Ranking the 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in Cincinnati

It’s no secret that Cincinnati has an amazing variety of ice cream shops sprinkled throughout the city. From big chain shops like Graeter’s Ice Cream to homegrown places like Aglamesis Bro’s, the Queen City has it all.

Since it’s so hard to recommend just one single place to grab a cone, we decided to rank the top 10 ice cream shops in Cincinnati. The list below highlights the name and location of each shop along with why each one is so great.

The 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in Cincinnati

10. The Li’l Goodie Shoppe

Location: 7120 Eagle Creek Rd (Miamitown)

If this list was ranked according to best name, The Li’l Goodie Shoppe might have received the top spot. But despite not being number one on our list, it’s still an excellent place to stop and grab a cone, shake, malt, or sundae.

Look no further than the shop’s mission statement to find out why it’s loved by so many:

Pappy started with a dream and an insatiable desire to sell soft serve. In 1982, Bob and Bette Anderson opened the first ice cream store with a dream and not much else. They turned that dream into a future and 3 generations later, we still can’t get enough of that sweet, creamy stuff. Our desire is to honor those beginnings with continued hard work, cleanliness and the best soft serve around. Our story is only able to come alive thanks to the customers we serve every season. We also call you family. Thank you!

9. Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar

Location: 7840 Hamilton Ave (Mt. Healthy)

Coming in at number 9 on the list is Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar, which has a little bit of everything – cones, flurries, slushies, sundaes, and more. The portions are generous and the flavors are rich. You’ll be hard pressed to find another shop that has as much outdoor seating as this one, so be sure to grab a cone and enjoy it on one of the many wooden benches outside.

8. Simply Rolled Ice Cream

Location: 32 W 12th St (Over-the-Rhine)

Next up on our list is Simply Rolled Ice Cream from Over-the-Rhine. From toasted marshmallow to caramel pretzel, this shop has a massive variety of flavors and toppings, which helps explain why it’s such a favorite among locals.

What really sets this shop apart, though, is the fact that they make rolls of icecream, which they serve in cups and dishes.

As explained on their site:

Simply Rolled Ice Cream got its inspiration from the street vendors of Thailand and began in 2016 at pop-up events across Ohio. We offer made-to-order ice cream rolls, which is both fun to watch and delicious to eat. Our ice cream is the freshest you can get. It has never been frozen until it transforms from a liquid to beautiful ice cream rolls right before your eyes!

7. Mt. Washington Creamy Whip

Location: 2069 Beechmont Ave (Mt. Washington)

Number 7 on our list is Mt. Washington Creamy Whip. It may be a small shop, but it packs a punch. Whether you’re looking for a cone, a slushie, or some freshly made cookies, this place has something sugary and delicious for the whole family.

The old-timey atmosphere of the store invites customers in and encourages them to sit and stay a while. Be sure to check out all of the historic photos posted along the walls as you enjoy your cone.

6. Pendleton Parlor

Location: 1218 Broadway St (Over-the-Rhine)

Next up on the list is Pendleton Parlor, a tiny shop located in OTR that’s worth visiting for the interior decorations alone. From edible cookie dough to shakes and malts, this shop has a variety of delicious treats to choose from.

Check out the video below, which features owner Nick Ganim, to understand the history behind how the shop started along with a brief tour of the shop itself.

5. Dojo Gelato

Location: 137 Elder St (Over-the-Rhine)

Number 5 on the list is Dojo Gelato, an Italian-style ice cream shop located in Findlay Market. This place is famous for their smoothy, creamy gelato that locals love. When you stop by, be sure to try their famous Vietnamese Coffee flavor.

Here’s what makes Dojo Gelato so unique, according to their site:

According to the traditional definition, a dojo is a space where individuals practice a process in the pursuit of excellence. Daily in our kitchen Dojo Gelato handcrafts, from scratch, fresh gelati and sorbetti. Since opening our first cafe location in 2009, our mission has been to create for you the most distinctive Italian-style ice creams and coffees you can experience. You can visit Dojo Gelato at our Findlay Market or Northside locations, along with our roaming gelato truck and carts throughout the Tri-State area. 

4. Graeter’s Ice Cream

Location: Various locations all around the Cincinnati area

This list would not be complete without mentioning Graeter’s Ice Cream, which has various locations all throughout the Cincinnati area. From cones to shakes, sundaes, and malts, Graeter’s offers a little bit of everything with a wide variety of flavors and toppings.

Their rich, creamy ice cream happens to match their rich history: In 1868 a young Louis Graeter moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to sell ice cream at neighborhood street markets. In the 150 years since then, Graeter’s grew to become a well-known chain throughout southwest Ohio and continues to be one of the most popular places to stop and get a cone throughout the city to this day.

3. Hello Honey

Location: 633 Vine Street (Downtown)

Coming in at number 3 on the list is Hello Honey, a shop that has been making homemade ice cream and other desserts from scratch in the heart of downtown Cincy since 2012. The shop itself might be plain and simple, but the quality of their ice cream is out of this world.

The menu offers exotic flavors such as thai coconut milk along with more traditional flavors like plain vanilla and chocolate. If you happen to be in the downtown area, be sure to stop at this gem for a cone or a dish. You won’t be disappointed!