Our first day in Portland was an awesome one. It was full of fun and exploring so naturally we had to end the night with some ice cream! I had heard such great things about Salt & Straw, so it was a must try. And it certainly didn't disappoint!
Food + Drink
Oh my gosh their ice cream is to die for! I ordered the gummy wummy surprise in a waffle cone, and Ashlyn ordered the honey lavender in a cup. My flavor was an April special so sorry to burst your bubble that you probably won't get to try this amazing sorbet if you go there now...but trust me it was amazing! The flavor was actually thought up by a group of young kids from a nearby elementary school that Salt & Straw teams up with. I was extremely stuffed from dinner so this refreshing flavor was perfect. Plus gummy bears are my all time favorite candy, so it was pretty much perfect. Ashlyn's was also very refreshing and different! A special shout out to the sea salt caramel though because I did get a taste of that one! It was super rich and creamy, and I will definitely be getting it next time I'm out in Portland. They had a bunch of other very different flavors, as well. For instance they had, Stumptown coffee & Burnside bourbon and pear & blue cheese. I could see Caleb getting both of those and loving them!
Ambience + Atmosphere
Salt & Straw in the Alphabet District was a big, bright, and open shop. There was plenty of room for seating,
and it's incredibly busy. The line was out the door when we got there at 8 pm. We did manage to snag a table and enjoy our ice cream though. It the perfect little spot for a refreshing treat any time of the day.
Oh my gosh their ice cream is to die for! I ordered the gummy wummy surprise in a waffle cone, and Ashlyn ordered the honey lavender in a cup. My flavor was an April special so sorry to burst your bubble that you probably won't get to try this amazing sorbet if you go there now...but trust me it was amazing! The flavor was actually thought up by a group of young kids from a nearby elementary school that Salt & Straw teams up with. I was extremely stuffed from dinner so this refreshing flavor was perfect. Plus gummy bears are my all time favorite candy, so it was pretty much perfect. Ashlyn's was also very refreshing and different! A special shout out to the sea salt caramel though because I did get a taste of that one! It was super rich and creamy, and I will definitely be getting it next time I'm out in Portland. They had a bunch of other very different flavors, as well. For instance they had, Stumptown coffee & Burnside bourbon and pear & blue cheese. I could see Caleb getting both of those and loving them!
Ambience + Atmosphere
Salt & Straw in the Alphabet District was a big, bright, and open shop. There was plenty of room for seating,
and it's incredibly busy. The line was out the door when we got there at 8 pm. We did manage to snag a table and enjoy our ice cream though. It the perfect little spot for a refreshing treat any time of the day.
Overall Impression
Ashlyn and I both loved Salt & Straw! I have a feeling she's going to go back all the time now that she lives there. I wish we had them in Chicago, too! I loved that the flavors were different then flavors you can get anywhere else. It's also great to see a spread of light and refreshing flavors and also some rich and creamy flavors. The shop was so cute, and I think it's the perfect evening hang out spot in Portland. Hooray for ice cream!
Ashlyn and I both loved Salt & Straw! I have a feeling she's going to go back all the time now that she lives there. I wish we had them in Chicago, too! I loved that the flavors were different then flavors you can get anywhere else. It's also great to see a spread of light and refreshing flavors and also some rich and creamy flavors. The shop was so cute, and I think it's the perfect evening hang out spot in Portland. Hooray for ice cream!
Location + Transportation
The Salt & Straw we picked was in the Alphabet District. I know there are a few others and Portland and even some in Los Angeles, CA. However, the location we went to was in the cutest neighborhood! It's near so many shops and other restaurants. After we had our ice cream we were able to walk to our next spot for the night to grab some drinks. As I've stated before we rented a car, so we drove there. We were able to find parking in the neighborhood a couple blocks down from Salt & Straw for free. There is also meter parking available on NW 23rd St.
Extras + Details
This is a very popular spot in Portland and for good reason. Like I said earlier, the line was out the door when we got there. However, it went pretty fast. When you get up to the front they have an employee that comes right up to you and asks you if you'd like to try any flavors...one or all! In my opinion, this really helped keep the line moving. That same employee scoops out your actual order and then you move down to the register. Very efficient. You also get to stand in line right next to all the awesome merchandise. Very clever...as I wanted everything.
The Salt & Straw we picked was in the Alphabet District. I know there are a few others and Portland and even some in Los Angeles, CA. However, the location we went to was in the cutest neighborhood! It's near so many shops and other restaurants. After we had our ice cream we were able to walk to our next spot for the night to grab some drinks. As I've stated before we rented a car, so we drove there. We were able to find parking in the neighborhood a couple blocks down from Salt & Straw for free. There is also meter parking available on NW 23rd St.
Extras + Details
This is a very popular spot in Portland and for good reason. Like I said earlier, the line was out the door when we got there. However, it went pretty fast. When you get up to the front they have an employee that comes right up to you and asks you if you'd like to try any flavors...one or all! In my opinion, this really helped keep the line moving. That same employee scoops out your actual order and then you move down to the register. Very efficient. You also get to stand in line right next to all the awesome merchandise. Very clever...as I wanted everything.
Follow along on Twitter for daily ramblings!
Check out Ashlyn's blog to see what she's up to with discovering her new city!
Check out Ashlyn's blog to see what she's up to with discovering her new city!