When the summer sun blazes high in the sky and the heat calls for a cool escape, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a scoop (or two) of ice cream to beat the summer heat in Portland, Maine!
Whether you’re a child eagerly awaiting that first cone or an adult reminiscing about childhood summers, ice cream is the ultimate treat that bridges generations. From soft serve, to classic flavors and artisanal creations, Portland’s ice cream scene is a paradise for every sweet tooth. And let’s not forget the creamy, dreamy delight of gelato!
Join on a delicious adventure as we explore the best ice cream and gelato shops in Portland, Maine!
Coastal Creamery
At Coastal Creamery, their motto is simple: “Keep life fun, have lots of laughs, and always stop for ice cream.”
Located adjacent to Portland’s picturesque waterfront, this charming local creamery serves up smiles with every cone! Their menu features a delightful blend of unique, homemade creations alongside locally sourced, scrumptious Maine-made flavors churned in-house in small batches.
In the mood for something more? Coastal Creamery also tempts with freshly baked cookies made right before your eyes. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic scoop, a cookie sandwich, or a warm, gooey cookie, Coastal Creamery is the go-to spot for sweet delights.
Grab a cone and take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront!
136 Commercial Street
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream
Inspired by the storied beauty of Mount Desert Island in Maine—home to Bar Harbor and the majestic Acadia National Park— Mount Desert Island Ice Cream offers small-batch, homemade ice cream made with real ingredients!
Each flavor is a masterpiece: vanilla bean ice cream boasts beans scraped by hand, lemon sorbet bursts with the tang of freshly squeezed lemons, and chocolate ice cream is enriched with the finest bar chocolate. Guests can expect high butterfat content for luxurious creaminess and a texture that’s dense and velvety, thanks to minimal air churned into each batch. Every scoop reflects their unwavering dedication to the craft.
Mount Desert Island Ice Cream has locations spanning from Bar Harbor to Washington DC and even Japan!
51 Exchange Street
Lib's Diary Treats
Lib’s Diary Treats has been a beloved family-owned and operated gem in Portland, Maine since 1969, delighting generations of ice cream lovers for over 50 years!
This charming spot offers a nostalgic experience with a menu that includes everything from creamy soft serve and rich hard serve to sundaes, shakes, and classic banana splits.
Open through the summer until the end of October, Lib’s Dairy Treats invites you to enjoy your sweet treat at their walk-up window and relax on their cozy benches.
32 Auburn Street
The Shop
Nestled on the bustling Washington Avenue in Portland, The Shop – initially known as a popular raw bar & shellfish market, added a delightful twist to its seafood haven: a walk-up window serving soft serve ice cream and hot dogs.
Introduced in 2022, this window has quickly become a local favorite for quick bites and a sweet treat. To top it all off, indulge your sweet tooth with a sprinkle of colorful toppings available for the ultimate soft serve experience.
More than just a convenience as you stroll Washington Avenue, the walk-up window has become a gateway to spontaneous moments of joy on sunny afternoons!
123 Washington Avenue
Beal's Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Step into the sweet world of Beal’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream!
Established in 1988 when the Malia family acquired the business and recipe rights from Roy Beal, Beal’s has been crafting their own exclusive super premium ice cream base mix with only the finest ingredients ever since. This dedication results in a creamy, delicious, and noticeably unique product that stands out from the rest.
With over 100 flavors to choose from—including their new dairy-free options made with a coconut-oat base—Beal’s has something for every palate. Indulge in classic favorites like mint chocolate chip or discover innovative creations like chocolate peanut butter. Beyond scoops, Beal’s delights with ice cream cakes, pies, homemade Swiss cones, and seasonal treats.
Beals has two locations in Portland – the iconic spot in the Old Port and an East Deering location.
12 Moulton Street & 18 Veranda Street
Low Key
Our next stop brings us to Low Key, a new and casual neighborhood cocktail bar nestled on Munjoy Hill.
This trendy spot not only serves up delightful drinks but also features a walk-up window for soft serve ice cream, open on weekends.
Grab a cone or cup and take a leisurely stroll down to the Eastern Promenade, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Casco Bay while savoring your sweet treat. It’s a must-visit destination for a weekend indulgence!
89 Congress Street
Sticky Sweet
Sticky Sweet, a standout takeaway spot, is known for its dairy and gluten-free delights served in waffle cones, tubs, pints, and shakes. What sets Sticky Sweet apart is its 100% vegan and gluten-free offerings, earning it the title of one of the top vegan ice cream shops in the world by HappyCow.
The story of Sticky Sweet began with sisters Ashley and Kelley, who initially ventured into the world of Thai-inspired desserts, creating a healthier, Maine-inspired version of sticky rice. Their love for this popular Thai dessert evolved into experimenting with a house-created sauce as a base for churning ice cream. With support from friends and family, they eventually renovated and opened their own space at the corner of Cumberland and Cleeve, where Sticky Sweet still operates today!
Today, you can enjoy their rotating selection of vegan scoops on a gluten-free, house-made cone, in a compostable cup, or as a pint from their charming take-out window.
Please note that while usually open year-round, Sticky Sweet owners and operators have just welcomed a baby and are currently closed. They are hoping to reopen soon for the summer.
119 Cumberland Avenue
Lecha
Heading on over to the charming, family-friendly neighborhood of Portland’s Deering Center, that’s where you’ll find Lecha, an upbeat bubble tea and ice cream shop.
Lecha is beloved for its colorful and welcoming atmosphere and delightful offerings, featuring Gifford’s Ice Cream from Maine and a rotating soft serve special – which sometimes includes the popular flavors, Ube and Matcha. This cheerful spot also crafts Thai-inspired drinks and treats if you’re looking to venture outside of soft serve!
502 Stevens Avenue
Sammy's Scoops
If you’re looking for an ice cream shop that has that classic neighborhood feel, then Sammy’s Scoops is your go-to.
Located in the Woodfords Corner neigherhood, this timeless ice cream shop is a beloved local gem, serving up Homemade Gifford’s Ice Cream from Maine, creamy soft serve, and specialty sundaes that are sure to delight.
51 Ocean Avenue
Gelato Fiasco
If you’re in the mood for something other than ice cream, then let’s transition to gelato with a visit to Gelato Fiasco in the Old Port…
Inspired by Old World Italian masters, Gelato Fiasco blends time-honored techniques with new American flavors, using local milk and the finest ingredients to craft fresh gelato daily. Sourcing whole milk and cream from family dairy farms in Maine and New England, they ensure no artificial growth hormones are used, making their flavors as wholesome as they are delicious.
Gelato Fiasco offers up to 30 fresh flavors each day. Each scoop is a testament to their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
425 Fore Street
Gorgeous Gelato
If you’re craving a taste of Italy without leaving Portland’s Old Port, Gorgeous Gelato is the destination!
Renowned for serving up the best gelato west of Italy, this charming spot offers a selection of housemade scoops and delectable desserts, alongside Italian coffee and rich hot chocolate.
Gorgeous Gelato is committed to freshness and quality, using only the finest, all-natural ingredients. You won’t find any emulsifiers, preservatives, or artificial colors and flavorings here—just pure, delicious gelato. The menu includes classic flavors like Berries & Cream and Milk Chocolate to inventive treats like Hazelnut and Maine Wild Blueberry. And if you’re dairy-free or vegan, fear not—they have options crafted especially for you!
Don’t forget to visit their kiosk at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth for a sweet escape with a view!
434 Fore Street
