🍦 Cleveland’s Ultimate Ice Cream Guide: 25 Must-Visit Spots

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop with the joke of the day:

Joke: Why did Cleveland bring a ladder to its birthday party?

Answer: Because it wanted to reach new heights in 229 years! 🎉🎂

Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends (copy URL here)​

We love our summers – the cookouts, fireworks, baseball, drinks and dinner on a patio, the sunsets. But is there anything that defines the season like ice cream?

Northeast Ohio has countless classic stands, nostalgic parlors and inventive creameries that can turn any summer day into an instant treat. Some churn out unique flavors. Others double as sentimental journeys into old-time Americana.

And as you’re licking the cream as it melts on the cone, they remind us that the joys of summer are fleeting – and that the season won’t last forever.

So, enjoy it during National Ice Cream Month with 25 of our favorite spots (down below in the 216 Rundown).

On July 22, 1796, General Moses Cleaveland landed at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River and declared this spot the capital of the Connecticut Western Reserve. He didn’t stick around long — just a few months — but he left his name and laid out what we now know as Public Square.

Fast-forward 229 years, and the city he founded is a hub of culture, grit and comeback stories.

A walking tour to celebrate the birthday? Step onto the spot in Cleveland’s Flats where Moses and his survey party arrived: Settler’s Landing, now a park on the East Bank of the Flats.

A walk toward the lake on the East Bank takes you through bars, restaurants and warehouses (like the Frank Morrison & Son building, one of the oldest buildings in downtown Cleveland).

Crossing the river and walking north on the West Bank takes you through entertainment and industrial areas and chapters of Cleveland history.

Worth the steps – and easier than making a cake for 229 candles

The Takashi Murakami exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art is the blockbuster of the summer – which makes the timing just right for the Studio Ghibli 2025 Festival.

Since 1985, Studio Ghibli has led animation on a fantastic voyage full of magical images, adorable creatures and compelling stories that pique hearts and minds of children and adults alike.

One of those is Murakami, who cites its leader and legendary director Hayao Miyazaki as one of his biggest influences – visually and thematically. The Japanese studio has cranked out 25 films, including “Prince Mononoke,” “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.”  

The annual festival celebrates Ghibli’s iconic films and opens with ‘My Neighbor Totoro” – through Wednesday in area theaters. It will continue to feature movies monthly through November. Festival info.

Support glowing skin, stronger hair, flexible joints, and gut health with BioTRUST's Ageless Multi-Collagen—a premium blend of 5 collagen types from 4 natural food sources, including grass-fed beef, wild fish, chicken, and eggshell membrane.

🛒 Secure yours now—up to 51% OFF + 3 FREE bonuses!

👉 Look & feel ageless with BioTRUST’s trusted collagen today!

Cibik's Dairy Island: The greenery and island décor are charming. The toppings are wild. And the vibe is classic as this Chagrin Falls stand turns 50. Info.

Malley's North Olmsted: Willy Wonka didn't have a carousel to sit in while eating his treats. This place boasts one, along with murals, mirrors, a circus vibe and killer sundaes. BTW: The parlor in Lakewood also rules. Info.

Mason’s Creamery: The Ohio City is creative with flavors – but the tongue makes the final decision. Yes, says the tongue… Ugandan Vanilla and the Green Tea. Info.

Zero Zest: Actually, this spot is full of zest and flair. The soft serve list and the toppings are eclectic. Bonus: Dogs love the cream… smart, doggies. Info.

Country Maid Ice Cream: Opened in 1948, the Richfield parlor looks like an old movie… Homemade ice cream with fruit that is homegrown in its orchards. Info.

Bulldog Ice Cream: The Old Brooklyn stand goes all-out with shakes and soft serve…  Too much of a good thing is just fine here. Info.

Mitchell’s Ice Cream: So many flavors, including some doozies, like Dark Roast Coffee. Have you ever seen so many tongues wagging and licking away in Ohio City? Info.

Rosati's: This roadside spot feels like some old movie. The custard comes in various flavors. The “Higbee’s Chocolate Malted” is stellar. Info.

Cooper's Twist and Shake: An Eastlake institution stocked with parfaits, sundaes and style – and the A-frame building feels like a cabin in the wilderness. Info.

CP Cooler’s: The penguin motif is cool, and the menu is diverse in Willowick – with cones, flurries and ice cream sandwiches that bring a sweet chill to summer. Info.

Mount Granita Italian Ice: Once a sidewalk cart, it now draws crowds to its Little Italy storefront for creamy granita made with fresh fruit and no artificial flavors. Info.

Mr. T's Wonderfreeze: I pity the fool that hasn't been to Mr. T's… Two dozen soft serves, luxurious sundaes and innovative shakes at this Oakwood icon. Info.

Cool and Hot Zone: Feels like a county fair. So many summer treats and, yes, flavors of ice cream. Great waffle cones. A banana split on the picnic tables hits the spot. Info.

East Coast Original Frozen Custard: The flashing sign and old-style setup establish the retro milieu of its Parma Heights location. Its custard is timeless and super-thick. Info.

Doc's Shake Shoppe: The Parma mainstay keeps rolling out new flavors, slushies, shakes, sundaes and floats. And it’s been going for 55 years, so do the math. Info.

Falls Ice Cream: Located in an old train depot in Olmsted Falls, it churns out colorful flavors that are easy on the eye and stomach. Info.

Pinecone Ice Cream: Looks like an enchanted forest… wooden swings, striking flowers, deer statues. Plus 25 ice creams, milkshakes, twisters and malts. Info.

Rosso Gelato: This Little Italy spot is serious about its sorbetto and gelato and turns both into wonderful, colorful works of art. Viva, Roma! Info.

Weber's: The Fairview Park legend serves the thickest malt anywhere -- and uses the same recipe and machinery of the ORIGINAL Frosted Malt. Info.

Daisy's: The Slavic Village icon has been going for 40-plus years. Lots of savory offerings, but the scoops still rule. The Oreo My God milkshake -- tasty and indulgent. Info.

Foster's: Open since 1947, the Willoughby Hills stand looks like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life. Check out the strawberry sorbet and the butter pecan. (No website.)

Honey Hut: The Hut (various locations) takes you back to the department store that served “The Original May Co. Malt.” Love this malt, love that buzzing-bee sign. Info.

Dairy King: This South Euclid stand serves all kinds of treats: soft serves, parfaits, sundaes, cookie ice cream sandwiches, even doggie ice cream. Info.

Apple Cart: Summer's here and the time is right for ice cream at this near East Side gem. Soft serve, shake and swirls at bargain prices. (No website.)

Dariview: A slice of vintage Americana in Fairview Park – and the frozen yogurt, shortcakes, banana splits and toppings hit the spot on a lazy summer day. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

The 1907 opening of the Scenic Railway roller coaster. It was one of the most popular rides in its heyday at the legendary Euclid Beach amusement park.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoop_216 on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

77 🌡️ 63 | 🌤️ | 10% | 💨 Light breeze

81 🌡️ 67 | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 Light breeze

86 🌡️ 76 | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 Light breeze

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Home vs. Orioles, 06:40pm Monday

Home vs. Orioles, 06:40pm Tuesday

Home vs. Orioles, 06:40pm Wednesday

Thanks for reading The 216 Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s seen all the local Cleveland bands play live.

Watch this quick video (start at 0:50) to see how easy it is to add our app to your home screen!