by Luke Loranger |
Although Salt & Straw is the go-to place for ice cream fans and tourists in PDX, there are lots of other ice cream shops located throughout the city. These places are usually less busy, and each have a unique vibe and assortment of flavors.
Ruby Jewel
They delivered thicker ice cream that the other ice cream places visited. The best flavor in their current rotation is Butterscotch with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, which has a strong oatmeal flavor. The other flavors I tried included Rip City Hippie, which was too fruity, and Peanut Butter Dream, which had a thick peanut butter base. Although not as popular as Salt & Straw, Ruby Jewel still tends to be very crowded, so it’s best to visit on weekdays.
3713 N Mississippi Ave, single scoops are $3.50.
Fifty Licks
This felt like a traditional 1950s ice cream parlor. The ice cream here is creamier than the others, and has a more subtle taste. The best flavors I tried were the Thai Rice Pudding and Toasted Milk, with the Rice Pudding being the sure winner. Not only was the ice cream quite good, but the building itself was the best of the all ice cream places I’ve seen in Portland. The pricing scheme was a bit odd, with the split scoop costing more than a single scoop. Still, well worth the trek to Southeast.
2021 SE Clinton St, scoops are $3.50
Ebb and Bean
Ebb and Bean is the dominant frozen yogurt spot in Portland, and is located in the Lloyd District. The best flavor I tried was Earl Grey Caramel, which had an underlying Earl Grey tea flavor with just a hint of caramel. However, what makes Ebb and Bean like most frozen yogurt places is the variety of toppings which include coconut flakes and bourbon sauce.
1425 NE Broadway St, single scoops are $3.75. The first topping costs $1, additional toppings cost $.50.
Luke Loranger is a reporter for the Beacon and can reached @loranger18 or loranger18@up.edu
