Graeter's Ice Cream Introduce
Graeter's Ice Cream is a name that resonates with generations of Ohioans. A beloved Cincinnati institution since 1870, this family-owned company has built a legacy on its commitment to quality, a tradition that continues to this day. Unlike most modern ice cream manufacturers, Graeter's has stubbornly held onto its unique, small-batch process, known as the French Pot method. This traditional technique, producing just 2.5 gallons at a time, is the secret behind the exceptionally dense, rich, and creamy texture that has made their ice cream a local legend.
This article focuses on the Graeter's location in the Northgate area of Cincinnati, a popular destination for locals and a perfect example of the brand's enduring appeal. While Graeter's has expanded its presence with dozens of retail locations across the Midwest and even sells its pints in grocery stores nationwide, the experience of visiting a local shop remains special. The friendly atmosphere and the chance to see a wide variety of flavors and treats in person are part of what makes it a community favorite.
With a history spanning over 150 years, Graeter's has woven itself into the fabric of Cincinnati life. What began as a small business with a single cart operated by Louis C. Graeter has grown into an iconic brand. It was Louis's wife, Regina, who truly established the company's foundation after his passing, ensuring the French Pot method and high-quality standards would be maintained. Today, the fourth generation of the Graeter family continues to uphold that same commitment to tradition and excellence, a dedication that’s evident in every scoop. From its humble origins to its status as a nationwide favorite, the story of Graeter's is a testament to the power of tradition and quality craftsmanship.
The Graeter's Ice Cream shop is conveniently located at 9356 Colerain Avenue in Cincinnati, making it an easily accessible spot for residents in the Northgate area and surrounding communities. Situated in a bustling part of the city, the shop is a familiar landmark for those living on the northwest side of Cincinnati. Its location on a major thoroughfare means it's simple to get to by car, with ample parking available for customers. This makes it an ideal stop for a quick treat on the way home from work, a family outing after a game, or a dessert run with friends. The accessibility of this location contributes to its role as a neighborhood hub, where people can easily gather to enjoy a sweet moment together.
Graeter's offers much more than just ice cream, providing a full range of handcrafted treats and baked goods to satisfy any craving.
The services offered include:
Handcrafted Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
The core of the Graeter's experience is, of course, the ice cream. Made with the French Pot process, the menu features a rotating selection of classic, seasonal, and signature flavors. Many of these flavors are available in scoops, cones, sundaes, milkshakes, and pints to take home.
Ice Cream Cakes and Pies
Perfect for birthdays and other special occasions, Graeter's creates beautiful and delicious custom ice cream cakes and pies, available for pre-order or as grab-and-go options.
Bakery Items
In addition to ice cream, the shop offers a variety of fresh-baked goods. From cookies and brownies to pastries, these items can be enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream for a decadent treat.
Chocolate Candies
Graeter's also features a selection of its famous handmade candies. These artisanal chocolates, including their signature chocolate chips, are a popular choice for gifts or a small indulgence.
Catering and Events
Graeter's provides catering services for events of all sizes, offering a unique and memorable way to serve dessert at parties, corporate gatherings, and celebrations. This includes ice cream carts and a variety of dessert packages.
What makes Graeter's so special goes beyond its rich history and delicious products. Several key features and highlights contribute to its reputation and popularity among local patrons.
The features and highlights include:
The Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip
This is arguably the most famous and beloved flavor at Graeter's. Made with black raspberries from Oregon’s Willamette Valley and huge chunks of their signature bittersweet chocolate, it's a must-try for both newcomers and longtime fans. The generous, hand-cut chocolate chunks are a defining characteristic, and a reviewer's enthusiastic praise for the flavor highlights its widespread appeal. The reviewer specifically mentioned this flavor in a waffle cone, and expressed no complaints, which speaks to its consistent quality and deliciousness.
The French Pot Process
Graeter's is the last ice cream company in the world to use this old-world method. The process results in a very low-air, dense product that is incredibly creamy and full of flavor. The unique, high-butterfat content of the ice cream also contributes to its super-premium texture.
Clean and Welcoming Atmosphere
The Northgate location has a reputation for being a clean, organized, and welcoming establishment. A recent customer review praised the "clean, organized, friendly" environment, noting a significant improvement in the quality of the store and its displays. The review highlights how the staff's "warm smiles" and positive attitudes create a pleasant experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Friendly and Professional Staff
The staff at the Northgate location is consistently noted for their excellent service. A recent customer review specifically mentioned the service was "10/10" and appreciated being "greeted by the warm smiles of workers/associates." This emphasis on customer service ensures a positive and enjoyable visit every time, making it a great place for families to frequent.
For those in the Northgate area or passing through Cincinnati, the Graeter's Ice Cream shop is easy to find.
Contact Information:
Address: 9356 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45251, USA
Phone: (513) 385-5045
For Cincinnati locals, Graeter's is more than just a place to get ice cream; it's an important part of the community and a source of local pride. The Northgate location, in particular, is a perfect example of this. Its convenient location and reputation for quality and friendly service make it an ideal spot for a variety of occasions. Whether you're celebrating a special event with a custom cake, grabbing a pint for a cozy night in, or simply stopping by for a scoop of your favorite flavor, this shop offers a consistently excellent experience. The positive feedback from locals about the clean, welcoming environment and friendly staff shows that the Northgate location is a well-managed and cherished part of the neighborhood. The fact that a customer who had previously avoided the location for a while now feels it's "safe to come back" highlights a commitment to improvement and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction.
Graeter's success lies in its dedication to tradition, its delicious, high-quality products, and its ability to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone. It's a place where families can make memories and friends can catch up over a sweet treat. For residents of Cincinnati and the wider Ohio region, Graeter's Ice Cream is a taste of home—a little scoop of history, quality, and community all in one waffle cone.
Graeter's Ice Cream Food & drink
Menu
- Turtle Sundae US$6.75
Hot fudge, pecans, and butterscotch over Vanilla Bean ice cream.
- Cookie Monster US$7.75
Cookie Dough and Cookies & Cream ice creams, hot fudge and chocolate sprinkles
- Double Classic Sundae US$7.75
Includes one topping, whipped cream and a cherry with two scoops
- Traditional Classic Sundae US$6.75
Includes one topping, whipped cream and a cherry
- Double Scoop Waffle Cone US$7.25
Cones/Dishes
- Medium Milkshake 20oz US$7.00
Frozen Drinks
- Frozen Drinks US$7.00
Frozen Drinks
- Pints US$6.99
Freezer Cling
- Double Scoop Dish US$6.25
Cones/Dishes
- Single Scoop Waffle Cone US$5.75
Cones/Dishes
- Traditional Dish US$5.25
Cones/Dishes
- Big Scoops US$4.75
4.5oz cups ice cream available in these flavors: Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip Double Chocolate Chip Mint Chocolate Chip Madagascar Vanilla Bean
- Ice Cream Cakes US$34.95
We take one of our freshly baked yellow or chocolate 8" round cakes and slice it through the middle. In between, we place over one pound of irresistible Graeter's ice cream. We finish it off with a layer of homemade topping and surround the sides ...
- Ice Cream Pies US$34.95
Our pies are made with a 9-inch chocolate graham cookie crust filled with nearly two pounds of our ice cream, capped with one of our homemade toppings and trimmed with a gourmet blend frosting. All cakes and pies will comfortably serve 10-12 people.
- 56 oz US$19.99
56 oz. ice cream
- Chip Wheelies US$4.75
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Kid's Sundae US$5.75
- Major League Sundae US$6.75
Featured
- 1870 Tower US$7.25
Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream, chocolate bundt cake, hot fudge, fresh whipped cream, pecans and a cherry
- Brownie Sundae US$7.25
Featured
- Banana Split US$8.00
Featured
- Large Double Dip Soda 24 oz US$6.50
Frozen Drinks
- Medium Double Dip Soda 20oz US$6.00
Frozen Drinks
- Large Milkshake 24oz US$7.50
Frozen Drinks
- Small Milkshake 16oz US$6.50
Frozen Drinks
- Specialty Sundae US$6.75
Sundaes
- Single Scoop Sugar Cone US$4.75
Cones/Dishes
- Double Scoop Sugar Cone US$6.25
Cones/Dishes
- Double Scoop Sprinkle Deluxe US$8.00
Cones/Dishes
- Single Scoop Sprinkle Deluxe US$6.50
Cones/Dishes
- Double Scoop Chocolate Dip US$7.75
Cones/Dishes
- Double Scoop Choc Dipped Waffle Cone US$7.75
Cones/Dishes
- Single Scoop Specialty Choc Dip US$6.25
Cones/Dishes
- Extra Scoop US$1.50
Cones/Dishes
Graeter's Ice Cream Details
From the business
- Identifies as veteran-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- In-store pick-up
- In-store shopping
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Table service
Amenities
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Graeter's Ice Cream Photos










Graeter's Ice Cream Location
Graeter's Ice Cream
9356 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45251, USA
Graeter's Ice Cream Reviews
chocolate chipconeflavorssundaebirthdaydonutsice cream cakepeanut buttercoffee cakebakery
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Service was 10/10. Really appreciated walking into this establishment and being greeted by the warm smiles of workers/assiocates. I got the black raspberry chocolate chip in a waffle cone. It was pretty good. No complaints!
April 15 · George BoldenSO MUCH NICER! We came back to this location after avoiding it for a while. The place had deteriorated due to poor management. Luckily, the manager was moved to Over-The-Rhine location! Too bad for them, but great for us! So clean, organized, friendly, beautiful displays and properly stocked! If you have avoided this location in the past year due to the diminishing quality, it is safe to come back now. You will have a great experience! You will probably need to avoid the Over-The-Rhine location now though.
January 24 · Aldeheide SchultzThe staff were friendly and quick. Good service. The ice cream is always delicious. Try the Midnight Snack.
January 29 · James YoungAlways amazing ice cream
February 11 · Jean ShankweilerGraeter's ice cream is always awesome, but their pastries are excellent as well. Try the cheese crowns before they sell out, and don't overlook the almond tea ring.
December 31 · Rob D
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