When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
Salt & Straw
Why Salt & Straw is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Salt & Straw is a celebrated artisanal ice cream company renowned for its imaginative, locally inspired flavors and commitment to fostering community connection. Originating from Portland, Oregon in 2011, what began as a humble pushcart has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon with over 20 locations, including spots in Miami and Disneyland. The brand’s founder, Kim Malek, envisioned Salt & Straw as a welcoming "third place" between home and work—a social hub where friends, families, and neighbors can gather to enjoy unique ice cream experiences. Their flavor offerings are anything but ordinary, featuring curious combinations like Space Cookies & Cream Hazy IPA and Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, crafted to surprise and delight adventurous palates. Salt & Straw places emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients and collaborating with regional artisans, tying each location’s menu to the culture and flavors of its community. Customers appreciate the creamy texture, exceptional taste, and the friendly atmosphere that invites sampling and social interaction. This sense of togetherness alongside innovative culinary creativity makes Salt & Straw a fantastic meeting spot for friends seeking both delicious ice cream and a warm environment.
Here's what people think of Salt & Straw
As of recent, Salt & Straw holds a 4.6-star rating based on 121 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Salt & Straw for its creative, flavorful ice cream varieties and the friendly, inviting staff who often offer samples to help patrons choose. Reviewers mention popular flavors like salted caramel, cinnamon Snickersoodle, and pear with Gorgonzola as highlights, appreciating the rich, creamy consistency and how the flavors balance uniquely yet harmoniously. Many visitors enjoy the option of waffle cones, sundaes, and shakes, noting a pleasant ambiance even during busy times. Positive reviews also highlight the shop's success in creating a community feel that fosters social gathering and enjoyment beyond just the product itself. However, employee reviews reveal some challenges on the work environment side, citing issues with management, work-life balance, and pay. While the team members often express that the job can be fun and rewarding through tips, concerns about managerial support and job security are noted. Despite these internal critiques, the overall conclusion from customer feedback is that Salt & Straw delivers an exceptional ice cream experience with a strong brand vision focused on community and quality, making it a favored destination for ice cream lovers and social meetups alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Momo Zhang
Salt Straw has the BEST staff! They're incredibly friendly and genuinely excited to help you find your perfect flavor. The best part? They offer so many generous samples– seriously, they'll keep letting you taste test until you're absolutely sure. Such a fun and welcoming way to discover your new favorite ice cream! Highly recommend for the amazing service alone.
Aris
Love their seasonal rotation. My favorite ice cream place. Their September apple cider donut flavor and the march (I think) banana parsnip are my favorites. Pear and blue cheese & strawberry balsamic are up there as well.
Albert K
Good unique ice cream with bizarre flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoyed the mint chocolate chip. Lots of free samples so the line might move very slowly.
Jeff Cooperhouse
Really great ice cream at Salt & Straw! We ordered two waffle cones with chocolate gooey brownie, salted malted chocolate chip cookie dough, and strawberry coconut water sherbet. The flavors all tasted great, definitely one of my new favorite ice cream spots. We also ordered a pup cup. Very friendly and quick service. Highly recommend!
Akshara Tarkas
This place has soo many innovative flavours and a wide selection! For me personally chocolate ice cream needs to taste chocolaty or just a nice flavour I guess! Ice cream: Got chocolate goeey fudgy brownie and hazelnut chocolate with cookies & cream (vegan). We tasted quite a few and nothing seemed stood out! The goeey brownie had great brownie but overall flavour was lacking! The hazelnut in the other was rancid and it wasn’t pleasant to have! I told the team and they were very understanding and more than happy to help with another scoop but there wasn’t a flavour I wanted to have! The waffle cone was too thick and sugary hence we literally had to throw it. Service : Super understanding, helpful and sweet team! They helped with tasting almost 8-10 flavours and they gave great feedback too Atmosphere: Nice place to hangout and have an ice cream if you like a flavour!
How to reach Salt & Straw
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Why Salt & Straw may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Salt & Straw with your friends?
Gathering with friends often calls for a place that offers more than just good food—it needs to create shared memories, inspire conversation, and delight all the senses. Salt & Straw fits this bill perfectly because it offers a unique ice cream experience that’s ideal for socializing and celebrating together. The atmosphere in Salt & Straw shops is inviting, often described as hip yet cozy, making it a comfortable spot to linger and enjoy each other's company. What sets Salt & Straw apart is its creative and boundary-pushing flavors, handcrafted from high-quality ingredients with thoughtful attention to detail. This isn’t your average ice cream shop—each scoop tells a story, with monthly changing menus featuring innovative, sometimes quirky flavors that spark curiosity and provide perfect conversation starters. Whether your group is adventurous foodies or casual treat lovers, the diverse offerings ensure there’s something to excite every palate. Moreover, Salt & Straw’s commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement adds a meaningful dimension to the visit. All these elements combine to make it not just a place to eat, but a memorable destination for a fun and engaging outing with friends or family.
What activities can you enjoy at Salt & Straw during a group meetup?
When you meet at Salt & Straw, the experience goes well beyond just savoring ice cream. First and foremost, there is the ice cream tasting itself—try a variety of small scoops or share pints among your group to sample many flavors. This communal style of eating encourages interaction and makes the outing feel like a shared adventure. Many locations craft their waffle cones fresh on-site, adding a sensory element as you watch the cones being made; this visual and aromatic experience enhances the overall treat. Salt & Straw often hosts special events such as limited-time flavor releases or collaborations with local artisans or farmers, creating exclusivity and excitement for visitors. These occasion-based gatherings give your group a reason to come back and anticipate something new together. Moreover, the decor and layout of Salt & Straw shops are designed to be welcoming with ample seating and a trendy aesthetic, perfect for taking photos, chatting, or relaxing after a day out. Whether you’re there celebrating a birthday, winding down after an event, or just catching up, Salt & Straw offers a relaxed, lively environment conducive to fun group interactions.
Why is Salt & Straw perfect for a group meetup?
Salt & Straw is ideal for group meetups primarily because it caters excellently to diverse taste preferences, allowing each person to find something irresistible among the many flavor options. Their rotating monthly menus mean that your group can explore a fresh selection each time you visit, keeping the experience exciting and fresh. The shop’s spacious interiors and multiple locations across cities make it easy to find a convenient spot for everyone. The staff is known for being friendly and knowledgeable, often happily guiding visitors through their eclectic menu, which adds a personal touch to group outings. Salt & Straw's commitment to quality ingredients and creative flavors sparks discussions and tasting competitions, boosting group engagement. For families, the shop is dog-friendly in many locations and even offers “Pup Cups” for four-legged friends, making it inclusive for everyone involved. Plus, Salt & Straw’s option for takeaway or delivery caters well if your group wants to extend the experience elsewhere, such as a park or home gathering. All these factors combined make Salt & Straw more than just a dessert stop—it’s a place where groups feel comfortable, entertained, and indulged.
What unique ice cream flavors and products can groups explore at Salt & Straw?
Salt & Straw is renowned for its innovative and often unexpected ice cream flavors that rotate seasonally and monthly, giving groups a delightful palette to explore. Popular options include rich classics like caramel drizzled with Guatemalan fleur de sel or intensely chocolaty house-made marshmallow fluff swirled with brownie batter. Adventure-seeking groups will find creations such as malted amber ale mixed with cookie dough or exotic blends like coffee substitutes made from date seeds. Their “Farmer’s Market Series” highlights fresh, local ingredients transformed into unique frozen treats, making each visit an exploration of seasonal flavors. For those preferring vegan or dairy-free options, Salt & Straw offers carefully crafted plant-based ice creams that do not compromise on taste or texture, ensuring everyone in the group can indulge. Beyond scoops, there are specialty products such as ice cream cakes inspired by fan favorites and customizable party packs that make group celebrations effortless and special. Pups are not left out either, with dog-friendly “Pup Cups” treating canine companions to their own ice cream experience. This dazzling variety ensures that group visits feel like a tasting adventure where each member can discover and share something truly memorable.
How does Salt & Straw’s atmosphere enhance group gatherings?
The environment at Salt & Straw stores is thoughtfully designed to add to the overall group experience. Most locations feature modern, arty interiors with warm lighting and creative wall art that encourage relaxation and conversation. The shops blend a laid-back vibe with stylish touches that attract a diverse crowd—from families and couples to friend groups looking for a trendy hangout. The aroma of fresh waffle cones and sweet ice cream fills the air, creating an inviting sensory backdrop that complements socializing. Ample seating allows groups to settle in comfortably, making it suitable for longer meetups rather than quick stops. The friendly and enthusiastic staff also play a key role, engaging groups with stories about the origins of flavors or the company’s sustainability efforts, further enriching the visit. By creating a space where patrons feel welcome and intrigued, Salt & Straw makes it easy for groups to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. This combination of ambiance, service, and product quality elevates it from mere ice cream shops to compelling venues for memorable outings.
What are the benefits of Salt & Straw’s sustainability and community focus for groups?
Salt & Straw sets itself apart not only with its delicious ice cream but also with its strong commitment to sustainability and community impact, which can add meaningful context to group visits. The brand has launched initiatives such as their Upcycled Food Series, which creatively utilizes food waste to create new ice cream flavors, diverting thousands of pounds of waste from landfills. Groups visiting Salt & Straw can take pride in supporting a company that leads in environmental stewardship. This shared value can enhance group cohesion, making outings feel purposeful as well as pleasurable. The company’s ties to local farmers and artisans reflect a community-centric approach, fostering a sense of connection to the places and people behind the ingredients. Supporting Salt & Straw means supporting ethical food practices and sustainability—a consideration that many groups appreciate today. When friends and families come together at Salt & Straw, they’re not only indulging their palates but also participating in a broader mission to promote better food systems and responsible consumption.
Where are Salt & Straw locations and how accessible are they for groups?
Salt & Straw boasts a wide-reaching presence with numerous locations across the United States, offering flexible options for groups anywhere from the West Coast to the East Coast. Cities include Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, New York, and more, making it easily accessible for many regional gatherings. Each shop typically features convenient hours that accommodate both daytime and evening visits, allowing groups to plan meetups around their schedules. The shops are generally located in lively neighborhoods with ample parking or public transit access, simplifying group logistics. Wheelchair accessibility is standard, ensuring that all group members can comfortably visit. This widespread footprint combined with thoughtful design means groups can reliably count on Salt & Straw to be a welcoming, convenient stop no matter where they are. Whether planning a local chill session or a special occasion while traveling, Salt & Straw’s network accommodates diverse social plans and group sizes with ease.
How can Salt & Straw serve large groups and special occasions?
Salt & Straw offers several options that make hosting groups and special events seamless and enjoyable. For large gatherings, their party packs and single-serve cups allow each guest to have a personal portion of their favorite flavors, minimizing waiting times and catering to varied tastes without fuss. The ice cream cake selections provide stunning centerpiece desserts that are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or family gatherings. Salt & Straw also provides delivery services for many areas, so groups can enjoy their favorite ice cream in homes, offices, or outdoor venues, turning any event into a sweet occasion. Some locations may accommodate reserved events or offer catering partnerships, providing extra convenience for organizers. Combined with the company’s creative flavor lineup and high-quality ingredients, these options allow groups to customize their experience and ensure everyone departs happy. Whether for casual get-togethers or milestone celebrations, Salt & Straw’s versatility and fun, indulgent appeal make it a go-to choice.
With an impressive 4.6 rating based on over 121,000 reviews, Salt & Straw consistently delights its customers across its many locations. It is more than just an ice cream parlor; it is a vibrant social hub where groups can enjoy delicious craft ice cream while bonding over new flavor discoveries, shared values, and memorable experiences. For anyone looking to rally friends or family for a joyful, tasty outing, Salt & Straw stands out as a uniquely satisfying destination.