After a too-short visit to my parents and celebrating my sister’s birthday (happy birthday, Gabbie!), we’re off on the second leg of our trip. Philly, here we come!
While I’m enjoying the long car ride to Pennsylvania, you can enjoy this guest post from Bite Buff with her list of Cleveland ice cream shops. Have a double scoop for me!
Hello! I’m Katrina, and I share my Cleveland dining adventures over at Bite Buff (www.bitebuff.com). I’m thrilled to be guest posting over here today.
With the warmer weather trying to peek through here in Cleveland recently, I’m already thinking ahead to summer and ice cold treats. I’m not much a “sweets” kinda gal, but my boyfriend (fondly referred to as “R”) has a serious sweet tooth. He considers himself a connoisseur of ice cream, which I don’t think is possible since he inhales it all so quickly. For this post, I wanted to share some of our spots to grab an ice cream cone this summer:
Located on Kenilworth Avenue, in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, this gourmet shop focuses on all-natural and organic product. They feature unusual and creative flavors like Maple Bacon French Toast, Wasabi Ginger, Brown Butter with Lavender Brittle, Cap’N Crunch, and Grapefruit Sorbet. “R’s” personally favorite is the Carrot with Cream Cheese and Coconut Swirl. It reminds him of carrot cake.
In the same neighborhood as Churned, but totally different ice cream. Under new ownership this spring, the ice cream shop has had an overhaul, with new branding and a new ice cream distributor. Located on Professor Avenue, the signature wire ice cream cone still stands on the sidewalk outside.
This shop is highlighting classic flavors and traditional treats. The hard ice cream is so soft and creamy, that I was immediately a fan. Don’t forget to try other treats like chocolate-covered cheesecake and homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches!
3. Honey Hut
Open for business since 1974, Honey Hut now has six locations (Brecksville, Cleveland, Parma, Edgewater Beach, Solon, and Brunswick). The look and feel of the locations are very nostalgic, and the portions can be HUGE— particularly any of the sundaes. “R’s” favorite is the Strawberry Shortcake from the Special Treats section of the menu. It comes in a tin, it’s so big. Honey Hut is full of classic cone flavors, shakes and malts, and soda and floats.
4. Sweet Moses Soda Fountain and Treat Shop
In the heart of the Gordon Square Arts District, this Cleveland gem is like a time machine. Their homemade ice cream and treats are served up from behind an authentic soda fountain. Classic recipes bring you ice cream and confections “the way they were meant to be.” My personal favorite is the Brownie Sundae, but don’t miss other treats like ice cream floats, malts and shakes, pharmacy-era soda fountain drinks, popcorn, homemade pies, or treats from the candy case. It’s like taking a walk back in time. They also have late hours, so it’s a perfect after-dinner stop.
My personal favorite! I grew up as a soft-serve kinda kid, so this soft and whipped frozen custard is exactly what I like. Down to just one location in Northfield Center (by Great Northern Mall), it has a rotating Special Flavor Calendar. Here’s a hint- Don’t miss the Drumstik!
6. East Coast Original Frozen Custard
They opened the first location in Parma Heights in 1985, and it still gives you that classic feel with big neon signs, colorful menu boards, and young kids behind the counter.
Now they have five locations, to give you a taste of the “good old days” (Fairview Park, Lyndhurst, Mentor, Painesville, and Parma Heights). Make sure to check their Flavor Calendar to see what’s being offered that day before heading out. “R” loves all ice cream, so he’s not a good judge, but I just don’t care for East Coast as much as Rosati’s.
7. Sweetie Fry
Located in Cleveland Heights, this hand-crafted ice cream shop offers something that no one else does— fries, and several different versions. This combination of menu options may sound odd, but it is oh so good! They feature some classic, but more inventive and modern flavors of ice cream. They, too, have late night hours if you have a craving or want to stop in for a treat after dinner.
Well, this certainly isn’t a full list of the ice cream shops around town. I considered including Jeni’s, but they are in a whole league of their own (don’t miss the Brambleberry Crisp this summer!). I hope that you enjoyed my post, and that you’ll share any locations that I missed in the comments. Bring on the good weather permanently, Cleveland!
Thank you to Amanda for allowing me to guest post over here today. It’s been fun, and I hope that you’ll follow my dining adventures over on my blog. I’m always up to something good. 
- Katrina
