When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
St. Francis Ice Cream
Why St. Francis Ice Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
St. Francis Ice Cream is a cherished destination for friends looking to enjoy a nostalgic yet lively spot to gather over classic and delicious ice cream treats. Rooted in tradition, the original St. Francis Fountain was established by the Christakes family, Greek immigrants, and has stood since the early 20th century as the oldest business on the lower 24th Street corridor. It evolved from a candy store and soda fountain to a vibrant diner and soda fountain, retaining much of its vintage charm with original 1920s candy cases, a hot fudge warmer, and malt dispenser. This historical ambiance makes it a unique place to meet friends and savor traditional ice cream sodas and malts, alongside locally sourced ice cream from Mitchell’s Ice Cream, a respected San Francisco artisan brand. Furthermore, the contemporary St. Francis Ice Cream, opened by the owners of Thunderbird Bar, continues the spirit of community by offering an inclusive space with mid-century design elements reminiscent of old-school soda shops, adding a modern twist to the vintage vibe. The shop features hand-crafted vegan and dairy ice cream made in-house, providing a variety of options to satisfy diverse tastes. Its location and atmosphere make it an inviting spot for socializing, and the availability of pints for takeaway offers convenience for gatherings beyond the parlor. Whether catching a game nearby or simply enjoying a sunny day on the patio, St. Francis Ice Cream blends historical richness with modern warmth to create an exceptional meet-up destination.
Here's what people think of St. Francis Ice Cream
As of recent, St. Francis Ice Cream holds a 4.8-star rating based on 101 reviews.
The overall user sentiment towards St. Francis Ice Cream is overwhelmingly positive, as reflected by its high rating of 4.8 from over 100 reviews. Many reviewers praise the establishment for its nostalgic atmosphere, authentic vintage soda fountain experience, and the quality of its ice cream offerings. Positive reviews highlight the delicious variety of ice cream, including vegan and dairy options, the friendly and welcoming staff, and the preservation of classic soda fountain elements that evoke a strong sense of history and charm. Customers appreciate the fresh, house-made flavors and the retention of traditional serving methods, which together create an engaging and enjoyable outing for friends and families. On the negative side, some reviews may point to limitations such as occasional wait times, the size of the seating area, or the focus on traditional fares which might not appeal to those seeking more contemporary or experimental ice cream choices. Some might also note that as the business transitioned from handmade chocolates to a diner and ice cream parlor, the atmosphere shifted, which could be a drawback for those nostalgic for the original candy shop experience. Overall, the reviews suggest that St. Francis Ice Cream successfully balances its rich heritage with modern hospitality, resulting in a highly recommended spot that caters well to community gatherings. The blend of positive feedback substantially outweighs the negatives, confirming St. Francis Ice Cream as a beloved local institution where people enjoy meeting and indulging in classic ice cream treats.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Yusuf Ashfaq
St. Francis Ice cream is the new spot on the block. Wonderful simple vibe inside with great flavor options. We visited for the first time and were able to try several different great flavors. They make their waffle cones in house. I loved the caramel Oreo ice cream. I got the regular scoop in a cup which was a solid portion size with decent pricing. They do offer affogato and milkshake options which I’d love to try sometime. Certainly recommend trying this place.
Savannah Nguyen
Just your cute little local neighborhood ice cream shop. Love the vibes and flavors here. They do split scoops and I got the strawberry matcha and raspberry cheesecake, which I loved! Their icecream are not overly sweet unlike most, and some of the fruit flavored ones have a wonderful natural tart, sourness, and sweetness to them!
M M
Don’t buy into the high ratings, the ice cream and the customer service were not great to say the least. The ice cream: The vegan chocolate ice cream has the consistency of slime. Vegan ice cream/ non-dairy ice cream doesn’t have to be this bad. The Caramel brownie had almost no caramel but it was hard to tell, because I made the mistake of getting their waffle cone which had so much cinnamon in it that was inedible. Don’t get the waffle cone! The service: I’m grateful this place employs young people, I started working at 13 myself. However, the two people there were poorly trained with customer service and efficiency. They ignored customers besides myself and the person I was with. When ordering from them this one girl was so busy looking at a dog (which I get) that she didn’t know what I ordered and I had to repeat myself. They also made fun of customers for calling the ice cream “vegan” out loud to customers who were ordering it. Announcing that they could just call it “dairy-free”. Just really weird vibes all around. I almost never leave reviews but this place isn’t worth your money and there’s tons of much better ice cream all over Portland. Go somewhere else!
T F
Tried the marionberry and the raspberry swirl. Both are delicious. They deserve their high ratings! The Mango Custard is great as well.
Melanie Taylor
Super friendly staff. Good ice cream ( not sure if it’s tillamook like the containers say or made by them). The downside is the servings are ridiculously small. I’d rather go a little out of my way to get more bang for my buck
How to reach St. Francis Ice Cream
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Why St. Francis Ice Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at St. Francis Ice Cream with your friends?
If you're looking for a charming and delightful spot to gather with friends or family, St. Francis Ice Cream is an ideal destination that offers both an inviting atmosphere and delicious treats. Rated an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 101 glowing reviews, this local gem boasts creamy, homemade ice cream flavors that satisfy a broad range of tastes including vegan options and gluten-free cones. The warm, welcoming vibe of the store, paired with its carefully crafted desserts, fosters an environment perfect for casual hangouts, celebrations, or just a spontaneous sweet escape. Whether your group is large or small, St. Francis Ice Cream provides a cozy yet lively setting where laughter is shared over scrumptious scoops and colorful toppings. The ice cream itself is often described as rich and creamy, with unique flavors like peanut butter brittle and marionberry cobbler that make every visit an adventure. The staff is known for friendly and attentive service, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. Rallying here means enjoying not just ice cream but quality time that strengthens connections while indulging in comfort food delights.
What activities and experiences does St. Francis Ice Cream offer that make it perfect for group meetups?
St. Francis Ice Cream is much more than just an ice cream shop — it’s a community hub where friends and family can enjoy a variety of engaging experiences. For starters, the wide selection of ice cream flavors that include classics as well as innovative varieties like strawberry cheesecake with house-made topping or coffee-flavored base appeals to all palates, ensuring that everyone in the group finds a personal favorite. The shop’s commitment to gluten-free cones and vegan selections shows an awareness and inclusivity that is important for mixed dietary groups. Enjoying these treats while chatting in their ambient space, which is designed for comfort and socializing, makes it easy to spend relaxed hours catching up.
Beyond just eating ice cream, St. Francis Ice Cream encourages social sharing by offering group order options, which means you can coordinate ahead to have your entire party’s favorites ready at once without hassle. It’s an excellent choice for birthdays or casual meetups. The option to combine your visit with a casual stroll in the surrounding neighborhood or nearby parks further enhances the experience, providing a multi-dimensional outing. During warmer months, the ice cream acts as a perfect cool-down treat, while in cooler weather, the creamy textures and rich flavors provide a comforting indulgence.
Why is the menu and flavor variety at St. Francis Ice Cream notable for group gatherings?
One of the strongest draws for groups meeting at St. Francis Ice Cream is the diverse and thoughtfully curated menu. Their offerings specialize in a variety of dairy-based and dairy-free frozen treats, ensuring there is an option for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. Signature items like the Peanut Brittle ice cream, strawberry cheesecake with homemade graham cracker crust, and marionberry cobbler flavor are standout options that elevate the classic ice cream experience. Using fresh, house-made ingredients in many recipes enhances the quality and flavor, making each bite memorable.
Additionally, the commitment to gluten-free waffle cones and vegan ice cream selections means that no one in your group feels left out. This inclusivity is a major factor for anyone hosting a large gathering where dietary needs vary widely. The mix-and-match spirit of their flavors encourages sharing and tasting, which adds a playful and interactive layer to your meetup. This could easily turn into a lighthearted competition or collaborative experience where friends discover new favorites together. The creamy texture and balanced sweetness in each flavor also make St. Francis Ice Cream a pleasing and crowd-pleasing choice for any group.
What makes the setting and service at St. Francis Ice Cream conducive to extended socializing?
The ambiance at St. Francis Ice Cream complements its menu perfectly for group outings. The shop is known for being cozy, inviting, and friendly—qualities that invite guests to linger comfortably. Unlike larger, more commercialized chains, this establishment provides a personal touch with attentive staff who are eager to help with recommendations and accommodate group needs. This level of service encourages customers to feel valued, fostering a relaxed mood ideal for conversations and enjoyment.
The interior and seating arrangements are designed to accommodate both small and medium-sized groups without feeling cramped, allowing people to come together without worrying about space constraints. The overall aesthetic strikes a balance between nostalgic ice cream parlor charm and a modern approach to quality desserts. This creates a charming backdrop for photos and memories, making St. Francis Ice Cream a frequent choice for special occasions or casual meetups alike.
Moreover, the possibility to order delivery through popular platforms enhances flexibility, letting groups even gather at home with the same great ice cream experience. This adaptability further proves why St. Francis Ice Cream is a versatile venue for gathering, whether you want to enjoy onsite ambiance or a more private gathering.
How does St. Francis Ice Cream fit into the local community and culture?
St. Francis Ice Cream holds a special place in the Portland area, not only as a dessert destination but as a community landmark. Its commitment to quality, sustainability in ingredients, and accommodating diverse dietary preferences aligns well with the values of the local community. This alignment makes the place more than just a business—it’s a spot where people feel connected to both the product and the people behind it.
Local patrons often speak enthusiastically about the shop’s role in creating a warm neighborhood atmosphere, making it a hub for friends, families, and even casual acquaintances to come together. Offering seasonal and regionally inspired flavors also reinforces its connection to local tastes and ingredients, helping visitors feel a sense of place when they visit. Events and occasional specials foster an inclusive environment that encourages repeated visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.
For those looking to host meetups that reflect local culture and support small business, St. Francis Ice Cream checks all the boxes. It offers not just a tasty treat, but a grounded community experience that enhances social bonds, making it a preferred venue for casual gatherings or celebrations alike.
What other conveniences and considerations make St. Francis Ice Cream a smart pick for your group meetup?
Practical details often dictate where groups choose to meet, and St. Francis Ice Cream excels here as well. Its location in the vibrant Portland neighborhood provides easy access by car, bike, or public transportation, making it convenient for members coming from different parts of the city. The presence of nearby parking and walkable streets means less hassle for guests, allowing more time focused on fun and friendship.
The shop’s hours, including afternoon to evening availability, provide flexibility for spontaneous or planned meetups. Whether you want a mid-afternoon treat or an early evening dessert spot, St. Francis Ice Cream fits into various schedules. Their menu pricing is reasonable considering the quality and specialty offerings, which helps groups avoid breaking the bank while still indulging in a premium ice cream experience.
For those concerned about allergies or dietary restrictions, the clearly listed options and friendly staff willing to provide detailed ingredient info help ensure safe and pleasant experiences. This attention to customer care relieves stress when organizing group outings involving many people.
In summary, St. Francis Ice Cream is more than just an ice cream shop — it’s a social hub, a community treasure, and a venue perfectly suited to bringing people together over delicious, inclusive treats in a warm and welcoming environment.