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National Ice Cream Day: Elk + Elk Partners Share Their Favorites

We asked Elk + Elk’s Partners to name their favorite Ohio ice cream spot in honor of National Ice Cream Day. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, each partner had a unique and delightful recommendation, showcasing the diverse and delicious ice cream offerings across the state. Each shop has its own twist on the frozen treats we love, from creamy frozen custard to refreshing sherbet and everything in between.

Where will you be celebrating National Ice Cream Day?

Cibik’s Dairy Island  |  Chagrin Falls, OH

Arthur Elk’s pick.

 

Dairy Island has been serving up homemade ice cream, frozen custards and dole whip since 1976. A family-owned and operated shop that prides itself in offering the finest quality products available. Many consider their frozen custard as one of the best soft serves available.

Founding Partner Art Elk, a major chocoholic, likes to get the old-fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae with Chocolate Ice Cream. He says, “the soft serve is creamy and perfect!”

 


Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams  |  Chagrin Falls, OH

David Elk’s pick.

 

Jeni’s was built from the ground up in Columbus, Ohio, in 2002. The Chagrin Falls shop was opened in 2011 and is the first scoop shop outside of central Ohio. What makes Jeni’s so special is that they use the highest quality ingredients that are absent of synthetic flavor or dye.

Senior Partner David Elk says Jeni’s has “great ice cream!” He likes to order their Root-Beer Float with the delicious Vanilla Ice Cream. Dave likes to bring his grandchildren to get ice cream, watch the falls, and then go across the street to feed the ducks.

 


Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream  |  Ohio City, Cleveland, OH

Jay Kelley’s pick.

 

Mitchell’s Ice Cream offers hand-crafted ice cream made with organic and fair-trade ingredients. Its Ohio City flagship features a private room, production kitchen, and, of course, the ice cream shop. With over 20 flavors on the menu, you’ll be sure to find something tasty.

Managing Partner Jay Kelley loves the simplicity of Mitchell’s chocolate chip ice cream. The creamy, rich texture of the vanilla base, combined with the delightful crunch of perfectly sized chocolate chips, makes it his go-to treat. He loves it so much that he’s even known to keep a secret stash in the office freezer.

 


Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream |  Ohio City, Cleveland, OH

John O’Neil’s pick.

 

As you can see, Mitchell’s is a favorite of the Elk + Elk partners.

Partner John O’Neil likes to get dinner at one of the many restaurants on W. 25th St., and then head over to Mitchell’s for dessert. His favorite ice cream is the coffee chocolate chunk ice cream.

 


Honey Hut | Old Brooklyn, OH

Phillip Kuri’s pick.

 

Honey Hut, “Cleveland’s favorite ice cream since 1974,” has a nice local feel and unique honey-sweetened ice cream. They have 13 regular flavors to choose from and rotating special flavors every two weeks at each of their five locations. Honey Hut has been a family-owned and operated business for over 40 years.

Partner Phil Kuri loves their Banana Ice Cream. According to him, it’s the perfect stop after a hot day walking around the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (less than a 5-minute drive!)

Learn more about Honey Hut!


Pop Culture CLE | Solon, OH

Marilena DiSilvio’s pick.

 

Pop Culture CLE, a woman-owned and inspired business, began selling at events and has just recently opened up a retail “pop shop” in Solon. The shop boasts over 20 different flavors of hand-crafted ice pops and many other delicious treats.

Partner Marilena DiSilvio stated these are the “best popsicles in the land!” She loves that many of this local business’s ingredients are sourced right here in the Cleveland area. However, Marilena had a difficult time choosing a favorite pop. For her, it’s a toss-up between the Watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade (pictured) flavors.

Learn more about Pop Culture CLE.


Graeter’s | Cincinnati, OH

Craig McLaughlin’s pick.

 

Graeter’s Ice Cream started by selling ice cream on the streets of Cincinnati in 1870. They have a unique process of making their ice cream 2 1/2 gallons at a time in french pots. Five generations later, they are still using french pots and remain a family-owned and operated company with many shops nationwide.

Partner Craig McLaughlin‘s usual order is the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. He says there’s nothing better on a warm summer night. Craig’s favorite shop is actually right down the road from our Cincinnati office!

Learn more about Graeter’s.

Where will you be celebrating National Ice Cream Day? Tell us in the comments!