The Inside Scoop

In the inaugural issue of Press Play Salem, we ran a story about local ice cream offerings. Three years later, the sweet scene has changed, but our cravings have not. So here are the updated highlights — the inside scoop — on Salem’s ice cream scene. (Last Updated May 13, 2021)

Small Batch Ice Cream Co.

The hand-crafted, scratch-made culinary creation of Chef Jeff James, Small Batch Ice Cream Co. was originally made famous while he was co-owner of ACME Cafe (in partnership with his wife Cecilia Ritter). With a focus on small-batch (surprise, surprise) and unique signature flavors, it continues to be available at ACME as well as at Wild Pear in downtown Salem. ACME offers rotating flavors plus standard offerings, such as cinnamon, ruby grapefruit champagne sorbetto and coffee. Wild Pear house flavors include pear, candied pecan and salted caramel; Earl Grey with lavender shortbread; pear ginger sorbet (dairy-free/vegan) and vanilla bean. At either location, you can get a scoop or take home a pint (you won’t regret it). 

Dolce Mama’s

Dolce Mama’s recently changed hands, and although under new ownership, the product continues to meet delicious expectations. With a classic ice cream shop atmosphere, Dolce Mama’s sources local as much as possible. Flavors change seasonally, and they offer dairy-free and vegan options. Plus, you can get your scoop in a cup, cone, shake…or as an affogato!

Grab a taste at 333 State St

Slick Licks

Although it may look like soft serve, Slick Licks is ice cream — for reals — made from scratch in small batches using milks, sugars and plant-based stabilizers (that’s what helps it keep its shape). They offer an ever-changing array of flavors from the traditional (such as vanilla) to the adventurous (like blue raspberry). This tasty treat isn’t limited to a cup or cone either (although those sexy black cones really are something); Try it as a milkshake or float. And top it all off with sauce, sprinkles or hard shell. 

Eat up inside Fork Forty Food Hall at 440 State St

Ritter’s Housemade Foods

Ritter’s Housemade Foods serves a rotating and seasonal selection of flavors created by Bontà Gelato, which is made in Bend. You can get an ice cream flight! so you can sample a variety of their amazing flavors. Get a scoop served in a cup, cone or make it into an ice cream sandwich (with your mix and match creation of cookie and ice cream). Or have an affogato (my fav!) featuring Governor’s Cup espresso poured over your choice of ice cream.

Get your own flight at 102 Liberty St. NE

Other local places to get cold treats…

22 Below

22 Below is an ice-cream experience. Pick something off the menu, or ask for something custom, either way, it’s entertaining to watch your rolled ice cream created before your eyes. Once rolled, eat as is or add toppings. Bonus: they also serve bubble tea! 

Stop by to try at 4155 Rickey St. SE

On Any Sundae

Truly an ice cream shop, On Any Sundae serves Oregon ice cream in a long list of flavors, plus real Dole whip, floats, milkshakes, malts and sundaes, as well as handmade ice cream sandwiches, choco tacos and ice cream lasagne. It’s everything you would expect and then some. 

Dive in at 5669 Commercial St. SE

The Shaka Brah

Although we haven’t had the chance to try it ourselves, we hear there is no need to go to Hawaii to get the popular pick-your-own-flavor frozen treat known as shave ice with its “fluffy” snow-like texture. 

Cruise on over to the food truck located at Divine Distillers, 2475 25th St

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 1 — WOW, that was forever and a day ago!

Author: Carlee Wright

Carlee Wright is a community instigator with a grand love for Salem and notably fashionable shoes (Hello, John Fluevog!) who turns waste into wearable art in her "spare" time.