Nothing beats a cold treat on a hot summer’s day – and here in Cincinnati, we know a thing or two about ice cream (and gelato, soft serve, milkshakes and ice cream cake). Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of these local ice cream shops!
Aglamesis
Oakley location: 3046 Madison Rd, Cincinnati
Montgomery location: 9899 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati
This old-fashioned ice cream parlor is a great after-church stop or first-date destination. If you’ve got a crowd, spring for the three-step sundae, which features three scoops of ice cream, three sauces and three toppings. While the ice cream is divine, you can’t leave Aglamesis without trying one of the confectioner’s famous opera creams: rich, decadent and delicious!
Dairy Queen
Multiple locations
Dairy Queen is a Midwest staple best known for its Blizzard, which combine soft serve and swirled-in toppings galore. While you’re there, pick up one of DQ’s equally famous ice cream cakes, featuring layers of rich cake, creamy ice cream and crunchy toppings.
Graeter’s
Multiple locations
Of course, no list would be complete without Graeter’s. Famous for its creamy, French Pot-churned ice cream that’s loaded with gooey, melt-in-your-mouth chunks of chocolate, Graeter’s takes “chip” ice cream to another level. Oprah waxed poetic on national television about Graeter’s – and we agree with her rave reviews. You have to try the Black Raspberry Chip, which is Graeter’s top-selling, signature flavor for a reason.
Hello Honey
633 Vine St., Cincinnati
www.facebook.com/Hello-Honey-166664526801189/?rc=p
If you’ve got an adventurous palate, Hello Honey will tempt you with flavors like Brown Butter Caramel, Honey Lavender and Bourbon Almond Brittle. A word of warning: Hello Honey’s other desserts make for some serious ice cream competition – you may leave with multiple pints and pies!
Loveland Dairy Whip
611 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland
Loveland Dairy Whip has been dishing up soft serve since 1955. If you’re into tons of toppings, then you’ll love Loveland Dairy Whip’s offerings! Among the most popular treats are the Chocolate Mountain, Reese Tulip and classic Hot Fudge Sundae, any of which would be perfect after a summer little league game.
Madisono’s Gelato
Available at retailers throughout Cincinnati
Is it ice cream? Sorbet? What exactly is gelato? Gelato is churned at a lower speed, which means less air is whipped into the mixture, resulting in a deliciously dense, creamy treat. Madisono’s creamy, rich gelato tastes diet-bustingly decadent – especially the Double Dark Chocolate. However, the gelato is made with milk, not cream, meaning it’s lower in fat than regular ice cream. So dig in!
Mt. Washington Creamy Whip and Bakery
2069 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati
www.facebook.com/mtwashcreamywhip
This shop has been the go-to summer spot for Mt. Washington residents for decades. Customers can create a cone, sundae or shake from vanilla, chocolate or the best-of-both-worlds “swirl.” Don’t let the straightforward, simple menu fool you: The sundaes here are delicious, with lots of toppings, sauces and sprinkles to spice things up.
Scrumbles
9361 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery
With the tagline “Where cookies meet gelato,” what’s not to love? Serving homemade cookies and locally made gelato, Scrumbles is every dessert lover’s dream come true. Try the Gelato Cookie Sandwich made with chocolate chip cookies and the Salted Carmel Gelato – you won’t be disappointed.
United Dairy Farmers
Multiple locations
It’s hard to find a street corner in Greater Cincinnati that doesn’t have a United Dairy Farmers (UDF). What these gas station/convenience stores/ice cream parlors lack in ambiance, they make up for in quality. We absolutely adore UDF’s Homemade Brand Cookies n’ Cream, which boasts “more Oreo-brand cookies” than other cookies n’ cream wannabes. But, you may want to skip the scoops in favor of UDF’s shakes – they’re thick, creamy, extra-malty and delicious!
Walker Bros. Ice Cream
9425 Montgomery Ave., Montgomery
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Montgomery, Walker Bros. is like a little island getaway. Its yellow siding, tropical tunes and umbrella-covered patio make you feel like you’re on vacation at the beach! Walker Bros specializes in soft serve creations – and kids will go crazy for the Cookie Monster Sundae, which features bright blue soft serve, crumbled chocolate chip cookies and edible eyes!
Zip Dip Creamy Dip
4050 Drew Ave., Cincinnati
In business since 1950, Zip Dip is the unofficial Whippy Dip of the West Side! Stay and enjoy your soft serve in the picturesque patio area, featuring cozy tables and even a porch swing. If we had to recommend just one treat, it would be the Turtle Sundae, which is piled high with whipped cream and toasted pecans.
We recommend testing each and every one of these local spots before summer’s end. (You know, for research and all.) Be sure to share your favorites with us on Facebook (@CincinnatiParent), Twitter and Instagram (@cincyparent)!
