Mike’s is a fun place, probably described as “quaint” in one out of three reviews. The new paint job is pretty sweet, the outdoor seating is ample and comfortable, with a great view of the main drag and the hippies who hang out on the library lawn playing guitar. (I only know this because I’m one of them.)

The ice cream is, well, ice cream. Not the best I’ve tasted, but not mediocre by any stretch of the imagination. The service ranges from anywhere to super friendly to slightly sullen, as our local high school is the staging area for employment at Mike’s.

But neither the ice cream nor the people are the best reasons to go to Mike’s. The fact is, it’s Hood River’s only ice cream place worth stopping at. It’s stood through several attempts at competition, and each one has slowly faded into the dust. Mike’s stands, packing people day and night into the small shop.

If you’re touring the town and stop to ask a local where to get ice cream, there’s usually only one place they’ll point you. The place is a great way to get a fun taste of Hood River’s flavor. (By the way, the huckleberry shakes are killler.)