for ice cream. Good thing too - even in the dead of a cold winter night, there was a significant line. They have a nice selection of flavors, some of which rotate with seasonality of ingredients, and some which are mainstays. You'll have more pedestrian type choices like vanilla and chocolate, but you'll also have some twists on "regular" flavors, like balsamic strawberry with black pepper, and sea salt with caramel. Then there will usually be some "out-there" type flavors, such as pear with blue cheese. The neat thing is that they tell you you can sample as many flavors as you like, and they are more than happy to completely describe any flavor you're not sure of, and even to describe ones you think you already know. I didn't have anything I thought was totally strange, though I can see some being a bit of an acquired taste. Of particular note for me were the sea salt w/caramel, olive oil and the pear w/blue cheese. If you like ice cream, you should be able to find something you'll enjoy at Salt & Straw. Do yourself a favor and check it out!
(5)Nicolai D.
Did you eat a meal? Good, now finish it with Salt & Straw. A beautiful and quaint location on the corner of the block, it isn't uncommon to see a line wrap around the store while cheery people pass the time for this heavenly dessert. I I pulled the suggestion from one of those "20 Best _____ in America" lists, where Salt & Straw sat at the very top...and that doesn't seem like a place easily won. Came by this location (very, very full of barbecue) with cousins, and the delicious scent of fresh waffle cones was the first thing to win me over. Filled with a warm and sweet air, Salt & Straw practically buys itself ice cream, varying from Sea Salt & Caramel Ribbons to Pear w/Bleu Cheese (this one is so damned good). Alas, after testing half of the menu, I folded for their Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon ice cream. Not overly sweet, the fresh waffle cone delivered what may have been one of the finest desserts I've had to date. If you're in Portland, do yourself a favor and pop on over to Salt & Straw. Cheers.
(5)Christine M.
Yum! I think that's all I really need to say because if you've been here you know. My husband is still comparing all other ice cream to this (all WAY sub-par in the Midwest) since our visit. He's hard to impress when it comes to unique food and flavor nuances, but this place just might put us on the fast track to a PDX relocation! (Thank you for that!) On our two visits in two days, I had a salted caramel and something with almond crunch. I'd eat either in a heartbeat today, but would also not hesitate to try any other amazing flavor. The flavor choices are brilliant (if at times confusing). Allowing you to taste them builds confidence if you're thinking of going out on a whim. The ambiance (at both Alberta and NW) were so darling I wanted to take pictures of all the adorable features-a mini photo shoot just for me. The tables are rustic and wood. People are happy. It smells like waffle cone (so much so that an hour later a woman at another shop on Alberta pegged us as previous 'Salt and Straw' customers). Apparently, don't try to sneak a visit in or cheat on a diet. Others will know. And they should. They should also join you! (Forget diets and sneaking, this is worth it; the more the merrier!). The staff is great. The ice cream is, again, yum! Go here, seriously!
(5)Cindy T.
Insane line that wraps around building. I'm glad that I waited though. They let you taste whatever you want before you order. The smell of fresh waffle cones is heart warming. My server suggested the Arbequina Olive Oil and Honey Lavender. Olive Oil sounds gross as an ice cream, but this combination was a match made in ice cream heaven. You can do a split scoop so half scoop of each if you can't eat 2 scoops.
(5)Andy J.
Don't let the line of this place scare you away. Once you smell the waffle cones, the wait will be worth your while. They will also let you sample different varieties of ice cream.
(5)Eric K.
How fabulous is Salt & Straw? I'll tell you. We were visiting Portland and read about a recommendation Salt & Straw. This led to our discovery of the entire street/area that is fun for strolling around, shopping, dining, etc. It's where the locals go. We stood in the lonnnng line for S&S. When we got to the door, we tried to study up on the menu and decide what we wanted before it was our turn to order. There were so many options and everything was unique, that it made it tough to decide what to choose and settle on. Here's where S&S excels far beyond other ice cream joints: they send employees (there's a lot of them) out to the line and ask you what you'd like to sample while you're still standing in line. The employee then returns with as many small spoon samples as you'd like (I think I had 4 and my partner had 5). They don't care how many they bring you. They want you to try everything and then pick the one that you really, really want so you won't be disappointed with it. That was fantastic customer service. By the time you reach the counter, you can give a definitive answer and the whole check-out process is super-speedy, moving along that long line very quickly. I ended up with Pear & Blue Cheese on a cone. (I tried the beer flavored ones, but wasn't that crazy about them.) It was a unique flavor and I loved it in an ice cream form. My partner would up with the strawberries and balsamic vinegar and it tasted just like it sounds! I'd recommend S&S to anyone visiting Portland. It's a little outside of downtown, and then you can stroll along the busy shopping/dining area.
(5)Natalie V.
We had salt and straw after a horrible experience at ringside steakhouse. This place hit the spot! The line was literally around the corner! We knew it must be great for all these people to be outside! And it was. The customer service here was amazing. Before we even made it to the bar area, a lovely girl came out and offered us samples. We loved the options. We ordered the chocolate brownie and snicker doodle cinnamon flavor... Devine! Great service and delicious ice cream!
(5)Kara T.
Here on vacation and I was set on visiting Salt & Straw. The Alphabet District location was close, so we walked over on a Friday around 4:00 and lucked out to only have a few people ahead of us in line. Typically I'm a chocolate lover so I went straight for the sample of the Gooey Brownie, which was rich and delicious. Next I tried the Coconut Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, and it was instantly what I knew I would get. Since I was only doing a split single scoop I ordered half pie and half Oregon Peach with walnuts. The girl helping me offered to let me try a sample of that too, just to make sure I liked it. That was appreciated, since I had already tried a couple. She informed me while she scooped that the Coconut Srrawberry Rhubard pie is both vegan (coconut milk base) and gluten free! Not that either is important to me, but cool that they have options. I loved my ice cream so much that I waited in line for 20 minutes tonight to get another scoop. The line moved quickly, staff was attentive and offered samples while you were in line. If I'm ever back in Portland, I will definitely be back!
(5)P M.
I'm visiting Portland and my friend decided to bring me here. I am extremely glad she did!!! The ice cream flavors all sounded amazing! I sampled the honey lavender and almond brittle with salted ganache, both were fantastic! I ended up getting a scoop of the almond brittle in a waffle cone, which was also perfectly crunchy and sweet btw. Definitely would love to return. The line was pretty long, but it was Friday afternoon and it was pretty hot out. It did move fast though. Service was quick bs very friendly (:
(5)Christina C.
Ohhhhh mannnn. This place is sooooo good!! I just don't even know where to begin...except that you need to go here if you're in town! They have super creative flavors. And before you freak out at the weird ones - sample them! You will probably love it. I promise. The staff is super nice and will let you try as many flavors as you want. I have to eat gluten free (Celiac), and they knew which ones I could/couldn't have. They have a "split scoop" option which is perfect for indecisive people like me - basically one large scoop but two flavors. I got a split scoop of almond brittle and sea salt. I could have eaten a whole pint of both though. It was divine. The shop is really cute, and I love the little touches like real silver sample spoons. The line is always super long but it moves pretty fast. And it's totally worth it so who cares! Go get some ice cream!
(5)Juan F.
No trip to Portland is complete without trying the famous Salt and Straw. Although there is a location in LA, nothing beats where it came from. Came here at 1030am (yes, I know it was early) and there was no wait (not surprising!). I sampled a few ones including: Almond Brittle, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle and the Pear & Blue Cheese. I liked every single one but I loved the Pear & Blue Cheese. Pear & Blue Cheese: Classic pairing on a fancy dish - definitely works for an ice cream. It is sweet, rich, creamy and there is that slight hint of Blue Cheese that confuses the tasted buds. I am getting a tub of this next time! Stumptown Coffee: Not bad. Generally I like Stumptown Coffee and the coffee was very light - wish it was stronger. Overall, definitely a must visit place in Portland. Service is quick and very friendly. Oh, do get their house-made waffle cones!
(4)Mark O.
Portland, day 2, stop 5, late night ice cream. Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache - 5/5 Petunia's Strawberry Rhubarb Pie - 4/5 Pear & Blue Cheese - 4/5 - Pearson are great, blue cheese is a gamble. Fennel & Maple - 4/5 Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper - 4/5 Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon - 3/5 Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons - 3/5 Chocolate Caramel potato chip cupcake -1/5 Carrot Carrot Cake - 5/5 - Personal favorite. Big chunks of carrot cake. Cucumber lemon sorbet - 4/5 Overall, carrot carrot cake is "as good as it gets."
(5)Ishtiaq H.
Really, really good ice-cream. Definitely better than Fenton's in Piedmont.
(5)Amy D.
To all of my foodie friends that recommended Salt & Straw, thank you thank you thank you! While the ice cream is a bit sweeter than I generally prefer Salt & Straw is top notch. The seasonal flavors highlights Portland's produce to include the incredible NW Wild Berry Pie which I chose because when you are faced with pie or ice cream you simply go for both! The NW WIld Berry Pie flavor has luscious Oregon berries foraged from Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier complimented by pieces of savory crumb crust. The house-made cone was rolled to order and upon nearing the register I was handed the most delicious beautiful ice cream cone. Jesse ordered the birthday cake which was incredible but very sweet. While you wait in line you can taste several flavors until you find which one(s) you fancy the most. The Salt & Straw team takes your order while you are in line making the line move along briskly. Definitely a must stop when in Portland.
(5)Stephanie A.
Long story short: worth the wait! They have a great system that moves the line along quickly, and boy is there a line because every flavor is out of this world! The best part is they don't make you feel awkward about wanting to try all the flavors. My favorites were pear blue cheese (sounds gross but it's not) and the sea salt caramel ribbon. Both had just the right amount of sweet and savory! The honey lavendar was incredible as well, and they make their own cones right there! Heavenly.
(5)Ann C.
SAMPLES GALORE Loved my first visit! The lines may be long but it's well worth it. The girls came by the line and asked us what we wanted to taste and I literally got half the menu! Lavender Honey was sweet and yummy. But if you don't like the taste of "soap" skip it. Coffee bourbon tasted just like Haagen Daz coffee ice cream- delicious! Strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper was my first choice- strawberry jam like bits mixed in- good but kind of got too sweet towards the end. This is #2 in the country by Food Network :) Almond brittle with salted ganache was the real winner! It just tasted better and better with each bite. Pieces of soft salty chocolate mixed with pieces of hard almond toffee- bombdotcom! Tip: you can split one regular scoop into two mini ones with a waffle cone! Trust me this is enough ice cream- don't get 2 full scoops unless you sharing.
(5)Jaclyn C.
40 minute wait from getting in line to order, starting 8:30pm on a Saturday. Not too bad, the smell of waffle cones was heaven toward the store front, and the staff were actually pretty efficient and friendly from getting samples to people (which was nice to try different flavors) to make the order. I got split scoop (2 flavors for the size of single scoop), strawberry balsamic and chocolate brownie with waffle cone. Loved the strawberry flavor, very fresh and I could really taste the fruit. Chocolate was pretty sweet and brownie chunks were plenty. I thought the price was pretty reasonable, compared to SF standard. But it was a subjective one. Would come back for the strawberry ice cream and maybe other seasonal flavors!
(4)Jessica M.
What's not to like?! It is ICE CREAM. Like the real deal. Unique flavors (changing monthly) along with some classic flavors, so everyone in your party can find something they are looking for. So glad some of my running teammates from Washington dragged me there. Yes, the line is long but it moves quickly and service is friendly and they let you taste before you buy, so there is no fear involved! Get your butt down to Salt and Straw, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jennifer C.
I was super hesitant to try Salt and Straw, because the LA one was quite disappointing for me. BUT I just had to try it in Portland because it's one of the many things that the city is known for. As expected there was a line, but it moves fairly quickly. I got a split-kids scoop, so 2 mini scoops of the Honey Lavender and the Olive Oil, as well as sampling every flavor. It. Was. Delicious! I ended up going again the next day. The flavors were true to their names' and it wasn't overly sweet or overly salty. I'll have to give the LA one another chance!
(4)Nattie X.
Let me just start off saying that I never understood what the hype about ice cream places is....that's until I tried Salt & Straw. Goodness did this place blow my mind on the ice cream scale. 40 minute wait around the block? Don't care, I'm there. Salted caramel - beats Bi-Rite in SF in my book. Every lick made me happier than the last one. Balsamic strawberry - pairs perfectly with a scoop of the salted caramel and get the waffle cone! Can you guys pleeeaase open up a location in San Francisco already??
(5)Joy L.
This is the real deal ice cream. I always saw Salt & Straw on must-visit Portland lists and now I see why. Came here on a weekday afternoon, and the line was snaking around the store. It moved surprisingly fast. What I love about Salt & Straw is that they don't judge you (and in fact, encourage you) to sample all the flavors. The flavors at Salt & Straw are all a bit strange, but somehow, seem to work. Ultimately, I decided on Honey Lavender and Pear & Blue Cheese. The Pear & Blue Cheese was the standout. I've never seen blue cheese in ice cream before, but it paired perfectly with the sweet pear. It was very subtle, but definitely noticeable. Definitely the most interesting ice cream flavor I've ever tried before. Ultimately, I highly recommend this place! Also, they give you a lot of ice cream, so unless you really think you can do two scoops or more, just do one scoop. I got the double scoop, and was slowly dying halfway through it. Just way too much rich ice cream. But definitely come here!
(4)Kristina M.
I've been here twice now, the last two times I was in Portland, and I'm really not sure how I haven't written a review yet! The long line out front is a good indication that this place was going to be good! (Especially on my second visit, which was mid-afternoon on a Monday! But don't worry, it moves quick.) The staff is extremely friendly and helpful when it comes to picking flavors. They offer samples as you're standing in line, which is nice because then most people know what they want when they get to the counter. The flavors are awesome and always better than I expect. I love ice cream, and Salt & Straw is by far the best I've had. My only "complaint" is that the chunks of things (snicker doodles, brownie, carrot cake, etc) are really large. Anyway, do yourself a favor and go get a cone next time you're in the area! Wishing it didn't cost so much to order online...
(5)Sue R.
So unique!! Try the olive oil, fennel, coffee bourbon, delish!!! Worth the wait. Check out these ice cream flavors from Salt and Straw in Portland, so innovative! I tasted several including Olive oil, fennel and maple, garam masala and cinnamon cauliflower. Finally opted for the almond brittle salted chocolate, and Stumptown coffee with burnside bourbon. Line out the door! #Oprahsfavorite
(5)Kathleene E.
Coming from SF, Salt & Straw had some pretty big shoes to fill (Ahem - Bi Rite & Mitchell's) but as soon as we got there, we knew it was about to be amazing stuff. There were plenty of people even in Portland weather (about 30*) and a good even crowd (from young to old customers) - this is all a GREAT sign! I ordered one scoop of strawberry and one scoop of the snickerdoodle in a massive cone. Let me just say that it was WAY too much ice cream for me to finish, and at the end of it all ... well, I wasn't able to finish it. So next time I definitely will be sharing a flight of ice cream with a buddy - you get to taste different flavors that way. Lastly, they were bumpin' old school hip hop on this particular night, and needless to say, it had us (3 ladies from the Bay) dancin' and enjoying the ice cream at the same damn time! Highly recommend!
(5)Allen C.
This is just a wonderful ice cream spot. I've heard of all the hype from my friends and they told me I have to visit Salt and Straw next time I'm in Portland. Well, I went and I'm glad I did! We went around lunch time and it was crazy crowded. I was trying to refer to Yelp for the best ice cream flavors but there was so many many flavors and they all sounded and looked good. When we got near the front counter, the ladies we already helping customers with flavor recommendations and samples. I thought that was very smart and efficient. It will helped get the line moving as quickly as possible. The nice lady who was providing us ice cream samples probably provided our group one of each flavor that was offered that day. I settled with the coconut rhubarb ice cream. The others had the almond brittle and strawberry ice cream. The ice cream was amazing. You can really taste every flavor listed in the ice cream. Many of them have chunks of whatever fruit is listed in the ice cream which is awesome because it provides a nice crunch or bite to the ice cream. The waffle cone was excellent as well. They give pretty big scoops of ice cream which I love. This is definitely one of the top ice cream places I've been to. This is a must visit in Portland.
(5)Jeff W.
I came here on a Sunday afternoon with my friend that was in town from New York City. I've always seen the long line of people stretching around the corner and have wondered if it was worth the wait. We got in the line in 45 minutes later we were offered small tasting spoons of whatever flavor we wanted. I had the chocolate and Burnside bourbon flavor, which was delicious! Usually each month they offer monthly variations and for August the most interesting flavor was the lemon cucumber sorbet. The staff is very pleasant and definitely willing to give samples. some customers definitely experience angst by the time they arrive at the counter and have to make their final decision. Is the ice cream worth a high price and the long line? I was asked that question to her three times while waiting in line and the answer that I gave was it all depends on how much of an ice creamphial you are.
(4)Kristin W.
My friends and I drove to Portland from SEA to eat lunch - my vote: Salt & Straw. We came on a warm, Saturday afternoon. The air was alive with smoke from the wild fires and supplementing the smoke was the ripe aroma of the overflowing trash can full of discarded ice cream cups. Ah, totally worth it. I tried the cucumber lemon sorbet as I thought it would be refreshing on this warm day. I wasn't in love with that flavor and ended up getting a split scoop of the Fennel and Maple ice cream and the stumptown coffee w/bourbon. The coffee was pretty standard and one of my fave flavors, so it was enjoyable. Nothing outrageously amazing, just coffee ice cream. The fennel and maple was really good. I don't normally like fennel-flavored things, but the maple was dominant and it was surprisingly a refreshing flavor. Anyway, the line was out the door, which wasn't surprising. It's on every must-try ice cream list. The line moves quickly though, despite everyone trying tons of different flavors. Staff were really friendly and funny. I liked them. Cute decor. Indoor/outdoor seating (though outdoor seating smells due to the overflowing trash can right there). I wish I lived closer to PDX for some regular Salt & Straw.
(4)Madi J.
Amazing people, amazing ice cream. Staff is always so friendly and it's awesome how they come out to the line to get you samples and start your order. Amazing ice cream flavors and so cool to see some brand new one. I had the woodblock chocolate and it was A1
(5)Randi W.
Today I was craving ice cream, but I didn't go to Salt and Straw. I went to another local ice cream shop, and the whole time I was working my way through my coffee-flavored concoction, I was still craving ice cream. Specifically, Salt and Straw's Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon Ice Cream. Why do I even bother spending money elsewhere? At Salt and Straw, you will wait in line for 30+ minutes. You will ask to sample flavors that shock, awe, and possibly disgust you, and be even more shocked and awed when, upon sampling, you discover that Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey makes for a wonderful combination of frozen cream. You will receive extraordinary, friendly service from folks who will gladly let you try 16 flavors in one visit. And at the end, you will pay more than a trifle, and you should thank yourself for getting what is undoubtedly the best ice cream in Portland. The best time of year to visit S&S imho is actually during Thanksgiving, with flavors like Spiced Pumpkin Chevre, Cranberry Walnut Stuffing, and Sweet Potato Casserole. The coffee ice cream is the best I've ever had, and my boyfriend, who only eats vanilla, says the same about their Double Fold Vanilla. You'll smell the freshly-made waffle cones before you even see the lines out the door. Make the upgrade for it. I can't wait for Salt and Straw to take the nation by storm, so that I finally move from Portland, I can still hit up my local S&S for that coffee and bourbon rush.
(5)Kevin K.
Location specific review: Located in the alphabet district it tends to be a little crowded, BUT it's totally worth it. Also, no joke, these guys have it down to a tee. There were about FIFTY people in front of us but it only took about fifteen minutes to get through the line and out the door with our ice cream. They have about three or four servers providing tasters to different people throughout the line so you are ready to go when you get up to the front. Friendly service and the smell of fresh waffle cones keeps your nostrils on point. General overview: Best ice cream I've ever had. Top five desserts I've ever had and it's just ice cream. Well I shouldn't just say just ice cream because their ingenuity and creativity push the boundaries of what your taste buds can handle. They have their solid foundation flavors and then they have their special flavors. Their special flavors consist of favorite dishes from local restaurants which seriously make your head turn. For example, they had a poutine flavored ice cream, and kimchi and jasmine rice; they were super flavorful and delicious. My recommendations for a mind blowing ice cream experience is the sea salt with caramel ribbons and the almond brittle with salted ganache. Seriously both are unreal.
(5)Stephanie T.
BEST. ICE. CREAM. EVER!!!! During my 3.5 day stay in Portland, I came here twice. I am obsessed with their honey lavender, and the olive oil is also a favorite. Not only are the flavors inventive, the quality of ice cream is great. Very creamy, and not just ice-y, if you understand that. The staff here are very nice. Even though the counter wass full with people sampling and choosing a flavor, they would come around to the people in line and ask which flavors they wanted to try and bring it to them. This was definitely my favorite place in Portland.
(5)Kristin C.
If this is your first time visiting Salt & Straw, don't be afraid to sample the different flavors. If you can't decide, you can order an 'ice cream flight' ($9) with 4 different flavors. Our favorite Classic Portland Flavors in no particular order were the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper and Honey Lavender. When we visited, Salt & Straw had special flavors representing collaborations wtih famous food trucks around the city. The 'Viking Soul Food goat's milk + ligonberry' was a hit. The 'Koi Fusion kimchee & rice' was one of the most interesting flavor combinations I have tried but understandably very confusing to my taste buds. Make sure you sample this before you order a full scoop -- it is worth a try though! The line is crazy but service is quick & amazing! They really go the extra mile for their customers and they also let you try as many samples as you want! Someone in our party had a nut allergy and they took the time to use clean scoops for our ice cream to prevent cross contamination.
(5)Hannah L.
Came here on a Monday night for the first time, I was visiting from Seattle and a lot of friends recommended this place. Got to the place around 8 at night and there was a long line that wrapped around the corner of the building, but it moved quite quickly. Cute and clean little place, no parking lot, and small seating area on the inside. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The guy that was helping my boyfriend and I kept insisting us to try all the flavors we want. I won't lie, the menu was a little over whelming but had a lot of interesting flavors. After trying a few flavors out and not being able to make up our minds,we settled on the flight taste (I believe that's what it's called, don't quote me though) it was $9 for a scoop of 4 flavors each. I picked out two and he picked out two. The flavors we choose were: cinnamon snicker doodle, black pepper strawberry balsamic, chocolate caramel potato chip cupcake, and almond brittle with salted ganache. The cinnamon snicker doodle tasted just like a snicker doodle cookie with a hint of churro. Pretty good and had soft snicker doodle cookie chunks in it. The strawberry balsamic was interesting, I could taste the crunch of the black pepper but didn't really taste black pepper (which was fine by me) my boyfriend's favorite was he almond brittle. If you've ever been to Seattle, and had our local Molly Moon's ice cream, this place reminds me a lot of Molly Moon's. Very similar! I would definitely come back the next time I'm in Portland again!
(4)Melissa M.
Yummalicious! Strawberry honey balsamic is sooooo good. It's a a strawberry ice cream with strawberry preserve/jam like filling. Chocolate gooey brownie is a chocolate ice cream with brownie chunks in it. Good creamy ice cream on a hot summer day. Lines are long but service is fast and line moves along quickly. Staff will come to you while you wait in line to bring you samples of whatever ice cream you would like to try.
(5)Jeff K.
If you're going to do it, why go anywhere else? This place is ridiculous. It's a perfect fit for Portland IMO as there's got to be somebody back there working the bong thinking up these ideas for ice cream. How else would it be possible? We hit Salt and Straw just about every visit to Portland. And yes, I must confess, it's typically more than once each trip. ;) The flavors change all the time and are sometimes somewhat seasonal but the ingenuity is definitely not seasonal. Like Chocolate Caramel Potato Chip Cup Cake... Really? Yes, that's one ice cream. That might be the whole selection at a competitor. Ponder these... Lemon Cucumber Sorbet Green Fennel Maple Garam Masala and Cinnamon Cauliflower Tomato Water and Ojai Olive Oil Sherbet Those are some of the August vegetable inspirations for the month. They do have classic flavors that don't typically change as well. Good thing, or nobody would ever get through the line because they are really happy to allow you to try anything and as many as you like! It's a good / bad thing. (Good at the front of the line, bad at the back)
(5)Nicole A.
What can I say about Salt & Straw that hasn't been said already? My dad and I came here on a Tuesday afternoon and there was a line around the block but we decided to wait because the smell coming from the interior was too delicious and mouth-watering to ignore. Their menu selection is impressive. You can get one scoop of ice cream or you can get a split scoop (get the split scoop!) I ordered the almond brittle with salted ganache and a scoop of the snickerdoodle ice cream. Oh my! The almond brittle was perfectly delicious and crunchy and that salted ganache was just wonderful with that nice salty kick. The snickerdoodle ice cream was luscious. It had bits of snickerdoodle cookie in it and if I do say so myself, my two flavors combined nicely. Besides just ice cream, they make malts and shakes, which sounded pretty damn good but I was there just for the scoops. They also have great souvenirs to look at while you're in line and it's pretty hard to not want to buy some of them to take back home. Different artisanal foods and such. Sadly, they do not have this in LA but you can order it online. I recommend you come here for the full experience. This is the best ice cream I have ever had.
(5)Claudine M.
Salt and Straw has the most interesting and refreshingly delicious ice cream flavors. Upon arriving to the shop, I quickly realize that it's going to be awhile until I get to get myself some ice cream. The line wraps around the store and is packed inside! I also enjoyed that the music selection of the store is 2000s hip hop/Pop/RnB. That made the wait a little more entertaining as the songs reminded me of good memories. As I got closer to the front, the staff offered samples so I can get better idea of what I want. I ended up choosing the rhubarb ice cream in a cup, and it was truly delightful! I am so happy they have one in LA. I can't wait to have more!
(4)Julian L.
First time coming here. I had a split scoop bowl of two August specials: lemon cucumber sorbet and green fennel maple. (The August specialty theme was vegetables.) Both flavours were great because they were subtly done. The cucumber sorbet was refreshing just like biting into a cucumber, and imo the perfect ice cream representation of cucumber (even the fact that it was less creamy as a sorbet instead of being a full blown ice cream). The green fennel maple was also great, because it just had a hint of fennel and maple flavours. Less was more.
(5)Travis M.
Lines are too long and it's just ice cream. A novelty shop and I guess if that's your thing by all means go wait in that long line. For me, I'll go to the store and get some Ben and Jerry's or I'll go to another ice cream shop. That said, the only reason it gets three stars is the ice cream is good.
(3)Whitney A.
Oh Salt & Straw, Oh how I love thee. I would stand outside in your line for 27 hours in snow and ice just to get a spoon of your milky goodness. ...but seriously, if you love icecream - this IS the Portland experience. Not your traditional boring bowl of moooooo juice. This is for the sophisticated and curious palate. Enjoy!
(5)Brian Q.
Addictive. I'm going through serious withdrawal right now. I've never been very impressed with any ice cream shops and especially not interested in waiting in line, but Salt & Straw lives up to the hype and was worth the wait. There's so many unique and interesting flavors and you can sample whatever you like when you get to the front of the line. After much sampling, I ended up going more classic and getting the salted caramel and almond brittle and salted ganache. Both flavors had the most delicious and fresh-tasting vanilla base. Tips: Be prepared for a 15-20 minute wait. If you know what flavor you want, you can skip the line and pick up a pint to go. You can do a split scoop for 50 cents extra if you want two flavors and can't handle two scoops.
(5)Bill D.
Call me boring, but their vanilla is GREAT! Samples are worth asking for and they are readily supplied by a friendly staff. Get there early as this is one place that gets PACKED real fast, especially on warmer days. Like it well enough? Get some by the pint and take it home and avoid the crowd.
(5)Shalyn B.
All great things in life are worth the wait and Salt & Straw is no exception! If you want ice cream that will knock your socks off then this is where you want to be. Offering amazing flavors with both flagships and seasonal rotations you will never be disappointed. Don't feel like waiting in line for a cone? Feel free to grab a pint to go and skip right to the register. If you do choose to wait in line then do yourself a favor and pick up some nice local swag.
(5)Willard J.
Disclaimer: I'm not the biggest ice cream person. It's okay, but not the dessert I jump for. With that said. This place is AMAZING. Their combinations of flavors are very odd sounding, but you can sample every ice cream they have without feeling like a peasant. I know this, because I've done it. The staple is their salted Carmel, which is great. They even have a vegan ice cream. Not sure what type of sorcery was performed to make that. Sample everything. I tried a strawberry and pepper recently and it's been my favorite one! It's a little pricey so I like to treat myself on occasion. By occasion, I mean very often.
(5)Elle N.
On a trip to Portland and after a heavy meal we decided to stop off at Salt and Straw..stopping in generally means a mighty long line down the street (people will wait for good food in Portland). After waiting for approximately 20 minutes (and hoping to get my hands on the Honey Lavender ice cream) my husband decided to peek inside. He noticed if you want to purchase a pint versus a cone or bowl - YOU CAN WALK RIGHT UP to the counter and pay! We decided on the Salted Caramel ice cream to share and were out in 10 minutes. This is some of the best ice cream I've ever had...really creamy, you know the kind from fresh cows milk! I fell in love with their logo and decor...huge into aesthetics. You feel like you joined the circus and why shouldn't you! Look forward to visiting the location in Los Angeles.
(5)Charity F.
Think for just one second about the best ice cream you've ever had in your life...this will be better than that by a mile! I'm a huge fan of ice cream. I pretty much order mint chocolate chip everywhere, but Salt & Straw changed my perspective on ice cream forever! As we neared the front of the line (which moves really fast BTW), a smiley girl in braided pigtails approached us, "hi! have you been helped?" We both requested 2 flavor samples each and felt zero guilt about the request as she smiled and said, "no problem! Be right back!" As she handed us the spoon samples, our faces lit up and she said, "this is your first time, huh?" We both laughed and replied, "yes." She said "all new customers have that look on their face the first time they try our ice cream." Dang it! We've been trying so hard to not be those "stick out like a sore thumb tourists." She walked us over to the counter so she could give us more samples and she "toured us through" her favorite flavors. They were all so amazing, but the honey lavender was just soooooo yum! I can't even describe how happy this flavor made me. The almond brittle with salted ganache was my other favorite. I couldn't decide which to get, so she suggested the split scoop! Ummmm YES! I'll take that! I walked out of Salt & Straw with a huge smile on my face. This was more than getting ice cream...this was a magical adventure! My boyfriend wanted to walk the town and eat our cones, but I wanted to sit down and enjoy this enchanting moment. Each bite was followed by a little moaning...this is heaven. I can't remember the last time I finished an ice cream cone and felt heartbroken. Can't wait to go back. This blows every ice cream cone I've ever had, out of the water. Bam! Hat off to you, Salt & Straw...now I have to move to Portland.
(5)Robert H.
Was in Portland for about a week and this came up as a must visit thanks to my Yelptastic location updating. One of the best things about this is the smell. It goes down every street you're walking on. Luckily for us we came at the right time, the line was just slightly outside the front door so the wait was only 20minutes or so. Be warned though when we left the line was around the building and down the street. This place had several crazy concepts on Ice Cream and as your walking up to the front on the line the staff greets your very pleasantly I might add with any tasters in the flavors you want. We got several flavors to try out. Ultimately we choose the sea salt ice cream and wished I had gone with the almond brittle. But that was our choice. The location has a great overall feel to the place. Wonderful little decor pieces and everyone working has a great attitude about them. This is definitely a spot to come back to. The surrounding city also has a great vibe, this is the place I would want to live in and next too if and when I decide to move up here.
(5)L R.
Went in with an idea of what I wanted, but after sampling a few of their more unique flavor options I completely changed my mind. I sampled the strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, honey lavender, and pear with blue cheese. I decided on the pear with blue cheese. Great choice! I recommend you sample their flavors and go from there, maybe you'll change your mind too.
(5)Amanda I.
Their ice cream is hard to beat. The Snickerdoodle flavor is my favorite because it even has chunks of cookie in it. My fiance loves the strawberry honey cracked pepper flavor too. Even if the line looks long, they are quick and you're never in line longer than 20 minutes and the prices are great.
(5)Claire G.
I ordered the Olive Oil ice cream, but I received the sea salt caramel. I didn't hate this mistake. I was ultra excited about the olive oil kind, but hey, just another reason to come back. Claire got the woodblock chocolate sorbet- wound up surrendering it to me because it was a bit on the "tangy" side (she'd probably go for a cream based treat next time). Looking forward to going back. They're super busy all the time and the service is really wonderful as the cashiers/servers will go through the line to pre-order your treats and have you ready to go! Love that we can get the kid sized servings (which really is probably enough for any adult).
(4)Christine W.
This fabulous ice cream shop is located on one of my favorite streets in Portland. The area cute little clothing boutiques and other little coffee shops. Little big burger is like a block away from this salt and straw, I believe - another reason for dessert after a burger meal! Salt and Straw never seems to dissatisfy me. This ice cream shop is busy but the wait is bearable and is actually not long at all. The ice cream servers are really nice. While I was waiting in line, a server came up to me and asked if I had been helped and if there were any Qs or flavors that I wanted to try. I think that this helped make the wait bearable and also not seem as long as it would have been. Two-thumbs up for efficiency!! My favorite flavors to always get is the bourbon and coffee (for coffee lovers), the sea salt caramel, and sometimes the chocolate fudge. They do offer tubs of ice cream that you can purchase. I have tried the blue cheese and pear, and it is actually not as bad as it sounds - I say try it! They do have seasonal flavors ALL THE TIME - and its nice to change it up once in a while.
(5)Christine N.
The smell when you walk by will put you in a hypnotic trance. Waffle cones are buttery and nutty. Almond brittle was amazing. Not too sweet but there were chunky bits of slightly salted brittle and chocolate in smooth creamy vanilla ice cream. I got a kids cone which is just enough to satisfy me, but most people were waking out with colossal cones. There were interesting flavors as well. Blew molly moons out of the water.
(5)Rafael O.
Ice cream is good, but not really that great that is worth waiting in line. The flavors are creative but way too strong. I liked it, but it did not deserve five stars
(3)Lucy S.
Interesting flavors and good ice cream. The waffle cones are freshly made. The line can be intimidating because it's always long, but it moves pretty fast and you can try as many flavors as you want once you reach the front. If you want a pint, you can skip the line!
(4)Lin Lin S.
I love this place. Cute area for window shopping (alphabet district), super friendly and helpful staff, and of course above and beyond great quality ice cream. Rich, thick, creamy, no ice crystals, and full of the flavor it's supposed to be. We had pear and bleu cheese: chunks of cooked pears with a slight tang of cheese; black walnut and gamay jam: a true grape flavor; honey lavender: it's like I ate L'occitane hand cream...in a good way; salted caramel. Featured on Andrew Zimmern, but besides that, it's a great place to visit especially since we were tourists in Portland.
(5)S M.
The menu is divided into their standard flavors (which are more inventive than those found in 99% of other ice cream shops) and then a few specialty flavors. I've tried most things on the menu. For me, the specialty flavors are a bit too edgy (e.g. Thai peanut sauce, kimchee, tahini and cardamon) ... but they are well crafted and I appreciate the effort. All of the standard flavors are outstanding. I'm particularly fond of their use of salt in many of the caramel and chocolate flavors. Their coffee is also the most intense coffee ice cream I've had. Considering how crowded it gets they do a good job getting people in and out.
(5)Nick C.
Sometimes I think certain places get good reviews based on hype alone. There have been many occasions where I've tried a super-busy, 5-star, lines-out-the-door restaurant expecting something amazing, but instead only get something that's merely okay. I don't pride myself on being a contrarian or anything like that, and I try to separate the quality of something from the hype, but sometimes that feeling of being underwhelmed hits me regardless. Salt & Straw is decent (I think it's impossible for any ice cream place to be bad), but I think the charm of it being a local establishment has won more people over than the actual taste. Salt & Straw has a lot of unique flavors, but sometimes I just want something simple. I once went in with a mint craving and assumed they would have some sort of minty flavor, but they did not. I don't care about wacky flavors like "vanilla ice cream with roasted turkey butts and crumpled pieces of Einstürzende Neubauten records" (*disclaimer*: may not be an actual flavor), I just want mint ice cream. I guess I'm biased because my favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate peanut butter, a flavor that most ice cream shops in Portland seem to be hesitant in adding. Chocolate peanut butter is clearly the best flavor of all time (why else do you think they have 20 different Reese's candy bars?) and the lack of it in Portland is baffling. Still, I know not everyone has my taste buds and prefer something more salty and caramel-y, so I don't take points off for that. I gave three stars because I always enjoy the ice cream to an extent, but I'm never amazed by it. I know most Portlanders will completely discredit my opinion for daring to choose a chain over a local favorite, but I vastly prefer Cold Stone (Steve Austin) instead. Salt & Straw is more of a gourmet ice cream joint, whereas Cold Stone is more of a "let's take a bunch of candy and fudge and peanut butter and unhealthy crap and smash it into ice cream" joint. I think ice cream is supposed to be unhealthy and decadent, so I prefer the option that goes all-out with its decadence and gives me a Cold Stone Stunner in my mouth.
(3)M R.
Good ice cream, but not worth waiting in line when Fifty Licks down the street (20th and Clinton) has the same draw (unique and delicious ice cream) without the block-long wait. If they could figure out how to speed up the line, I'd come here more, but since that hasn't happened in several years, not going to wait for it to happen...taking my loyalty down the street. (And no, I was not asked to write this review.)
(3)Elisa S.
Honestly I don't get the hype. I like my flavors a little more normal. Their ice cream is ok but definitely not wrap around the block worthy. Check out Cool Moon instead.
(3)Dar C.
Perfect waffle cones! They are thin and crispy and delicious! I had the chocolate ice cream and it was great!
(5)Bill B.
So it was 3:30 on a rainy Saturday when my wife decided we needed to take my daughter to Salt & Straw. The first thing I noticed was the line out the door and up the sidewalk. Not a huge fan of waiting in line but I'd heard good things so what the heck... After about 10 minutes in line a girl with turquoise hair came out and informed us that we were queued up the wrong direction so we all had to move the line. Apparently Portlanders can't even follow directions printed on signs. Once we finally got inside the door it was a mere 15 more minutes to get to the counter. Watching them make the waffle cones onsite was entertaining for about 1 of those minutes. Then we got to peruse the cabinet full of impulse items like overpriced souvenir t-shirts and drinking vinegar(?). So by the time I actually got to look at the menu board I'd pretty much decided to try the Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon flavor ice cream. I mean I like coffee, I like bourbon, I like bourbon in coffee so why not? The turquoise haired girl was giving samples to the front of the line so I got the coffee & bourbon. Based on all of the reviews I was expecting a mouthgasmic experience, instead I got a scoop of coffee ice cream, kinda like the stuff you can buy at Safeway for $1.99 a gallon on sale. But I got the privilege of paying $5 for a scoop of it. 1 double cone and 2 single cones cost $17 tip not included. Are you joking? Salt & Straw is One & Done for me.
(1)Marna G.
Okay first things first -- I am a traditionalist. Ice cream to me has three base flavors - Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry unless we are talking about Gelato which has completely different set of variables. My friends have been harassing me to "just try" Salt & Straw. I have been digging my heels in on principle for months if not almost a year. In fact, it took my really close friend Stacey to fly in from San Francisco to say "Come on Marna be a big girl and try their goddamn ice cream!" So we did. The crabby McPatty in me noticed right out of the gate the big long lines. I loathe lines -- there's no reason for them. This is no exception- so I was a little off put but I got over it. Once I actually got inside the atmosphere and vibe took over. You simply can't be crabby in this place. The staff are kind inviting and happy. Everyone's eating ice cream or standing in line and are actually enthusiastic and excited about getting ready to order. They don't rush you AT ALL. Miss traditionalist me got brave and tried some pretty weird shit. Some of which I liked some of which I couldn't believe I tried. Flavors that are better than sex- See salt ice cream with Caramel ribbons. Heaven on a spoon. Hands-down I could have sex with this ice cream:) I just want to roll in it and rub it all over my body and lick it off! It is that damn good! Freckled woodblock chocolate - can I get an amen? And I'm not being religious. I did some research and learned from their site that - "Woodblock Chocolate is the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Portland. Charlie & Jessica Wheelock create each bar using only two ingredients - cocoa beans and sugar! The cocoa beans are from a few select farms from around the world and each batch is roasted by hand. We churn it into ice cream using an old-school technique called "freckling" to suspend the chocolate in an un-tempered state that has a small bite to it as it melts quickly in your mouth. We sprinkle a bit of Oregon-harvested Jacobsen sea salt into this ice cream. The first to harvest salt from the Oregon coast in over 200 years...since the days of Lewis and Clark!" I don't know why but I found that incredibly impressive. The honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper was surprisingly delightful. When I heard pepper I cringed a little inside because that just didn't seem right. I've had balsamic vinegar on strawberries and raspberries and I truly like that but an ice cream - Miss traditionalist just wasn't so sure- however I was pleasantly surprised. Grandma Malek's almond Rocha with salted ganache- Jesus Christ. They took their grandmothers almond brittle recipe and they added salted chocolate ganache by the chunk into their vanilla ice cream. Holy mother of God this is going to be my go to fix for any of my PMS symptoms. How can it not be?? You've got chocolate of course which is the cure for anything remotely to do with PMS and it sweet and it's got the salt that you need when you're crabby and it's just so freakishly good. The coffee and bourbon ice cream - no-brainer the two go together like peas and carrots. They do a wonderful version of this. My only feedback for this ice cream is to change out Stumptown coffee for Caffe Umbria's and then you have a perfect mixture. The Pear with blue cheese ice cream was interesting. Didn't hate it- they make it with Bartlett pears and crater Lake blue cheese. I wouldn't order it- just to order it. While I was there I also tried the sweet corn waffle corn caramel it was a limited flavor. I wasn't too sure but I ended up ordering that as my ice cream pick of the day along with the sea salt caramel ribbon. It was just delightful and the whole world stopped for about 35 minutes while I ate ice cream it was just me and my cone. So I have to give some honorable mention- yours truly was brave enough to try their loaded baked potato. This flavor was like a train wreck. I had one bite and had to like figure out what was going on in my mouth. I went for one more bite and decided you know what this is just not for me. I do like my potatoes loaded but I like them hot and buttery not cold. They also offered meant leaves with sea urchin meringue as a limited flavor. I was not going to try this just on principle. Sea urchins you eat at sushi. However, since I was already MacGayvering it I sucked it up and I tried it. The ice cream was fresh and minty and the sea urchin meringue gave the ice cream a little bit of saltiness. The meringue and texture were like puffy and a little chewy which made it interesting. Didn't need a second bite of this. If I'm going to eat sushi I'm going to eat sushi. Fish of any kind doesn't go with ice cream in my book The end of the day my experience with salt and straw was unique, delicious and something I would like to repeat:) This is going to be one of those places that I want to take my out-of-town guests to because I think they would truly appreciate it. Good job Salt and Straw!
(4)Keun L.
I went to premium outlet mall at woodburn and on our way back, I dropped by this place for desert. Hoestly, I just don't get it. I tried bunch samplers and the 4 minis including one with uni, lavender, Operha's favorite, etc. And, I hated the one with uni and I love uni sashimi. Too sweet, too salty, too weird!! I am actually quite liberal on tasting new things and will try everything once. And, I did try almost everything here - there were two things I liked the plain vanilla and chocolate. The thing is that the quality of their ice cream was quite good but I do not like the taste and the line up. To me, it just has novelty aspect but no substance (no repeat for me).
(2)William C.
Came in earlier in the day during the work week and was able to avoid the lines. This was nice because the staff had ample time for me to try a bunch of samplings before deciding on my order. I usually don't like ice cream but this place is the bees knees. Nice warm atmosphere, get a cup of coffee for a nice pairing of bitter and sweet.
(5)Chloe R.
Want the inside scoop? It's worth the wait in line. The silver lining is in the line. Make random friends (normally other tourists), read the menus available and enjoy the atmosphere. Have your ice cream and eat it too! The superbly happy staff (who wouldn't be if you worked in an ice cream shop) will give you as many tastings of each ice cream as you like and talk you through the process of production for each. Stop, collaborate and listen - the lavender, choc gooey brownie and olive oil are all must haves. Don't waffle, go straight for a large cup of lacto-creamo-3 scoop brilliance. Warning: You'll go once and will come back ice-screaming for more.
(5)Meana K.
I feel sorry for the tourists who visit Portland once a year and have to stand in a super long line to cross Salt & Straw off their must-do list. Lucky for me, I live in this great city and get to enjoy it year-round, rain or shine. And that shortened proximity allows increased frequency of visits that enable me to try different flavors, new innovative flavors, classic standby flavors -- and even take a pint or two home. It's love at first try, worth standing in line when it's not wrapped around the block, and definitely a place you want to bring your out-of-town friends to when they're visiting. Staff have never been anything but super friendly -- even with the ridiculously long lines and the need to sample just one more flavor. Samples are sizeable, scoops are generous, and flavors are powerful. The weirder the combination of flavors, the better. Thanksgiving table to cone flavors are incredible - Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey are you even kidding me? Delicious. Arbequina Olive Oil -- I love you, don't ever fall off the classic menu. Oh, and for every pint you buy -- the Oregon Food Bank receives a pint for free. How awesome is that? In case you were debating, just give in and get one.
(5)Sarah P.
I rarely crave ice cream except when thinking about the delicious and unusual flavors at Salt & Straw. I no longer live in Portland, but I visit as often as I can and this is one of my favorite places. It isn't easy deciding between flavors, but the option of being able to try a sample of any flavor is always helpful. Everything I have tried is quite tasty, including the honey lavender, strawberry honey balsamic and pepper, coffee and bourbon, and snickerdoodle. The line, even when it is long, tends to move fairly quickly and the employees always seem friendly here.
(5)Amy F.
Whoa, diabetes in a cone. *shudder* The olive oil was surprisingly good! I'm not a fan of super super sweet things, but this ice cream place is a lovely eccentric surprise. It was pricier than I expected, but that's what you get for sentence-long names that you will literally never hear outside of Portland again. Mm, the salty ones are good, so bring a drink on a hot day! (yes hot days happen, the 3 days of the year I actually visited.)
(4)Jessica S.
3 stars for flavor and an extra star for the staff. The staff here was soooo attentive/kind, that the staff alone made me add a star. You can have as many samples of the different flavors as you want, which is amazing! Really try out the flavors, the staff is more than happy to help you find your perfect flavor. The flavors here are really interesting, different, decadent and... intense. I can see why so many people love this place but the taste was a little too intense for me and my preference of ice cream. I had the freckled woodblock chocolate, a very creamy chocolate flavor that was great in the beginning but near the end the flavor became a little overpowering. I also tried a taste of my friends Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper and the the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. I found the black pepper in the Strawberry ice cream a little too peppery and the balsamic wasn't really to my liking. The almond brittle with salted ganache was really tasty but the ganache was very thick and a little too chunky for my preference.
(4)Danielle T.
Despite the long wait times, this ice cream is from another world. It's worth the wait.
(5)Carol L.
What kind of ice cream connoisseur are you? Do you prefer delicious flavors? Or are you all about the texture? If you are the first, then you'll LOVE Salt & Straw! They had really interesting and fancy flavors, like sweet potato with candied pecans, pumpkin and chèvre (goat cheese!), honey lavender, pear and blue cheese, black pepper, apple cider sorbet, and so much more. Out of all the ones I tasted, the most delicious was the almond brittle with salted chocolate ganache... and this isn't usually the type of flavor I would go for! Highly recommend this one. However, if you are more about the ice cream quality and texture like me, then I found their ice cream a bit icy and too light. I loooooove a thick, creamy ice cream consistency. Bi-Rite in San Francisco is by far above Salt & Straw in my book, and I also like Molly Moon in Seattle. In Portland, we also ate at Ruby Jewel, which I enjoyed more than Salt & Straw (but their ice cream flavor menu is much less varied). TLDR: Lots of interesting and yummy flavors, not the highest quality or texture.
(3)Roy L.
I am lactose intolerant, hates lines, and despise places that is popular with the hipsters. But I ended up here every day we were in Portland. Well worth the wait and constant need for lactaid pills. They have a menu filled with unique flavors - including Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Pear & Blue Cheese, and Coffee and Bourbon. They also carry seasonal flavors to mix it up. Lines are long during peak hours but it goes by fast. They have plenty of people working behind the counter to keep things moving at a quick pace. They will even come out to the line to ask what you would like to sample so that when its your turn, you know what you want. There isn't too much seating so that is may be problematic for some (those that tend to drip ice cream all over themselves). If you are in Portland this place is a must even if you are not a ice cream junkie. Best ice cream I had and they come up with unique combinations of flavors that work.
(5)Jeffrey F.
Wow! The ice cream was awesome and so was the service. Their is always a huge line but they move quickly and they still make it a personal experience. They take the time to allow you to try any options you want then make whatever you decide. All their flavors are unique and different than most ice cream places.
(5)Marissa K.
Always delicious. Always something new. Everyone is very friendly, and you can try as many flavors as you'd like. The only downer is lines can be very long.
(5)Tiffany P.
We were visiting from out of state and wanted to try this place. Our VRBO was nearby, so we walked to this location. We were there on a Friday night, at about 9:30pm. Like others have said, it was crowded and there was a long line. From the time we got in line to the the time we paid for our ice cream, it was 40 minutesm, but the fun music and company didn't make it seem that long. I got the gooey brownie and my husband just got the double fold vanilla. I thought they were good. Nothing terrific, or tons better than any other ice cream place. But, we wanted to try it. The servers were friendly and helpful.
(4)Amiee H.
I've tried the ice cream here twice. The first time I had the salted caramel (which is usually my FAVORITE!) but it came out super melted and not that great. I felt like I was drinking ice cream rather than eating ice cream. The waffle cone saved it though. It was undeniably a good tasting cone!! So that was worth three stars. The second time I same, I had the brownie flavored ice cream, and that was delicious!!! The waffle cone was still super good! So there that time was worth five stars. So if you average them up, 4 stars it is! I would like to comment though that there are a trillion flavors here and most are very interesting non-traditional flavors that you can't really get anywhere else. If you read about their company, they make all the batches by hand so that's also super fresh and special. I can see why there is always a HUGE line rounding out the door for this place, but I don't think it's good enough to wait in a line, I think it's good enough to get if there is no line.
(4)Tom T.
The ice cream at Salt & Straw surpasses the greatest ice cream I'd ever eaten before.
(5)Winnie Z.
Absolutely amazing ice cream. I think any ice cream aficionado must make a visit here. Creamy texture, served at the perfect, melting-just-at-the-edges temperature, and very creative flavours. I got the Stumptown coffee w/ bourbon and almond brittle with salty ganache in a freshly-made waffle cone. Their fresh waffle cones are amazing! Crispy and thin, complements rather than distracts from the ice cream. One thing about the salty ganache, though: they are salty indeed, and although they add a surprising flavour contrast I found some of the chunks too large, and tasting them multiple bite in succession wasn't that enjoyable. Coming from Boston, my loyalty has always lied with Toscanini's, but this place makes me want to reconsider...
(5)S Y.
It's almost a year since I've been here and I've just recently threw away the little menu card that listed all their flavors. The flavor selection is just that unique, from Pear with Blue Cheese or Sweet Pepper Jam and Goat Cheese to Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache or Cheddar Apple Pie. When you love ice cream and you can't decide, get an Ice Cream Flight! Here in SF, we have got some of the best ice cream from the simple, old fashioned spots to the best of tropical flavors to prosciutto... to the strange, unique, different and weird - all not sacrificing creaminess for flavor. Salt & Straw will fit right in... HINT HINT! Keep Portland Weird and Salt & Straw weirder!
(5)Jasmine B.
Went to Salt and Straw last weekend, and although the line was a tad lengthy the ice cream and customer service was great. The employees were very friendly, and I had the seasonal special 'Pots of Gold & Rainbows.' The ice cream had Lucky Charms marshmellows in it, which I had in a waffle cone that they make right there in front of you. I loved my ice cream, I wish it wasn't seasonal! I also bought a mug ($10) with a unique elephant ice cream illustration on it.
(4)Raymond O.
I cheated on my local ice cream shop 500 km away and went to Salt & Straw. Boy was it all worth it. The flavours are definitely for foodies - Pear with Blue Cheese, Strawberry Honey Balsamic, Figgy Pudding, Stumptown coffee and Burnside Bourbon. The place is cool and I like the area it's located. I love the chalkboard menu style you can see while lining up. When it's your turn at least you have an idea on what flavours to try before you commit. My recommendation for first time cheaters like myself is to get their "Tasting Flight" for $9.00. You get four kid size scoops laid out on a wooden board. When you've tried a variety of flavours then at least you can commit to one the next time around for a bigger serving. My only gripe is that they haven't gone all the way in terms of ingredients and therefore flavouring. The idea in combination is spot on, but the final execution is lacking. I need more blue cheese in the Pear and Blue Cheese. I couldn't taste any Bourbon in the other. Oh and I do like how the ice cream isn't rich and thick as my local Earnest Ice Cream variety which is too thick and creamy it would make anyone lactose intolerant after. With Salt & Straw, it's a good balance of creaminess you wouldn't going back for more. When I'm back in Portland, I will seek you out once more.
(4)Annie K.
Oh, my gosh. This is one of the best ice cream place I've ever tried so far. My friend told me that I had to try this ice cream place and she was right, ice cream there was sugarlicious. Yum! Of course, I couldn't taste all the flavors. I did get to try three flavors. My daughter isn't all that adventurous just yet, so she got the double fold vanilla bean. That was really bold...I could taste the vanilla bean. And I was the brave one. I tried the pear with blue cheese. Yup, blue cheese ice cream with sweet pear chunks. It was very blue cheesy ice cream but the pears was paired well into the saltiness. Really tasty. I also got to try the cheese apple pie. Wowee...it was delicious. It was just like eating an apple pie. It's just colder and in rhe form of an ice cream. Salt and straw is a definitely an ice cream place you got to check out when you're visiting Portland. Be brave and try the savory ice creams they offer. Like any ice cream shop, you can taste the flavors before you make your decision.
(5)Ashley E.
This place is awesome! I walked in with my husband thinking I could be able to enjoy this delicious treat and sure enough I found out they had a fairly free gluten free ice cream that taste nothing short of amazing Coconut with Petunia's Salted Caramel Bars. So much good flavor without taking away from the ice cream taste.
(5)Jayme S.
Angels sing when I eat the Basalmic Honey Vinaigrette w/ Black Pepper paired with the Birthday Cake & Blackberry scooped on waffle cone... I've done the little taster of almost every flavor on the menu...have yet to be disappointed my friends! Every choice is a good choice here! What a wonderful thing. :)
(5)Hannah L.
After being turned down at Ben & Jerry's because they have the wrong hours online, I was craving ice cream and decided Salt & Straw would do the trick. I have been there tons of times and had great experiences despite the classic long line. The line was not long at all and I tried the April flavors. One of them I really liked so I ordered that one and one of the classic flavors. My scoops were extremely small which a little annoying since their prices are pretty steep for ice cream. I walked outside, took a large bite of my ice cream and I was pretty sure it was not what I ordered. I never ever send things back but since I had already had one bad experience earlier, I decided to say something. I went back in and told the nice man at the register that I got the wrong scoop. The guy said that actually was the right scoop, but the reason I didn't know was because my sample didn't have any of the chunks in it and I didn't realize I didn't like that part. The guy offered to scoop me another cone even though it was my fault I ordered the wrong thing. He insisted on it and I got another scoop (also this time they were the right size). I tried to give back the other one but he said I could have it too, which I gave to my friend. I appreciated their kindness and will continue to give them my business. That is what great customer service is all about!
(4)Ronnie S.
They have a line that rivals those at Disneyland, but their ice cream is delicious and they have creative flavor! Totally worth the wait! S&S is heaven on earth!
(4)Joseph D.
The olive oil ice cream here is heavenly. We love that they have a slick system to keep the lines moving while satisfying everyone's desire to sample (they bring samples to you while you wait in line). We ended up settling on the pear and blue cheese, olive oil, and balsamic and strawberry scoops- all oh so good. We found out later that you can actually get half scoops as well (or should we say instead), which probably would've helped our waistlines. They get big points in our books for creativity as well with seasonal flavors and themes!
(5)Tori R.
This place is impeccable. Got here on a Wednesday night around 8pm and shockingly there wasn't much of a wait. Got their salted caramel ice cream in a fresh waffle cone (you can watch them make them fresh, mmm!) and it was to die for. I wish I had more room at the time to try their other great flavors. A little expensive, a double scoop in a cone and 1 coffee came out to around $12, but it was well worth it. The salted caramel was actually salty and not too sweet, I only wish I lived closer!
(5)ILove Foo D.
The November flavors offered are Thanksgiving related and that doesn't leave out the quirky flavors: Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey, Rosemary Stuffing. The Honey Bourbon Corn Pudding was amazing(!!) and the Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecans made you think you were already sitting at the Thanksgiving table! The Chevre Pumpkin Pie is loaded with thick ribbons of spiced pumpkin richness. Don't be afraid to try the Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey; it does have onion in it but it is also balanced with toffee pieces (that I found out are made from turkey fat). Go get some Thanksgiving goodness in the form of ice cream!
(5)T R.
best ice cream ever!! great service. so many incredible flavors i had cocanu's coffee & craque(crack for sure) amazing!
(5)Justin V.
With the constant lines and hype surrounding Salt & Straw you would think this place was heaven on earth. After months of will I or wont I brave the lines and Portland weather, I finally took the plunge into their NW location. Once inside I was greeted by my very own personal assistant that would guide me through the pleasant exererpencie that is Salt & Straw. Unlimited trial size scoops of imaginative flavors placed on real silver spoons. The detail put into every aspect of the store is very evident with each step. The entire process is seamless and comfortable leaving you with a smile and sometimes ice cream in your beard. If you're in the neighborhood, its a must and worth the wait in line.
(4)Shannon C.
Came here because of all the great Yelp reviews, and Salt & Straw didn't disappoint. I had the honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper and almond brittle with salted ganache, which were both really good. The people working there were incredibly nice, especially for the number of people they were serving. When I asked for a sample, the lady made sure that I got the bone marrow ice cream (yes bone marrow) first because she knew it could leave a weird taste in your mouth if you didn't like it, which was very thoughtful. While the service was very nice and the flavors were unique, the taste itself was not exceptional and I'm not sure if it was necessarily worth the wait. There definitely wasn't enough seating for the amount of people coming in, but I will say, it's a good place to share some ice cream with your friends; and on a beautiful summer evening, it's perfect for a stroll around Portland with a delicious ice cream cone.
(4)Stephanie B.
So delicious! I got the Strawberry, honey, balsamic and pepper and olive oil! Good combo!
(5)Austin K.
With this many 5 star reviews, I'm not sure this will affect their rating but I feel compelled to agree with the general consensus on this place: It has really freakin good ice cream. I came here late when I was visiting Stumptown and was able to slip in just before they closed. I had heard how good it was but I had to taste it for myself. It lived up to the hype. I am pretty traditional when it comes to sweets, I usually go for the plain chocolate, so I was a bit skeptical when I saw the huge list of exotic flavors. I tasted a few and made my pick and was blown away. Definitely worth checking out.
(5)Alyse H.
This is another Portland staple that usually has an insanely long line. We got lucky and there was only one person in front of us. We didn't feel rushed and were able to taste a couple of delicious flavors. If you are the adventurous type, there are plenty of flavors that will challenge you, like fig and goat cheese. That's not my idea of a good ice cream flavor, but that's why they have flavors like Snickerdoodle to appease my sweet tooth. The guy at the counter was super friendly and accommodating and helped us pick out the perfect flavors for my hubby and I. We skipped dessert at the restaurant we had dinner at and came here instead. That was a good decision!
(5)David I.
I had the rhubarb crumble and ricotta walnut flavors. Both were good but not mind blowing. Rhubarb was sweet and tart, probably the better of the two. The ricotta was rich and the nuts did provide some nice texture, otherwise relatively unremarkable. Thankfully I avoided the plague of the ridiculous lines here by coming during the day. HINT: if you want to buy a pint or a coffee you can skip the line - worth it if you already know what you like! Try my fav the mint and sea urchin meringues... sounds weird but is pretty darn good. Maybe one of their best. Lastly, they charge $1 more to split a scoop (one scoop / two flavors) - kinda greedy when they are already charging too much for ice cream...
(3)Danny T.
From the perspective of a California Tourist. Apparently, this is the spot to be when you're visiting Portland. You can definitely tell when see the line. O_O I'm lactose intolerant, so I'm pretty limited by the dairy products I ingest. But c'mon... WHO COULD RESIST ICE CREAM?? Not this guy. I convinced my girlfriend to go to Salt & Straw; stupidly, thirty minutes before close. The line was ridiculous, and it didn't seem like the line was moving. Location: Don't quote me on this, but I think we were in a college area. There were a bunch of young adults, and the conversations, not that I was ease-dropping, seemed college-like. Inside: Tight squeeze, but there is room for seating. Not likely that you'll get one, but there is the possibility. There's a water station as you approach the front counter in case you get parched. Service: The service was amazing! The line never stopped, but they kept letting people in way passed close. Everyone was so happy doing their job, and I was really impressed with how everything was run. They let you taste-test almost everything right before you place your order. Food: So here's my dilemma... I like ice cream, but I DO NOT like milk and cheese. The taste makes me nauseated. If you are anything like me, the ice cream here will be way too strong for you. It's like they have a frozen cow in the back that they milk ice cream out of. They have some whacky combinations, and they were fun to try. I just wouldn't have been able to eat a whole cone's worth without it coming back up. But like I said, these ladies and gents are super nice, and they were able to get me a frozen raspberry sorbet/shertbet thing going on.
(4)Moath A.
Their vanilla ice-cream is amazing. Every time I pass, their waffle cons small make me go inside.
(5)Mimi P.
Some of the best ice cream I've ever had. You can smell the waffle cones from the street, and I couldn't resist. I got the rhubarb ice cream. It was delicious! The perfect balance of creaminess from the ice cream and jam-like texture from the rhubarb. For 50 cents extra, you can do a split scoop if you want two flavors but only want one scoop. The service was warm and welcoming - the staff was eager to offer us all the samples we could hold and we never felt rushed or pressured.
(5)Liana L.
I absolutely love the beginning of the month here because that means new flavors. Everything is good and you can taste test every flavor. My favorite all time flavor is the mimosa flavor. It was champagne and orange flavor yum. Must stop here whether you are local hipster or tourist.
(5)Hannah L.
There's a bar around the corner from my place in Seattle, to which the relatively clueless bridge-and-bridge crowd flock on weekend nights and wait over an hour in a ridiculous line. Silently I mock them....Yet I found myself, line-averse as I am, in one on a recent mid-week eve. Surrounded by tourists, out-of-town visitors, and locals, all slowly shuffling their way at various degrees of volume and queue-attention through what ended up being about a half-hour's wait. Was it worth it? Pretty much, yes. What I loved about Salt & Straw right away was the simplicity and purity of the menu. You can get a waffle cone, or maybe a kind of sundae concoction...but you can't douse your dessert in endless toppings; there are only a few on offer (including sea salt). The better to taste the ice cream, people! I appreciate a shop that sets parameters on product adulteration, and takes steps to shift expectations. The menu's fantastic, heavy on my three favorite words (seasonal, local, sustainable). As an arbequina lover, I can't wait to return to sample that particular one, and I'm also intrigued by the mint leaf and sea urchin meringue (one of the five flavors on offer developed in conjunction with chefs). There are standards on the menu, like chocolate and vanilla, but of course they're not exactly standard given the quality of the ingredients and the over-the-top intensity of them. I went for the sweet corn, waffle cones, and caramel chef's concoction (because sweet corn and April Bloomfield's genius are just so perfect together), and it was lovely. Sweet, yes, but also with the light succulence of juicy corn kernels heavy with that late summer sugar. The thick brittle pieces of waffle cone popped up in all the right places in each bite. My man's cinnamon snickerdoodle was thick with the tiniest little crumbs all throughout the cream: not just flavor but texture. Winning! Next time I'll pay the extra 50 cents and get a split scoop to taste a little more of everything.... I love ice cream that tastes fully of what it is, and on that front Salt & Straw's excellent. I think my favorite ice cream ever might still be Mora on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, but Salt & Straw's is better than any of the other Seattle scoop shops I've tried, and was good enough that even the long wait didn't affect my enjoyment. The servers were unfailingly patient with those who wanted to taste the goods; they rushed no one and gave great service. The upside is that you can skip to the front of the line if you just want to take home a prepacked pint from the freezer, so that might be my strategy of choice in the future even though selection will be more limited. That, or I'll learn the quieter times - if there are any - and plan accordingly. Yet I'm sure this is a line I'll visit again with my own out-of-town family and friends, and I'll show up with anticipation.
(4)Kevin Y.
Amazing ice cream! I had turkey and gravy last year and honey lavender this time around. Nicely balanced and Simply amazing ice cream!
(5)Brittany B.
My boyfriend raves about this place so we came twice on our visit. I love their unique flavors. I tried the candied mushroom caps. Which sounds gross but it tasted like maple syrup. They also had a cool Elvis one with pb&j in it. I've had creamier ice cream but this place is great if you're looking to try something new.
(4)Cari T.
This place is FANTASTIC. It was very busy, but the ice cream is amazing and the flavours interesting. Lavender was my favourite.
(5)Diana C.
I went in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday in January, so there wasn't really a line. The woman helping me was very nice, and I tried several flavors since there wasn't really any line to hold up. The flavors were as follows: pear and blue cheese (good), the universe III (okay - a little weird for some reason I couldn't put my finger on), strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper (combination of sweet strawberry with balsamic didn't work for me), sea salt with caramel (didn't like this one - too sweet with too much salt), candy cap mushrooms and port (had an almost maple taste that I didn't care for), and the honey lavender. The honey lavender was good. I bought a pint for use at home with pear deserts and dark chocolate desserts. I also bought a cold brew Stumptown float. I got to pick the ice cream and just went with the vanilla. The float was really good. Overall, the ice creams I liked were pretty good (the vanilla and the honey lavender). The rest were really interesting, I give them points for originality, but I definitely didn't want more than a taste of them. I would certainly come back, but I don't think I would wait in line for any length of time for this. They do have a really neat feature where they will ship you 5 different pints of your choosing (though you should be sure you like them).
(4)Ashlee W.
While in town visiting, I had a scoop of the olive oil and cinnamon snickerdoodle ice cream. Both were delicious! Cant wait to go back and try the other flavors. I am a huge ice cream fan. We went late on a Monday and there was no line. :) Big plus for me since I hate waiting for anything!
(4)Kamryn C.
This ice cream was my birthday dessert this year, and I don't think there was a better way to start of my year. We had heard amazing things about this place, so we set out to try it. There was a line around the block, somewhat surprising for the chilly portland weather, but the line moves quickly and it's so worth it. You can't see the list of flavors until you're inside and closer to the register, so it's a big mystery for a while. The staff is really efficient, bringing you samples in line, so that you're ready by the time you get to the front. I had a seasonal goat cheese ice cream, that was absolutely phenomenal. Not only are the flavors innovative, but the ice cream itself was rich, and some of the best I've had. I wish I lived in Portland, so that experience more of this awesome ice cream.
(5)Angela C.
The line is out the door but it is definitely worth the wait! I sampled so many of their flavors but I ended up with a scope of lavender to go. It was so perfect!
(5)Alexis C.
Their current cocktail inspired flavors are so delicious. Literally any flavor on that list is a winner. I typically find some of their concoctions a little too rich but all of these are fairly light with refreshing flavors. Gold Star for sure. I highly recommend the Chocolate chip mint julep. Freaking amazing. It takes the flavor to an entirely different level, there is actual fresh mint IN the ice cream. It's the perfect flavor and I may cry when they take it off the menu. I also love that you can skip the line for pint and coffee purchases. Be warned, people will give you the death glare from time to time for the fast pass to the cash register. One negative besides their crazy prices is that getting a split scoop is an extra 50 cents. WHYYY? Just so silly. Regardless I still go back from time to time.
(4)Angela D.
Been hearing about this place and of course had to make a stop and wait in line for a taste of their awesome ice cream! Waited about 30 minutes and sampled at least 5-6 different flavors. I really enjoyed that they use local ingredients and everything tasted so fresh! Decided to share an ice cream flight and the flavors we chose were: Almond Brittle w. Salted Ganache, Honey Strawberry Balsamic with Cracked Pepper, Coffee and Bourbon, and their Chef Series: Foie Gras S'mores - The base ice cream is in-house smoked vanilla with hazelnut graham crumble, foie gras s'mores, and a veal stock fudge sauce. Really cool flavor combos that work!! AMAZING!! This place rivals all the ice cream shops I have tried in SF (Bi-Rite, Humphrey, Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous, etc) Definitely a place I want to come back to again and try more flavors! Oh and their Aquabeet ice cream was SOO UNIQUE!
(5)Katie S.
Oh my gosh! I saw this place on Andrew Zimernn's show Bizarre Foods America. They use ingredients from local Oregon places like Bee Local honey. They have crazy flavors that you think hmmmm I'm not sure about that. There usually is a line but it is worth it. They bring you up to the front with your group and someone lets you taste flavors, all of them if you want according to the guy that helped us. All of them are so good!
(5)Snakes M.
Favorite premium ice cream place! Try a bunch of samples. Get a split scoop. Always new and interesting flavors each month. My favorite was the Elvis - banana, peanut butter, jelly, and bacon. Good place to take visitors.
(5)Megan G.
Absolutely delicious. I can't have that much sugar so I just had a couple of bites, but my boyfriend ate the whole pint of sea salt and caramel ribbons in one sitting. The ice cream was creamy and salty and full of flavor. It reminded me of the east coast homemade ice cream stand I used to go to every summer as a little girl. Very whimsical & creative flavors. $8 a pint is worth it on special occasions, but not every week. I would never go there and wait in line for this though. Buy pints, you can skip the line!
(3)Raynaldo M.
other than the long lines it doesnt get any better than this
(5)V B.
After knocking off all the things on my to-do list I asked around to see what people suggested. All I was told was that they had weird ice cream flavors. That description did not do them justice. Their flavors are unique and delicious, and are some of the best flavors I have ever tried. My favorite was the salt with caramel ribbons. I could not get enough of it, and was sad that we had decided to share a cone. The line was long even though it was very late, but it didn't seem to matter because the environment and the people are just fun and friendly. Five stars for the best ice cream flavor I have ever had.
(5)Andrea L.
This was one of the highlights of my trip to Portland. I'll say it boldy: ii think this place is better than bi-rite, the ice cream mecca in san francisco. i went back two times during my 3 day stay. They had the typical artisan favors like salted caramel, honey lavender, and many other awesome ones, but man it was so fresh, light and good!
(5)Chris C.
I had the balsamic vinegar and strawberries flavor, sounded odd but the two together were actually quite good. The whole place smells amazing on account of the active waffle cone press being operated at all times to meet the demands of the line that wraps around the building VooDoo Doughnuts style. Well worth the visit, plenty of samples available to help you decide amongst the many flavors on offer.
(5)Kelsey V.
Absolutely amazing! The uniqueness really tops it off.
(5)Ryan S.
No line and the flavors were good, but to expensive for that small of portions.
(2)Michele T.
I don't get what the fuss is all about. I really like the unusual flavour combinations, but after trying 4 or 5, none of them wowed me. Brown buttered popcorn? Tasted mostly like vanilla. Coffee bourbon? A nice coffee flavour, but hardly any bourbon flavour. Chocolate with gooey brownie? Um, Tillamook mudslide is better. The most successful flavour was the pear nd blue cheese, capturing the delicate pear perfectly. But, it was a combination that for me would work better as an appetizers than a desert. I settled on the cinnamon snicker doodle, which was good but not amazing.
(3)Amanda H.
As far as service goes, the people who work here are saints. When you stand in line they will very politely bring you samples. They encourage you to have tons of samples and they use metal spoons which they reuse. The ice cream is wonderful as well. They have standard flavors like chocolate and vanilla and more extreme flavors like strawberry and black pepper. Then they have even more experimental seasonal flavors like dandelion sorbet or rhubarb crumble with anise. Needless to say, I'm a fan. I used to love going here and I would give this place five stars except that I was recently at a cafe, meeting a client and I overheard some Salt & Straw managers. They were very unsettling in the way they talked about their employees. I really feel for these super patient, sweet people who seem to have such gross, domineering management. I guess that's unfortunately the way the world of service industry is set up. It has turned me off the place until I can get over the ick factor of those managers comparing who seemed "ready to scoop." I wanted to say, "those are people you're talking about, you assholes." With terminology like that it's probably in the handbook. I wish there was some way to get assurance that the staff is well treated. Be kind to them! Their jobs must be pretty intense.
(4)Catalina D.
This place is just plain fun with nothing plain about the ice cream. Have an adventurous spirit? Go for the Pear and Blue Cheese or Spicy Banana and Walnuts. Like to stick to something a bit more classic? Than the Salted Caramel or Snicker Doodle is what you will want. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 for two reasons: 1) There is almost always a very long line. While I do believe the ice cream is well worth the wait it is still a bit of an inconvenience. 2) No written explanations for some of the more obscurely named concoctions (i.e. Rose City Riot). This wouldn't really be an issue except that the line is so long that it would be enjoyable to read about the flavors before getting up to the counter to order. But all and all this place is definitely worth a visit.
(4)Melissa N.
Love their combination flavors of ice cream. I had the sweet corn with caramel and waffles and man I could eat every single bit of the ice cream. For their other flavor I tried, mint sea urchin.. who would have ever thought of putting sea urchin in ice cream?! Ridiculous sounding, but wow so delicious! I can't wait to try the other flavors they have when I go back to Portland. PS. You can never go wrong with sea salt caramel :)
(5)Michael L.
I was told by a reliable foodie friend that Salt & Straw is as good as it gets for ice cream...and he was DEAD ON! There was a long line out the door (as expected) but it went by rather quickly (unlike Voodoo Doughnut). As you get close to the front counter, the employees give you the chance to sample as many flavors as you want. They bring you tasting spoons with the sample just before you order (a nice touch, that I'd imagine helps the line move along quickly). I settled on the Honey Lavender and the Pear and Blue Cheese simply because I don't think you'll find those flavors anywhere else, and boy, I'm still salivating at the thought of those them! Reasonable prices too! The ice cream was creamy and light and wasn't cloyingly sweet; 10 out of 10! Believe the hype!
(5)Jskilicious S.
This place was so good that I bought the tshirt! Such delicious ice cream. I can't wait to go again.
(5)Deborah B.
Fell in love with this place on our visit to Portland. They have a lot of unusual flavor combo's with fresh ingredients and they do collaborations with big name national chefs. The lines are always long but they move fairly fast. At one of the locations they actually come to you while you are waiting in line & let you try as many flavors as you want while waiting. These are my favorites.... Sweet corn waffle cones with caramel, coconut milk with cashew brittle & pandon (had a little spicy kick, yum!), & almond brittle with salted ganache. Prices were pretty reasonable too, i believe it was $9 for a flight of 4 scoops. I shared 4 scoops with 2 other people but i seriously could have eaten all 4 scoops by myself no problem!! I visited them twice in my 3 day visit but would have gone twice a day if I had the time....
(5)Shereen A.
Long distance is hard. i.love.you. end of story.
(5)Ellie L.
Yum! The line is always long but it goes fast. Typical $$$ prices for gourmet ice cream. Everyone is super nice and you can have as many samples as you want. You can watch them make waffle cones right before your eyes! Current favorite for this month: coffee & craque. Classic flavor favorite: sea salt & caramel (I am not a salted caramel person but you need to try this!) also, the pear and blue cheese is another weird combo you need to try. It's goooood and not weird with the cheese!
(4)Chandler H.
Shit is fire. I got vanilla and its the best vanilla 5ever. They even have tiny spoons to try all the shit. The ice cream is fancy and totally rad. I give sea salt and vinegar a five out of five. I'm serious vanilla is the shit guys.
(5)Elissa B.
I don't even want to talk to you if you don't believe this to be the best ice cream you've ever had. Not only is the quality fantastic, but the flavors are so fun. Interesting without being weird. The staff is fantastic about letting you try all the flavors you want before making a decision. And please, try the flavors. They are all so unique and interesting. My friend loved the pear and bleu cheese so much that she had it both times we went. I ended up with snickerdoodle and the coffee and stout. Heavenly. Honestly. I could have easily chosen at least three other flavors; it's such a struggle to narrow it down.
(5)Michael B.
This ice cream must be an astronaut? because it is out of this world! Seriously, We tried a lot of the flavors and none disappointed. From gooey chocolate brownie to olive oil, they were all smooth and creamy and delicious. The line was piling up but not out the door yet, so we waited 5-10 minutes. nothing unreasonable. The lady who helped us was super nice. My friend had the drinking vinegar milkshake which was awesome and bizarre. Everything about this place is great!
(5)Sherlock H.
As long as the lines aren't too huge it's worth a wait. You can sample to your heart's content, and then get an incredible ice cream all your own. Tip: if you like a particular flavor they have in their freezer case skip the line and go straight to the cashier!
(4)Vicky N.
On that ice cream craze all my life. Ain't gonna stop now nor will I ever!! -Spicy Banana with Walnuts: Delicious -Chocolate Meyer Lemon Sorbet: My least favorite -Rose City Riot: OH MY F.... -Bury Me in Green & Gold: So good!! Went with trying the seasonal flavors this time and it was DAMN good. I ended up getting the Rose City Riot and it was flippin' AMAZING!! Maybe my new favorite. Rosewater ice cream w/ butter cream & pistachios. Holy crap, I knew I should have bought another scoop! ASDFGHJKL; TAKE ME BACK!! ;(
(5)Beatrice L.
best ice cream ive had in many years. I was wondering what the hype was about. Even as i was standing in line for it, i wasnt sure what to expect but glad i waited. I had the bleu cheese/ pear ice cream and olive oil ice cream. omg so heavenly i wish this place was in seattle not portland
(5)Laleh J.
Holy mackerel!!! Best ice cream ever!!! Try the olive oil ice cream and strawberry balsamic vinegar together. Quite a combination!!! Definitely drop by on your next visit to Portlandia! :)
(5)Shannon C.
The line is out the door and around the corner in the evenings! This place is hip and tons of fun, they let you sample any flavor you want and it's worth the wait. I sampled a number of flavors (olive oil, pear goat cheese, salted caramel) but decided on the seasonal Strawberry Lime Cilantro Cheesecake in a cone. YUM! Uber delicious combination! This place rivals the ever-popular Bi Rite Creamery in San Francisco and kicks Carmela's Ice cream in LA outta the water. Downside is the wait - it's just too dang popular! ;P
(4)Kelly K.
Do you want to wait forty-five minutes to an hour or more for an average ice cream shop in Portland? Do you want to stress about if you have enough time to do that where you parked? Do you want the stress of finding a parking space in downtown Portland? Then this is the spot for you! I will say, while we waited, and waited, and waited, those waiting in line with us were very pleasant and nice. The employees were also pleasant and helpful. The ice cream was OK, but a little strongly flavored. I tried almost everything, including the blue cheese one . . . one bite was enough of that. It tasted good, but in a one or two bite way. More than that would be too much as it was too strong. As you are waiting on a public sidewalk, expect smokers around. I say this as I know many who have asthma triggered by it. I will say the ice cream is acceptable, but for all the trouble, it better be orgasmic! There are far better shops in Portland. You want great ice cream, leave downtown and head for Cloud City.
(2)Pamela M.
Good ice cream, cute place! The line is LONG, but moves efficiently, and the people are nice. Love the endless samples! The hype about this ice cream is insane! It has been featured in many publications. Saveur magazine listed this Portland favorite as "16 American Ice Cream Shops We Love", Oprah featured it in her O magazine, Sunset magazine listed it as "Best Ice Cream of the West", etc. Oprah's favorite, the Arbequina olive oil ice cream is also my favorite. I also loved the almond brittle with salted caramel ganache and the limited edition blueberry with rice krispie clusters. Personally, I like my ice cream to be creamier like Tillamook's ice cream, but this place is definitely a must try! This place is hands down a winner in terms of creativity and innovativeness. The flavor concoctions are out of this world and uniquely delicious--I would definitely come back here to tease my taste buds! Tip: Parking is difficult. My good husband drove around the neighborhood many times while my family and I waited in line to order.
(5)Howie U.
Yes this really is the best ice cream I've had anywhere, absolutely off the hook. Great staff at this location too. Also not the cheapest! Soda was meh but ice cream was all-time.
(5)Kasey N.
The line is a doozy!! Try to go during their off hours... like non-after meal hours =] I really enjoy their special, new flavors. Also, don't hesitate to try them all!! the workers don't mind at all. Just as long as you actually buy something that you're happy with, they're likewise happy to let you try all the different flavors that they have for the day.
(4)Brian S.
How can you go wrong?! Love the original flavors. Expect the line to be out the door on a nice day
(5)Daniel R.
The lines are out the door and there are ton of people to get some ice cream but it's so well worth the long line. Although the long line can be intimidating, the wait is actually shorter than anticipated. As we got closer to the counter an associate was very friendly and eager to allow us to try the various flavors Salt & Straw has to offer. I got the honey balsamic strawberry with cracked black pepper. It might sound strange but it was so delectable -- probably the best ice cream I've had.
(5)Bec B.
I simply don't get it. I wanted to like this place, but I can't seem to force myself. I've eaten a couple of times. I've ordered the salted caramel based on an employee's recommendation. I hated it. I am not one to throw away ice cream normally, but I just couldn't force myself to finish it. I felt guilty after having had spent $5 for a scoop. I've also tried the olive oil flavor one. The flavor didn't do anything for me either and gave some to my dog before tossing it out. Maybe I am too traditional when comes to ice cream flavors, but I am not going to pretend to enjoy eating something just to look like a trend sitter or fall into the gimmick of whole novelty thing. Either I like it or don't. Simple as that.
(1)Lauren C.
I've avoided Salt & Straw, I thought I would detest it. I don't care much for sweets, and it seemed SO over hyped...but then today, I gave in, and made my first visit. I was immediately greeted by a very wholesome smiling young woman asking how she could help me. I said I wanted a pint to go, and was looking for a good fit to make a Stout float. She then asked the opinion of her two coworkers, and I sampled the Snicker Doodle with Cinnamon, and the Salted Carmel Swirl. I left with a pint of each. The end
(5)Jeanette L.
HELLO salted caramel! The End. (My friends are obsessed with their olive oil flavor. Me, not so much but it's worth trying!)
(4)Gail W.
Excellent quality ice cream!! The salted caramel was so delicious!! A friend tried the pear bleu cheese and said it was awesome. They have some unusual flavors. The employees are so friendly for such a fast paced job. The only problem is the wait, but it's worth it!!
(5)Chelsea J.
I'm sad that I've gone this long without sampling the joy of Salt & Straw. The flavors are creative and interesting and the ice cream is amazing! They give you as many samples as you want and the samples come on real spoons. The shop was very busy but all the employees were friendly and patient. I sampled the Almond Brittle, Rose City Riot, Salted Caramel, Meyer Lemon Chocolate, and Pear Gorgonzola. I wasn't a fan of the Pear Gorgonzola. It seemed like a strange flavor for ice cream but some in our group loved it. The Meyer Lemon Chocolate was also much too strong flavored for me but it was a creative combination. The Almond Brittle and Salted Caramel were wonderful. They also have olive oil as a flavor which seemed very interesting. I can't wait to come back when I'm in Portland again! $3.75 for a single scoop.
(5)Vi B.
I'll keep my review short. Great ice cream - I'd go so far as to call it amazing! Creative flavors, awesome girls who work behind the counter. Not worth the wait in line. Sorry, I just can't understand why they still have a line that crawls out the door on freezing cold/rainy days! Get it together, Portland - there are lots of other awesome ice cream shops in town!
(4)Carolina M.
Salt & Straw is still one of my favorite ice cream places in Portland because of the interesting flavors they serve. There's just no other place that has the gall to make such exotic concoctions. This particular time around, I got the Pad Thai Tea. It's a thai tea based that would have swirls of a peanut-like caramel. The base ice cream wasn't too sweet and was almost a bit refreshing. Another close favorite of mine is the strawberry balsamic. It's a fancier strawberry ice cream. Obviously, each day, week or season has different ice creams. I kind of wanted a float, but they were all a little too creamy for what I was looking for. I wanted their mimosa float which use champagne brute sorbet, but unfortunately, it wasn't available that day. I'd highly recommend it. Salt & Straw is slowly becoming one of those favorite places that I must go to each time I'm in town.
(5)Grace C.
This place was well worth the wait! I've heard so much hype about Salt & Straw that it was almost impossible to beat my expectations, but it did that and so much more. The flavors they have are so original and innovative, but they all seem to work. I would compare it to L.A.'s Carmela Ice Cream which I've had a couple times at the Farmer's Market, but as it is with everything in Portland, it's a lot weirder, and for ice cream, that's a good thing!
(5)Michael N.
This is one of the most famous and even iconic Ice Cream Parlors in Portland. Stood in line for a relatively long time due to the high demand for this quality dessert, but I guess it could've been worse of a wait since they have posted signs instructing people what direction to curl the line into during peak customer overflow. I had some sort of coconut ice cream with a bunch of other delicious stuff inside that I don't even really know exactly what they were, but the coconut milk base and the plethora of lovely flavors and textures loaded into the cone made my eating experience a very memorable one. My visit further solidifies the widespread notion that this Eatery is worth visiting, whether you're a vacationing tourist or a weekend regular. Yum!
(5)Allen A.
I'm just going to keep this simple. Portland is just an awesome city. They keep everything interesting, including their ice cream. The workers are fast and friendly and the menu is totally off the wall. This is my second time here and I'm still loving this place.
(4)Dorene S.
What's not to love about this place??? Love the decor and love their ice-cream! I don't like caramel but can't stop thinking about their salt and caramel. The line is long (even in freezing cold weather) but oh so worth it. Honestly, by watching their process, I'm 100% confident that they can balance out their workload and serve their customers a lot faster but think that they have a good advertising strategy going by letting long lines form around their shop. I can't stop thinking about their ice-cream once I'm done finishing one. I'm glad I don't live closeby - if I did, I'd be really really overweight. Quality: 5 Service: 3 Cost: 3
(5)Emily E.
Love this place. Awesome, unique flavors and friendly helpful staff. Don't be shy with the samples, they will let you try as many as you want with no shame. I love the strawberry honey balsamic, the brownie, the almond brittle and the pear and bleu cheese! Go on a week night for a much quicker wait
(5)Evelyn S.
1st time visiting this location. The staff is amazing, it is as if you have your own personal ice cream concierge to help guide you to the perfect selection. I enjoyed tasting Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Coffee & Bourbon and Freckled Woodblock Chocolate. I loved them all and ordered a small scoop of the first two in a cup all for the low price of $3.75 I have had a few ice creams that are possibly better tasting but Salt & Straw is by far the most fun experience and amazing ice cream.
(4)Kim W.
Waiting in line for ice cream at 9PM on a Tuesday in the middle of January doesn't sound so crazy once you've tasted Salt and Straw's amazing flavors. Try the Arbequina Olive Oil, the Strawberry Honey Balsamic Black Pepper, the Snickerdoodle- TRY THEM ALL. (the will always oblige to let you sample absolutely everything). Make this your next date spot, or must visit stop on your trip to Portland- It's totally and"udderly" worth it. :) See what I did there?
(5)Tore L.
Amazing ice-cream -- worth the wait in line. Highly recommend. I don't like to wait ..EVER but I waited in line for an amazing scoop and took a few quarts for the home. :) If you have never experienced ice-cream adventures ... this is where you should start !
(5)Tawni O.
I came here for the first time the other day and had such a hard time deciding what to get ! The girl helping me was super friendly and the place looked very clean . I recommend trying the lavender honey flavor it was amazing
(5)Jonathan D.
First time going here and I must say the hype about what terrific ice cream they have is justified. The flavors are quite unique and very tasty. The downside to the terrific ice cream is the atrocious parking and the incredibly long line at times. A few more staff members working the counter and some improvements to their process could do wonders for the line problem I suspect. The only other thing I take issue with is the price. I'm all for supporting local farmers (I live in CA where more than 25% of the countries food is grown) but I find it quite difficult to believe the costs for a pint of ice cream are so high that even with a fair markup to the store they need to price a pint at Nine Dollars to the customer in order to cover their raw costs to the growers of their ingredients... The bottom line in my opinion is the ice cream is really good and if you can come to terms with the price you certainly won't be disappointed with the taste.
(4)Zach G.
Awesome little spot in an awesome little neighborhood! I love this area of Portland, and the ice cream shop fits in perfectly. I had the Ricotta, honey and lemon. I was surprised how much lemon was in it, but it wasn't as overpowering as lemon can be. The little walnut (?) cookies in it were equally delicious, and added some great texture. My wife got a cinnamon snicker doodle in a waffle cone. It had plenty of cinnamon flavor, also without being overwhelming, and the cone was tasty. Service is friendly. Prices aren't cheap, but also aren't expensive...quite fair for the quality.
(4)Charlotte H.
I'm so happy they put cilantro in the ice cream (even if it's just a hint in the combination of strawberry with cilantro lime cheesecake - and it's YUMMY!) because it made my other Taiwanese dessert story (ice cream wrap with crushed sugar and peanuts + cilantro) legit. If anyone makes a disgusted face to my Taiwanese ice cream story I can tell them cilantro in ice cream has been validated by so many yelp reviews for Salt & Straw.
(5)Allison R.
Love Salt & Straw, but I love the Alberta location much more. The nice thing about this place is that when there is a line out the door and wrapped around the corner, the employees are still super friendly and niceby the time you finally get to the counter to taste every flavor. (lol). My fav still is the Sea Salt & Caramel ribbon.
(4)Jeremiah L.
I've always heard about Salt & Straw, and I finally had it today. It's like Cold Stone Creamery only from Portland and with less options. I sampled the sea salt and caramel flavour, and it was...unique. I was not expecting the level of salt in the flavour despite the name. I decided to order the chocolate and brownie flavour in a waffle cone with sprinkles...after all, it's a relatively safe bet, and anyone who can make good chocolate ice cream with brownie can make good ice cream. My verdict? Well, the sprinkles were good. So was the brownie in the ice cream. But as for the ice cram itself...the aftertaste was salty, and that was a surprise, but the taste was just like regular chocolate ice cream. I certainly did not appreciate the price tag of over $5 either. I can see the draw to this establishment, but I don't understand the hype. It's decent ice cream, but the price tag is much too high in my opinion. Also, the line does not do it any justice. If you like overpriced ice cream with salt and Disneyland lines, then this is the establishment for you. If you just like ice cream that you can make unique with relatively short lines, then I advise you to stick to Cold Stone. The price is cheaper there anyways...depending on how unique you make it of course.
(3)Katie M.
I have always loved the flavors worth the wait!!!
(5)Rahima C.
I wash my quesadilla down with a danny margarita across the street and wait for my opening, I watch the lines continue to build around the corner...I watch for many moments...looking for things to slow down. No such luck. I saunter over and wait for this ice cream experience to unfold. After an hour of waiting, I get to taste several creative flavors and choose the good ole tried and tested sea salt and caramel ribbons. Do not pass go, do not try other flavors, just order this.
(5)Alex S.
Waited in line under the blistering sun every time I came here. I haven't decided if this place tastes amazing because I'm being thoroughly roasted prior to each tasting, or if they just have awesome ice cream... But I do walk away happier than when I've entered, every single time. :)
(5)Eric H.
Fantastic and uniquely flavored ice cream! Our only complaint was the line seemed slow moving when we went the first time. Our friends always want the end each meal with a stop here and we happily oblige!
(4)Brooke C.
You have bad taste buds if you don't like this place! Don't let the line scare you. It's worth it. Plus you get unlimited samples when you get to the end, so you can't be disappointed in what you order.
(5)Laurie A.
After weeks and weeks of watching other people look like a bunch of dummies while they stood in line for.... ice cream(?)(I mean... you can buy ice cream at Fred Meyer's people!!), my boyfriend and I decided to finally join those dummies. To be honest I was kind of hoping it would not be worth the wait (which was about 30 minutes). Well guess what..... IT WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT! Holy Sh*t this ice cream is AHHH-MAYYY-ZING. So, I guess I will be standing in that line again. So we realized once we got to the front of the line that the reason it takes so long is because they allow you to sample as many flavors as you want. When you get to the front and start sampling..... you will be glad they allow this! Yeah, it slows things down..... but when you are about to buy ice cream with cheeses, sea food, peppers and other various weird non ice cream ingredients... you will be glad you get to sample. So in the short of it..... go stand in that line people!!!!! My favorite: Balsamic vinegar, honey and strawberry Boyfriends favorite: habanero pepper... and some other ingredient I can't remember.
(5)Derek M.
Fantastic doesn't even to begin to describe it. I HATE waiting in lines and expected to be underwhelmed. I was wrong (see I can admit this sometimes ;) ) the 30 minute wait on a saturday was expected and ended up being fine. Having great friends to catch up with while in line made this better. Super friendly and patient staff, who were especially patient with my wife who never made a quick decision in her life.;) Of all the flavors I tried in my 2 trips (with mixed single scoop orders) the Salted Carmel and the Strawberry balsamic were my favorite. Also shout out for having a Senns Dairy carrier. Instantly I was taken back to many childhood memories of driving through there as a kid. :D
(5)Paris L.
Interesting ice cream store where it has all exotic favors I tried : Uni/Sea Urchin- it doesnt have a strong freshness and favor as fresh uni but it has a touch of it. Lavender- Strong lavender favor Strawberry Balsamic - nothing tastes like balsamic but strong sweet strawberry favor However, i ordered half scoop of lavender and uni float... It was pricy $7 for a drink
(4)M W.
Now this is what I'm talking about! Some of the flavor combinations were just off the charts. We tried several from the seasonal menu (meyer lemon, Elvis, mushroom and port) and they were all incredible. Of course, they let you taste before you commit, but I didn't taste anything that wasn't incredible. We liked it so much we went two nights in a row. Even though it was cold outside, people were still lining up for ice cream.
(5)John A.
Do not like salt and straw their ice cream is gross as hell. You stand in line forever and ever and ever but it's bad! It's really bad! I highly recommend the Lake Oswego Ice Creamery instead they have the best milkshakes your ever tasted and the ice cream is great too obviously
(1)Lisa B.
Glorified Hipster Drivel! This inflated rating of a sub-par establishment makes me more angry than the unreasonably long lines. Upon arriving at this establishment we were overwhelmed by the 20 deep line in front of us. Many of the patrons seemed elated that they would only have to wait 25 minutes for their overpriced and underwhelming scoops. After waiting in line for about 15 minutes we noticed a sign all the way at the other side of the counter that stated you could skip the line if you bought a pint. Thanks so much for letting me know that upfront, oh wait, your poorly designed store front fails in more ways than one. After throwing elbows to secure our pints, we were faced with several disgusting options to choose from. I don't care what kind of hipster spin you put on it, I wont ever want cheese, oil, or any other savory items that generally compliment a steak in my normally delicious ice cream. In the end we decided on some variation of caramel vanilla and chocolate. In a side by side comparison to Haagen Dazs, this place would lose badly!
(1)Stephannie Q.
If I lived in Portland, I would be at Salt & Straw on a daily basis. While visiting for a week, I stopped at both the 23rd Ave & Alberta locations several times during my visit. I have to say, Salt & Straw really does have the best ice-cream out there. Ingredients straight from the farm, into their ice-cream shop. I had a cone of one of the classic flavors which was Cinnamon Snickerdoodle & it was fantastic. I also had one of the seasonal flavors which was peach & candied walnuts and it was so good. It literally tasted like you were biting into a peach, only better and creamy. The Rocky Road had to be my favorite flavor. I love the fact that they do not use whole marshmallows in their rocky road recipe, but rather a whipped marshmallow. All in all, Salt & Straw has the greatest ice-cream ever and such a friendly/helpful staff that is happy to not only let you sample as many flavors as you'd like, but also take down your order ahead of time while you wait in line. I can't wait for my next trip back to Portland so I can not only have some more of the classic flavors, but to see what is in store with their new seasonal flavors that we all wish would stick around longer.
(5)Paul R.
G.O.A.T. =Greatest of All Time Literrally the best ice cream I've ever had. The Sea Salt Caramel is bomb.FTW.
(5)Smelly C.
Located on a corner in the Alphabet District. There's a line out the door even when it's cold out. It's that good. Seasonal flavors + staples. Ice Cream made in small batches. "Farm-to-cone". They make their own waffle cones and the smell infiltrates the restaurant Bamboo next door.. The general area, really. They also have coffee beans from Stumptown for sale as well as Steven Smith tea, pints of their ice cream (you can also order and ship to your home)... I also like that they can text or email your receipt to you. It's fantastic to see businesses grow from a cart to brick-and-mortar shops. Salt & Straw has 4 locations to date. I hit two on this trip alone.
(5)Cher H.
Free sample as many flavors as you want. I had sea salt with caramel, honey lavender, the husband had something different. The sea salt was a little bit too salty for me, but it was still good, so I had honey lavender on sweet waffle cone, you can tasted the lavender all the way through, it was sooo good. The hubby had carrot and watermelon sorbet, he said it was really good too.
(4)Jeff H.
Worth the wait! During weekends, there will be a line out the door, but for a good reason. Reasonable priced and always great and strange flavors. Changing menu items, but that keeps it interesting.
(5)Nina H.
It was my first time to a Salt & Straw and was blown away by the variety of interesting flavors. I tried the olive oil and cheddar apple pie flavors, and immediately fell in love with the cheddar apple pie which was one of the seasonal specials. I loved the cheddar taste and learned that the ice cream was made with some Tillamook cheddar cheese (love their cheddar!!!) and there were bits of apple pie crust in the ice cream too so it was both savory and sweet. The store is super cute, and the staff is incredibly friendly! I also like that they have silver tasting spoons, way to be sustainable, folks!
(5)Richardo R.
Their ice cream is good. And Portlanders do love their Lines. If you love standing in a line for 20 minutes, and then spending another 10 mins sampling flavors when you reach the front of the line, then Welcome Home. The staff will be offended if you don't take them up on their offer of endless samples & tastings. Even more so if what you want is a milkshake--not because it'll take them 12 minutes to make it, b/c we know Time is of no concern here. I suspect it's because not only did you rudely know what you wanted, but what you wanted takes them away from the Good Times of handling samples over the counter to the grazing line lovers. To be clear: these are sweet and kind people and their stuff is good. But the lines and the masochists reveling in them are insufferable. Unless, of course, you're one of them.
(3)Grace B.
Oh So Yum. Waffles are freshly made. Ice cream is super delicious. Service is impeccable. I was next in line when a friendly girl walked up and asked if she could get me started with any samples. Yes please! I was super excited to try the flavors. Then she really upped her tip when she said "you can try as many flavors as you like". I was like wow lady, this is my favorite ice cream place already. She grabbed spoons and started scooping. I settled on almond brittle with salted ganache and chocolate with goey brownie. The line was long even until closing but it just goes to show how great the ice cream and service is. Five stars indeed.
(5)Andrew D.
First timers: get the ice cream flight for nine bucks. Perfect to share and you get four different flavors. Much less overwhelming than a huge scoop of one flavor. There's always a crazy long line, but dont be scared off because they won't close until the last customer has been served! This month they have a coconut ice cream with chili brittle and PANDAN. The pandan is soooo good. Oh my goodness, i can't belive they incorporated that into ice cream. It's amazing. My go to is always the almond brittle and salted chocolate ganache. The staff are obviously super friendly, and the atmosphere is trendy. Its a place I will bring my niece, nephews, and my grandparents.
(5)Michelle K.
My Oh My! This place lived up to expectations. I am an ice-cream fanatic and knew I needed my post-dinner fix, so we Yelp'd this place and headed over. We arrived and stood in line, and were soon greeted by an employee willing to fill us in on how the ice cream is made and the unique menu. She offered us multiple tasting spoons with flavors of our choosing, which appears to be the custom here. By the time we reached the counter to pay, we had ice cream in hand. I went with the Almond Brittle and Chocolate Ganache, the boy went with the Honey Lavender. The Almond Brittle/Ganache was just the right amount of sweet and salty, and I loved the chunks of ganache. (I am a chunky ice cream fan.) The Honey Lavender was aromatic but not overpowering. The house-made waffle cones rocked my world. I am so glad that I don't live in Portland because I would be here every single hour of every single day because it is SO GOOD.
(5)Elizabeth J.
This place changed the way I feel about ice cream. Sure, it was a fun, sweet treat before I discovered S&S. However, going to Salt & Straw elevates the experience of going to get ice cream to a true evening event. Only a creative madness would have pushed out some of the flavor combinations they've had over the years: olive oil ice cream, coffee and bourbon, strawberry balsamic with black pepper, pear and blue cheese, etc. Sometimes I curse at myself for having eaten dinner first before going. Let me be a cautionary tale: eat dinner at Salt & Straw instead. After all, some of the ice cream flavors sound like dinner anyway.
(5)Winny S.
After a day of shopping and strolling along NW 23rd, I thought it was time for that 2nd latte! If you have not been here, its really a great spot, cool old fashion feel to it, they serve all these great gourmet ice creams in interesting flavor combinations. There is plenty of large wooden tables to sit and enjoy your dessert or savor you coffee with friends. Just one more reason Portland is my fav city.
(4)Dave L.
Yes....it is that good. So good that people line the streets and wait 20 minutes in the cold rain to get ice cream. The hand made ice cream is off the chain. They have so many different and weird combinations of ice cream made with all kinds of ultimo ingredients. But its all good, even the pear and blue cheese was reallly good. No, it doesnt really taste like pungent blue cheese and there are no swirls of blue mold in it. The 2nd best part of the place is the super friendly staff that helps serve you all the free samples you could ask for. Ya! I had like 5 samples and wouldve asked for more if I wasnt already ashamed of asking for 5 already. Get it with the waffle cone which is made fresh right before your eyes.
(5)Mikaela S.
I had a generous scoop of the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. yum! Don't be intimidated if there is a long line. it moves quick and it's worth the wait!
(5)Mary B.
Any place that makes boozy ice cream is Number One in my book. Salt and Straw's bourbon pecan pie ice cream did not disappoint. Huge line on a Saturday night but worth the wait. Many flavors left to try - return visits planned.
(4)Brittney W.
Love this ice cream so much! I had it at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and it was so good I got it twice! The coffee and bourbon flavor is to die for! Unfortunately it was way overpriced! Couldn't find their actual prices on their website nor on other reviews but it was $7 a scoop ($10 for 2 scoops)! It literally caused an ache in my heart to have to spend $5 per scoop (since I got 2). Was it worth it? YES! Only because it's hot in the desert and I don't know when I'll be going to Portland. If I ever travel there, it's on my to-do list.
(4)Daniel S.
After living in SF for a couple years I had been accustomed to some awesome ice cream and shops doing some great flavor combinations. Before taking a trip to Portland I had heard about Salt and Straw and told myself I had to go. So entering the shop I was greeted with a big hello and asked if it was my first time here. I said yes and the guy helping me offered a sampling of flavors. He literally took me through every flavor they had and let me sample. I was blown away!!! I finally settled on two flavors and a fresh waffle come and my night was complete! I will be ordering online so I can get my fix.
(5)Noa B.
I went on a cold day so it was literally EMPTY. First, the smell. It smells like waffles in there and it really made me crave sweet. I had the Bushwacker Spice Cider Sorbet (only vegan option at the time) and it was sooooo good. It tasted like Ice Cream, not sorbet. I had them put toasted hazelnuts on top. I wish the waffles were vegan because they smelled great
(5)Luanda G.
I waited in line for over 30 minutes to get some ice cream, and I don't regret it. I hope that tells you something. Salt & Straw's ice cream is delicious. What also really impressed me was the customer service. Despite the long line, I didn't feel rushed at all when I (finally) made it to the counter. The workers let me try multiple flavors and told me what their favorites were. Even though allowing people to taste freely slows the line down, I GREATLY appreciated it. They have lots of unique flavors, so the tasting was fun and part of the experience. Great job Salt & Straw!
(5)Amber A.
This is seriously amazing ice cream! My husband and I both chose seasonal flavors since it was their last day on the menu. I had the peach and my husband had rocky road. They were both absolutely spectacular! The waffle cone was to die for! Definitely hit up Salt & Straw if you're near one!
(5)Danielle G.
I LOVED their ice cream. Loved it so much I returned two nights in a row. I had their currant sorbet and strawberry balsamic with black pepper ice cream. My husband had their gooey chocolate and, because he tasted my ice cream the night before, strawberry balsamic with black pepper ice cream. Only con, parking is HELL!!!
(5)Christina L.
Featured on Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods. Some flavors change, some flavors remain on the menu. Line extends the length of the shop, out the door, and wraps around the corner. As you wait in line, you can indulge in the sweet aroma of the waffle cones that are constantly being made right before your eyes. High tech iPads as cash registers. They are also considerate enough to provide cone holders at the cash registers so you can make your payment without destroying your wonderful dessert in the process of trying to multitask and reach into your pocket or purse for your wallet while trying to prevent your ice cream from falling over. You are free to sample as many flavors as you'd like, though it'd really be nice if you could resist the urge and NOT take forever in making your decision because you want to try every single flavor. Creamy, delicious, and large scoops of strangely named ice cream. Olive Oil Ice Cream? Goat Cheese? Sweet Corn? Cheddar Apple Pie? Roasted Fig? The coffee in the Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon is a heavy accent. You can definitely tell it's coffee without being told, but it is not strong enough to make the ice cream bitter. The Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache is one of the most popular flavors. I usually don't like almond brittle because of how hard and crunchy it can be, but the almond brittle chunks are not large, especially not in comparison to the ganache, which won me over, convincing me to choose this flavor. Be sure to let your server know if you prefer more ganache over almond brittle, like me, and he or she can try to scoop more of your preference. $5.75 for a double scoop, plus an extra $1 for a waffle cone. The line goes by at a reasonable pace. Halfway to the front of the line, a customer behind me asked if I could see Vanilla on the menu. She wanted just PLAIN Vanilla. ummm...I'm sorry, but you're DEFINITELY in the WRONG place to be asking that!! Folks, whenever there's a ridiculously long line for a place, you can guarantee that place offers something special. Who would wait in a long line for just plain ol' vanilla??! Certainly not me!
(5)Sarah B.
Great atmosphere. Hot summer night, jovial peeps in line for a creamy fix. Friendly service and reasonable prices for artisanal ice cream. It's not really fair of me to comment on the ice cream as I don't care much for this delight anymore. I thought it was very sweet.
(3)Salvador D.
If you don't mind waiting in line forever I highly suggest you check this place out. The ice cream is actually wicked awesomely wicked awesome. The service was great and to the point. If you like Ice Cream, check it. Check it out so hard. Prices are affordable too.
(5)Jonathan N.
Coconut and Caramel Ice Cream. Lavender Ice Cream. Olive Oil Ice Cream. Stumptown Coffee Ice Cream Shakes. OMG, i don't care if you are oveweight like me, have no money, don't have time to wait in line, don't like ice cream, are lactose intolerant, it's zero degrees out. Doesn't matter - go! go now, stop reading and go to salt n straw
(5)Randy T.
Let's see....went twice in 3 days, stood in line for twenty minutes, had wonderful service and the best ice cream.....going back as I head to the airport to fly home.....don't miss the salted caramel or honey lavender or whatever is on the menu.
(5)Cassie N.
I love love love Salt & Straw. Salt & Straw is to Portland what Molly Moons is to Seattle. I like Salt & Straw a bit more though. They are a little more organized, you get a little more bang for your buck and the flavors are out of these world! The lines are a bit crazy at times but they are pretty well organized. They ask you if you want to sample anything while your standing in line so that by the time you get way up there you'll know what you want. Service is friendly, fast and energetic. My absolute favorite is the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. OMG. It may be the best ice cream flavor I've ever had. Crunchy chunks of almond brittle and Salty cubes of ganache swirled into creamy ice cream... It was perfect! They aren't stingy either, my scoop was huge and loaded with tons of ganache and brittle. The Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Black Pepper is really good too. Very unique flavor profile, I like the black pepper. There are a lot of flavors to choose from, some are seasonal and rotate. Its nice that they strive to get you a perfect scoop and that the waffle cones are freshly made. Definitely worth the wait, one of my must haves when I'm in Portland.
(5)Cori W.
Even though I live close by I rarely ever go because of the line. I found myself giving Portland tours for some out-of-state interviewees at my work and had the opportunity to stop by twice this month, finally a reason to go! Salt & Straw really has the customer service thing working for them; I love that they come out to you in the line and offer up samples. These people know how to work a queue. I recently had the olive oil ice cream and it was divine. The menu is always changing so no 2 visits are the same. Their ice cream is always top-notch quality. If there's any line to wait in in Portland its here.
(4)Disco T.
i was told this is the original location. i think the lighting is brighter in here than the other salt & straw locations (which personally throws off the ambience), but the seating in the location is great(er), and the staff & merchandise is top notch as their other locations are.
(5)Wesley C.
The line may seem long, but the ice cream is worth the wait and service goes by fast. Smart planning by Salt & Straw to have servers ask customers if they want samples while in line. I highly recommend the Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon. It's a mix of cold-brewed coffee from Portland's own Stumptown Coffee Roasters and hint of Burnside Bourbon. A server told me the cold brew gets rid of the bitterness. The smooth texture of this ice cream is also a plus. This flavor will surely blow you away!
(5)Kelly L.
The ice cream was absolutely amazing! And they were very friendly and offered as many taste tests as you wanted until you found THE flavor! They switch their flavors out once a month so you can keep going back and always having something new to try. One of the new flavors of this month is jelly donuts. It has the exact taste of a jelly donuts. It's fun to take a bite and favor and let the flavor of the donut really embrace your mouth. The salted chocolate ganache was also a favorite for this evening! Will definitely come back to this little gem of an ice cream shop... And definitely splurge on the waffle cone. Light, crunchy and perfectly vanilla
(4)Rachael S.
So EVERYONE knows it's good ice cream (though not my favorite in the city... it's still excellent). The thing that stuck out to me was the service. While in line with 5 family members, the employees made it through the front o the line offering samples and taking orders before you even made it to the counter. And offering more than one sample. Big samples at that. A bite or two per baby spoon! When the girl scooping my boyfriend's got it wrong ( she dished a scoop of one that we had tried, but not the one we had requested), the girl at the register asked if we still wanted it, then piled a generous scoop of the one we DID want right on top, no charge. Very sweet staff. The wait is, well, the wait. It is what it is, you have to expect a 20-30 minute wait anytime you go. Sometimes you get very lucky and can walk right in. But good luck with that. We took family from out of town who LOVED the gorgonzola pear and the chevre and marionberry habanero. I couldn't get enough of the almond brittle! Only complaint is the burnside bourbon stumptown coffee was heavy on the coffee and no bourbon. Bummer. All in all, so worth the wait!
(5)Rosie P.
Came here as per recommendation by our hotel for some sugary shopping fuel. Ice cream in January isn't a top priority but we talked ourselves into it, and thank goodness we did! They were featuring their New Year's flavors, one of which I ordered. Happy Birthday Elvis was banana pudding ice cream with Oregon marionberry jam and homemade peanut butter-bacon butterfingers....are you serious? My mom had the honey lavender which was equally unusual and refreshingly tasty. I love ice cream, period, but Salt & Straw really takes the game up a notch or five.
(5)Momo B.
BEST ICE CREAM "One scoop each on a waffle cone" Seasonal rhubarb crumble with toasted anise. Rhubarb is spiced with orange zest and cinnamon... Classic Sea Salt Ice Cream with Caramel Ribbon -Made with "The Meadows Fleur de Sel" and hand burned caramel.... Find a patio table and just watch the waiting line inch forward while I'm enjoying each and every lick of my ice cream.
(5)Breylan D.
Ice cream. Delicious ice cream. **Tip, if there's a line, walk to the freezer and grab a pint, they'll ring you up and get you out of there quickly.
(4)Ani Nina O.
Dear lord this ice cream shop is stupendous! Best service I have ever received, anywhere!!! Seriously everyone was so awesome. And the ice cream...seriously if you haven't you are missing out on something GREAT. I loved the sticky brownie, lucky charm, spicy monkey (definitely spicy), and the pear with blue cheese I think it was. Also, THE HOT FUDGE! Maybe don't get it on the ice cream but like a side of it for sure. Never, ever skip out on the waffle cone!
(5)Alex B.
When you see a line at an ice cream shop in freezing weather then you probably can't go wrong. Yup. Definitely driving back here.
(5)Paul V.
So I did a bit of an interesting thing the other day while out and about in Portland. Hopelessly overwhelmed by the magnitude of magnificent ice cream choices in a city that is quickly becoming my favorite foodie spot (watch out New York!), I decided to go ahead and go to... well... all of them. Or at least the top three. My findings are below, but first? Let's meet the contenders (in the order I attended them in): Cool Moon Ice Cream Co.: yelp.com/biz ... Salt & Straw: yelp.com/biz ... Ruby Jewel: yelp.com/biz ... Star 1: How was the service and atmosphere? I'm going to start off by saying that all three ice cream spots had their own unique atmospheres each of which added to the experience. While Cool Moon embodies the very classic Ice Cream Parlor, Ruby Jewel's downtown location takes advantage of the hipster coffee shop culture and sets up a sit-down spot that could host you and a good book for hours. Salt & Straw, mostly because of an hour+ line even in the middle of the night, is it's own beast, but management does a great job keeping everyone entertaining for the duration of their (lengthy) stay. Stars all around. Cool Moon Ice Cream Co.: Star Granted (1) Salt & Straw: Star Granted (1) Ruby Jewel: Star Granted (1) Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? Once again, no complaints here regarding any of our fine contestants. My tab was well under $5 at each and every one of my dessert bars here, and while Cool Moon seemingly gave me the best bang for my buck by a slight margin, nothing was out of order. Stars all around. Cool Moon Ice Cream Co.: Star Granted (2) Salt & Straw: Star Granted (2) Ruby Jewel: Star Granted (2) Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? Now this, dear friends, is where the real test begins. When it comes to flavor selection, you're looking at some very, very different scenarios. Not unlike the decor, Cool Moon has an excellent mix of classical flavors varying from fruity sorbets to ultra-rich delectable treats that will have you full after a mere bite. Impressive yes, but radically different from Salt & Straw. Basil? Vinegar? Habanero? These are ice cream flavors? Make no doubt about it, Salt & Straw has gone bold, but it seems to be working for them. While I almost longed for more traditional flavors, S&S has just enough contemporary takes on the classics to keep it interesting. Ruby Jewel is really right in between the two, with a rock solid mix of timeless classics and modern twists that have you legitimately puzzled as to which direction to go. I'll tilt my hat to Ruby Jewel for having the best selection, but let's be honest: it's all about flavor, and there's a clear winner here. First and foremost, here's what I got at each location - Cool Moon Ice Cream Co.: Salted Caramel and Fudgy Brownie Chocolate Salt & Straw: Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Ruby Jewel: Caramel with Salted Chocolate Again, all were very good options, but Salt & Straw was the clear winner here with Ruby Jewel coming in at a somewhat distant second. I'll confess, I hugely prefer gelato to standard ice cream, but Salt & Straw does something that I've truly never experienced before. With unique flavors that taste more freshly churned and consistent than just about anything I've ever experienced, I couldn't stop talking about my Cinnamon Snickerdoodle even as I enjoyed Ruby Jewel's (slightly too rich to be entirely honest) Caramel with Salted Chocolate. While not forgotten, Cool Moon's offerings were just a bit too classic, and as a result, ended up being forgettable. My scoops of caramel and chocolate melted exceedingly quickly, and while the flavors popped, they didn't quite to the extent of the competition. Again, there wasn't a bad option here, just ones that stood out over the competition. Cool Moon Ice Cream Co.: Single Star Granted (3) Salt & Straw: Dual Stars Granted (4) Ruby Jewel: Dual Stars Granted (4) Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? Well, there can only be one I suppose, and while the unique selection was almost enough to deter me, I have to say that Salt & Straw is without a doubt some of the best ice cream I've ever had. I can see why they're expanding so rapidly to places like LA, and if you haven't already, you really do need to check them out. Cool Moon Ice Cream Co.: No Star Granted (3) Salt & Straw: Star Granted (5) Ruby Jewel: No Star Granted (4)
(5)Casey R.
Ummm...wow! The ice cream here is some of the best I've ever had. This place definitely DOES live up to the hype. We came here on a Saturday night and the place had a line around the block and fortunately we didn't leave. I did however have to park illegally since I couldn't find anywhere else to post my precious ride. Although the line was very long it didn't take as long as I though it would. We waited about 30 minutes. The ice cream selection here is very quirky yet refined. Kind of like Cameron Diaz. I had a scoop of the pear and blue cheese as well as a scoop of The Beast. The Beast is a collaboration between Salt & Straw and chef of The Beast restaurant in PDX (Naomi Pomeroy of Top Chef Masters fame). The Beast was excellent but may be a bit too salty for some. It includes salt smoked over cherry-wood as well as small chocolate covered pastries (fuielletine). It has a great depth of flavor and is a great contrast to a another sweet scoop that may lie within your waffle cone. The pear and blue cheese was also very good. You get mostly pear with very little blue cheese flavor. I think the ice cream does get it's creaminess from the blue cheese however. My wife had the strawberry with balsamic vinegar and black pepper ice cream. This was also very well done. Unfortunately I was hoping for a more spicy pepper kick which I didn't get. Unlucky me doesn't live in Portland which is a damn shame. Portland is a great culinary mecca and this place just puts it over the top. Damn you PDX and your amazing food! I'll have to settle for In-N-Out, 7-11 Maple Pancake Sausage Rolls and Funyuns. Good day...assholes!
(5)Dereck Q.
best ice cream flavor concoctions I've had in a while. the girl that was helping us let our group try all the flavors, which was the best! and we even had to guess which flavor we were tasting, which was also really fun. they have seasonal thanksgiving flavors that are interesting and delicious. you can get a flight of 4 small scoops, but I got a double of the honey bourbon corn pudding and stumptown coffee & burnside bourbon. so much ice cream for a great price.
(5)Melanie K.
This place is amazing. It has a cool atmosphere with rustic decor and friendly employees. I got the sea salt with caramel and sumptown coffee burnside bourbon split single scoop. It was like a salted caramel latte and tasted freaking awesome. The sea salt with caramel was like no ice cream I've ever tasted. It was actually quite salty so I don't know that I could have eaten it alone. The coffee ice cream was very good. It was creamy and the coffee they use is obviously high quality. Again, this little shop is great and if there is a line don't leave--I promise it'll be worth the wait!
(5)Glorious_Sunshine C.
So, so good! If you're willing to wait in a line of 30+ people for a delicious, local treat then you've come to one of the best in the P-Town vicinity! Their flavors seem endless, and with the option to try-them-all...you are in for a treat! The waffle come has a delicious light buttery taste, and each flavor packed with uniqueness!
(5)Madeline F.
I really don't understand the hype. I've given Salt & Straw many chances, but each time I leave disappointed and wishing I'd spent my money differently. Outrageous flavors and unusual combinations cannot obscure the fact that the ice cream is just mediocre. I never want to finish my cone. The lavender tastes far too much like soap, the salted-caramel is overly salty, and the chocolate does not have enough depth of flavor. Also, I suspect that Salt & Straw's ice cream has a very high butterfat percentage. The ice cream leaves a thick, fatty coating in my mouth that is highly unpleasant. Give Salt & Straw a miss. The lines are long, the prices are high, and the ice cream isn't as good as it's made out to be.
(2)Shauna F.
I stop in here every time I'm in the area...the flavors are fun...and surprisingly very delicious (based on strange ingredients). I love the smell of freshly made waffle cones in the shop
(5)Rona L.
My friends and I stopped by while shopping in the area because we heard that S&S was a must try. We walked in and were immediately confronted with a long line and no available seating but after being hit with a whiff of their waffle cones, we knew we had to stick it out. The store is really cute and I love the chalkboards lining the walls with the ice cream flavors of the day written in. I've been to ice cream shops that seem to throw random ingredients together and call it "innovative" even if its less than palatable, but Salt and Straw seems to be quite thoughtful in their creations and it is evident in their flavors. I'm giving this place 5 stars not just for their delicious ice cream flavors but also because of their amazing customer service. Despite having a long line, when the guy behind the counter found out we were out-of-towners, he informed us that we could try as many samples as we needed, to figure out what we wanted to order. (Not that we took complete advantage of this...though I did try a few). Regardless, he was more than patient -- he offered suggestions, made conversation, and didn't act as if he needed to hurry us along to tend to other customers. The friendliness of the establishment exuded from everyone behind the counter and I was really impressed with their service. Even if you're not in the area and it's a little out of your way, go and stop by.
(5)Helen H.
I ordered their flight, which was 4 different scoops of ice cream for $9. It's more worth it to get a cone or cup. The flavors I tried were: Pear with Blue Cheese, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbon, Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon, and Arbequina Olive Oil (one of Oprah's favorite things). It was really hard for me to decide which one was my favorite. All of them were so good! If I was forced to choose, I'll probably say pear with blue cheese. This is now my favorite ice cream shop, too bad I'll probably never get a chance to come here again.
(5)Ferman H.
came here to check out some ice cream. i got the almond brittle with salted ganache, as well as the chocolate gooey brownie. pretty decent stuff. texture was pretty good. it wasn't loaded with almond brittle or with brownies like a regular ben and jerry's is. the ice cream wasn't particularly sweet either. wasn't sweet enough for me. the flavors might be special, but to me the taste is just like an average ice cream. good, but not great. oh yeah, there was a server at the head of the line, giving people awesome heaps of samples. as many as you want. that was good.
(3)Gorman E.
If you are looking for some of the best ice creams....you came to the right place! PDX's farm-to-cone ice cream shop. Their ice cream is handmade in small-batches using only all-natural dairy with local, sustainable and organic ingredients. Salt & Straw uses 17% butterfat, very little air in the churn process, and a low sweetness level with some of the most uniqe flavor combinations. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I got the flight of ice cream sampler which is four chosen selection: yelp.com/user_local_phot… *Honey Balsamic Strawberry with cracked pepper *Grandma Malek's Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache *Coffee And Bourbon *Chocolate & Lemon Sorbet yelp.com/user_local_phot… My favorite was the Honey Balsamic Strawberry with cracked pepper. The flavors are Five Stars. The texture is Four Stars meaning the creaminess is not what I'm use to since I do sell many flights of rotating ice cream of Full Tilt in my restaurant but they do have many more unique flavors. I had to take off a star for the slowness of the line, the lack of creaminess and not much seating in this location. The line move fast but we must have waited 40 mins. The ice cream is on the pricey side...$8 for a pint. We sell our pints for $5. Also, the technique scooping the ice cream by using their hand holding the bucket and using the other hand to scoop the ice cream is borderline unsanitary. They use two iPad Square Up for their POS System. Bonus points for them offering Stumptown coffee and making their own waffle cones from scratch. yelp.com/user_local_phot… yelp.com/user_local_phot… Still solid location and I'm a huge fan...some of the best ice cream flavors and definitely worth the wait for some dessert! Highly Recommended.
(4)Amy T.
Best time to go get your ice cream fix is during the day. At night, Salt & Straw always has a line up, even at 9:00PM at night. I knew I had to try the goods after hearing about the amazing Elite party held here. It was about a half hour wait and as I got closer to the counter, I got more and more excited. Although Salt & Straw was extremely busy, they were well organized, efficient and let you tasted some flavors before purchasing. What I liked was while some people were tasting and deciding on what to get, another staff would take the next person's order and so on. Keep the momentum going. The hype was so high, my friends and I were worried we'd be let down. Let me tell you, the ice cream was mind blowing! The most unique flavor was the Arbequina Olive Oil, - yes olive oil.. as in the stuff you cook with. Oprah named it one of her favourite things and I agree with her. It may not be for everyone, but it was heavenly combination of sweet and savoury. This was definitely worth the hype and wait!
(5)Jack M.
The young worker changed a Ray Lamontagne song 'you are the best thing' before the chorus because she's a dweeb. No points for dumb aesthetic choices. Educate your workers better. Mess with ray, you ain't ok. Thumbs down
(1)Alexandra M.
Sample stuff because there's many interesting flavors that you might not normally choose. This stuff is fucking amazing.
(5)Josie V.
My favorite flavors here are definitely the albequnia olive oil and the almond brittle within salted ganache. This place is always consistent, but my only gripe is the long waits during the weekends. Although the key is buying the pints and taking them home to avoid the lines. I have had to resort to this because my 91 year old uncle cannot wait in the long lines. He would love to actually visit after dinner, but he just can't stand that long in line.
(5)Marcy E.
Ah, yes. Let's talk about Salt & Straw. Let's talk about why there's a line wrapped around the corner and Portlanders and tourists alike will wait 30 minutes, an hour, and possibly longer just to have even one scoop of the delicious ice cream flavors Salt & Straw comes up with in their creative little minds. Let's talk about why it's been featured in articles such as the Huffington Post, GQ, and The Wall Street Journal for a reason. And let's talk about when you finally get to the promised land of ice cream and one of their wonderfully nice employees ask what would you like to sample, you should exclaim, "All of them!" I'll admit, I had no idea about Salt & Straw until I ventured out to NW 23rd the second week after my move to PDX. I come from Florida. I THOUGHT I knew what ice cream was suppose to taste like. And like most people, I saw the long line on a hot Sunday afternoon and thought, "There's no way it's THAT good." and continued on my way to get some gelato down the street. As I was eating, I still couldn't wrap my head around why there was such a long line. I saw a list of flavors on their website... Was that the hook? Or had Salt & Straw slowly become a tourist spot similar to the likes of Voodoo Donuts in downtown? (Side note, just go to Voodoo Donuts Too... There's usually never a line and it's basically the same thing... End side note). Later that week, I had to find out for myself. Even around 9:00 pm on a Thursday evening, there was still a line wrapped around the building, but luckily not as long. We challenged ourselves to wait no matter what. 20 minutes later we were inside and I can see why it took so long. Even after you choose one (or two.. or more?) of their unique and delicious flavors, you still have to decide HOW you want to eat it. A waffle cone? A milkshake? A sampler? HOW DOES SOMEONE CHOOSE? Here's what I encourage you to do: pick a go-to flavor... Mine of course has been between Snickerdoodle and Coffee Bourbon. Then sample something out of your "ice cream flavor comfort zone." I promise you, it will probably be one of the two scoops in your next waffle cone. And if you're having problems choosing a second flavor to compliment it, the employees are your best experts. But, the moral of this paragraph is to TRY FLAVORS OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. At least once. You can get a scoop of vanilla or chocolate at any ice cream shop or grocery store (I'm not saying Salt & Straw's chocolate and vanilla flavors are not delicious... Because they are and are a great "neutral flavor" for a unique flavor). But where else can you try a Honey Balsamic Strawberry with Cracked Pepper ice cream flavor? Or Olive Oil? Or Honey Lavender? All I'm saying is, you waited 30 minutes... 45 minutes... An hour in line. Were you just going to spend that time waiting for vanilla, or Pear with Blue Cheese. Anyways, this review was probably needless long, because all I probably had to say was, "This ice cream is delicious." But that wouldn't have been as nearly as much fun to read, now would it?
(5)Leslie F.
So good. So worth the wait to try the flavors. We usually just skip the lines to get pints and go though.
(4)Deeno D.
Unique flavor that you will savor. Hands down best ice cream in Portland! So happy one is being opened in LA.
(5)Brittany F.
I wish there was a salt & Straw in LA! The ice cream was so darn good! We arrived around 10:30pm on a Thursday night and the line was around the block. We decided to wait, and I hate waiting. All the people in line were super friendly and it was almost fun! Once in the store there are fun souvenirs to look at and they even ask you what flavors you'd like to try. They are all soo good. I ended up ordering the almond brittle and the salty chocolate. My fiancé got the strawberry and the cinnamon cookie. The waffle cones are made right before your eyes. Do yourself a favor and order it on a the fresh waffle cone. It doesn't get much better than this!! Other awesome flavors are the salty caramel and the brownie. A must when in PDX!
(5)Sylvia K.
This ice cream alone is worth going to Portland for. The pear with blue cheese is AMAZING! This flavor combination for ice cream may sound strange but it is yummy. Give it a try. Samples are free :D The cinnamon snickerdoodle is also AMAZING. It's jam packed with cinnamon and has large chunks of snickerdoodle cookie. These two are my favorite flavors from this ice creamery! They have a listing of their classic flavors on the menu (which my two fave flavors are part of) and a listing of their seasonal flavors. Right now, it's berry season, so their seasonal flavors all somehow incorporate Oregonian berries! The goat cheese marionberry habanero and the birthday cake & blackberries flavors stood out for me. The service was great - the employees got the long line moving along. As you get closer to the front of the line, they come to ask you what flavors you would like to try. The girl who helped us was super friendly and very helpful. She let us try a bunch of flavors and she was the one who recommended we try the cinnamon snickerdoodle because it's her fave flavor. We ended up getting a flight of four flavors for $9 because we couldn't narrow it down any further. So so so delicious. There are two other Salt & Straw locations in Portland, east of the river, and we visited those locations too while we were staying in Portland (it was that good!). The lines were a lot shorter and the ice cream was the same excellent quality. I can't wait to come back to Portland so I can come back to Salt & Straw!
(5)Allison H.
Believe the hype - this place is GOOD. Popped in on a weekday afternoon and was able to order and try flavors without much of a wait at all which was a bonus. The cinnamon snickerdoodle is amazing with the cookie crumbles in it, but the arbequina olive oil is out of this world. Sounds gross, tastes amazing. Other flavor highlights include the coffee bourbon and chocolate brownie. Staff is very friendly and prices are reasonable. If you are in Portland, go here. Just do it.
(5)Leslie W.
This will be my last review. Now that I've tasted Salt & Straw's "Sweet Corn, Waffle Cones, and Caramel" ice cream there's really no reason to keep up the search. Seriously, why bother? My life is now complete. Maybe I can change careers and move to those apartments down the street from Good Samaritan? Get a job nearby and then manage to forget my lunch every day so I can say, Dang! Guess I'd better go have ice cream for lunch. I had almost given up finding good ice cream outside of France or Italy (or Spain--even Canada, for that matter) but now my dreams of living abroad because they have better ice cream are on hold. I very much hope the Chef's Collaboration Ice Cream Series Sweet Corn, Waffle Cones & Caramel created by Chef April Bloomfield stays on the menu. And the staff walks around the front of the line and give waiting customers small tastes so that they are ready to order when they reach the sweet spot. Really great staff, all working hard and making everyone feel happy (They deserve a raise.)
(5)Jonathan E.
Im pretty sure Im not going to be saying anything about Salt & Straw that hasn't already been said. Based on the over 300 reviews and high marks from experienced Yelpers, it should come as no surprise that this ice creamery is one of the best around. I love ice cream. Anytime I visit a new city, whether it be summer or winter, I am always on the lookout for the freshest products and unique ingredients. I came across Salt & Straw online prior to my visit to Portland, and it just so happened to work out that it as 96 degrees the day I wandered in there. The line... Was long. Very long. Usually, I see this as a good sign, but I suppose this could be a deterrent for those in a hurry. This certainly is no self-serve froyo join though--good things are worth waiting for. The menu here is incredibly unique. I had the ice cream flight ($9) which has 4 scoops of your choice. It allowed me to sample several interesting offerings. I decided on the olive oil, raspberry lemon basil sorbet, Stumptown coffee & bourbon, and the goat cheese with marionberry and habanero. The friendly staff smiled in approval and told me that I'd "fit right in" during my stay in Portland. Coming from Minneapolis where we have incredible ice cream shops such as Izzy's and Sebastian Joe's, my standards are quite high... But Salt & Straw ranks right up there with the best of them. Great service. Great ice cream. Quality ingredients. Unique flavors. Salt & Straw has you covered if you are looking for a scoop in Portland. Ill definitely be back the next time Im in town. Pros: Two locations, unique flavors, friendly staff, high quality ice cream, accessible by trolley Cons: Long summer lines, NOT available in Minneapolis!
(5)Seana J.
The most delicious and unique ice cream I've ever had and the employees are always incredibly accommodating. The decor ain't bad either. It's like a trifecta of ice cream merriment.
(5)Misty S.
Fantastic handmade ice cream and frozen yogurts, made with local ingredients... Yes please! When I drove past the shop on 23rd yesterday, I knew I was going to make a little trip at lunch time today. I drove by yesterday at about 2:15pm on Monday and they were packed so I decided to go at 11am before the big lunch, or after lunch, rush. It was a good call on my part. I walked right in, no waiting. I was greeted immediately and was offered to try anything I was interested in. The flavors are unique. Things you wouldn't expect to go together, apparently go together. It's awesome. I can't vouch for all the flavors since I didn't have them all, but I can say the ice cream is creamy and delicious. The waffle cones were being made right when I walked in so of course I had to get a waffle cone, right?! They're fantastic, light and crisp. Ah yes. This was the best idea I ever had. Who needs lunch? I have ice cream!
(5)Vivian H.
One of GQ's top 10 ice cream places in the US... They're less old-school soda shoppe and more new-school creative creations. We tried nearly every flavor and it was hard to choose! Our ice scream handler was sooo sweet and patient with us. Thank goodness it was early and we were the only ones there not holding up any lines!
(4)Kerri M.
As much as I hate to admit this, this ice cream is pretty spectacular and is well worth the wait in line for it.
(5)Brandon N.
Pretty good ice cream. Really good waffle cone. This place has extremely interesting flavors. First one i tried was pear and blue cheese. Yes, blue cheese. Chunks of sweet pear and blue cheese suspended in vanilla. Next up was honey strawberry balsalmic with black pepper. I tasted the first 3 ingredients but my taste buds couldnt find the pepper. Next up was chocolate with brownie. The brownie was different than most places by being gooey. Nothing new here, but still good. Last of all was sea salt and caramel. Both flavors were abundant so it did not disappoint. Those pear with blue and the honey/strawberry/balsamic/pepper were really eye opening to me. I didnt expect the flavors to work, esp with 4 from opposite ends of the spectrum, but they did. They all did. If you are in portland area, looking for ice cream, this is your place!
(5)Rebecca W.
We came back again and this time you all earned a shining 5 star review for your amazingly fast, efficient and super friendly service. You all were rocking that line! Way to go! It really makes a big difference when you don't have to wait in line for almost an hour for ice cream! Much appreciated. This time I got The Bunk Hawaiian. It was superb! Coconut, pineapple and rice crispy treats melded together into a super smooth and delicious concoction! My daughter actually got the Bone Marrow and smoked cherry flavor and loved it. I was a little too afraid to try this one for obvious reasons. With all the traffic in and out of here, it is amazing that the shop is kept so clean and well stocked with water cups and such. The tables were all free of debris and the floors, despite likely having sticky ice cream dripping on them all day, were free from spills.
(5)Clay H.
Best ice cream experience ever, except for the line. They don't have old standbys here. They challenge your palettes with flavor profiles to be reckoned with. My favorite so far was the turkey ice cream. Yes, turkey. It didn't taste like turkey, but it really just popped. No, this isn't some sort of gross thing like you get in the Jones Thanksgiving pack. They fried up the skin in coconut oil and it just delivered an amazing ice cream experience. I would go 5 stars, but the lines can be out the door and around the corner. Sometimes I will go to the location on the east side of the river and the line isn't as much of an issue there most of the time. So, when I want ice cream, Salt and Straw is king so far. I just have to be patient.
(4)Connie C.
It's not hype. I've braved the lines out the door at this place it it's always worth it. I'll be honest though. If you're an only vanilla or chocolate kind of person, you might want to venture elsewhere. Their unique flavors perfectly executed are definitely their thing. Think salty sweet flavors like strawberry pepper balsamic, blue cheese and pear, or goat cheese marionberry habenero. When we went, they were doing a special fundraiser for a charity with Biwa. They had a fish sauce flavor that tugged at my curiousity. We split a sampler and each flavor was more delicious than the next. They have balance of flavor mastered. Just a hint of spice or saltiness to combat the sweet. It's so f-ing good you'll be back in line for more.
(5)Amy N.
Was soooo looking forward to this, and I was NOT disappointed. Loved everything about it. Nice neighborhood? Check. Nice facility? Check. Unique flavors? Check. Tasty? Check. Souvenirs? Check. Friendly staff? Check. I ordered two. Yup. I sure did. Honey lavender (my fave) and Goat Cheese and Habanero (yum!). How did I know they would be awesome, you ask? They let you try AS MANY AS YOU LIKE! While in line!! They come to YOU! OMG...ingenious. What a clever way to a) make people happy and b) make them forget they were in a line! I highly, no, DEMAND you to go here if you are in Portland. Yeah, yeah, go do Voodoo, but when you're sick of being scared of downtown, head over to 23rd where you will be safe, and loved, and happy on a sugar high from this place. At least that's how I felt anyway.
(5)Eva Y.
We came here from CA and mu husband fell in love with the Strawberry ice cream here. It has balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and strawberries in it. He swears by it as I enjoyed my raspberry sorbet which was super yummy as well. The best part aside from the ice cream itself? The fresh waffle cone. You know how most waffle cones are too sugary when eaten with ice cream? Not here! It's just the right crisp thickness and the right amount of sweetness to go with your ice cream of choice!
(4)Irene L.
Ice cream is good, but not amazing. Long lines! :(
(4)Lea B.
SOOOOOO GOOOOD! Great customer service, atmosphere, and especially ice cream!
(5)Lelay P.
Artisanal ice cream that is worth the price? Yes! This one is! The Flavors of the month are really interesting and varied. But I always go for the strawberry and honey balsamic vinegar. Unexpected but totally worth it. I recommend this place to anyone visiting portland for the first time. Yes, there will be a line most of the time.
(5)Prima B.
I tried the almond brittle with salted ganache. The best ice cream I've ever had. I'll keep on coming back until I tried them all. Friendly staff and quick service. Just the best!
(5)Charlie M.
Tried the bone marrow + bourbon cherries....WOW. Pear + goat cheese...DROOL. Scoop of Stumptown Coffee + Salted Caramel in a waffle cone...COMBO WIN. Don't be intimidated by the long line. The workers go through the line, offering as many samples as you would like, and even talking to you about the flavors you just tried. Despite the line out the door, we were in and out within 15 minutes. This was such a fantastic way to spend our last moments in Portland!
(5)Alison M.
My husband and I have been wanting to check out Salt & Straw but are not big fans of waiting in line. We recently stopped by on a weekday afternoon and there was a very short line. The staff was friendly and efficient and gave us samples. I opted for snickerdoodle ice cream ons waffle cone. He had some kind of chocolate ice cream in a dish. We took home a pint of Carmel sea salt ice cream. The damage was about $18 including tip. My husband made mention that there is still another brand that is his favorite. S&S will be an occasional treat we will enjoy when in Portland.
(4)Alex L.
Face it, you could use more drooling in your life. I'm biased because ice cream is my favorite food in the whole world, but S&S always leaves a smile on my face. The folks here have a knack for drumming up creative flavors -- and somehow making them all taste incredible! Lavender honey? Yes. Sea salt caramel? Yes. Arbequina olive oil??? Yes Yes YES! Salt & Straw's line moves quickly, so don't lose faith. Of all frozen dessert fads, I sincerely hope this one is here to stay.
(5)Cynthia R.
I've heard this place be called "touristy" but it's damn good, and tourists or locals would be boring (pick any negative adjective here) to not like Salt & Straw. I've been here a couple times, and I've sampled several different flavors. All are amazing. On my last visit, I had to try one of their current flavors, as created by some school kids. It had churros in it!!!!! What!? Sounds odd, perhaps, but it was what I needed. In a homemade cone. For dinner. The time before I got a strawberry balsamic something. Perfection. Yeah, lines are annoying, and maybe it does get a little bit hyped up, but I think it's well worth the effort of getting there. I guess easy for me to say since I only live two blocks away :)
(5)Kristine B.
The best ice cream experience I've ever had. Hands down. They have an exciting array of flavors - many of which I'd never thought would go well together and boy was I wrong! I did a taste test and I loved them all! I daydream about coming back to this place all the time (I don't currently live in the NW). The minute I move back, however, you can bet I will be first in line ready for more!
(5)Rachel R.
Nom Nom Nom, if you are in the mood for some amazing ice cream this place is it! Although the line gets ridiculous so pick a good time depending on how long you want to wait. I recommend the blue cheese with pear and the salted carmel. It's all made from scratch and goes from basic flavors to ones you would never think of. Definitely worth a trip.
(4)Shirley L.
Ice cream in winter is really not my thing, but I was lured in by the crowd (and yelp reviews). Initially, I was going to get a hot chocolate and relax a bit at the cafe. As I was waiting in line, they start offering free samples of ice cream (this is super normal apparently. each person is offered at least two choices, if not more). I tasted the strawberry honey balsamic pepper one and Oregon Kiss (seasonal - chocolate flavor). They are both delicious, but the strawberry one changed my mind about hot cocoa :) It tastes like sunshine and summer. Price is on the higher end, but expected.
(5)Bradford L.
This is the best ice cream I have ever had (pear and blue cheese) and the best waffle cone I have ever had. The waffle cone was so good it actually complimented the ice cream.
(5)Elizabeth W.
A little bit on the pricey side... but totally worth it. We tried the pumpkin and the pecan seasonal flavors. Totally good place to check out when you're in portland.
(5)Tonya N.
Absolutely divine... completely worth the wait. I had a fruit and chevre type flavor which was just perfect. I really like the samples that they offer while youre in line and the service is excellent as is everywhere else in portland :)
(5)I K.
This place is very hit and 'cool' but it falls short when you get to the front and actually get your product and try it out. I didn't love the flavors, they felt like they were badly tested and badly blended. I wasn't so much of a fan of the long lines, and the staff's slowness. I tried it once, and didn't really care for it too much, i liked the place that was there before. Don't wait in the lines, try it during a non-hipster peak time. Service was really bad and clumsy.
(2)Graceann D.
Buy a plane ticket. Fly across the country. Go to Salt and Straw. Bring a diaper for when you shit yourself rotten after eating the best ice cream ever on the planet or any other planet. This ice cream makes me angry it's so good. I want to punch the Salted Caramel ice cream in the face.
(5)Ima T.
Every time I go, I try a new flavor and always find something delicious! There is usually a long line, bu the service rocks, they let you try as many flavors as you want and the product NEVER lets you down!!! My kids love it and we always take out of town guests there:)
(5)Cara S.
Pear with candied ginger sorbet - great flavor, nice bite, will be back before the season is gone!
(5)Kerri L.
How many times can you update a review before it gets embarrassing? I suppose this is probably it, but damn Salt and Straw is just killing me in the nicest way possible. Instead of their mobile cart, I went to their flagship store today and waited in line for a few minutes. While I waited in line with a friend, we had a great conversation with a nice young man visiting Portland for the first time and gave him tips on what to do and see. ANYWAY, even though I waited in line, which I don't usually like to do, I enjoyed the experience, and truly appreciated the really superb employee who went from person to person in line and answered questions about flavors and set the wheels in motions for us to get samples. I ended up with a dish of strawberry balsamic cracked pepper ice cream and had thoughts of licking the dish clean when I had finished the solid ice cream. If Salt and Straw is trying to kill me, then this really is the way to go.
(5)Sammie H.
Like trying unique flavor combinations! I have never seen a line out the door for ice cream, but found out it is worth the wait! Downside? You may get too full to order a scoop after trying all the wonderful flavors available the day you go...Upside? They make pints to go! They will even pack them half and half :)
(4)Shauna P.
Weird ice cream flavors, very good, but I personally think its just as good as Cold Stone.
(3)Fayren C.
Putting the cool back in Icecream! This place has style, creative and delicious flavors and friendly staff. Don't let the long lines deter you! They move quickly and you get free samples.
(5)Stephan S.
Totally willing to accept that I am off my rocker. But to wait in line as I did for an icecream I ended up tossing in the dumpster outside, just doesn't seem worth it. I will say my friend's was better, but even he said that he had way better.
(1)Julie P.
Such a cute old-fashioned ice cream parlor in the Alphabet district. Lovely service from friendly gals behind the counter. They get an A+ for creativity with their flavor combinations too. My husband and I shared Strawberry Honey Balsamic w/Black Pepper, Freckled Woodblock Chocolate, Sea Salt with Caramel and Coffee w/Bourbon. That last one was my favorite by far. Looking forward to trying others the next time I go back ... Tonight.
(4)Lacy B.
I've been to Salt & Straw three times since I've moved to PDX, and each time the service and frozen treats were delightful. The selection is unique, quirky, and delicious. Thus far, I've had 1. Strawberry balsamic with cracked black pepper in a waffle cone, 2. Cookies and cream with hot fudge, 3. Double fold vanilla with hot fudge. Expect to pay about $5 (totally worth it). There is usually a line (also totally worth the wait).
(4)Madame M.
After seeing a segment about Salt & Straw on The Cooking Channel, I decided to try out their ice cream. I can say with assurance that Salt and Straw's ice cream is not only interesting in it's flavor profiles but the product itself is delicious! Their staff was super friendly and more than happy to have you taste as many of the flavors as possible to make sure you are happy with your choice. I purchased a 2 scoop of The Beast and Marionberry with Chevre and Habanero Jam. It was amazing! The NW 23rd location is nice, has wifi, and great in the summer since it is a bright space. I am now a fan and can't imagine eating anything else of lesser quality than this. BRAVO!
(5)Cynthia W.
I love Salt & Straw so much, I've gone and stood in line 4 times in the last two weeks for their phenomenal ice cream. The staff is so sweet and very gracious, allowing you to sample all the flavours you want without rushing you. The flavours speak for themselves, they may sound a little funky but taste absolutely heavenly. I can't imagine why a 10 minute line would deter someone from the awesome experience that Salt & Straw gives you. The check out is so simple and effective, a basic iPad. I have brought many of my friends here and everyone has fallen in love with their ice cream as well.
(5)Verita A.
Try the Pear Blue Cheese ice cream!
(5)Lisa O.
Very cute place - long lines, which will no doubt get longer as Summer goes on, but it goes pretty quick. Helpful service people come to you in line to speed things up, offer samples if you can't decide, get your ice cream. Unique flavors of course is what they are known for, and they have them. My banana caramel walnut was very creamy and tasty, although it seems like if you call something banana it might should taste like banana, maybe being subtle is their culinary mind set. (although form what I have heard they are not at all subtle about the salt in the caramel and salt one). I forgot mine was supposed to have caramel in it until I read the menu again later, maybe that's a little too subtle! Walnut were great! Friends lemon basil sorbet was VERY basily and very good texture. Waffle cone is the best part, so fresh and crispy!! Nifty ipad check out system, when people get used to that, the line will probably go a little faster. Since I live in the neighborhood, will probably go back, just to take a walk and get some ice cream, but I imagine the gelato place across the street won't have any line, and honestly, except for weird flavors, it's also very good, sooooooo......
(3)Lianne P.
LOVE this place..The staff was great between my husband and I we tried every flavor. I tried some, ordered, ate, and tried some more..My favorite was love Potion, Salted caramel, and Coffee n bourbon..My husband likes Pear n blue cheese, Olive oil, a almond brittle. Try it!!
(5)ElizaDan M.
Freaking awesome! Great selection of flavors. SOOOOOO GOOD! Try it. They really rocked the branding too.
(5)Jenny T.
This place is pretty wonderful. Parking nearby is sucks but what do you expect from the alphabet district. Once you get to Salt and Straw... totally worth the wait. They have interesting flavors and they have a great staff. I tried the Strawberry balsamic black pepper and it was good, and the pear blue cheese ... if you like blue cheese that is. I ended up here based on a recommendation from a 4 and 6 year old =). I will be taking my friends here when they come to visit.
(5)Ellen C.
It's absolutely worth the wait and the price tag! Try the olive oil ice cream if they have it.
(5)S P.
Ok, the customer service won me over big time. After my last review, the owner offered me a pint on the house. Who does that?! No one except for business that are looking out for their customers! Surprised and impressed. Since my first time there, I have also tried their vanilla and strawberry balsamic which were both yum. For the pint we decided on the coffee bourbon which, if I had only one word, I'd say it's smooth. Bourbon doesn't overpower the coffee and it's just the right sweetness for me. But really, with flavors like chèvre on the menu, there is something for every ice cream lover's palate. So go and eat a cone! Or two. And make note that every business should have customer service as great as theirs.
(5)Jesse C.
Amazing ice cream!
(5)Pintcho W.
Tip of the year - come at 10am midweek to avoid the crowds and savor the best ice cream in town. Believe the hype - the friendly authentic service, out of this world ice cream and house baked delectable pastries to boot. Everything in the shop deserves your attention but focus on the frozen treats on your first trip. Even after you get to taste all the flavors from the most helpful/patient wait staff, go on and be greedy and get the 4 scoop tasting plate. All the flavors have their own personality but do yourself a favor and get the blue cheese and pear, strawberry and balsamic vinegar (so strawberrish), double vanilla, and salted caramel. To really have a party, order an espresso and throw it over the vanilla for an instant affogato. Once sated, head home, don your running shoes and run 20 miles to work off the best tasting calories you've had!
(5)Carlos C.
I really, really, really love the ice cream at Salt & Straw. I just love the whole adventure of discovering new and unexpected ice cream flavors and finding new favorites. This is one of those places that just expands your horizons by continuously giving you something new to try and discover and enjoy. Keep bringing all those great new flavors! :-)
(5)Holly L.
Omg yum! Nuf said.
(5)Meris M.
I have seen this place and wanted to try it, but the line was always too long! Then, one night I was meeting friends at the mexican place across the street and I saw that there was no line! So of course we went and got ice cream. They have some interesting flavors and will let you sample as many of them as you wish. I ended up getting cheddar apple pie. Delicious but very sweet. The boyfriend got coffee which actually tasted like sweet coffee, amazing. This place is worth the extra money if you are already in this part of town. Not convinced that I would wait in the line around the corner though, unless I just had time to waste.
(5)Davin B.
Well, I was pissed that I had to wait in line for 30 minutes. So while my friend waited in line I went to the Plaid Pantry, which has a logo with no plaid on it, and got two pints of Olympia and poured it into a monster soft drink cup and took it down there to drink the line away. It turned out that the employees were willing to pair an ice cream with my Olympia. Salted Caramel and cheap beer are a match made in heaven.
(5)Benny F.
You know what? If you are a huge wannabe-hipster yuppie this place will be perfect for you. It was waaaayy too packed, the service was haphazard, and the ice cream tasted like sweat. They get an extra star for being across the street from my favorite taqueria--otherwise this would be a one star.
(2)Josie C.
I love salt and straw. This is the kind of business I want to support. I dream about it every day now. Bring salted caramel cupcake to the nw?
(5)Petra B.
Oh holy ice cream Batman! This place is so good! This is really an ice cream place like no other. Everyone has their favorite go-to flavor at their average ice cream parlor like Baskin Robbins or Ben and Jerry's, but going to Salt & Straw is not your average ice cream trip. It's really an adventure there and they actually encourage you to explore and taste test the flavors, none of this 2-sample-scoops-before-they-give-you-a-dirty-look business. I think I was going on 5 samples before I finally decided what I wanted. Their flavors are so unique and they put new ones out everyday. The most interesting flavors I tried were pear with blue cheese and Arbequina olive oil. The pear with blue cheese was my second favorite, but I settled on their classic sea salt and caramel. The area is really chill, the workers are friendly (aka they tolerated my trying a billion different flavors), and the amount of ice cream you get for the price is fantastic! This place definitely gives off that nice Portland vibe, but you don't have to be mega-hipster to drop in and enjoy it.
(4)Cameron K.
I had the Black Currant sorbet, which was quite tasty. The service was alright. The line was a bit long, so I ended up waiting probably 10 minutes in total.
(4)Stacy B.
I loved how the counter guy asked me which scoop I wanted on top...like a wine pairing! He was so courteous and nice offering advice on what flavors to get. I chose the coffee and bourbon, but I think I should've gone with chevre. Chèvre! Love this place.
(5)SHANT K.
Holy shit. I love me my ice cream and this place is nuts. Awesome combinations of ingredients in their ice cream and the ice cream itself is very good. This is definitely going on my list of top ice cream spots.
(5)Catherine G.
Just came from my first visit to Salt & Straw where, I'm not ashamed to admit, I ordered ice cream for lunch. A scoop of Sea Salt w/ Caramel Ribbons and a scoop of Chocolate w/ gooey brownies. Nirvana and a great lunch. So glad I stopped by and I will be back because they have an amazing array of flavors. It doesn't hurt that the staff is all friendly and nice. Definitely a place to go!
(4)Maly S.
I love this spot! My favorite is salted caramel ribbon.
(5)K M.
What a cute ice cream shop! I'm so excited to finally have a real ice cream place in my neighborhood. I went during the opening weekend and the line was almost to the door! I was a little disappointed because they were out of malt, but the chocolate shake I ended up with was pretty good. I'm looking forward to trying this place for coffee sometime soon.
(4)Linda F.
Best ice cream I've ever had. We split an ice cream flight, which I recommend. The flight could probably satisfy three to four people of normal appetite. My favorite flavor was strawberry balsamic with pepper. Only waited about 5 minutes on a Sunday afternoon.
(5)Anasooya G.
Wow...it's just wow!!!! I could never think of such innovative flavors of ice cream before coming to this place. Every time I come and I get some new surprise of flavors. The best thing is they keep on changing the flavors as the season changes. Few days back we had 'strawberry cheesecake with cilantro' which was awesome...and yesterday it disappeared from menu as the season of strawberry is over. Instead of that we got 'honey lavender' which is a masterpiece. How could someone think to incorporate the flavor of a flower in ice cream!!! I never tasted so varied flavors of ice cream before. Moreover the waiters are very friendly and active...u can sample as many times as u want...AND if u buy a pint, u can skip the line.....:)
(5)Anj M.
Love this place with all its whacky, innovative flavors! Where else can one see potato or sea urchin on an ice cream menu? We had the ice cream flight and sampled some really amazing flavours- the strawberry honey balsamic and black pepper was incredible. The coconut milk with cashew brittle and pandan was also a favorite! Can't wait to go back to Portland!
(5)Jenny D.
Even though they were busy right before closing on a Friday night they allowed us to try samples and discuss the flavors. I asked the gentleman working his recommendation and I was so glad I did! Two flavor combinations I never would have decided on my own, salty caramel and cheddar apple pie. It was the absolute best ice cream I have ever had!!!! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Natasha D.
I am ADDICTED to dessert, and this place is so great! You won't find your average flavors here! We've been here a couple of times and it is always packed. I've seen the line out the door and around the corner, but it's so worth the wait! My favorite is the strawberry, balsamic, and black pepper ice cream in a waffle cone. Another great one we've had there was there Lumberjack Ice Cream. It's maple ice cream with chunks of blueberry pancake. I mean who thinks of that kind of stuff?!?!?! But it was so great, can't wait for our next visit.
(5)Steve F.
Well worth the wait. Not only is this a delightfully unique ice creamery but it's also really good. you might look at the flavors and think "that can't be tasty!" and for certain there will be one or two that don't strike your particular palette well, but overall they're great. The olive oil and smoky hefeweisen were my personal favorites while my fiance loved the pear and blue chese.
(5)Ilesha D.
I'd like to try out more from Salt & Straw! My friend and I shared the naughty nutty chocolate monkey sundae. It was good after a couple bites, but I'd definitely couldn't have finished that on my own! On a hot summer day, this is definitely a place to check out! You might have to wait in a long line, but it's worth it.
(4)Adrienne L.
This is such a lovely place. A must visit if you are in Portland. It came highly recommended by a friend and I'm so glad we stopped in. It's a bit away from the usual pearl district but it's an adorable neighbourhood that is worth a look. This is the ultimate ice cream for ADULTS with really unique flavours. They will ply you with samples so there is no need to make an uninformed decision. The portion size is excellent and the made in house waffle cones are delicious. The service was cheerful and fabulous. Enjoy!
(5)D. N.
I was very excited to try Salt and Straw after reading a glowing review... yes, I m one of those people. I went on Mother's Day and sure the line was longer for that reason plus it was warm for May. My family and I tried the unusual favors and I had the strawberry balsamic vinegar flavor. My only issue with my ice cream was that the strawberry was a jam which was tasty but not what I was expecting. Good flavors though, all around. I was impressed by the beautiful space, friendly service, quick payment on iPad and excellent location on NW 23rd. I will be back.
(4)C H.
Holy crap. After one trip to Salt and Straw, I am forever ruined. Nothing compares to Salt and Straw. It's so sad that I don't live in Oregon (or perhaps for my waistline, maybe that's a good thing). As for the comparisons to Bi-Rite in San Francisco, Salt and Straw blows BR out of the water. I live in SF and tend to stand up for my city, but I in this case, there's really just no comparison.
(5)Cyn K.
I wish this was in LA!!! Well worth the wait ! If you are looking for the normal chocolate and vanilla you won't find it here... But if you are looking for a unique mix this is the place to be!! From oprah's favorite olive oil to featuring chef's special... My fav mix.... Almond brittle and chocolate salted ganache with stump town coffee and roasted cocoa
(5)Kelly M.
I live about 2 blocks away from a slightly famous and extremely popular non-traditional ice cream place in the Bay Area of California. I was surprised to find I actually liked the Salt & Straw more than my local place. I went there 2 times in 2 days and sampled a ton of flavors. I had the almond brittle and the woodblock chocolate. 1 scoop is a lot of ice cream!
(5)Maile W.
Was packed when we came here but the ice cream selection was very interesting and creative.
(4)Mitch P.
Try their Almond brittle with salted ganache, it's pretty awesome! I unapologetically ate the entire cone in mere minutes because I am secretly powered by ice cream. We were there on a hot midweek afternoon, and I didn't think the wait was bad at all, so maybe we just got lucky? Good thing too, since I die if I don't eat ice cream at least once or twice a day.
(5)Eric A.
The only fault here is that it's so good the line is out of control
(5)Abhishek D.
Amazing ice cream amazing flavors. 1. Citra Hops with Apricots 2.Strawberry balsamic with cracked pepper
(5)Kristin S.
Had my first Salt & Straw (NW 23rd) experience last weekend and ...yum! We tried a number of different flavors. My favorite might have been the salted carmel but they were all delicious. If I go again, I'll definitely bring a bigger appetite and try the sampler. I have never seen a sampler/flight of ice cream scoops before but it's a great idea! The presentation of everything here is awesome. I should also add that thier waffle cones are wonderful. They're light and airy and sweet and they'll even put chocolate sauce (or any sauce) right into your cone. Genius! This place reminds me of Molly Moons in Seattle. Great, super-premium icecream. The lines were slightly horrendous but that's likely because it was a sunny Sunday.
(5)Simone C.
To begin, I admit I'm completely in the minority with only three stars. I like their strawberry-balsamic combo. It's an unusual combination that uses the flavors well. I like the balsamic-strawberry combo. But the syrup they put in it is too sweet for me. Besides that, its a well lit place with friendly staff.
(3)Erin G.
So normally I don't follow the hype of the new "in" restaurants, but this one is REALLY worth it. The line was out the door when we arrived but we got through it in about 7 minutes. They have quite a few staff working (for an ice cream stand) and they really move people through without making you feel rushed. I got the Snickerdoodle (YUM!) and was encouraged to try a few more. I am going to have to go back for the Strawberry Balsamic. It is a little on the spendy side but the quality of the ice cream justifies the price. Overall, great Ice Cream, Great Service, Cute atmosphere.
(5)Jeremy I.
The only down side is the long line. But they do move you through as fast as they can. The staff is very cool and nice. Ice cream flavors are original, inventive, and yummy! You really can't go wrong ordering here. Whatever you get, I recommend having it put on a freshly made waffle cone. I had the seasonal honey and lavender ice cream, and let me tell you, it was an out of this world full body experience.
(4)Katie S.
The almond brittle with salted ganache is DA BOMB!!!!!!! We don't actually buy their ice cream from this shop, and instead, avoid the lines, and buy at our neighborhood market, Local Choice Produce. The only downside - no cone. I am a strong believer that ice cream should be LICKED! It just tastes better for some reason...
(5)Andrew P.
Can you get any better ice cream that at Salt & Straw? Unlikely, and it's not anywhere I know of. The amazingly wacky, and sometimes unfathomable combinations of flavors are never-ceasing. I don't have the vocabulary to describe how delicious these are, so I will leave it at that. You can try every flavor yourself and stretch your OWN imagination. The only slight ding against this establishment is the line that stretches out the door and down the block; but, I would say the creativity and deliciousness of their flavors more than makes up for it.
(5)Eric M.
You haven't had ice cream if you haven't tried Salt & Straw. If you prefer 'regular' (boring) flavors like straight chocolate or vanilla, this is not for you. I was skeptical of flavors that incorporated liver, or mushrooms, or Thanksgiving stuffing, or Balsamic vinegar. Some of their odd flavors don't work for me, but I am often surprised at the ones that do. They offer samples while you are in line, so don't be afraid to sample something, especially if it sounds horrible. You'll probably be surprised, but more often than not they know what they're doing. With a menu that rotates every month, they still have some staples that stick around, so I can always grab Coffee & Bourbon if all else fails. Also, an insider tip: if you are missing last month's flavors, check the pints in the freezer, and skip the line straight to the register if you don't need any additional scooping. I come here embarrassingly often, and my only gripe is that they are so good, they are probably going to force out the great gelato places, but I suppose that is as much my fault as anyone's.
(5)Carrie K.
I am already a fan of the Salt and Straw having been to the Alberta location. For an early Mother's Day outing, we went to this location and introduced my mother to their heavenly creations. It was a packed house, but the line wasn't too bad. There was a water station to get some water while you waited and staff making rounds to see if we had any questions he could help us with. And because the line was so long, we found it so helpful that they had a printout of all the flavors and a description of each so that we didn't have to strain our necks while still far away from the front and their chalkboard menus. We ended up getting a pint of my all time favorite-Sea Salt and caramel ribbon, and also the Dandelion Sorbet with edible wildflowers. BOTH WERE DELICIOUS. Anyway, when we got to the front of the line, we were able to try some flavors before choosing. When we chose our flavors to buy, one was not readily available in a pint. So they packed it for us right there. We were served quickly by such friendly staff. Although there was a long line, we moved through it very quickly. I think it was a long line that just kept constant with new people arriving. We decided to get a couple of pints to go and not have any right then so that we can drop them off at home and enjoy them later after we finished the rest of our Mother's Day festivities. It was very warm that day but the ice cream and sorbet both withstood it very well as we drove 30 minutes home in a car not extremely cooled down by air conditioning, in fact the two pints were in the back seat with me, where it was warmer than the front of the car. Just saying, saying to those who are worried about traveling short distances with the delectable dessert, don't worry, be happy with yummy ice cream/sorbet. =) I was sad to see that they no longer make the lemon ice cream with ricotta and cookie crumble but there are so many other flavors to try and love, that it all makes up for it. =)
(4)Ben K.
I guess, I've been spoiled by amazing east coast ice cream places, salt and straw was good but not great. The homemade waffle cone was a nice surprise; but the bourbon/coffee ice cream had absolutely no flavor. Did someone forget to get the bourbon and coffee that morning? The flaked chocolate was ok, but hardy worth the hour wait. I wouldn't rush here again
(2)Derek N.
best ice cream I have ever had! the sea salt and caramel ice cream was AMAZING! will definitely go back! better to go during the day though when the line is not an hour+ long. I will say I saw one of the workers drop a spoon on the floor pick it up with her bare hands then go right back to scooping peoples ice cream and what not. My guess is that is some sort of health code violation, good thing she wasn't helping me! lol
(5)Anna M.
so so so sooooooo good!! absolutely worth the wait (and it wasn't even that long of a wait) all the ladies that work there are super nice, always offer samples, bring them to you while you're in line. their honey vinegar mix "som" is absolutely worth picking up!! Best invention ever. Nothing but amazing things to say about this spot.
(5)Happy C.
I went in out of morbid curiosity because there is usually a really long line. That day it was short so I tried it to make sure I wasn't missing something amazing. I wasn't. This was the first time I've thrown ice cream out after only eating a few bites. They don't call it SALT & straw for nothing. Gross. Seriously gross.
(2)Michael G.
I was prepared to dislike this place based purely on the hype. Just another hipster-locally-sourced-artisinal eatery with obnoxiously long lines, right? Well, I was happy to find that Salt & Straw lives up to the hype. The staff were friendly and helpful, the atmosphere light, communal, and cheerful. They were free with the sample tastings, which is good, because there is so much goodness to taste, and they didn't rush me along despite the long line behind me. The good nature of the staff was mirrored in the folks in line. Sure, some people took one look at the long wait and bailed, but most folks were expecting it and took it in stride. As nearly everyone else has noted, Salt & Straw excels in creative and inventive flavors. One particular highlight is the Arbequina Olive Oil. Yes, I know, it sounds like a flavor that's trying too hard to be wacky and unconventional. But try it. Trust me, you'll love it. Delicious and creamy and savory and sweet. Plus, it's one of Oprah's favorite things, and who am I to argue with Oprah?
(5)R T.
This is the gold standard of ice cream, it's good, inspired and heavy on butter fat. Now all I have to do is find productive gold mine to eat here regularly.
(4)M P.
The pastry is unbelievably fantastic! Thanks for the great Motherss day treats...we kept coming back for more. You might be my new favorite bakery!! Kudos to the pastry chef and team!
(5)Elaine M.
Delicious has everyone says. Very unique favors. Unlimited samples (though I couldn't imagine taking them up on this if there was a line). Waffle come was also amazing. I did manage to go when there was no line. Not sure I'd be so thrilled if I'd waited for 30 minutes.
(5)Jen A.
I've only been here twice now but I swear they must put something super super addicting in that stuff because I can't stop thinking about how delicious it was!! Definitely worth the wait in line :)
(5)Janet B.
I'm a little embarrassed that I haven't review/raved about S&S until now. I'll tell you the drawbacks first to get them out of the way. There's always a line, don't go if you're in a hurry or you have low blood sugar and you're feeling cranky, go with someone you like to chat with and people watch, catch up on each other's lives, or eavesdrop on other people's conversations (my personal favorite). It's kind of expensive, but remember that there are real people making your ice cream and they live in Portland, and unlike the grocery store ice cream, S&S isn't whipping a ton of air into your product, in addition, coming up with new and interesting flavors takes time and money, someone has to pay for it and guess who that someone is, that's right it's you! There's not a lot of seating. Okay, now for the positives, the place is airy and clean, the staff is knowledgeable and gracious, they let you try every flavor if that's what you want, they don't rush you and they make your experience fun, they get it that it's not just about a mouthful of sweet stuff. The flavors are crazy and never what you'd expect, I'm not going to list them because they may not be there or they may make you shy away, but when you go, try them, you might be pleasantly surprised, I was. The other customers were happy, it's a happy place! While there's not a lot of seating, people don't stay long, so it doesn't seem to be a problem if you really want to stay and eat in the store, but 23rd is such a fun place to stroll, we usually end up walking, talking, and telling each other how much better our choices are than our companions. The other great thing about S&S is that if you feel like a latte' with your ice cream or don't feel like a cone you can get a great cup of Stumptown (another local company) brewed in a beautiful authentic espresso machine, it's a work of art. Every one of my out of town guests goes to Salt and Straw, it's higher on the list than Powell's if that tells you anything.
(5)Kevin M.
great and unique flavors that sound weird but really work and taste really good. strawberry balsamic honey pepper was very good, same with olive oil vanilla and pear with blue cheese. the service is also great, friendly and offering samples and they give you your purchase to enjoy while still in line to pay. also, if you need a sweet pick me up, try the Mexican Coke float with a shot of espresso and a scoop of coffee and bourbon ice cream. so good!
(4)Jill C.
My guilty pleasure
(5)Jackay V.
This place was amazing. I was looking for good ice cream in Portland on a vacatoin and wanted to find somewhere great!! The customer service is amazing and very efficient as they offset the long lines by coming out to the lines to give you the tastings, take your orders instead of you having to wait to get to the counter. The ice cream is great and you can taste the quality. I was only in portland for two days but had to go back three times!! Never disappointed with anything. My fave was this boysenberry goat cheese jalapeno thing. Sounds weird but it was amazing. you will not be disappointed. I will definitely be returning when I come back to PDX.
(4)Carol K.
Oh yes! Absolutely up to its hype. This ice cream store reminds me of Amy's in Austin, TX (great place), only the ice cream is more interesting, original, and to my palate, phenomenal. I went with two scoops of strawberry concoctions--one with balsamic vinegar (a hint of sweet 'n sour), the other with cilantro/lime/habanero flavors--an uncommon kick in the taste buds. Great servers give samples on little silver-type spoons. I went with friends mid-week, mid-afternoon, on a midsummer day. No line, just enthusiastic eaters. Parking is always somewhat challenging in this area, but there are parking lots, if you get desperate. I love the place. Marionberry with goat cheese ice cream is calling...
(5)Catherine M.
In a word, Amazing!! The ice cream was so great, it was hard to chose a flavor (or 2). Friends I was with had the sampler tray, which had 4 smaller scoops and enough to share. I had a waffle cone - strongly recommend! Definitely worth the wait.
(5)Kimberly A.
What a great little shop! I have been to the Salt & Straw on NE Alberta (I still need to make it to the new NW location!) and it is such a fun open space. The flavors are imaginative and delicious! I gave four stars as there have been a few flavors that have missed the mark , but generally everything has been very tasty. I have friends visiting from the Midwest soon and this will be a "must have" while they are in town, which says a lot considering how many great places there are to eat in Portland! Go and get yourself a scoop, you will not be disappointed!
(4)Blake M.
First ice cream outting in Portland. Will probably be comparing everything else to Salt&Straw.
(4)Lauren R.
The salted Carmel is to die for and the seasonal flavored are always interesting. Such a Portland institution. Also the line looks long but the service is really fast.
(5)Tez H.
The only reason for the one star has nothing to do with the flavor or quality of the ice cream. That is exceptional. What I am upset about is that I bought 2 pints of ice cream for $8 each and both were a third filled with air. I started eating the first one and the thing totally ended up caving. So I grabbed the second pint and weighed it and it was over 4 ounces less than it said on the package. I was so bummed! That place is way to crowded to actually return it and complain. Salt and Straw is good but now worth getting jipped good. Sigh.
(1)alice t.
i manage to swing by every time i'm in the area as they have great fresh ice cream that's both interesting and yummy, but sometimes i'm not intrigued by the flavor enough to get a cone and opt for the delicious macchiato instead.
(4)Melissa F.
I had a complaint and the customer service I received was excellent. Thank you.
(4)Brian C.
We were already fans of the first location, so we were pumped to hear a new location was opening on 23rd! After a nice dinner in the area, we stopped by the new spot to give it a try. First off it has the same charm in decor as the first location, but we noticed right away the bigger location gave the Salt & Straw the opportunity to streamline the process. There was still a long line (because it is an awesome place!) but there was a much better flow. This gave us the chance to try out some great samples (their nice staff really encourages samples which I love). We were in a traditional mood so we went for a chocolate brownie ice cream that was delicious. But they also have tons of creative and inventive flavors that are also amazing. The olive oil and skittles sherbet are on our list for next time! This location offers a little more seating, but not a ton. It also looks like the windows open up to the outdoors, which would be really nice on a hot summer night!
(4)H. G.
You have to give kudos to a shop that has a line out the door for ice cream when it is 45 degrees outside. I stopped at Salt & Straw when visiting Portland over Thanksgiving. It was really hard to decide on flavors because everything on the menu sounded amazing, but we had the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache and the Mexican Cajeta, in waffle cones. I prefered the Almond Brittle because I like a little crunch in my ice cream, but the flavor of the Mexican Cajeta was awesome as well - vanilla, caramel and a little chile. Delish!
(4)Marina O.
The flavors are very unusual but totally great. My favorite one is the Pear with Blue Cheese. Try to go on week days otherwise you're going to spend more than 30 min on the line.
(5)Julia J.
It's just a high end ice cream place, they do however have big portions and decent flavors but it is a bit too hyped up
(3)DJ W.
Some friends took me to Salt & Straw this evening and I couldn't imagine why there were 70+ people in line. Seemed kind of ridiculous until I sat down with my ice cream. The staff is very nice and friendly and didn't bat an eye when my friend and I both wanted to sample 4 flavors. I finally decided on the Sea Salt with Caramel ribbons in a homemade waffle cone. It was hands down the best ice cream cone I have ever had.
(5)G S.
One of my favorite ice creams (in the running with Bi-Rite in SF and a place in Bar Harbor, Maine). And how can you go wrong at a place that does tasting flights? Personally, a fan of the salt and caramel flavor, but everything is great.
(5)Renee K.
quality and fresh ingredients novel pairings mint chocolate chip with candied lemon zest was phenomenal strawberry balsamic vinegar with black pepper was gross - balsamic vinegar gave it a funky after taste like fermented strawberries olive oil ice cream (oprah's favorite [eye roll]) was ok but overrated. olive oil flavor is more subtle pear and blue cheese tastes unexpectedly very good. unfortunately, the huge chunk of blue cheese i got as my very last bite didn't leave me with a great impression (i'm a pseudo anti-fan of blue cheese) loooong line going out the door but moved quickly -- took us 10-15minutes if you can make up your mind, they more than happily give you samples galore
(4)foodfoodfood f.
This is rapidly becoming my favorite place on the planet. Strawberry honey balsamic vinegar black pepper ice cream, sea salt caramel ice cream, honey lavender, seasonal tart cherry almond sorbet, it's almost too much for me to handle. Also the non-fried lemon custard donuts with lavender ice cream are outrageous! The only thing I caution against is any milkshake made with the coffee ice cream with cocoa nibs, because the nibs are not pulverized in your drink and are rather unpalatable - they tend to taste wooden, with a wood chip texture. (The only truly edible cocoa nibs I've ever had were in a dessert at Gramercy Tavern in New York.)
(5)Christine N.
Delicious! Although the line is atrocious. The flavors are fun and creative. I really enjoyed the sea salt with caramel ribbon. Dare I say it, I think it's a little better than SF's Bi-rite Creamery salted caramel ice cream. Don't tell any other San Franciscans. ;) Definitely a must stop the next time I'm in town.
(5)Uncle G.
If you want to try flavors that truly surprise and delight you, I recommend citra hops with apricot and the chef spec this week...boke something... With the lemon grass and kafir lime. Only downside was the LONG line... But the friendly and helpful staff made it well worth the wait.
(5)Secret R.
Loved this ice cream shop. The line was around the corner on a Wed night around 940pm. I waited on line for about 30 minutes. When I was close to the front of the line, a worker came to me and asked if she could help me try some samples. I tried four flavors including goat cheese marionberry habanero, pear with blue cheese, honey balsamic strawberry with cracked pepper, and Arbequina olive oil (one of oprah's fave things from the folks at her magazine). I ended up ordering the yummy waffle cone with scoops of the goat cheese and olive oil flavors. The natural and handmade ice cream was delicious. The olive oil taste was subtle and the habanero was not too spicy. Both flavors were not too sweet, which I prefer. They were very filling with the waffle cone and two generous scoops, especially soon after dinner. I could taste the slight spice of the habanero after I was done eating the cone. The workers were very sweet and helpful.
(5)Winnie S.
We split a pint of the "Strawberry Honey Balsamic Vinegar with Cracked Black Pepper" and it hit the spot! Very creative menu with a premium price tag.
(4)Julie H.
Best ice cream ever I love the salted Caramel. There is always a long line but worth it
(4)Deannie O.
Can't stop eating. Seriously the almond brittle with sea salt chocolate ganache fulfills the entire sweet/salty thing. Have yet to try a flavor I didn't at least appreciate for it's interesting differences from the norm. Yum yum...
(5)Katherine P.
The almond brittle with chocolate ganache was incredibly delicious--worth the wait! I'll come back next time I'm in Portland.
(5)Beth W.
What can I say that the others haven't already said? This place is amazing. The almond brittle with salted ganache is out of this world. I also love the dandelion sorbet. The long line is worth the wait!
(5)Keith B.
Awesome service and great ice cream every-time!
(5)abby p.
This review is a little hard for me to write. After years of hearing the gushing and glowing reviews of places like Bi-Rite and Momofuku, I am so excited to see boutique ice creameries taking over Portland. So, I am surprised that, after 4 visits to Salt & Straw this is how I feel: Overrated and underwhelming. That may just be the price for all the hype. But I am also a bit of an ice cream purist and I gotta say: I am just not that into you, Salt & Straw. You try too hard. You smother me with your "kitchen sink" ice cream blends. Is it new and unusual to put foie gras or blue cheese in your ice cream? Absolutely! Does that mean it tastes good? Nope. A friend and I went here last night (a Wednesday night) around 9 pm and there was a line out the door. The line was moving at a snail's pace, but since we were enjoying each other's company, we stayed. About a 1/2 hour later we get close to the front and a very nice server offered us samples - I tried Oregon Bounty (Good, but too much "stuff" in there) and Brown Butter Popcorn with Pink Peppercorns (Blech). Then I tried Malted Plum which I was really excited about and it was a solid "Meh". My companion was similarly unimpressed with her samples, Chocolate with Gooey Brownies and Coffee & Bourbon. I ended up getting the Salted Caramel but I wanted chocolate so I got hot fudge on top. The ice cream was pretty good, but the fudge was thick and really oily and separated. There was an amber colored oil slick pooling on the side of the cup. Ewww! I did not finish my portion as it was just too oily. And my stomach hurt for a few hours after that. So, I dunno. I LOVE ice cream, but I am just not as enthused about S&S as so many seem to be. The good points are these: the ice cream is nice and thick*, as it should be; the servers are very friendly and patient, and this location, in particular, has a nice, social feel to it. But, the cRAzY flavors are not for me, the prices are a little steep and the lines are long. And I got a bellyache... I'm sticking with Scoop - simple, delicious, earnestly good ice cream, or Ruby Jewel, who has never let me down. *Addendum: 2/7/13: Picked up a pint of their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. The cookie dough balls were tasty, though there were not enough of them. But what prompted me to write this additional note was the ice cream. Up above, I wrote how nice and thick it was the last time I tried S&S. This, to me, is an imperative for homemade or "artisan" ice cream. This last pint was so light and fluffy, I knew that I would not be pleased as soon as I picked it up off the counter. But I paid and took it home, whereupon eating it, I was shocked at how airy the ice cream was. Terrible! I might as well have bought a huge tub of Dreyer's and saved myself the cash - $8 for a truly mediocre pint. Ugh. I just don't get it...and I won't. Ever again.
(2)Ian H.
A whole lot of hype for ice cream. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty good, but I wouldn't be caught dead standing in one of those infamous lines wrapping halfway around the block for a scoop of bone marrow flavored sweet cream. I'll definitely go back, but I don't care to add to the already swollen fanfare. If anything, they've inspired me to buy an ice cream maker, because I do admire their creativity.
(3)Lois W.
Awesome ice cream flavors. Love this place. Would always come back when in Portland.
(5)Bea N.
We stood patiently in the long line to see what the hype is all about. When my daughter and I finally got close to the counter, a nice employee offered us to sample any of the flavors. She was friendly and calm which stood out because it was packed in there and usually when places are that packed, employees get stressed out. After my daughter and I had our first taste, she asked us if we would like to try anything else and said we can taste as many as we want! Being that it was busy I didn't want to hold up the line so I declined. We shared a tasting flight which came with 4 bowls and you can pick any four flavors. This is what we ordered: 1) Cinnamon Snickerdoodle - So good!!! It tasted just like a snickerdoodle in an ice cream form! 2) Chocolate with gooey brownies - it was creamy and not too rich with bits of Finale's Bakery brownies 3) Double Fold Vanilla - if you love vanilla bean ice cream, you will love this one! You can really taste the vanilla bean. 4) Almond Brittle w/ Salted Ganache - vanilla ice cream with almond brittle and salted ganache chunks. This had a neat mix of creamy, salty, sweet, chocolate flavors to it. Worth the wait!
(5)Thao P.
After a long night of slow service at another restaurant, it was decided that Salt and Straw could revive us and end the night with a bang. Yes it was a Friday night and near closing, but there was a line clear out the door and around the corner. But once we got close to the counter, I love that there are people that come out to you and ask if you would like samples and even get your ice cream started. I was feeling a bit peckish that night and got the kid's scoop with the cinnamon ice cream.....yummy!!!! Love coming here and trying their seasonal ice cream to see where their imagination has taken them, but also for some old favorites...mmmm Strawberry ;p
(5)Kaylie H.
This place is just fantastic. Unique flavors, great service, cute environment. And it alway smells AMAZING. Best ice cream in town! Also, they always have one or two vegan options, for those of you looking.
(5)Jason T.
ICE CREAM, ICE CREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Probably the best ice cream I've ever had. Each flavor has a significant taste, the best is probably the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons. The burst of salty caramel flavor fills your taste buds with awesomeness. Take the stab at a few of them! Don't be shy to try them all!
(5)Scott A.
Almond Brittle & Coffee-Bourbon Ice Cream DELISH!! Also an extremely helpful staff!
(5)Erika B.
As many times as I have been to S&S, and as many flavors as I have tried, I have to say that the Salted Caramel is hands down the most incredible, pleasure inducing balance of sweet and salty. I also have got to give props to the wonderful employees that do not rush you during the taste/selection process even though the line may be out the door and down the block. I have also been in the area many times and have been able to walk in without a wait, so alas, there will be an opportunity for every citizen to get a chance to sample the magic that S&S has to offer ;-)
(5)