When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Cosmic Bliss
Why Cosmic Bliss is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cosmic Bliss offers an exceptional venue for meeting up with friends who appreciate indulgent frozen desserts made with a conscience. Located originally in key U.S. cities like Austin and Portland, Cosmic Bliss combines sustainability, health, and deliciousness in every scoop. Their commitment to certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free ingredients and a mix of plant-based and grass-fed dairy options makes it an inclusive choice for diverse dietary preferences. The brand’s evolution from Coconut Bliss to Cosmic Bliss reflects its growth and deepening focus on regenerative agriculture and sustainable sourcing, making it more than just an ice cream shop — it’s a community hub for those passionate about planet-friendly foods. Highlights include their ultra creamy texture, out-of-this-world flavors such as coconut milk-based sea salt chocolate chip and caramel, and innovative treats like hazelnut chocolate-dipped ice cream sandwiches. The ambiance and mission align to create not just a dessert experience but also a conversation starter about sustainability and health, perfect for friends looking to connect over shared values and delightful flavors.
Here's what people think of Cosmic Bliss
As of recent, Cosmic Bliss holds a 4.5-star rating based on 318 reviews.
Reviews of Cosmic Bliss reveal a predominantly positive reception, with an outstanding average rating of 4.5 stars from over 300 customers. Patrons praise the brand’s commitment to quality and the remarkable creaminess of its ice cream, especially noting the excellent flavor of plant-based options that do not compromise on richness or taste. Many appreciate the sustainable and organic ingredients, highlighting the inclusive approach to various dietary needs, such as gluten-free and non-GMO certifications. The flavor variety and innovative dairy and plant-based fusion are frequently mentioned as delightful surprises. On the downside, a few reviews mention limited store locations and occasional availability issues with popular flavors, which can be frustrating for longtime fans. Some customers also noted pricing as slightly premium compared to conventional ice cream brands, reflecting their quality but possibly limiting accessibility for some. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive reviews reinforce Cosmic Bliss’s reputation as a high-quality, conscientious ice cream brand that resonates well with environmentally aware and health-conscious consumers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ben Piff
My youngest son requested a trip to bliss for a treat (he'd been here before) and my first visit was EPIC. Not trying to hype up your expectations but if you're cane sugar free, dairy free, gluten free you won't find this experience elsewhere. The service was great. Personable and engaging, they happily let us try samples and made recommendations, also letting me know I could do 2 half scoops instead of a full. What a blast! The waffle cone was perfect! Chocolate peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie dough are both on point. My son got the blueberry pie shake. Can't wait to come back! Not cheap, but worth the experience.
Pankhuri Singhal
Plant based ice cream was so good! Chose the strawberry swirl as it’s fruity and in season, to cool off today. Sprinkles gave a nice crunch (free topping!), and the whole thing wasn’t too sweet! I could taste the bits of strawberry inside. Vibe of the place is great and the ice creams were great as a family just searching for a quick place to cool off at around 6pm. Also got to try some samples, staff were very kind, and the ice cream wasn’t too sweet (lunar latte was quite strong on coffee which we all appreciated).
Anna Ruhl
The ice cream was decent, but the service was unfriendly and standoffish. I went in for a sweet treat after dinner and although nice at first, it was very off-putting that the staff seemed very over it and then wouldn’t hand me ice cream or begin making a milkshake until after I paid. I understand wanting to make sure I pay, but it felt like a bit much and didn’t feel like the most welcoming experience. I felt so weird about it after leaving. The vibe was so off-putting that I didn’t want to stay there and eat my ice cream. Overall, for being an ice cream lover, I’d recommend Salt & Straw over this. There is a much more comforting experience for you there.
Faye Comer
GF and DF available!!! We walked in at the perfect time on a Friday night... no one in line, but in no time, there was quite a line of people. We ended up ordering two, two scoop cups (they do have GF waffle cones!!) All of our scoops were plant-based. Sea salt Caramel Chocolate (yes!!), Chocolate Peanut Butter (delicious, best pick of the night), Celestial Cappuccino (really good, wish it had a bit more coffee flavor), Madagascan Vanilla Bean (good, heavy coconut flavor). So glad we stopped. We'll be back!
nina bravo infinite freedom
This dark chocolate cosmic bliss ice cream is out of this world yummy. It’s has just the right amount of chocolate to milk ratio. Not too dark but not too milky. You can taste the real vanilla. It’s yummy too. Very rich and creamy. Just perfectly delicious.
How to reach Cosmic Bliss
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Website: None
Why rally at Cosmic Bliss with your friends?
Cosmic Bliss is an exceptional choice for gathering with friends due to its vibrant atmosphere, diverse ice cream offerings, and strong community vibe. Rated 4.5 stars by over 300 reviewers, this Portland-based ice cream shop balances quality, fun, and inclusivity. For those seeking a unique social spot, Cosmic Bliss offers not just ice cream but a shared experience that sparks joy and connection. Its spacious, open layout provides a welcoming environment perfect for lively conversations and laughter among friends or family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a casual outing, the blend of delicious, mostly vegan ice cream flavors and a trendy yet cozy setting makes it a memorable place to unwind together. The staff are known to be friendly and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience and creating a warm, inviting environment that helps groups feel at ease instantly.
The choice of vegan and gluten-free options also shows Conscious Bliss’s commitment to inclusivity, making it accessible for a wide variety of dietary preferences, which is essential for group meetups. This inclusivity combined with its central location in Portland’s Pearl District means easy access and a vibrant neighborhood vibe that encourages relaxation and socializing. For groups wanting an ice cream experience that goes beyond the norm, Cosmic Bliss offers an ideal meeting point that invites enjoyment, experimentation, and connection in a flavorful, colorful setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Cosmic Bliss for your group meetup?
Cosmic Bliss offers an array of ice cream experiences tailored for groups wanting to share something special together. The primary allure is their extensive selection of vegan ice cream flavors derived mostly from coconut bases, with all waffle cones also being vegan. This focus on plant-based ice cream means anyone in the group with dietary restrictions—such as those avoiding dairy or gluten—can easily indulge without compromise. Groups can make the experience even more fun by sampling and sharing multiple flavors, discovering unique combinations each visit. This tasting and sharing turns a simple ice cream outing into a playful activity that invites interaction and joyful experimentation.
In addition to ice cream, Cosmic Bliss is situated in a lively, artistic part of Portland, encouraging groups to extend their outing into the neighborhood after enjoying their treats. Its proximity to landmarks such as the Steel Bridge and Lovejoy Columns means visitors can turn an ice cream meetup into a combined cultural or photo-exploration activity, enriching the social experience. Internally, the open and vibrant shop space promotes relaxed hangs—comfortable seating arrangements invite groups to linger, chat, play icebreaker games, or just enjoy each other’s company over a refreshing dessert. For celebrations, Cosmic Bliss’s friendly staff are accommodating of special requests and can help create a personalized atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for birthdays or casual reunions.
Why is Cosmic Bliss perfect for group meetups compared to other places?
Cosmic Bliss stands out for group meetups for several reasons. First, its strong dedication to inclusive eating makes it a rare gem, especially for groups with diverse dietary needs. Although it started as a fully vegan brand, the addition of some dairy options caters to broader tastes while still emphasizing quality and ethical considerations. The large serving sizes and flavorful offerings mean everyone leaves satisfied. This flexibility ensures that no one in your group feels left out, creating a harmonious vibe.
Second, the laid-back yet hip ambiance encourages groups to feel comfortable staying and socializing without rush. Unlike noisy venues or overly formal restaurants, Cosmic Bliss’s ambiance supports casual conversation and multi-hour visits. Its location in Portland’s Pearl District—a hub of art, cuisine, and culture—adds extra value by making it easy to plan a multisport day: ice cream followed by art walks, shopping, or visiting nearby landmarks. This strategic location fosters spontaneous adventure and collective experiences beyond just a culinary treat.
Finally, the excellent reviews underpin the popularity and reliability of Cosmic Bliss as a gathering spot. Consistent feedback highlights tasty ice cream, ample menu variety, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. These factors combined make it a dependable choice for groups looking to create meaningful social memories around food and fun.
What vegan and gluten-free options does Cosmic Bliss provide for people with dietary restrictions?
Cosmic Bliss is widely praised for its commitment to vegan and gluten-free ice cream options, making it an ideal place for groups with dietary restrictions. Most of the ice cream offered is coconut-based and completely free of dairy, which makes it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. Additionally, the shop offers gluten-free flavors and vegan waffle cones, ensuring that guests with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can also enjoy their frozen treats without worry.
The menu embraces creativity within these dietary boundaries, offering rich, flavorful options that rival traditional dairy ice cream varieties in both taste and texture. This inclusive menu design allows groups to avoid the common issue of limited choices when eating out with diverse needs. The emphasis on quality ingredients, organic bases, and allergen-conscious preparation helps Cosmic Bliss stand out as a thoughtful and health-aware ice cream shop. For group meetups, this means less hassle, more shared enjoyment, and the freedom to indulge without dietary concerns slowing down the fun.
Can Cosmic Bliss accommodate special group events or celebrations?
Cosmic Bliss can indeed accommodate group events and informal celebrations, making it an excellent choice for birthday parties, casual reunions, or just special social meetups. While it is primarily an ice cream shop rather than a formal event space, the friendly and attentive staff are known to be accommodating and eager to make your group feel welcomed. The open layout and spacious interior allow for groups to gather comfortably.
The staff’s willingness to engage with customers and adapt to special needs—like accommodating dietary restrictions or adding celebratory touches upon request—makes the experience feel personal and customized. There is flexibility for groups to bring in decorations or plan a themed gathering, and the vibrant, playful ambiance naturally supports festive moods. For those wanting to make their ice cream outing a memorable social event, Cosmic Bliss offers the right combination of friendly service, delicious treats, and a relaxed environment that supports joyful connection.
How accessible and convenient is Cosmic Bliss for group hangouts?
Located in Portland’s bustling Pearl District, Cosmic Bliss benefits from excellent accessibility, crucial for group meetups. The area is well served by public transit, bike-friendly routes, and has plentiful nearby parking, which simplifies logistics for friends coming from different locations. Its central position makes it easy to combine an ice cream visit with other local activities, enhancing the overall outing experience.
The shop’s open hours—afternoon through evening seven days a week—provide versatile timing options for planning meetups that fit different schedules. This flexibility encourages spontaneous visits as well as planned gatherings. Accepting credit cards and offering an inviting, open space add to the convenience. The friendly, efficient service reduces wait times even for larger groups. Together, these factors make Cosmic Bliss not only a delicious destination but also a smart, practical choice for anyone organizing a group hangout.
Cosmic Bliss truly shines as a group destination because it blends an inclusive and delicious menu with a welcoming, fun atmosphere situated in a vibrant neighborhood. Whether you are planning a casual ice cream break, a dietary-conscious meetup, or a special celebration, this Portland gem offers everything needed to make your time meaningful, tasty, and memorable.