When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Nico's Ice Cream
Why Nico's Ice Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Nico's Ice Cream, founded by Nico Vergara in 2021, has quickly become a beloved destination for ice cream lovers in Portland, Oregon. What truly sets Nico's apart is its specialty in New Zealand-style soft serve ice cream made from a rich vanilla base combined with fresh, locally sourced fruits from the Willamette Valley. The business began as a food cart and pop-up, blossoming into brick-and-mortar shops located in Portland's Cully and Vernon neighborhoods, with vibrant and inviting atmospheres featuring colorful artwork and neon signage. The ice cream flavors are innovative and seasonally inspired, including fruits like blueberries, kiwi, mango (celebrated weekly on "Tropical Thursday"), marionberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Toppings such as chamoy, coconut flakes, graham cracker, rainbow sprinkles, and tajin seasoning add further excitement and customization for visitors. Beyond the shop experience, Nico's Ice Cream's half-pints are sold at around 100 locations across Oregon and Washington, making it accessible for ice cream enthusiasts throughout the region. With expansions into California and a commitment to real fruit ingredients, Nico's Ice Cream offers a fun, versatile, and high-quality treat perfect for meeting friends and enjoying a unique twist on a classic dessert.
Here's what people think of Nico's Ice Cream
As of recent, Nico's Ice Cream holds a 4.3-star rating based on 156 reviews.
Reviews of Nico's Ice Cream reflect a strong positive reception overall, highlighting genuine appreciation for the brand's emphasis on fresh, real fruit and unique New Zealand-style soft serve. Customers praise the quality and taste, especially enjoying the originality of flavor combinations and toppings, like tropical fruit blends on special days. The shop's atmosphere, located within vibrant Portland neighborhoods, also receives commendations for its cool vibes and inviting decor. A user on TripAdvisor noted their family-friendly appeal, particularly enjoying the health-conscious approach combined with indulgence. Positive reviews emphasize the freshness of the ingredients, the innovative ice cream texture and flavors, and the friendly customer experience at both brick-and-mortar locations and food carts. However, some critiques, while not numerous, mention that during busy times the wait can be longer than expected, and occasionally the limited menu might feel restrictive to those seeking more traditional or broader selections. A small minority expressed desire for more consistent availability of half-pints across all retail partners. Overall, customer sentiment trends highly positive, indicating that Nico's Ice Cream successfully delivers a distinct and enjoyable ice cream experience that resonates with both locals and visitors, supporting its continued growth and expansion into new markets.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nina Pav
I really enjoy Nico’s ice cream, but this location consistently has slow service and an uncomfortable interior. I’ve been a few times during peak hours - hot weekend days and summer Friday nights - and they were understaffed and extremely slow. I’m talking 20 minutes to get the ice cream after you have paid for it slow. Ideally, the people working during prime times should have the energy to meet the rush. Waiting for ice cream wouldn’t be a huge deal if the ambiance was better. It feels like they started moving in and then stopped half way. There are piles of things being stored and fridges awkwardly spaced all throughout the store. The space is so beautiful and has great decorations, but awkward seating, poor lighting, and bad acoustics make it a drag to sit and wait. I sincerely hope the folks running this location can make this location feel and run better!
Linda Kawaguchi
I’m picky about ice cream and I love Nico’s. I get the marionberry and it has a pretty intense fruit flavor, which I love. The people who work there are great too. I’d go all the time if I lived closer so maybe it’s good that I don’t.
Viet Nguyen
I have a mixed feeling about the shop as someone already commented. There is only one staff who take care of every step to get u an icecream. She has to toss a glove every single time after serving a round of customer. I feel so sorry about her as she look stressful
kaesi feliciano
Please open a store in LA!!! Ughh so good I’m craving again but so sad to leave Portland. My kid usually only likes chocolate, but really loved the creamy fruit blueberry ice cream here!! The guy who took our order was also really nice!!
Max Scheideman
I enjoy Nico’s ice cream as well but we waited over 30 minutes for ice cream - with no warning of the long wait . They had only one machine making ice cream which took forever and we quickly realized our mistake. There is also random refrigerators, unplugged ice cream machines , and even a shelf with a variety spray paints and dirty mop all over the back of the shop. A lot of room for improvement in service and shop appearance, but good ice cream .
How to reach Nico's Ice Cream
None
Website: None
Why Nico's Ice Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Nico's Ice Cream with your friends?
Nico’s Ice Cream is the perfect destination to gather your friends and enjoy a memorable meetup because it offers more than just delicious frozen treats—it delivers a wholesome and refreshing experience that balances indulgence with health. If you and your friends appreciate natural, real-food ingredients, Nico’s stands out with its fruit-based soft serve ice cream, made from real fruits like pineapple, banana, mango, and berries. This unique twist on classic ice cream means you can indulge your sweet tooth without the usual guilt. The atmosphere at Nico’s adds to the appeal—serving up cool vibes in a hip, modern setting that’s trendy yet welcoming. Whether you’re health conscious or simply craving something tasty and refreshing, the menu’s simple, fresh options satisfy everyone’s tastes. Moreover, the locations, such as the Killingsworth neighborhood in Portland, sit within bustling areas rich with other cool eateries, making it easy to combine dinner with dessert in an enjoyable night out. Friends who love sharing new culinary experiences will find this spot ideal for socializing and creating sweet memories together.
What activities are available at Nico’s Ice Cream, and why is it ideal for group meetups?
At Nico’s Ice Cream, the main activity centers on exploring an innovative range of delicious, fresh fruit soft serve flavors that are perfect for sharing and tasting as a group. Because the menu is straightforward but focused on quality, it encourages relaxed, unhurried enjoyment where friends can chat while sampling tropical fruits or seasonal berry combos. The place shines on “special flavor days” like Tropical Thursdays, where offerings blend pineapple, mango, and banana in unique ways, making it fun to try new tastes together. This approach naturally fosters conversation and shared delight, creating an interactive, joyful atmosphere ideal for a meetup. Additionally, the quick and friendly service ensures your group spends less time waiting and more time enjoying one another’s company. The simplicity of the ordering system means everyone in your party can quickly get what they want without fuss, which is great for big groups. Besides the ice cream itself, the vibrant neighborhood of the Killingsworth location offers post-dessert activities like strolling nearby local shops or visiting adjacent eateries, keeping your group entertained before or after indulging. The space and vibe at Nico’s invite informal gatherings, celebrations, and casual hangouts, making it perfect for families, friends, and even low-key social events.
What makes Nico’s Ice Cream stand out compared to other ice cream spots for a social gathering?
Nico’s Ice Cream distinguishes itself from traditional ice cream shops primarily through its commitment to real fruit as the base of its soft serve. This makes the experience especially appealing to groups who want healthy options without sacrificing indulgence. The authentic fruit flavor and creamy texture blend unique dessert innovation with the comfort of classic ice cream enjoyment. The shop’s positive reputation, reflected in a strong 4.3-star rating from over 150 reviews, signals reliable quality and customer satisfaction, which is critical when deciding where to meet friends. The contemporary and lively vibe of their Portland locations, in neighborhoods known for cool dining scenes, means you can easily integrate your ice cream visit into a larger outing—dinner, drinks, or even casual walks—offering a fuller social experience. Another aspect that makes Nico’s great for social meetups is its dedication to community and local flavor collaborations, keeping the menu fresh and the atmosphere vibrant, encouraging repeat visits and shared insider excitement among friends. All of these facets collectively make Nico’s not just a dessert stop but a social hub for anyone wanting to combine taste, health, and good company.
How does Nico’s Ice Cream accommodate different group sizes and preferences?
Nico’s Ice Cream’s simple yet flexible menu makes it easy to accommodate groups of all sizes. Whether you’re meeting with a small circle of close friends or a larger family gathering, the ordering process is quick and efficient, avoiding long waits even on busy days. The various fruit-based options cater to diverse palates—from those wanting rich, tropical blends to others gravitating toward berries or classic strawberry flavors—meaning everyone finds something they love. The focus on natural ingredients also appeals to people with dietary restrictions or preferences, like those avoiding processed sugars or dairy-heavy ice creams, making the experience inclusive. Additionally, multiple locations in Portland and expansion to places like Monterey, CA, provide convenience if you plan meetups in different neighborhoods or while traveling with your group. The comfortable seating environment encourages lingering, chatting, and casual socializing, which is crucial for a relaxing group outing. Nico’s thus offers not only versatile flavors but also a welcoming space that supports connection and enjoyment regardless of group dynamics or individual taste.
What can visitors expect in terms of service and ambiance at Nico’s Ice Cream?
Visitors to Nico’s Ice Cream can expect warm, friendly service paired with a quick and easy ordering experience that gets your ice cream in hand swiftly so you can focus on spending time together. Reviews highlight the staff’s attentiveness and enthusiasm about sharing the unique real fruit flavors, adding a personal touch that enhances the visit. The shop's ambiance is described as cool and modern but also welcoming, with a relaxed vibe perfect for casual meetups. The locations are situated in lively areas, adding to the energy and making the outing part of a larger social or cultural experience. Seating areas encourage comfort and conversation, supporting groups to stay as long as they want. By blending excellent customer care with a trendy yet approachable environment, Nico’s creates an inviting space where friends and family can feel at ease enjoying high-quality frozen treats, making it ideal for gatherings that celebrate friendship, family, and fun.
How does Nico’s Ice Cream promote health-conscious indulgence in a social setting?
Nico’s Ice Cream uniquely promotes health-conscious indulgence by crafting soft serve entirely from real fruit, avoiding artificial flavors and heavy, sugary additives typically found in ice cream. This approach means your social outing doesn’t come with the guilt often tied to dessert—friends can indulge knowing they’re consuming a wholesome treat largely made from fresh, natural ingredients. This is particularly appealing for groups that include health-aware individuals and kids, as the natural sweetness of the fruit satisfies cravings in a nourishing way. The shop’s dedication to “real food” treats also makes it a standout choice for those who want to share a guilt-free social experience. This concept aligns with modern wellness trends without sacrificing taste or fun. As a result, Nico’s Ice Cream creates an environment where indulgence and healthy eating coexist, making it easier for friends and families to rally around a dessert that feels good and tastes even better.
Why is the Killingsworth location of Nico’s Ice Cream a popular choice for meetups?
The Killingsworth location of Nico’s Ice Cream in Portland has become a favored meetup spot due to its placement within a vibrant block packed with cool, modern eateries and diverse dining options. This creates a dynamic backdrop where groups can easily plan multi-stop outings—such as having dinner nearby then topping off the evening with fresh, flavorful ice cream dessert. The neighborhood's energetic yet laid-back vibe complements Nico’s fresh and natural offerings, attracting a trendy crowd that values quality, community, and good taste. Visitors appreciate the ease of grabbing quick treats in a space that encourages lingering and socializing. The location’s appeal is boosted by local enthusiasts praising the combination of flavor, health focus, and convivial atmosphere, generating strong word-of-mouth buzz and repeat gatherings. For groups seeking a hip yet approachable venue for their ice cream meetups, the Killingsworth location offers all the right ingredients to create memorable social experiences.
What future plans and developments are expected for Nico’s Ice Cream that groups should look out for?
Nico’s Ice Cream has exciting expansion plans, including new locations such as the Monterey, California store, which promises to bring their distinctive real fruit soft serve to a wider audience. This expansion allows groups beyond Portland to enjoy the unique offerings and join in the fun of their health-forward indulgence. The brand’s ongoing collaborations and seasonal flavor innovations keep the menu fresh and encourage returning visits for friends and families eager to try new tastes together. Their active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, shares updates on special flavors and community events, offering groups a way to stay connected and plan meetups around exclusive releases or promotions. As Nico’s grows and evolves, it is becoming more than an ice cream shop—it’s shaping into a lifestyle brand centered around joyful, healthy, and social experiences. Groups looking for reliable, fun venues for their social gatherings can anticipate Nico’s continuing to enhance its offerings and ambiance, making it an ever more attractive destination.
What do customers commonly say about the Nico’s Ice Cream experience that might encourage group visits?
Customers frequently highlight Nico’s Ice Cream’s real fruit flavors as refreshingly authentic and deeply satisfying, especially in a market crowded with artificial or overly sweet desserts. Many reviews mention the “cool vibes” and inviting atmosphere that make it a comfortable place for friends and family to connect over something scrumptiously different. Patrons appreciate the balance of health-conscious ingredients with indulgent taste, often noting that it feels like a treat that extends rather than diminishes wellness. These positive sentiments are reinforced by quick service and a great location, making visits easy and enjoyable even for larger groups. Commenters often express a desire to return with loved ones to try different flavors or special days, underscoring how the experience naturally lends itself to social occasions. This consistent customer enthusiasm provides strong social proof that Nico’s Ice Cream is an ideal spot for group outings, combining excellent product quality, ambiance, and memorable moments.
Why should families with kids consider Nico’s Ice Cream for their next outing?
Families with children will find Nico’s Ice Cream an excellent choice for an outing because it offers tasty, nutritious frozen treats that kids really enjoy and parents feel good about serving. The charm of fruit-based soft serve appeals as a fun, colorful, and flavorful dessert option free from artificial ingredients or heavy sugars, making it a healthier alternative to traditional sweets. The welcoming environment, coupled with efficient service, helps families avoid long waits that little ones typically dislike. There is also the opportunity for kids to learn about and appreciate fresh fruit flavors in an exciting, interactive way, which can inspire healthy habits. Additionally, the group-friendly layout comfortably accommodates families, and the friendly staff often create a warm, inclusive atmosphere for children, enhancing everyone’s experience. For parents seeking a dessert spot that satisfies both taste and wellness criteria while offering a pleasant social setting, Nico’s Ice Cream is a top contender.