It’s HOT, HOT, HOT here in the Pacific Northwest. What are your tips and tricks to cool down? One way we like to chill out is to have a snow cone or shaved ice. Now we don’t have a ton of options in Portland. However, what we do have are pretty darn great. So check out our list of the top three places to explore. 

First, let’s discuss the difference between shaved ice and snow cones. The main difference lies in their texture. Shaved ice is made by shaving thin ribbons of ice, creating a fine, fluffy, and snow-like texture. It is very light and melts quickly in your mouth. On the other hand, snow cones are made by crushing or grinding ice into coarse granules, resulting in a crunchy and coarser texture. 

The names “shaved ice” and “snow cone” are often used interchangeably in some regions, while in others, they refer to specific variations of the frozen treat. This list will have both; honestly, some of the establishments use the terms interchangeably.

Shaved ice is made using a specialized machine that shaves a block of ice into delicate flakes. It requires a bit more finesse and skill to achieve the desired texture. Snow cones, on the other hand, can be made using a simple ice crusher or grinder, making them easier and quicker to prepare. Because of its fine texture, shaved ice tends to absorb syrups and flavors more evenly throughout the treat, providing a consistent taste in each bite. Snow cones, with their coarser texture, may allow the syrup to settle at the bottom of the cone, resulting in varied flavor distribution.

So without further ado, here are our Top Three Snow Cone / Shaved Ice Places:

Wailua Shave Ice Portland

1022 W. Burnside Street Unit O

Portland, Oregon 97209

This place is legit and has the best flavors! Try flavors like the Lava Flow, which is pineapple juice, Haupia foam, strawberry puree, fresh strawberry, and pineapple. 

Or how about Da Mango One, which is mango juice, condensed milk, and fresh mango?

(This one contains dairy… ask for no condensed milk if you want it vegan)

Da Shave Ice Shack

105 NE 8th Avenue

Portland, Oregon 97232

Da Shave Ice Shack provides authentic Hawaiian Shaved Ice. According to their website, Chef George Jackson is classically French-trained and has been in the culinary arts for over 25 years. Shave Ice was a big part of their childhood in Maui, Hawaii. With Chef George’s experience in the flavor universe and their understanding of Hawaiian culture and cuisine, they think they brought the best shave ice to Oregon. It is pretty darn good! Check them out!

Snowy Village

3912 N Vancouver Suite 105 

Portland, Oregon 97227

Snowy Village provides Korean shaved ice. They specialize in making delicious and healthy Korean shaved ice (known as patbingsu or bingsoo). What is different about Snowy Village is their snow is made with 100% milk, no water added. It is a unique treat, for sure. Snowy Village also has other delicious desserts.

BONUS Snow Cone / Shaved Ice Locations

There are two Tropical Sno locations in Vancouver. It is a chain, but it is also delicious. They both have large portions and limited hours. Check them out for a cool treat.

Tropical Sno Vancouver

15815 NE 18th St Vancouver, WA 98684

2009 NE 117th St Vancouver, WA 98686

We hope you will check out the snow cone/shaved ice places on this list. However, we also know it can be fun to make your own at home with a snow cone machine or a blender. If you want to do that, here is a great list of natural snow cone syrup recipes. Or, if you haven’t made snow cones/shaved ice at home, here are tips to make your own snow cones. When it gets hot, we have a kid that loves to have a snow cone stand. It is a fun way to make money and to cool down your neighbors.

We would love to hear about your snow cone and/or shaved ice adventures. What is your favorite? Is there a place we missed? Any favorite flavors we need to explore? Let us know, and try to keep cool this summer!