Cheese and Crack is a southeast storefront, never failing to capture the attention of Portland foodies and social media influencers. Getting its start as a food cart in 2012, their current establishment is flourishing into a popular spot selected by tourists and locals looking to enjoy cheese platters, sandwiches, mac and cheese and the restaurant’s one-of-a-kind soft serve ice cream. While the shop offers a plethora of items to snack on, The VanCougar recommends checking out these hand-picked favorites to get the most out of your visit.
Cheese and cracker boxes $$$
The shop’s signature cheese platters feature a wide variety of treats, all carefully displayed in an Instagram-ready fashion. Each platter includes house-made butter crackers and oatmeal cookies, a baguette, olives and cornichons. They also offer several spreads including chocolate ganache, dijon and honey mustard. One particular fan-favorite, the Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar and Brie Brûlée, contains cuts of brie cheese torched to a golden brown consistency with melted sugar on top, providing the perfect contrast of salty and sugary flavors. Regular platters range from $13 to $23, and meats like Molinari salami or capicola can be added at an additional cost. With all things considered, these cheese and cracker boxes create an opportunity to share both a delectable afternoon, or midnight snack, with a friend or family member.
Macaroni and cheese $$
When it comes to comfort food, nothing is better than eating superb macaroni and cheese on a rainy day. Luckily, one of Cheese and Crack’s specialties is a rich and creamy dream. Layered in saucy white cheese and garnished in confit garlic, this unique recipe stands out among other Portland pasta. To make this meal extra memorable, we recommend treating the macaroni and cheese as a spread on crunchy baguette slices. While their macaroni and cheese is on the pricier side at $11, Cheese and Crack serves decent portions, making it a perfect menu item to eat in one go, or save for next day’s leftovers.
(Emily Baumann/The VanCougar)
Soft serve ice cream $
Ending with an absolute showstopper, the last item we recommend is Cheese and Crack’s ice cream. Known for making some of the city’s best soft serve cones and sundaes, the shop carries a multitude of distinctive and classic flavors ranging from matcha powder and beet dust to plain vanilla and strawberry flavors. Alongside a smooth coating and airy texture, all servings come with a charming surprise of a chocolate ganache filling inside each cone. To top it off, one heaping scoop of quality ice cream costs $4, a modest price considering all it has to offer.
Cheese and Crack is located on Southeast 28th Ave., and open every day from 3 to 10 p.m. There are numerous places to visit when seeking out new adventures within Portland’s massive food hub, however, this shop is rapidly becoming a well-known stop for all those wanting to try something either sweet or savory.
Emily is a senior studying integrated strategic communication at WSU Vancouver.