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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Silver Lake
Master Critic Review
Salt & Straw
8.0
Portland's small-batch ice cream maker brings its savory-sweet experiments—think Pear and Blue Cheese, Olive Oil—to Silver Lake's Sunset strip, where the rotating seasonal menu rewards repeat visits. The counter moves steadily through a neighborhood crowd that knows what they want, though street parking on this stretch requires patience. Works best when you commit to the weird flavors rather than playing it safe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Strawberry Tres Leches, Pear and Blue Cheese, Honey Lavender
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Portland-born ice cream maker crafting inventive small-batch flavors with locally sourced ingredients and unexpected savory-sweet combinations
Who should go: Adventurous ice cream lovers seeking beyond-vanilla experiences
When to visit: Weekday afternoons to avoid weekend lines
What to order: Get a flight to sample 4-5 flavors; the Pear and Blue Cheese rewards the curious, but Strawberry Tres Leches is the crowd-pleaser
Insider tip: Ask about their current seasonal rotation—limited flavors sell out fast
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot—street parking only on busy Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake
Dress code: Business casual
Weekend wait: Lines move quickly; online ordering available to skip the wait entirely
Weekday lunch: Rarely a line at this location
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: All flavors are vegetarian (egg-free ice cream base)
Vegan options: Always 2-5 coconut cream or oat milk flavors available, including Freckled Mint Chocolate Chip and rotating seasonal options; sugar cones are vegan, waffle cones are not
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, as a casual date activity - this is a counter-service ice cream shop, not a sit-down restaurant, so it works best as one stop on a date rather than the main event. The late hours (open until 11PM) make it ideal for an after-dinner stroll through Silver Lake's Sunset Junction. Couples can sample creative flavors together before walking the mural-lined streets. Not romantic in a traditional sense, but fun and low-pressure for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - this is a walk-up ice cream counter. Expect a line during peak hours (weekends, evenings), but it moves quickly and staff offer generous samples while you wait. To skip the line entirely, order online for pickup through their website and select your pickup time.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - it's an ice cream shop, so kids are naturally welcome. The casual counter-service format means no need to keep kids seated through a meal. Staff encourage sampling, which kids love. Creative flavors appeal to adventurous young eaters, while classics like chocolate and vanilla are available for picky ones. No formal kids' menu or high chairs (not that kind of establishment), but the quick in-and-out nature suits families well.
Is it good for groups? For eating at the shop: Limited - this is a small counter-service ice cream shop without dedicated group seating. Groups can order and enjoy their scoops while walking the neighborhood. For events: They offer catering with party packs (12 single-serve cups), 3-gallon tubs with supplies, and ice cream cakes serving 20 - contact catering@saltandstraw.com to arrange. No in-store private events.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited or none confirmed at this location. The shop is primarily designed for takeaway - their website recommends taking your ice cream 'on a walk down the street' to enjoy the Sunset Junction neighborhood. Some Salt & Straw locations have outdoor benches, but specific seating details for the Silver Lake shop are not confirmed. Call (213) 549-1209 to verify current setup.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sweet tooth (open until 11PM daily), creative flavor adventurers, post-dinner Silver Lake strolls past neighborhood murals
Skip if: You need parking or seating—it's a walk-up counter with no dedicated lot
Hours
Monday11am - 11pm
Tuesday11am - 11pm
Wednesday11am - 11pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 11pm