I scream, You scream, We all scream for ice cream!
Okay, so maybe we don’t scream for it (we are adults, after all) but we can certainly be excited about it. Living in Columbus, we have so many amazing ice cream options that you could eat a different flavor and style every day of the month and never repeat an option.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on the hunt for international treats like paletas or a classic cone of soft serve. If you want it, you can find it. Here are the best places in Columbus to grab a scoop.
Graeter’s Ice Cream

Location: Various locations
Treat to try: Nothing says summer like a scoop or two of Graeter’s Banana Chocolate Chip ice cream. This flavor is only available for a limited time, so double-check with your local shop before you head out.
More info: Graeter’s Ice Cream
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream

Location: Various locations
Treat to try: Go classic at Johnson’s and get yourself an ice cream sundae. You can get one, two, or three scoops of ice cream topped with whipped cream, nuts or sprinkles, and a cherry on top.
More info: Johnson’s Real Ice Cream
Double Happy
Location: 1280 Brown Rd, Columbus, OH 43223
Treat to try: I’m a sucker for soft serve and no one serves it up quite like Double Happy. But I’d also feel bad for not mentioning their milkshakes. You could just get both and really lean into the concept of doubling your happiness.
More info: Double Happy
Diamonds Ice Cream

Location: 5461 Bethel Sawmill Center, Columbus, OH 43235
Treat to try: Stop what you’re doing right now and go grab Paleta from Diamonds. Any flavor you want. I promise you won’t regret it.
More info: Diamonds Ice Cream
S’wich Social
Location: 869 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Treat to try: The beauty of S’wich Social is that you can create the ice cream sandwich of your dreams. You can choose your cookies, your ice cream, and even your toppings.
More info: S’wich Social
Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream

Location: 1947 Hard Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Treat to try: If you want to truly step outside your “chocolate-vanilla-strawberry” comfort zone, please go to Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream. The international flavors are off the charts and the Malai Kulfi flavor is the stuff dreams are made of.
More info: Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Location: Various locations
Treat to try: My personal favorite from Jeni’s is one scoop Middle West Whiskey & Pecans and one scoop Milkiest Chocolate.
More info: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory

Location: 1127 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Treat to try: I know I’ve already suggested paletas once on this list, but let’s get real: fruity, creamy popsicles will always be something I recommend.
More info: Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory
Hilltop Dairy Twist
Location: 2860 Sullivant Ave, Columbus OH 43204
Treat to try: Get your two favorite flavors of delicious soft serve ice cream twisted together! My personal suggestion? Peach mango!
More info: Hilltop Dairy Twist
Whit’s Frozen Custard

Location: 3339 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Treat to try: I know what you’re thinking. “Chelsea, how could you? Whit’s is frozen custard, not ice cream!” Technically, you’re right. But Whit’s is SO good that I just couldn’t not include it. If you aren’t sold on frozen custard, order the Buckeye Madness Whitser. It’s vanilla custard with Reese’s Cup, chocolate syrup, and peanut butter and it’s SO. FREAKIN’. DELICIOUS.
More info: Whit’s Frozen Custard
Mona’s Eats & Treats
Location: 4362 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
Treat to try: I like to keep things simple (and slightly nostalgic) at Mona’s Eats & Treats and go for a classic chocolate dipped cone. You really can’t go wrong.
More info: Mona’s Eats & Treats
Simply Rolled

Location: 968 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Treat to try: Swiss Roll. It’s exactly what you’re imagining and it’s amazing.
More info: Simply Rolled