OHIO STATE - Ohio, known for its friendly Midwestern charm and diverse landscapes, also boasts a thriving ice cream scene. From long-established ice cream parlors serving up classic scoops to artisan creameries crafting creative flavors, Ohio offers a frozen treat for every taste.
Ohio's Sweet Surrender: A Guide to the State's Best Ice Cream Parlors
This article guides you to some of the best ice cream parlors across the Buckeye State.
Ohio's Ice Cream Hotspots
1. Toft Dairy Ice Cream Parlor (Sandusky): Generous Scoops and a Variety of Flavors
Toft Dairy Ice Cream Parlor, with multiple locations, is a beloved Ohio institution, known for its generous scoops and variety of flavors. This is a classic ice cream parlor experience, perfect for families and anyone seeking a heaping helping of their favorite flavor. It is considered the oldest dairy in Ohio.
- Location: Sandusky, OH (and other locations)
- Highlights: Generous scoops, variety of flavors, classic ice cream parlor, family-friendly, large portions, oldest dairy
2. Graeter's Ice Cream (Multiple Locations): Small-Batch Scoops and Signature Sundaes
Graeter's Ice Cream is a Cincinnati-based chain with a strong presence throughout Ohio. They're famous for their French Pot process, which creates an incredibly dense and creamy ice cream. Graeter's offers small-batch scoops, signature sundaes, and even frozen drinks, making it a versatile spot for satisfying your sweet cravings. Their Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip is a signature flavor.
- Locations: Multiple locations across Ohio (Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and more)
- Highlights: Small-batch ice cream, French Pot process, signature sundaes, frozen drinks, dense and creamy texture, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip
3. Aglamesis Bro's (Cincinnati): Handmade Ice Cream and Candy Since 1908
Aglamesis Bro's is a Cincinnati institution, a family-run ice cream parlor that has been serving up handmade ice cream and candy since 1908. This historic spot offers a taste of old-fashioned charm alongside its delicious frozen treats. They are known for their opera creams.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH (Oakley and Montgomery locations)
- Highlights: Family-run, handmade ice cream and candy, historic ice cream parlor, old-fashioned charm, since 1908, opera creams
4. Tom's Ice Cream Bowl (Zanesville): A Long-Established Parlor with a Wide Range
Tom's Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville is a long-established ice cream parlor offering a wide range of frozen treats, including scoops and sundaes. This classic spot is a local favorite, known for its variety and nostalgic atmosphere.
- Location: Zanesville, OH
- Highlights: Long-established, wide range of frozen treats, scoops, sundaes, classic ice cream parlor, local favorite
5. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (Multiple Locations): Creative Flavors and Local Ingredients
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, a Columbus-based chain with locations throughout Ohio (and beyond), is renowned for its creative flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt, all made with local ingredients whenever possible. Jeni's offers a unique and sophisticated ice cream experience. Flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Brown Butter Almond Brittle are fan favorites.
- Locations: Multiple locations across Ohio (Columbus, Chagrin Falls, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and more)
- Highlights: Creative flavors, ice cream and frozen yogurt, local ingredients, unique ice cream experience, artisan ice cream, Brambleberry Crisp, Brown Butter Almond Brittle
Ohio's ice cream scene is a delightful mix of classic parlors, family-run businesses, and innovative creameries. Whether you're craving a generous scoop of a traditional flavor, a decadent sundae, or an adventurous new taste, Ohio's ice cream parlors offer something for everyone. So, grab a spoon and explore the sweet side of the Buckeye State!
