We’re frequent visitors to the Cleveland area to hang out with Alyssa’s family. It’s probably not what comes to mind when you think of top tourist destinations, but it’s a vibrant area with great food, fun shopping, really friendly people and (most importantly) delicious ice cream. Here are three amazing ice cream shops in Northeast Ohio that are definitely worth a detour if you find yourself in the area.
We selected establishments that make their own ice creams, try to use local ingredients, and have great in-store experiences. There’s something for everyone on this list, and there are dozens of other small, local ice cream shops in the area. Leave a comment and tell us about your favorite Northeast Ohio ice cream spots!
Best Gourmet Ice Cream: Cowhaus Creamery (Oberlin)
Cowhaus Creamery is probably our favorite ice cream in all of America right now. (You heard us! But we still love the Bi-Rites, Humphry Slocombes and Salt & Straws.) The flavors are creative without being weird, and inventive without being so just for the sake of making a crazy ice cream combination. They’re balanced, nuanced, and always absolutely delicious. Cowhaus rotates their flavors often, so don’t get too attached. But one of the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable employees will be happy to help you find another favorite in their latest seasonal assortment made from locally sourced dairy, fruit, and baked goods. They also have options for the less daring that are just as fantastic as their gourmet flavors.
Cowhaus carries shakes, malts, floats, and what they call “The World’s Smallest Sundae,” for those who are craving a sundae without the commitment.
Alyssa’s favorite flavors: I really love cardamom, so the Caramelized Honey & Cardamom flavor is at the top of my list. But you have to love cardamom to enjoy it. Like, really, really love it. Their Strawberry Shortbread ice cream is my favorite when I’m feelin’ something a little fruitier. Strawberry preserves, strawberry ice cream and Little Devil Cupcakery’s shortbread (from my hometown of Lorain!) come together to make summer in a cone.
Carla’s favorite flavors: No lie, I’d brave TEN flights back to Cleveland to get my hands on their Salt & ‘Scotch, the most delicious version of a salted caramel I’ve ever had. The secret seems to be that the ice cream itself is salted with sea salt and then joined with a ridiculously creamy butterscotch sauce. Another delight: the Righteous Rootbeer which tastes just like the a creamy root beer float.
Best Sundae: Sweet Moses Soda Fountain and Treat Shop (Gordon Square and at Progressive Field in Cleveland)
Walking into Sweet Moses feels like stepping back in time. They feature a gorgeous, vintage space with high ceilings, a marble soda fountain, wrought iron chairs and antique details.
Feel free to get distracted by the candies, chocolates, sauces and cookies in the front of the store, but don’t lose sight of your real purpose: the Mount Carmel Sundae. We’re not sure why we never thought to put pistachios on a sundae, but the combination of nutty green pistachios and Sweet Moses’s homemade salted caramel sauce over creamy vanilla ice cream is a revelation. It’s a non-negotiable stop for Carla on her annual Cleveland trip, and we’ve stopped pretending that we’re going to share and just each order our own now. You can find Sweet Moses at Progressive Field (the Cleveland Indian’s ballpark) with a limited menu, but their Gordon Square location is worth a special trip.
Best Classic Ice Cream: Mitchell’s Ice Cream (8 locations in the Cleveland area)
A local favorite, Mitchell’s has grown to 8 locations in Northeast Ohio. Their ice cream shops scoop about two dozen flavors, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
The Ohio City spot doubles as their kitchen, with glass walls and an overhead view so you can watch them turn local produce into creamy treats.
Alyssa’s favorite flavors: I love Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk or Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, depending on which I’m craving more: chocolate or peanut butter. This classic combination is done perfectly at Mitchell’s.
Their Cookies & Cream is flawless as well.
Carla’s favorite flavors: I’m a sucker for Key Lime Pie- complete with a graham cracker accent!
Thank you so much for such high praise! We are so happy you enjoyed your visit at Cowhaus Creamery! It was wonderful to meet you two, and Mom! Let us know when you are planning your next trip home and we will be sure to have our Caramelized Honey and Cardamom in stock! Love all the photos, too!
LOVE Cowhaus! Stop for a treat whenever we ate in Oberlin (often). Take home hand packed containers to stock the freezer between visits.
Best story – We hosted a Belgian waffle brunch over the holidays. The 4 different Cowhaus ice cream flavors were the favorite toppings!
That sounds like the BEST BRUNCH EVER. You’re so nice to share your cowhaus with other people 😉