When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Fifty Licks Ice Cream
Why Fifty Licks Ice Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Fifty Licks Ice Cream, established in 2009 by Chad Draizin, is a cherished ice cream parlor with multiple locations throughout Portland, Oregon. What makes Fifty Licks a great place to meet up with friends is not only its warm and inviting atmosphere, but also its commitment to crafting small-batch, handmade ice cream using high-quality ingredients like carbon-neutral milk and cage-free egg yolks. The parlor is known for offering a luscious, high butterfat content that creates a rich and creamy texture in every scoop. Customers can enjoy about eleven daily flavors along with two soft serve options, including both dairy and expanding non-dairy, vegan-friendly selections that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The flavors lean towards elegant and aromatic profiles, featuring unique choices such as mango sticky rice and coconut lemon saffron, alongside classic favorites like strawberry and chocolate. Fifty Licks began as a summer-only ice cream truck, gaining recognition as one of Portland's best new food carts in 2011, before opening its first brick-and-mortar location in 2013. The friendly staff, frequent free samples, and gluten-free cone options further enhance the social and inclusive experience, making it an ideal hangout spot for ice cream lovers and groups looking to enjoy innovative treats in a cozy community space.
Here's what people think of Fifty Licks Ice Cream
As of recent, Fifty Licks Ice Cream holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1005 reviews.
User reviews of Fifty Licks Ice Cream overwhelmingly highlight the shop's unique and creative flavor offerings as a standout feature, with many customers expressing delight at the variety and quality of the ice cream. Positive reviews often mention the friendly and welcoming staff, which adds to the enjoyable experience of visiting the parlors. The availability of gluten-free cones and a growing assortment of vegan options have been praised for making ice cream accessible to people with different dietary preferences and needs. Customers also appreciate the opportunity to sample flavors before committing to a choice, which reflects Fifty Licks' dedication to customer satisfaction and product confidence. On the other hand, some negative feedback touches on logistical issues such as the inability to order scoops online, with only pints available through that channel, which can be inconvenient for some patrons. Additionally, the business faced a significant challenge when a fire in 2024 damaged its historic Burnside location, though the company has demonstrated resilience by continuing to operate other stores and establishing a pop-up site. Overall, the sentiment in reviews leans strongly positive, with guests celebrating Fifty Licks' innovative approach to ice cream, quality ingredients, and community focus. The business continues to attract loyal fans who value both the taste and the atmosphere it fosters during social gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Eric Lao
Absolutely delicious! Ice cream is incredibly fresh, creamy, and rich in flavor. The shop is charming and clean, with great local vibes. A perfect spot for dessert after dinner. Highly recommend — definitely worth five stars!
justin eastes
We found this wonderful gem of a spot randomly while driving through SE Portland. We had no clue It was a ice cream place, but we seen somebody walk out of there.Eating ice cream and we were like yo. It's super hot and we got two really annoying kids in the back seat, screaming for something. we may just have figure this all out. Parking was limited in the neighborhood.So we drove around until we found a place pretty close by. We took the walk and made it to the building and sure enough.They had ice cream. Walking in, we were greeted by two individuals with smiling faces.Ready to serve us up with the best ice cream they had. I asked the gentleman behind the counter what his 2 favorite ice cream flavors were. I don't remember what he said, but I told him I'd take it. The wife got two flavors, something about honeybutter cornbread or whatnot. The kids were weird, and they just got two plain vanilla.... Like who orders vanilla.. When you have fifty flavors to choose from or whatever it was.... if I were a kid, I would have went for chocolate over vanilla... but the little weirdos, like their ice cream, too. I would highly recommend this place. It was a little bit spending, but the ingredients in their ice cream are nothing but the best. The people behind the camera were really nice and they moved to extremely fast. The lady behind the counter had a very nice smile...... my wife already wants to return! Haha highly recommend.
Ada Kiugo
☆ “Refreshing mango + earthy matcha combo—mostly great, with a few caveats.” I recently visited Fifty Licks and tried two standout flavors: 🍨 Mango Sticky Rice (Vegan) A delightfully creamy coconut and mango swirl with jasmine rice vibes—bright, tropical, and smooth. Many fans love it, saying it’s “unmatched” in Portland . However, some note it lacks actual rice chunks or a textural punch . 🍵 Matcha Mochi Rich, authentic matcha sourced from Mizuba Tea, with chewy mochi bits throughout. Yelp users often list this as a top flavor . The matcha’s earthy notes paired nicely with the soft mochi—it hit the mark. ⸻ 👍 • High-quality ingredients: Both flavors felt thoughtfully crafted—Fifty Licks sources ethically and partners with Mizuba Tea . • Creamy texture: Smooth, custardy base works well for both dairy and vegan options. 👎 • Lack of texture (mango): Would’ve loved some sticky rice bits to reinforce the “sticky rice” vibe  . • Price vs portion: Some locals mention the serving size is relatively small for the price . ⸻ If you’re in the mood for standout plant-based flavors, you’ll probably enjoy both. The mango delivers tropical flair, and the matcha mochi is a solid pick for green-tea lovers. Just temper expectations on texture and portions—still worth returning for the flavor quality!
Kellen McInerny
Fifty Licks Ice Cream competes with the likeness of Salt & Straw. If you're a Portland local then I highly recommend you come here for ice cream every now and then. I do feel that their staple flavors are not my favorite. But their seasonal/rotating items are very good. If you didn't find what you liked one time, I recommend you come back in a month or two and see if there's something else you would like. As a note, the ice cream is more of a creamy dairy flavor (for the dairy ones) with a bit more sugary sweetness taste. I had the guava swirl which was much more creamy dairy than it was fruity.
Mark Seymour
Good ice cream and great service! This is a typical "hipster" ice cream shop that you find in most cities. The flavors are unique, but not in a weird way that you find at Molly Moons. Very Portland flavor combinations, including raspberry cheesecake and oregon strawberry. I settled on a French toast, which was delicious and tasted like... French toast. The five star of this place that sets it apart was the service. Sometimes, you can find checked out employees who are just trying to get through the day. Our ice cream server was super nice and patient with the kids, even encouraging them to try more samples. Overall, it made it a great experience. Everyone walked away happy with their choice and price was on par with a typical Portland hipster ice cream joint.
How to reach Fifty Licks Ice Cream
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Why Fifty Licks Ice Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Fifty Licks Ice Cream with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at Fifty Licks Ice Cream in Portland is an experience designed to delight every member of your group with its unique charm and exceptional offerings. This location stands out because it combines a welcoming atmosphere, inventive ice cream flavors, and outstanding customer service, making it the ideal spot to reconnect and create lasting memories. With a stellar rating of 4.6 from over 1,000 reviews, it is clear that many visitors find Fifty Licks an exceptional place to share joyful moments. The friendly, knowledgeable staff add a personal touch that makes each visit feel special — whether you’re a first-timer or a regular. Moreover, the ice cream flavors are far from ordinary; they offer a creative menu including vegan options and gluten-free cones, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Sampling free tastes before you choose means your group can explore an assortment of delicious and sometimes surprising flavors together, sparking excitement and conversation. For ice cream lovers and those just looking for a fun, inviting meetup spot, Fifty Licks combines quality, atmosphere, and inclusivity to offer a truly memorable gathering place.
What makes Fifty Licks Ice Cream perfect for group meetups?
Fifty Licks excels as a venue for group gatherings due to its thoughtfully curated environment and menu that caters to diverse palates and dietary needs. Its unique flavor offerings go beyond the standard, featuring imaginative creations such as Mango Sticky Rice, Mocha Mud Pie, and other rich varieties made from scratch using local ingredients. This attention to quality and originality encourages group members to engage in flavor exploration together, which transforms a simple ice cream outing into a shared sensory adventure. The presence of several vegan and gluten-free options ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary preference, can indulge without worry. The shop’s layout and ambiance are casual yet vibrant, fostering an easy and interactive vibe where groups can comfortably socialize whether sitting inside or enjoying the fresh air nearby. Additionally, Fifty Licks offers a vintage blue ice cream truck for special occasions, bringing a nostalgic and festive feel to events such as birthdays, celebrations, and even weddings. This flexibility in hosting styles makes it possible for groups to tailor their experience, enhancing both comfort and fun.
What activities can you enjoy with friends at Fifty Licks Ice Cream?
While the core draw at Fifty Licks is undeniably the ice cream, the activities surrounding your visit enrich the experience for groups. Sampling a variety of rotating flavors together sparks enthusiastic discussions and friendly debates on favorites, turning your meetup into a lively tasting event. The welcoming staff often provide recommendations and can share stories behind unique flavors, adding an educational and interactive element. For groups who love to celebrate, Fifty Licks’ blue ice cream truck can be booked to come to your chosen location, allowing you to host an unforgettable event with convenience and style. This mobile feature is perfect for birthdays, casual parties, or even after-wedding celebrations, providing not just treats but fun memories. Additionally, the shop’s presence at pop-ups and local community events means that meetups can tie into larger social experiences around Portland, giving friends a chance to explore the city’s culture alongside their ice cream indulgence. The friendly environment encourages relaxed, casual conversation and a break from the everyday routine — a refreshing way to enjoy quality time.
Why do people rave about the flavor variety at Fifty Licks?
The creativity and quality of Fifty Licks’ ice cream flavors are central to its reputation and popularity among both locals and visitors. Unlike conventional ice cream shops, Fifty Licks regularly rotates its offerings and includes bold, inspired options such as Bananas Foster (with spiced rum and roasted bananas) and Coconut Horchata (a cinnamon-rice inspired treat), inviting guests to experience complex and delicious flavor profiles. For vegan and dairy-free visitors, flavors like Chocolate Coconut Caramel and Guava Swirl provide lush, creamy alternatives that rival traditional ice cream in taste and texture. The use of local, fresh ingredients and cage-free egg yolks in their recipes reflects a commitment to ethical sourcing and gourmet quality, which resonates with conscious consumers and food lovers. This dedication to innovation means that each visit can be different and exciting, making Fifty Licks a destination in itself. The availability of free samples encourages experimentation, allowing each person in the group to discover new favorites and creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
How accessible and convenient is Fifty Licks for group visits?
Fifty Licks Ice Cream is thoughtfully designed to accommodate visitors with varying needs, making it an excellent choice for group outings. Located in Portland with multiple points of access including a main store on SE Clinton Street and pop-up spots in malls and other venues, it offers options that fit different group sizes and plans. Their hours are friendly to both afternoon and evening crowds, with openings extending into late evening on weekends, perfect for meetups after work or dinner. While parking can be a minor challenge, the shop’s central locations in lively neighborhoods mean there are usually public transit options or walkable routes that ease group arrival. For groups seeking a more private or mobile experience, the ice cream truck can come to you, providing flexibility without sacrificing the deliciousness Fifty Licks is known for. The staff’s accommodating and friendly service also ensures that group orders, whether simple scoops or larger catering-style selections, are handled efficiently and with care, preserving the fun and ease of the occasion.
What makes the atmosphere at Fifty Licks ideal for socializing?
The ambiance at Fifty Licks Ice Cream is a major part of why friends and families enjoy gathering here. The space blends a casual vibe with creative flair — bright, welcoming interiors invite laughter and conversation while the aroma and sight of freshly made ice cream enhance the sensory appeal. Friendly staff contribute warmth and attentiveness, making each guest feel valued and comfortable. The shop encourages a relaxed pace, inviting groups to linger as they savor their ice cream and each other’s company. The vibrant neighborhood setting offers opportunities for post-ice cream walks or strolls through local shops, extending the social experience beyond the shop itself. This combination of sensory pleasure, welcoming service, and community integration creates a unique atmosphere that encourages social connection and fun, making it a preferred destination for those seeking a memorable group meetup spot.
How does Fifty Licks Ice Cream support special occasions or events?
Fifty Licks takes group celebrations to the next level by offering customizable options for a range of events. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, rehearsal dinner, or casual gathering, their vintage ice cream truck provides an exciting and nostalgic addition that draws smiles and compliments. The ability to bring high-quality ice cream directly to your venue offers convenience and a special touch that heightens the festive mood. The team behind Fifty Licks is known for being easy to work with, communicative, and professional, ensuring that event needs are met smoothly and with attention to detail. Gluten-free and dairy-free options mean that hosts can confidently accommodate guests with allergies or dietary preferences. The reputation for delicious, scratch-made ice cream made with local ingredients assures that your group will enjoy not only great flavor but also a meaningful, high-quality indulgence that complements the celebration. This commitment to special treatment makes Fifty Licks an outstanding choice to cater group events with style and flavor.