Graeters Ice Cream

You know, everybody talks about how good Jeni’s is here. In a sense, they’re not wrong: it is very tasty, the flavors are interesting, etc. However, Graeter’s is to my mind a superior option. It’s a local option, the ice cream is extremely well made and you can really taste that, it’s located all over Columbus, and it’s cheaper than Jeni’s.

There’s not much more that can be said about the ice cream — absolutely incredible! Coconut chocolate chip is currently my favorite, but you can’t go wrong! I’ve worked with this location several times on custom sundae bars and they have always accommodated! Twice other arrangements have fallen through and I came to them at the last minute, but they came through for me both times. You do, of course, have to deal with the Graeters price, but it’s always well worth it!

Good old fashion ice cream. Good gourmet quality ice cream without the pretentiousness of some of those other ice cream shops.

My wife, who lived in Ohio as a kid, raves about this ice cream chain that is only available in Ohio (as far as we know). So iur kids and I had to try it, and we were quite pleased with the selection and deliciousness. The service was quick and friendly, and the prices were about what you’d expect from a quality ice cream joint (this ain’t freak in Dairy Queen y’all — it’s fine ice cream cuisine).
Anyway — five stars highly recommend!

Wow. That’s all I can say. I’m still thinking about this ice cream and considering going back to Ohio just to get it. The ice cream is so creamy, almost like frozen custard. And their flavors– oh boy they do not skimp out. If you get cookie dough or oreo, expect huge chunks of cookie dough and close to whole oreos in the ice cream. It’s a pretty fantastic experience.
I got a scoop of their famous black raspberry (it’s famous for a reason, trust me just get it) and a peanut butter chocolate ice cream with peanut butter cookie dough chunks in it. The candy in the ice cream was enough and on top of a chocolate and sprinkled covered waffle cone I stared diabetes in the eye. It was a heavenly experience. I’d maybe suggest skipping out on the chocolate covered waffle cone if you’re getting something with chocolate chunks in it because the chunks can get pretty huge but hey the more the merrier.

They have the best mint chocolate chip ice cream. The chocolate chips are amazing! Definitely recommend!

Where do I begin? Just start with the smell when you first enter a Graeter’s parlors if they are making fresh waffle cones. Then there is helpful staff that always has a fast hand with samples. And then there is the ice cream itself.
Greaters is the densest, richest, creamiest ice cream I have ever had. It is amazing, just don’t ever look at the nutrition information, because it is not amazing for you. But you know what, It is Ice Cream, DEAL WITH IT! And I haven’t even mentioned the «chips», which sometimes fall into the category of huge chunks of confectioners quality chocolate. If I am able to pick my last bite of food on this earth, I take Graeters Double Chocolate Chip. This place has been an institution for generations and it should never be passed up.
My fiancée and I will likely argue over whether Graeter’s or Mitchell’s Ice Cream of Cleveland is the best ice cream in Ohio «till death do us part», but we will enjoy every tasty debate along the way. No offense to Jeni’s lovers, but the scoops of deliciousness are simply too small and expensive to contend with the other 2 heavyweights of Ohio Ice Cream.

I know Jeni’s is the princess of ice cream in Columbus, but Graeter’s has a place in my heart (and belly) too. They are a solid option for a more traditional ice cream snack. They have some fun flavors, but if you just want good, traditional ice cream, this is your place. My favorite is the mocha chip ice cream. Their «chips» are like mouthfuls of chocolate bars. They are huge! The service is generally friendly and they can crank people out during a hot Friday or Saturday night.
I personally like that they have treats for your hot pooch too and that you can sit on the patio with your pet and feed them along with stuffing your own face!

I’m a huge Graeter’s fan and have been since I moved to Columbus so many years ago. In my opinion, nothing beats their black raspberry chocolate chip, and I use the term chip loosely, because you’ll either wind up with a chip or half a chocolate bar. I used to eat a pint of Graeter’s ice cream every other day at the end of my senior year of high school, and I don’t know how I didn’t blow up.
Most of their flavors are pretty tasty, and my girlfriend loves the mint chocolate chip (too bad it’s not still green). They also have plenty of seasonal flavors like pumpkin and peppermint stick that are super tasty. It’s really hard for me to pass up on the chocolate dipped waffle cones; they’re just too good, and it deceptively forces me to get an extra scoop.
This particular location is the closest to my house, and the people working there are all very friendly and are willing to let you try all of the flavors they have there. There’s also some outdoor seating which is great in the Summer time, and some of the other locations don’t have this. Also, they serve gelato now, which is a little healthier alternative to the classic flavors.
Obviously when people talk about Columbus and ice cream, their minds have been trained to think of Jeni’s, but mine will always go to Graeter’s (even though it’s not technically local).

I absolutely love graeter’s ice cream, so they get 5 stars in that regard. I would recommend the cookie dough and black raspberry for those that have not been.
The reason I’m bumping this particular branch to a 4 is because of the coffee situation. I just started working in the area, and I drink LOTS of coffee. I’ve become somewhat of a regular and the some of the guys that open the shop (I am their first customer of the day) make a pretty interesting pot of coffee, and I think as I go in more it will improve. So be wary of the coffee and enjoy that darn good ice cream.

What more do I have to say than the fact that it’s Graeter’s? Already, their ice cream is some of the best that I’ve ever had, and they’re very open to giving out free samples as well. I didn’t even have to bring it up myself — one of the servers straight-​up asked me if I wanted to try any of their flavors, which I did. Many, many flavors.
I also like that they have pre-​designed ice cream sundaes, but you can go for build-​your-​own if none of those options suit you. However, I will say that if you get their 1870 Tower, your taste buds will be ice-​screaming for more. Graeter’s black raspberry chip ice cream is completely on point, and while I’d default to a coffee-​flavored ice cream at almost any other store, I insist on getting the black raspberry chip when I come to Graeter’s because it’s THAT good. It’s even worth the ridiculous price of about $ 4 for a single scoop.
They also have three low-​glycemic option, which surprisingly are just as tasty as their regular versions, but you don’t feel as guilty because there’s not as much sugar in it.

Ohio is really lucky… we have so many options for really good ice cream. Luckily for me I have a Jeni’s one mile south of me, and a Graeter’s one mile north of me. I like Jeni’s for more interesting flavors, but when I want some good olé regular ice cream or a sundae, you cannot beat Graeter’s!
Since their pints are easily available in grocery stores and not super expensive, I buy those a lot. Usually my go-​to pint is chocolate chip cookie dough. No one makes a better cookie dough ice cream than Graeter’s. Ben & Jerry’s who? Don’t worry B&J, I still like you too :) It’s not uncommon to find a chunk of chocolate in their ice cream the size of your palm. I’m pretty sure it’s under their rules when packing ice cream that there must be at least 1 – 2 palm size chunks in every container. The palm size chocolate chunk is not even an exaggeration.
The Buckeye Sundae is an absolute must. Peanut butter ice cream with chocolate chunks, whipped cream, fudge sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles (or jimmies as some like to call them), and a cherry. It is my favorite ice cream treat of all time.
I typically get an ice cream sandwich or two to go now since they’ve started selling them. Two chocolate chip cookies with ice cream in between… always a great idea, but Graeter’s makes them even better! I like the Black Raspberry option for the sandwich, but they also sell vanilla and chocolate. Since they also sell some candy, might want to pick up a chocolate bar while you’re at it… they so nice and creamy!
I love the old fashioned look inside Graeter’s stores… they remind me of an ice cream parlor I used to visit in Granville as a child that has since closed.

Finally made my first trip to Graeter’s!
We went in on a rainy Tuesday night, and the line wasn’t as outrageous as I was expecting. It was pretty reasonable, in fact! We only waited maybe 5 – 10 minutes for our ice cream.
I got the waffle cone special with black cherry chocolate chip and cookie dough chocolate chip. It was really yummy! My boyfriend got the buckeye blitz. He said it was good, but he didn’t love the brownie.
Something that I found really noteworthy was that the place was packed, and everyone in the store, with the exception of us and maybe 2 other people, was between the ages of 13 and 18. I don’t have (much of) anything against teenagers, but I was surprised to be completely surrounded by them! Everyone behind us in line? Teenager. Everyone in front of us in line? Teenager. Everyone seated? Teenager. Everyone behind the counter? Teenager.
It was really good, but if I’m going to have a tummy ache (because seriously, I don’t need to be eating ice cream) I think I’d rather have a Jeni’s-induced tummy ache.

When I was driving through Columbus I went to whole foods to buy lunch and noticed Graeters across the street. Ice cream is one of my favorite foods so I had to stop by. I tried a few samples and settled on peach which had peach chunks it and strawberry chip. Both were good although not the best ice cream I’ve eaten. I thought it was a little pricey ($ 4.25 for 2 scoops).

My friends told me to come here.
My boss told me to come here.
Freakin’ OPRAH called me up (not really) and told me to come here.
All for this Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream that everyone treats like it’s some drug.
Well baby, I came.
And I tried.
And I liked it. Mmmmmm…
That signature dish + the Buckeye Blitz was made for perfection. You are quite the Midwestern summer charm Graeter’s, and I’ll be back for more.

Best ice cream in Ohio! They let you try every flavor, no judgment.
Also, their ice cream is made with actual cream, churned and packed by hand, and using 100% dark chocolate chips in their authentic french pot process. Delicious!
Of course, the most popular flavor is Black Raspberry Chip. If you are in the mood for something even more decadent, splurge on the «1870’s Tower» or a Banana Split Sundae– and you can choose any 2+ ice cream flavors you want.
Truly helpful and kind staff, they offer a rewards system for loyal customers, and of course, amazing ice cream.

One of the smaller locations in Columbus, the Lane Avenue /​UA /​Campus Graeters is increasingly tucked away behind larger and newer businesses, but keeps on rocking the same quality ice cream and friendly service.
The folks there are not trying to compete with Jeni’s, but they offer a lot of well rounded, classic styles, and some great sundaes and cones. (Chocolate dipped pretzel cones. Really. Yes. You need that. Yes you do.)
It seems like this shop has become a pretty major teen hangout in UA — the last couple of visits there’s been a large crowd of under 18s — but that’s not so bad. Just be prepared for the sound of much texting to go with your 1870 tower. :)

Would be a five star ice cream parlor but for the lack of decent parking. The Lane Avenue retail strip this place is near has a hotel, a mall, a restaurant, a Whole Foods, residential areas, and a stupidly redone parallel parking/​one lane of traffic in each direction layout. Drive at your own risk.
Inside, a fairly tame, run of the mill ice cream store — cooler with take away pints, cakes, and chipwiches… metal backed chairs and small tables. Outside, a large brick patio area for good weather days.
The draw, though, is the fantastic Cincinnati brand Graeter’s ice cream. Raspberry chocolate chunk had become so popular, most fine dining restaurants in Columbus serve it alongside their desserts. I’m not going to go through their flavor list… go online and check it out for seasonal specials or limited runs. Is Jeni’s better? Depends. Do you like spending ten dollars for a pint? Me neither. Graeters is a solid premium ice cream brand and this location is an excellent suburban place to buy it. Eat up.
Since the short lived Ben & Jerrys that had been on Lane Avenue folded, this is the go to ice cream place for Upper Arlington and northwest Columbus/​campus area. Get a larger size than what you’re thinking… it’s not that much more expensive, it saves you getting back in line, and you only go around this topsy turvy merry go round once.

Decent offerings, but not necessarily my style
As an ice cream lover and new resident of Columbus, I was told «Graeter’s is the best in Columbus». One thing that stands out is the chocolate chip flavors. Before ordering, ask yourself, «Do I like chocolate?». If the answer is «sort of», I’d recommend staying away from the chocolate chip flavors. The chocolate pieces are really REALLY huge chewy chunks and ice cream texture is quite hard. If you are a chocolate lover, welcome to paradise. It’s all about preferences!

After years of living near enough to pass by here on a regular basis and seeing the hoards of people collecting on the front patio during the summer, all so happy with their cups and cones and big-​ass waffles, I have finally joined the ranks of smiling Graeter’s dessert-​o-​philes.
What happened? Well, I was given a Graeter’s gift card like two years ago. I set it aside cuz, well, I don’t eat dairy, and I thought I’d give the card away to someone who did. It got shoved under a ton of stuff on a table, and it’s a good thing inanimate objects don’t need their Vitamin D because there was no sunlight hitting that thing for a good 24 months. More recently, I found it again while cleaning and, inspired, confirmed on the website that they do have sorbet.
Goodness, they do. Mango, lemon, raspberry. I had the mango. Double scoop on a cone because I was walking and thought it would be easier to eat. I was wrong about that part — you forget after not eating with a cone for 20 years how fast you need to lick to keep it from dripping and stickifying everything. That would be my only regret with this treat. If I’d had a cup, I could have savored each tangy spoonful longer.
On the other hand, I’d also forgotten how good the cone itself tastes, too.
Best news: I have enough money left over on the gift card to try the lemon and the raspberry. They will be mine. Oh yes, they will be mine.