As for the lactose intolerant (unfortunate souls) and vegans (you made your own bed) you don’t even have an excuse anymore. With so many dairy-free alternatives from sorbet to coconut mylk bases, everyone can enjoy the taste of happiness this sweaty season.
Speaking of summer...if you haven’t taken a summer road trip down the Oregon coast I don’t even want to talk to you. Camping at Cannon Beach is a right of passage for any West Coaster or West Coast transplant, so get on that shit.
You can make a pit stop over in Seattle to see a show after taking the detour through Fremont to see the Troll Under the Bridge. Are you taking notes? After you visit the Pike Place Market and spend all your loose change on unicorn frappuccinos (hey, you’re in the birthplace of Starbucks after all), you need to load up and keep moving.
Oregon is arguably one of the best states known for its diverse landscapes, mountains, and beaches. So #PNW, amiright? But Oregon is also the home of Portland and if anyone is going to do something right, it’s Portland.
Nowhere else will you be able to find flavours like “Chicken Tinga” to “Almon Brittle with Salted Ganache” with dairy alternatives and good vibes.
Time to hit the open road, kiddies. I call shotgun!
The Portland Ice Cream Company // 1210 N. Killingsworth St
Nice people lick, mean people suck! The slogan for The PICC is as clear as Ellen DeGeneres' daily sign off. Be kind!
The story is like your very own ice cream truck that you don't need to chase down the block and doesn't blast that annoying music that gets stuck in your head. Plus, the bright vibrant wall is reason enough to check out this spot and swipe a couple of great shots next to.
Recommended: anything Ben & Jerry's
Salt and Straw // Multiple Locations
Salt & Straw, reminding us why we get soft serve. It's easy to get jaded off Dairy Queen's dipped cones, but let Salt & Straw remind you why you love it.
With flavours from sea salt caramel to pear & blue cheese, Salt & Straw doesn't go the conventional way with their frozen treats.
Recommended: anything unconventional
Ruby Jewel // Multiple locations
Keeping things reeeeeeal Portland. All ingredients at Ruby Jewel are locally sourced, sustainable, from organic farms and I bet if you ask nicely, you can probably even find out what the name of the cow is. (Probably Big Berta)
The community supported company handcrafts all their ice cream from their North Portland kitchen!
Recommended: an ice cream sandwich
Wiz Bang Bar // 126 SW 2nd Ave
Before you go all "technicality" on me, yes I'm aware that Wiz Bang Bar is the same thing as Salt & Straw but the location is worth checking out.
Come for the ice cream and stay for the novelty.
Recommended: Wiz Bang Sundae
Cool Moon Ice Cream // 1105 NW Johnson St
All natural, Portland ice cream. Bunch o' hippies. Wait, hold up, I just saw that they have rosewater infused ice cream. Can anyone say game over?
Offering a myriad of flavours, Cool Moon also has Sorbet for the lactose 'affected' bunch, ice cream cakes, and ICE CREAM PIES. What?!
Recommended: the ice cream pie then tell me all about it.
Hurry Back Ice Cream // 7875 Southeast 13th Ave
The ice cream truck that doesn't annoy you. What a concept! A stationary truck filled with handmade fresh ice cream is something out heaven.
Making the list of Portland's top 40 Food Trucks in the city, Hurry Back offers classic faves like Oreo to limited edition flavours including a fan favourite: chocolate peanut butter. Hello!
Recommended: White Chocolate Macadamia Raspberry (when available)
Eb & Bean // 1425 NE Broadway
Froyo! Fooled you. But in all honesty, isn't Froyo the new ice cream anyway? Eb & Bean say they are redefining froyo with organic, probiotic-rich dairy, and none dairy options.
Plus, TOPPINGS!!!
Recommended: Pip's Raw Honey + Sea Salt Donut (when available)