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Indulge in the Best: 14 Must-Visit Ice Cream Places in Columbus, Ohio

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If you’re a fan of ice cream, then you’ll definitely want to visit Columbus, Ohio.. and if you already live here, then add these to your list! The city is home to some of the best ice cream places around, each offering their own unique flavors and experiences. Scroll down to see some of the must-visit ice cream places in Columbus.

I should mention that some of these were sourced from Instagram! We started chatting all things ice cream on our stories and boy oh boy did everyone have opinions.

Take a look and let us know what we should add as a must-try ice cream spot in Columbus.

Handel’s Ice Cream

Handel’s Ice Cream Handel’s has been an Ohio favorite for over 75 years. They hail from Youngstown, Ohio but have two locations here in Columbus – one in Hilliard and one in Powell. They offer a wide variety of flavors made fresh daily. Some of their most popular flavors include Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie, and Salty Caramel Truffle.

Website: https://handelsicecream.com

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Image Courtesy of Megan Rivers / Eat Play Cbus

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a Columbus-based ice cream shop that has gained national recognition for its unique and inventive flavors. Using high-quality ingredients, their ice cream is made with milk from grass-fed cows and has no synthetic flavorings or dyes. Some of their most popular flavors include Brambleberry Crisp, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, and Brown Butter Almond Brittle. They also offer dairy-free and vegan options, as well as ice cream sandwiches and pints to go. Plus, they have a summer location at the Columbus Commons!

Website: https://jenis.com

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Johnson’s Real Ice Cream

Johnson’s has been a staple in the Columbus community since 1950. They use only the freshest ingredients to create their handcrafted ice cream flavors. Some of their most popular flavors include Buckeye Fever, Oreo Cookie, and Salted Caramel.

Website: https://johnsonsrealicecream.com

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Graeter’s Ice Cream

Greeters has been serving up delicious ice cream since 1982 using a unique French Pot Process. They have a wide variety of flavors, including seasonal flavors like Pumpkin, Eggnog, and Strawberry Chocolate Chip. They also offer vegan and sugar-free options. Some of their most notable flavors are the Black Raspberry Chip (my favorite) and Buckeye Blitz.

Website: https://www.graeters.com

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Young girl with an ice cream sundae on the table in front of her.

Little Ladies of Soft Serve

Little Ladies is a unique ice cream shop that offers soft serve ice cream in fun, Instagram-worthy cones. They also have a rotating selection of pre-made sundaes or DIY versions with creative ingredients like brown butter graham cracker crumble and crushed potato chips. They started as a food truck popping up in neighborhoods across Columbus and now they have a store front location in Westerville.

Website: https://littleladiessoftserve.com/

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Whit’s Frozen Custard

Whit’s is a frozen custard shop that has locations in 9 states! They have several franchised spots here in Central Ohio including Westerville and Delaware. You can get scoops of Whit’s Frozen Custard or indulge in one of their Whistlers or Whittie’s on your visit. They offer a rotating variety of flavors so you can always find something new to try.

Website: https://whitscustard.com

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The Dairy Hut

The Dairy Hut is a beloved ice cream shop located in Pataskala, Ohio, just a short drive from Columbus. Since 1952, they have been serving up delicious soft serve ice cream in a variety of flavors, as well as classic sundaes and milkshakes. With its retro feel and friendly staff, The Dairy Hut is a great place to bring the whole family for a sweet treat. Some of their most popular flavors include Buckeye Blitz, Mint Oreo, and Butter Pecan.

Website: https://www.dairy-hut.com

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Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream

Dell’s Ice Cream has been a Columbus staple since 1947, serving up homemade ice cream in a variety of classic and unique flavors. Using only the freshest ingredients, Dell’s offers over 40 flavors of ice cream, including popular choices like Butter Pecan and Mint Chocolate Chip, as well as unique creations like Maple Bacon and Blueberry Lemon Yogurt. They also offer coffee AND have a drive thru!

Website: https://dellsicecream.com/

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Mona’s Eats & Treats

Mona’s Eats and Treats is a family-owned and operated ice cream shop located in Grove City, Ohio. They offer a variety of classic and unique flavors to choose from that the whole family will enjoy like Rainbow Sherbet and Buckeye Fever. In addition to ice cream, they also serve hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Mona’s is a great spot to enjoy a sweet treat with friends and family.

Website: https://monaseatsandtreats.com/

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Ritzy’s

Ritzy’s is a retro-style ice cream parlor located in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1981, closing for 30 years and then reopening in 2018, Ritzy’s is a local institution, serving up handcrafted ice cream made from the freshest ingredients. They offer a variety of flavors, including Marshmallow Moon and Cookie Butter, as well as classic favorites like Chocolate and Vanilla. In addition to ice cream, they also offer delightful burgers, hot dogs, and other diner-style fare. With its nostalgic decor and friendly staff, Ritzy’s is a great spot to enjoy a sweet treat and step back in time.

Website: https://www.ritzys.com/

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Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a national chain that has been serving up delicious frozen treats since 1984. They specialize in Italian ice, which is a smooth and refreshing frozen dessert made from real fruit. In addition to Italian ice, they also offer frozen custard, which is a creamy and rich frozen dessert made from egg yolks, milk, and sugar. You can also get a gelati that mixes both of these treats together – DELICIOUS. They have several locations throughout Columbus, Ohio, and offer a variety of flavors, including Cherry Lemonade, Ocean Splash, and Mint Oreo. I LIVED here when I was pregnant with Olivia, it’s a favorite in our household.

Website: https://www.ritasice.com/

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Culver’s

Culver’s is a national chain that specializes in frozen custard and butterburgers. They have several locations throughout Columbus, Ohio, including one in Powell that’s a must-visit, especially if you’re near the zoo. Their frozen custard is rich, creamy, and made fresh daily, and they offer a variety of rotating flavors, including Mint Oreo and Caramel Cashew. Their butterburgers are made with fresh, never frozen beef, and they also offer sandwiches, salads, and sides. They also have some of the best cheese curds around town.

Website: https://www.culvers.com/

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Dairy Depot

The Dairy Depot is a classic ice cream shop located in Delaware, Ohio, that has been serving up delicious soft-serve ice cream since 1953. They offer a variety of flavors and fun sundaes that the whole family will love. The Dairy Depot has a retro feel and is only open for the summer season so be sure to visit with your crew this year.

Website: N/A

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Image Courtesy of Megan Rivers / Eat Play Cbus

Sticky Fingers Ice Cream Parlor

Sticky Fingers Ice Cream Parlor is a family-owned and operated ice cream parlor that now has two locations – one in Kilbourne and the original in Galena. They offer a variety of delicious and unique flavors like Play Doh and Birthday Cake. In addition to ice cream, they also offer ice cream cakes, milkshakes, and coffee drinks. They are also famous for their ice cream flights, a great way to try a variety of flavors and share with your friends and family.

Website: https://www.stickyfingersicecreamparlor.com

Social Pages:

Image Courtesy of Megan Rivers / Eat Play Cbus

In conclusion, Columbus, Ohio is a great place to indulge in some delicious ice cream. From classic flavors to unique, handcrafted creations, there’s something for everyone in Columbus. Be sure to visit these must-visit ice cream places and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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