When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Cornet Custard
Why Cornet Custard is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cornet Custard is a renowned frozen custard shop located on Division Street in Portland, Oregon's Richmond neighborhood. Established in June 2024 by pastry chef Mika Paredes and the late Naomi Pomeroy, the shop has quickly become a beloved destination for dessert lovers and friends looking to enjoy a unique treat together. What sets Cornet Custard apart is its commitment to using high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients, maintaining a rich custard that legally contains at least 1.6% egg yolk—and theirs boasts a notably higher percentage, ensuring a creamy, decadent texture. Customers can indulge in inventive flavors that rotate seasonally, such as cardamom-mango, salted caramel, and a robust coffee custard that attracts true coffee aficionados. The shop occupies a brick-and-mortar space that was previously Woodsman Market and shares an inviting outdoor area with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, enhancing the social atmosphere. Cornet Custard's artisanal approach and warm ambiance make it exceptional for meet-ups, providing a cozy yet vibrant environment perfect for savoring sweet delights while catching up with friends.
Here's what people think of Cornet Custard
As of recent, Cornet Custard holds a 4.3-star rating based on 102 reviews.
Reviews for Cornet Custard reflect an overall positive reception, with users praising the shop for its exceptional custard quality, inventive flavors, and friendly service. Many reviewers highlight the rich, creamy texture that stands out compared to typical ice cream, noting the freshness and unique flavor combinations as major draws. The collaboration of expert chefs Mika Paredes and Naomi Pomeroy is often cited as a key factor contributing to the custard's excellence and farm-to-table ethos. On the positive side, patrons appreciate the inviting setting on Southeast Division and the pairing options with Stumptown coffee, creating a pleasant atmosphere for social gatherings. However, some negative feedback points to the higher price point — pints retail around $17 — which some find limiting for frequent visits. A few customers mention that the shop experienced challenges related to federal grant freezes impacting operations, though this has minimal impact on customer experience. In conclusion, the reviews convey that Cornet Custard is a standout spot for frozen custard enthusiasts seeking premium quality and innovative flavors, making it a memorable place to meet and enjoy dessert despite some cost considerations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bear Rinehart
We love this place & Elise is spectacular! Best ice cream shop in the country, no doubt. The changing flavors and amazing cones call us back again and again. When we want to treat ourselves, this is where we go ;)
Rachel Cumley
Delicious! You can sample before deciding. Everything I tried was good and it was hard to decide which to choose. You can buy by the scoop or they have pints to go.
Shelby Green
Super unique and tasty flavors! Loved being able to sample. Super good we couldn’t even wait before snapping a photo. Very decent sized single scoop. Can’t wait to be back again.
T Boyle
Best custard ever! Their flavors range from coffee to lemon meringue pie to blood orange dreamsicle (think creamsicle but better) to butterscotch raspberry to bananas foster to cookies 'n cream to.... The focus on local and seasonal ingredients is reflected in the amazing taste and also means you get new flavors frequently. The staff is amazing and super knowledgeable about the product/ingredients, which makes me feel 100% comfortable taking friends & family with food allergies. My freezer isn't complete if there isn't a pint or 2, ok maybe 3 in it.
C B
Don’t overlook this place because of another know ice cream brand down the street this ice cream is quality and unique flavors. Sometimes unique flavors can over shadow the point of ice cream this place does it without the cereal or crazy toppings. The flavors also changed frequently so check often weekly.
How to reach Cornet Custard
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Why Cornet Custard may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Cornet Custard is an exceptional spot to gather with friends because it combines quality, creativity, and a vibrant atmosphere into a single delightful experience. Located on SE Division Street in Portland, this speciality custard shop stands out not just for its delicious offerings but for the joyful, communal vibe it fosters. The founders, award-winning chef Naomi Pomeroy and Mika Paredes, have crafted a menu and space focused on pure joy—something everyone can savor together. Whether you are craving nostalgic, comforting flavors or eager to explore innovative, seasonal creations, Cornet Custard offers something for every palate. The excitement starts as you line up in their quaint shop, where the efficient service ensures you’ll have your custard in under ten minutes, keeping the mood light and social. The bright, artistically curated flavors make each outing a unique tasting adventure, sparking conversation and delight among your group. Plus, the gorgeous adjoining patio invites you to relax, linger, and enjoy your treats in a welcoming outdoor setting. When you rally at Cornet Custard, you’re not just eating dessert—you’re sharing a lively, memorable experience built on flavor, fun, and friendship.
What activities can you do at Cornet Custard that make it perfect for a group meetup?
The primary draw at Cornet Custard is obviously their exceptional frozen custard, which forms an instant focal point for group meetups. Sampling the frequently rotating selection of artisanal custards, vegan options, and inventive sorbets becomes an enjoyable activity itself. Friends can compare and contrast classics like chocolate and vanilla with limited-edition flavors inspired by nostalgic treats or fresh, seasonal ingredients, such as Oregon strawberries or marcona almonds. Each flavor is thoughtfully crafted, turning tasting into a mini event that encourages sharing and discussion. Beyond the custard, Cornet Custard is known for its artisan cake cones imported from Rome and coated in beeswax, which add a layer of sophistication and fun drama—expect a chorus of "Whoa!" moments as each cone arrives at your table.
The vibrant patio space next to the shop enhances the experience by providing a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing place to sit, chat, and enjoy your custard together. Outdoor seating is perfect for casual conversations or celebrating special occasions in a relaxed environment. The atmosphere is family-friendly and includes plenty of space for kids and adults alike, making it an easy choice for mixed-age groups. Music plays from a fun vinyl setup, contributing to a lively ambiance that encourages people to stay longer and soak in the happy vibes. This outdoor setting also offers perfect opportunities for Instagram-worthy group photos, adding a social media-friendly dimension to your visit.
How does Cornet Custard’s menu creativity contribute to a memorable group experience?
Cornet Custard’s menu is a masterclass in culinary creativity that elevates any meetup. The team regularly releases three or four new custard flavors every two weeks, ensuring that repeat visits always bring fresh, exciting tastes to share and savor. The flavors reflect a deep love for ingredients and a commitment to real, elevated taste—ranging from playful nods to childhood favorites to more refined, artisanal riffs. For example, their tribute to a Dairy Queen Peanut Buster parfait with a sea salt and olive oil-roasted Spanish peanut ripple offers an extraordinary flavor complexity that surprises and delights. Seasonal choices, such as a strawberry shortcake custard folded with freeze-dried strawberry cookie crumble, showcase the kitchen’s attention to peak ingredient quality and textural contrasts.
This constant innovation sparks curiosity and excitement among groups, providing a topic of conversation and friendly flavor contests. It’s not just about eating dessert; it’s about exploring artful combinations and savoring the story behind each flavor. Vegan and classic options guarantee no one in your party is left out. The custard’s masterful balance of tradition and inventiveness elevates your visit, making it feel less like a routine dessert outing and more like a curated taste adventure crafted especially for communal enjoyment.
What makes the location and space at Cornet Custard ideal for social gatherings?
Cornet Custard’s location on Portland’s lively SE Division Street positions it in a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of food and culture, making it easy for groups to combine their custard meetup with other activities like dining, strolling, or shopping. The shop itself is charmingly compact, fostering a cozy and dynamic ambiance—lined with the buzz of eager patrons and topped with warm staff interactions—which keeps the energy high and welcoming. Quick service ensures the flow is smooth, so no one in your group wastes time waiting around, keeping spirits bright and the meetup moving.
The adjacent outdoor patio is a significant feature that transforms Cornet Custard from a simple dessert stop into a destination for lingering and connecting. The space is thoughtfully designed for comfort and style, offering a bright, fresh-air setting that is both attractive and practical. It encourages groups to spread out, chat, and enjoy the moment together without feeling rushed. The patio’s ambiance is enhanced by casual vinyl music, adding an earthy, nostalgic vibe that invites relaxed socializing. Whether you want a lively, upbeat gathering or a low-key hangout, the space adapts seamlessly to your group’s mood and size.
Why is Cornet Custard a standout choice compared to other dessert spots for group outings?
Among Portland’s many frozen dessert options, Cornet Custard stands out for its combination of culinary artistry, thoughtful presentation, and a people-centered philosophy. Unlike typical ice cream parlors, Cornet Custard takes an artistic and almost restaurant-quality approach to flavor crafting, resulting in an experience that feels special and memorable—not just a quick sugar fix. The founders’ commitment to creating “pure joy” through custard is palpable in every scoop, from the innovative flavors to the distinctive, beeswax-coated cones from Rome that add a touch of theater to your gatherings.
The balance between nostalgia and innovation appeals across generations, making Cornet Custard a versatile meetup spot for families and friends seeking both comfort and excitement. Its consistent 4.3 rating with over 100 reviews speaks to a broad base of satisfied patrons who appreciate the quality and the convivial atmosphere. Additionally, the shop’s operational hours—spanning afternoons and evenings from Wednesday through Sunday—offer flexibility for meetups after work or during weekends. All these factors contribute to making Cornet Custard a uniquely delightful destination that begs you to bring your friends along to experience joy in a scoop.
How can groups maximize their experience at Cornet Custard?
To make the most of a visit with friends or family at Cornet Custard, plan to arrive when the shop is open from noon to around 9:30 or 10:30 pm, depending on the day, to enjoy a relaxed pace and secure good seating on the patio. Start by sampling a mix of classics and new rotating flavors, encouraging everyone to try something different and share bites. Take advantage of the shop’s Instagram-friendly aesthetics by capturing group photos with your elegant custard cones and creative flavors as props.
Engage with staff if possible—they are knowledgeable about the flavors and can guide your group to the newest or most interesting offerings, enhancing the tasting experience. For larger groups, considering ordering multiple scoops or even pints to share, turning the visit into a mini tasting party. Finally, complement your custard visit with a stroll along SE Division’s shops and parks to extend your time together beyond just dessert. Doing so ensures your meetup is both delicious and socially rich, anchored by the memorable charm of Cornet Custard.