Best Desserts in
SE Portland
Southeast Portland is the dessert capital of the city. Division Street alone has Salt & Straw, Pinolo Gelato, and more. Here are the best sweet spots in SE PDX.
Ice Queen Head to this spot on SE 11th if you want ice cream that actually tastes homemade—their flavors rotate constantly and hit different every season. The vibe is super chill and unpretentious, perfect for a casual afternoon treat, and the lines move fast even when it's packed.
You've gotta check out this spot on Hawthorne—they do Japanese-style desserts and treats that are actually incredible, nothing like the heavy stuff you'd expect. The vibe is super chill and modern, prices are totally reasonable, and honestly their matcha and mochi options are worth the trip alone. Fair warning: it gets busy, but it moves fast.
If you're craving something seriously good, head to Tsuki on Hawthorne—their mochi and shaved ice are legitimately incredible and way better than the chain spots. The place has this chill, unpretentious vibe, and you can tell they actually care about what they're making. Fair warning: lines get long, but it moves quick and totally worth the wait.
Cloudforest Recommendation This little spot on Hawthorne makes some seriously good pastries and coffee without breaking the bank—the croissants are buttery and flaky, and their seasonal offerings actually taste like someone cares. The vibe is super chill, perfect for grabbing breakfast or settling in with a book, and the people running it are genuinely friendly.
You gotta try this place on Stark Street—they do salted caramel and chocolate things that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about dessert. The space has this cozy, unpretentious feel, and everything's made fresh daily, so get there early or you'll miss out. Fair prices too, which is pretty rare for quality like this.
Soro Soro Coffee & Dessert Head to this spot on Burnside if you want seriously good pastries and coffee in a chill, unpretentious space. The owners actually care about quality—their croissants are buttery and flaky, and the espresso drinks hit different. It's perfect for a casual afternoon or quick breakfast before work.
Located on the bustling SE Division corridor, this beloved gelato shop crafts authentic Italian frozen desserts that locals and visitors alike rave about, earning an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 1,200 devoted fans. Pinolo Gelato's creamy, intensely flavored gelato—think silky pistachio, rich chocolate, and unique seasonal offerings—makes it the perfect Portland stop for a sophisticated yet approachable treat that feels like a sweet escape to Italy.
Mochinut - Hawthorne You've gotta try their mochi donuts—they're fluffy, chewy, and actually interesting, not just a gimmick. The Hawthorne spot has that chill café energy where you can grab coffee and pastries without feeling rushed, and honestly, the matcha and unique flavor combos keep me coming back.
Tucked on SE Division Street, this beloved Portland dessert destination has earned its stellar 4.7-star reputation with 1,596 glowing reviews by crafting irresistible pies, cakes, and sweet treats that locals can't resist. From their famous seasonal pies to decadent layer cakes, every visit to this cozy spot feels like a celebration of artisanal dessert-making done right.
If you're craving warm cookies at midnight (or any hour, honestly), this spot on Division is seriously your answer—they're freshly baked and ridiculously good. The vibe is casual and unpretentious, perfect for grabbing something sweet solo or with friends. Fair warning: their cookie dough flavor is dangerously addictive.
If you're on SE Division and craving something sweet, this spot does incredible boba drinks and desserts that actually hit different—they nail the flavor balance without going overboard on sugar. The vibe is super chill and Instagram-friendly, plus the prices won't wreck your wallet. Definitely worth the stop.
Tucked along Division Street, this beloved Portland ice cream parlor has earned its stellar 4.7-star reputation (3,918 reviews!) by crafting unexpectedly delicious flavor combinations that range from the comforting to the boldly adventurous. Whether you're craving their famous housemade waffle cones, seasonal specials like roasted beet and goat cheese, or timeless classics done right, you'll find friendly service and creamy, high-quality scoops that locals and visitors genuinely love.
Champagne Poetry Patisserie Okay, you *have* to check out this spot on Hawthorne—they do French pastries that are legitimately incredible, and the whole vibe is effortlessly cool without trying too hard. Grab a croissant and champagne, sit at the bar, and watch the baristas work their magic. It's casual enough for a quick pastry run but nice enough if you want to linger with a friend.
Salt & Straw - Division This ice cream shop gets wild with their seasonal and savory flavors—think olive oil cake or corn with blueberry—but they nail the classics too. The line moves fast, the staff actually knows their stuff, and it's the perfect stop on a Division Street walk. Fair warning: you'll probably come back within a week.
You gotta hit up this spot in Jade District for seriously good crêpes—both sweet and savory—that don't cost you a fortune. The owners actually care about what they're making, and the casual, friendly vibe makes you want to linger with your coffee. Trust me, their Nutella crêpes are dangerously good.
You gotta hit up this spot on Clinton for ice cream that actually tastes homemade—they do everything from classic flavors to wild seasonal stuff that changes constantly. The shop has this chill, unpretentious vibe and the staff genuinely knows their stuff, plus the prices won't wreck your wallet.
Cheese & Crack Snack Shop You've gotta hit this spot on SE 28th—they do an incredible job with charcuterie boards and snacks that actually make you want to linger for hours. The vibe is super chill and social, perfect for grabbing wine and hanging with friends over thoughtfully curated meats and cheeses. Honestly, it's become my go-to for something a little fancier than bar food but still totally laid-back.
You gotta hit up this spot on Hawthorne for some seriously good Italian pastries and fresh bread—their croissants have real butter lamination that actually shatters when you bite in. The vibe is cozy and unrushed, perfect for grabbing coffee and people-watching, and the owners actually care about quality over churning out mass production.
Fat Straw You gotta hit up this casual spot on Hawthorne for seriously creative desserts and drinks that actually taste interesting—think inventive ice cream flavors and wild shakes that change seasonally. The vibe is super chill and unpretentious, perfect for a quick sweet fix without any fussiness, and everything's affordable so you can actually come back.
Okay, so this tiny walk-up window on Hawthorne makes legitimately incredible Belgian waffles—crispy outside, custardy inside—and they load them with creative toppings you won't find anywhere else. The line moves fast, prices are super reasonable, and the vibe is just people genuinely stoked about their dessert. Definitely worth the wait.
If you want pastries that'll actually make you stop mid-bite, head here—their croissants are legitimately buttery perfection and the coffee pairs perfectly. The spot has this cozy, unpretentious vibe where you'll see everyone from suits to artists, and the staff genuinely seems to care about what they're making.
If you're craving legit ice cream sandwiches and killer espresso drinks, head to Division Street—they do both really well with quality ingredients that actually taste fresh. The spot's casual and unpretentious, perfect for grabbing something sweet without the fuss. Go early because they move fast.
Located on the beloved Division Street corridor, this exceptional donut shop has earned its stellar 4.5-star rating from nearly 1,200 devoted fans with inventive, gourmet creations that go far beyond the standard glazed ring—think bourbon-soaked brioche, lavender-filled delights, and seasonal flavors that keep Portland foodies coming back. The made-to-order approach and commitment to quality ingredients make this Southeast Portland gem worth the visit, whether you're grabbing a morning treat or hunting for that perfect dessert to cap off your day.
Crema Coffee + Bakery You gotta hit up this spot on Ankeny for their killer pastries and seriously good coffee—the croissants alone are worth the trip, and they're actually affordable. The space has this cozy, unpretentious vibe where you'll see everyone from laptop workers to families grabbing weekend breakfast, and the staff actually cares about what they're making.
Voodoo Doughnut Okay, so this place is absolutely iconic—they do these wild, creative doughnuts with crazy flavor combinations and fun names that are honestly Instagram gold. The vibe is fun and kinda chaotic (especially early morning), but that's part of the charm, and their prices won't hurt your wallet. Definitely go hungry because you'll want to try way more than one.
You gotta hit up this custard spot on Division—they're doing old-school soft serve cones and sundaes that actually taste like something, not that generic stuff. The lines move fast, the staff's super friendly, and it's got that casual neighborhood feel where you can grab a cone and walk around the neighborhood.
Staccato Gelato You've got to try this spot on NE 28th—their gelato is legitimately creamy and flavorful in that way that makes you forget about regular ice cream forever. The space has this cool, casual vibe, and the folks running it actually care about what they're scooping. Go in with an open mind about flavors and prepare to become a regular.
Monster Tea If you're craving boba drinks that actually taste fresh, this spot on Hawthorne has it locked down with creative flavors and quality ingredients that don't feel overly sweet. The vibe is chill and unpretentious, perfect for grabbing something quick or hanging out, and honestly, their seasonal specials hit different every time I go.
You gotta hit up this spot on Clinton Street for seriously creative ice cream flavors that actually work—think brown butter sage or miso caramel. The vibe is super chill and unpretentious, perfect for a casual afternoon treat. Fair warning: the lines can get long on nice days, but it moves pretty quick.
Nectar Frozen Yogurt Lounge You gotta hit up this spot on Hawthorne for seriously good frozen yogurt—the toppings bar is insanely stocked, and you can build exactly what you want. It's got that casual, chill vibe perfect for a quick treat or hanging with friends, and the prices won't hurt your wallet either.
This beloved East Burnside gem has been winning over Portland dessert lovers with its whimsical, handcrafted pastries, decadent cakes, and the irresistible Pix-O-Matic vending machine that dispenses fresh treats 24/7. With a solid 4.3-star rating from over 1,100 happy customers, it's the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth whether you're craving a buttery croissant at dawn or a late-night chocolate fix.
Sesame Donuts You gotta hit up this spot on Powell for some seriously good donuts that actually taste fresh—their sesame ones are legitimately addictive, and the prices won't hurt your wallet. The vibe is super casual and unpretentious, perfect for grabbing something quick before work or just treating yourself on a weekend morning.
Honestly, their hand-crafted pastries and desserts are insanely good—everything from croissants to creative cakes is made fresh daily. The spot has this cozy, unpretentious vibe that feels like a neighborhood secret, and the prices won't wreck your budget. Go early because the best stuff sells out fast.
You gotta hit up this quirky coffee spot on SE 12th—they make insanely good desserts and the whole place has this wonderfully weird, vintage vibe with hidden doors and random surprises everywhere. Grab a slice of their killer cake or pastry, order some really solid coffee, and just soak in the eccentric charm. Fair warning: it's tiny and cash-only, but totally worth it.
Sharetea Burnside You've got to try their boba tea and desserts on Burnside—the drinks are actually customizable so you can dial in exactly how sweet you want it, and they nail the texture on their tapioca pearls every time. The spot has a chill, casual vibe perfect for grabbing something quick or hanging out, and their prices won't hurt your wallet.