Salt & Straw — Restaurant in Portland

It's a bummer to have to write this review after a lot of positive and good experiences with Salt & Straw over many years, but after thinking it over, I feel that it needs to be said. I arrived to this location earlier this evening, 25 minutes before closing. My partner and I wanted some late night ice cream (she is visiting from out of town and was excited to go back) but we knew it was close to closing time, and we were trying to be very respectful and aware of the closing hours. It was a bit cold and breezy outside after getting our ice cream, so we decided to enjoy it quickly inside the store before closing. We were on our last bites, fully intending to leave right at the closing time of 11pm. As we were finishing our literal last bites of ice cream, the clock was struck 11pm. At 11:00:30, a staff member promptly kicked us out of the store, in a rude and passive aggressive way that was very off putting. My partner had just finished their ice cream, and I was taking my last bite as we were asked to leave, 30 seconds after the store closed. We were aware of the time, not loitering or being disrespectful, and we were simply trying to enjoy our ice cream. It would have been nice if the staff member would have given us a chance to finish without being so pushy. We understand that people want to get home, but being rude to customers while closing duties still need to be performed isn't the best way to go about that, and hopefully this isn't a regular behavior. The ice cream was great as always, but this employee's attitude left something...

There was only one person on front of me so they were not busy and yet for some reason the two people working there could not provide customer service. I asked for a specific flavor of ice cream that wasn't in the cooler in a pint and one person seemed to not understand what I was asking for. I asked again if she had the pint and she finally understood and said it that it must be sold out. She offered me a double scoop which is similar in size and I said yes. I went to check out, while I waited for my ice cream and the girl disappeared in the back. I thought she was going to double check if they had more prepacked pints I the back. When she came out and started cleaning, I was confused why she wasn't getting the ice cream. The girl checking out was confused why I was trying to pay when I had no ice cream so I explained to her I was waiting for my double scoop. She went to ask the girl where my ice cream was and they both were super confused, as was I. I regret I did not just walk out. But the ice cream was for someone else who was waiting for it. I finally got it, with no apology or explanation and no smile, no thank you for your patience. Just blank looks like they didn't know what they were doing at an ice cream shop. It was shortly after noon on a cloudy day. No lines, and not long after opening so no excuse they were tired. Very strange. I think I'll hit up...

On yet another family outing, we decided to go to a highly recommended and talked about ice cream place in Portland. We ended up going to the Alberta location in one of our favorite Portland neighborhoods. I was a very warm early May Sunday, and ice cream was a perfect compliment. The location is small with very limited seating. Parking can be a hassle depending on the day but be prepared to park on one of the side streets located in the neighborhood. Also, be prepared to wait. The line wasn't too bad but it took about 15 minutes or so to take our order. Once you get to the counter they will let you sample anything they have before you decide. I HIGHLY recommend this. This place is known for extremely unusual flavor combinations when it comes to ice cream. The staff was patient and friendly even through the busyness. I ordered the Strawberry, Balsamic with Black Pepper. The unique flavor combo was weird but very good. I did try some of the other flavors so I'm looking forward to going back to try some others. It sounds like they are always experimenting with new flavors and combinations. I feel like it adds to the personality of the place and is a perfect fit for Portland. Pricing is reasonable $3-5 per person and you can get some to go. So go, be brave and adventurous and take a causal stroll in NE Portland with...