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Salt & Straw
Master Critic Review
Salt & Straw
8.4
Portland-born Salt & Straw turns its Arts District scoop shop into a tasting lab for inventive, small-batch flavors built on a lush, custard-style base. Locals swing by for classics like Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons alongside rotating collaborations and seasonal series.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, Rotating monthly seasonal flavor
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Experimental, small-batch ice cream with a constantly changing board of flavors.
Who should go: Flavor-chasers who love sampling creative combinations.
When to visit: Early evening on weekdays before peak Arts District rush.
What to order: Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, current seasonal collab scoop.
Insider tip: You can sample broadly—taste a few wild flavors, then commit to a split scoop in a waffle cone.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby Arts District blocks is metered and competitive most evenings; expect to circle during peak hours. A few paid lots on 3rd and Traction offer easier access.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are—anything from weekend streetwear to gallery-hopping outfits fits in.
Noise level: Moderate; the shop is lively with steady foot traffic but still workable for conversation while waiting or tasting.
Weekend wait: Expect 15–25 minutes during prime Arts District stroll hours, especially when seasonal flavors drop.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait outside of peak summer months.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nearly all flavors are vegetarian unless noted otherwise.
Vegan options: Strong selection; Salt & Straw consistently offers multiple rotating vegan flavors using coconut or oat bases.
Gluten-free options: Several flavors are gluten-free, but not all mix-ins are; cones are not GF, so opt for a cup. Cross-contact is possible in a busy scoop shop.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's playful, low-pressure, and perfect if you want an easy activity like sampling unique flavors while walking the Arts District.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or true tables—this is a scoop shop with limited perching space. Plan to enjoy your ice cream while strolling nearby galleries and murals.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the variety of flavors and the friendly staff. Just expect crowds during weekends and early evenings.
Best For
Better for: Experimental, collaboration-driven flavors and a true tasting experience you won’t find at more classic-focused ice cream shops in 90013.
Skip if: You want simple, traditional scoops only—nearby McConnell’s inside Grand Central Market is better for classic flavor purists.