Updated June 2025
When the summer heat hits Salem, Oregon, there’s one thing that can bring immediate relief and joy: a delicious scoop of ice cream. Salem has no shortage of local ice cream shops that are perfect for “chilling out” and beating the heat. Here are some must-visit spots when you have ice cream cravings.
On Any Sundae
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, On Any Sundae has you covered. This shop offers a delicious variety of desserts, from sundaes and banana splits to massive ice cream sandwiches. Their menu is a treasure trove of treats that also features Dole Whip, choco tacos, and shave ice to beat the heat. They even serve something called “Ice Cream Lasagna!”
Dolce Mama’s
Indulge in a world of sweetness at Dolce Mama’s, where everything is made with love. They’re experts in ice cream, milkshakes, waffle cones, desserts, brownies, cookies, and ice cream sandwiches. It’s a great place to chill downtown with your family and friends!
Ring of Fire Frozen Treats
Ring of Fire Frozen Treats is a new flavor hotspot in West Salem! Family-owned and community-focused, this shop reopened under fresh ownership in early 2025. With fresh collectibles, friendly vibes, affordable scoops, and a creative twist, Ring of Fire is ready for summer.
Slick Licks
Just inside downtown’s Fork Forty Food Hall, Slick Licks is a small batch ice cream joint that makes delicious scratch-made flavors—with generous vegan and nondairy options. This peanut- and egg-free facility churns out classic scoops, milkshakes, floats, and pints.
Ruben’s Ice Cream y Antojitos Mexicanos
Family-owned Ruben’s Ice Cream y Antojitos Mexicanos offers a combination of ice cream, paletas, and antojitos (“little cravings”) in Keizer. Since opening their storefront after operating via ice cream truck since 1993, they’ve earned 5-star buzz for their warm hospitality and sweet, savory, and spicy snacks.
Don Froylan Creamery
Don Froylan Creamery brings a taste of Mexico to Salem with their cheese, quesadillas, and yes, ice cream too. Founded by the Ochoa family, this artisanal shop is known for award-winning queso Oaxaca and family recipes dating back two decades. Guests can watch cheesemaking through large viewing windows, then cool off afterward with small-batch ice cream made on site.
Paleteria y Neveria La Super 2
Step into a world of sweetness at Paleteria Y Neveria La Super 2. With classic flavors like fresa (strawberry), sandia (watermelon), chili mango, and melon, each paleta is a burst of deliciousness. Beyond paletas, you can indulge in a delight of flavor-packed ice cream, chocolate-dipped bananas, chamoyadas, and other Mexican sweet treats that will leave you wanting to try everything on the menu.
22 Below
Handcrafted rolled ice cream takes center stage at 22 Below. This Salem shop serves up rolled ice cream treats that are as creative as they are delicious. With a menu of over 30 flavors, including the option to concoct your own masterpiece and add your own toppings, the possibilities are endless.
Aspinwall’s Fruit Stand and Produce
Drive west down OR-22 to Aspinwall’s, where you’ll find more than just locally-grown fruits and veggies. While they’re not your typical ice cream shop, this local farm stand creates handmade ice cream treats (and other yummy sweets) with their fresh, in-season fruit! From their fruit-topped sundaes and shortcakes to their seasonal ice cream flavors, it’s like a burst of nature’s sweetness in every bite.
Don Bigote Churreria
Don Bigote is a gold mine of taste. While their churros and crepes steal the show, this food truck also sells a selection of ice cream, ice cream shakes, and other chilly treats that’ll have you trying each one of their tasty combinations. Every bite is like a mini party in your mouth!
Jones Farm Produce
Heading north of Salem, you’ll find Jones Farm Produce, a peaceful stop for all things fresh and flavorful. Like Aspinwall’s, this spot takes pride in their fruits and veggies that are bursting with natural goodness. The ice cream stand (open May through October) offers 8 flavors of Umpqua ice cream, and if you’re craving something more, they’ve got you covered with fresh-made peach, strawberry, and blackberry shortcakes, milkshakes, and sundaes.
Frozation Nation
Downtown’s self-serve frozen yogurt hotspot, Frozation Nation, mixes over 15 rotating flavors (including vegan and gluten-free options) with a massive toppings bar. The family-owned space is a perfect hang-out spot on a hot day or a late-night fro-yo run.
In Salem, Oregon, beating the heat has never been sweeter. Embrace the joy of cooling off with these local ice cream stops!
