What Salt & Straw is and where to find it

Salt & Straw is a chain of ice cream shops that started in Portland, Oregon in 2011 and has since opened locations in other US cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and a few others. The company makes ice cream in small batches and rotates flavors seasonally, meaning the menu changes throughout the year rather than staying the same year-round.

You can find their current locations and hours on their website. Some locations operate year-round; others close during winter months depending on the region. If you're planning a visit, check whether the shop nearest you is open before you go, since hours vary by location and season.

Key Takeaways

  • Salt & Straw rotates its flavor menu by season, so what's available in summer differs from what you'll find in fall or winter.
  • The shop sells ice cream by the scoop in cups or cones, and also sells pints to take home, which cost more per ounce than a single scoop.
  • Prices are higher than mass-market ice cream brands but typical for small-batch ice cream shops in urban areas.
  • The company sources ingredients from specific suppliers and publishes information about where their dairy and other key ingredients come from.

How the seasonal menu rotation works

Salt & Straw divides its year into four seasons and creates a new set of flavors for each one. Spring flavors might include strawberry or rhubarb; summer typically features fruit-forward options; fall brings spiced and harvest-themed flavors; winter focuses on chocolate, caramel, and holiday-inspired tastes. A few flavors stay on the menu year-round, but most change.

This rotation means you cannot count on finding the same flavor twice unless it's one of the permanent options. If you discover a flavor you love in July, it may not return until the following July. The shop announces upcoming seasonal flavors on their website and social media before each season begins.

Pricing and portion sizes

A single scoop costs between $6 and $8 depending on location, and a double scoop runs roughly $10 to $12. These prices are higher than chain ice cream shops but in line with other independent, small-batch ice cream makers in major cities. Pints sold to take home cost between $12 and $16 per pint, which works out to a higher per-ounce cost than buying scoops in the shop.

Salt & Straw also sells ice cream sandwiches made with house-baked cookies, which typically cost $8 to $10. Some locations offer seasonal specials or limited-edition offerings at different price points. Payment is usually cash or card, though specific methods vary by location.

Ingredient sourcing and what goes into the ice cream

Salt & Straw publishes information about where their dairy comes from and names specific suppliers for other key ingredients. Their dairy typically comes from Oregon or Washington dairies, and they source other ingredients from farms and producers they list on their website. This transparency is part of their brand identity, though it also means ingredient sourcing can shift from season to season.

The ice cream is made in small batches, which means each flavor is produced in limited quantities. This is why flavors sell out before the season ends, and why you may arrive to find that a flavor you wanted is no longer available. The shop does not reserve scoops or take orders ahead of time for individual servings, though some locations may take pint orders by phone or online.

Dietary restrictions and allergen information

Most Salt & Straw ice cream contains dairy and eggs. Some seasonal flavors are vegan or dairy-free, but these are not always available and vary by season. The shop's website lists allergen information for current flavors, and staff at the shop can tell you which options work for specific dietary needs on the day you visit.

Because flavors change seasonally, allergen information changes too. If you have a severe allergy, ask to see the ingredient list or allergen chart before ordering, rather than relying on memory of past visits. Cross-contamination is possible in the shop, so if you have a severe allergy, mention it when you order.

How to order and what to expect in the shop

When you enter a Salt & Straw location, you'll see the current flavors listed on a menu board or in a display case. You order at the counter and pay before receiving your ice cream. Staff will let you taste a small sample of any flavor before you commit to buying a scoop, which is standard practice at most ice cream shops.

During peak hours—typically weekend afternoons and evenings—lines can be long, especially in busy urban locations. Wait times of 20 to 45 minutes are not unusual on warm days or during tourist season. If you prefer a shorter wait, visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon usually means a faster experience.

Pints and takeaway options

If you want to take ice cream home, you can buy a pint in the shop. Pints come in the current seasonal flavors and cost more per ounce than buying scoops. Some locations also sell pints online for delivery or local pickup, though this varies by location and is not available everywhere.

Ice cream sandwiches and other packaged items can also be taken home. These are shelf-stable for the trip but should be eaten within a few hours of purchase for best texture. If you're buying pints or sandwiches to take home, ask for a bag and let staff know if you need extra time to get them into a freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Salt & Straw ice cream online and have it shipped to my home?

Some locations offer pint delivery or local pickup through their website, but this is not available at all shops and varies by region. Check the location nearest you on their website to see if online ordering is an option. Shipping ice cream across the country is difficult because it melts, so most locations do not offer nationwide shipping.

What if my favorite flavor is sold out when I visit?

Seasonal flavors sell out before the season ends, especially popular ones. The shop does not hold inventory or take pre-orders for individual scoops. If a flavor is gone, you can ask staff when it might return (usually the following year) or choose from what's currently available.

Do Salt & Straw locations accept reservations or group orders?

Most locations do not take reservations for walk-in customers. For large group orders or events, contact the location directly by phone to ask whether they can accommodate you. Some shops may be able to set aside pints or prepare a bulk order if you call ahead.

Is Salt & Straw ice cream made fresh daily?

Ice cream is made in small batches, but not necessarily daily. Batches are made as needed to keep up with demand. The exact production schedule varies by location. Staff can tell you how recently a particular flavor was made if you ask.

What's the difference between Salt & Straw and other ice cream shops?

Salt & Straw focuses on seasonal rotation, small-batch production, and ingredient transparency. Other ice cream shops may have year-round menus, larger production runs, or different sourcing practices. The main trade-off is that Salt & Straw costs more but offers different flavors throughout the year.