Cincinnati loves ice cream and that love can be found all over the city in the form of classic creamy whips. Perhaps you call them "whippy dips" or even "dairy bars" but they all have a few things in common: they start with soft serve ice cream, they ooze character, and they have a strong local following. In fact, fans of each of these 18 creamy whips would likely argue their case until they are as blue in the face as one of the infamous blue ice cream cones! If you're up for the challenge - and we think you are - get trekking on this epic creamy whip trail throughout Cincinnati that will sweeten your summer!
1. Zip Dip - 4050 Drew Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45248
We'll start our trail on the westside because, frankly, westsiders have a thing for soft serve. Zip Dip is a fan favorite and tops many lists as the best soft serve in the area. Its creamy creations are the perfect summer treat!
2. Lil' Goodie Shop - 7120 Eagle Creek Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45247
Another westside favorite, the Lil' Goodie Shop is located at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Eagle Creek. There's plenty of space to sit and enjoy or you can try out the drive-thru if you're on the go. Be on the lookout for their rotating special flavors, like the famous blue (blueberry) ice cream and Dole pineapple!
3. Putz's Creamy Whip - 2673 Putz Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45211
If you take an unofficial poll of the absolute best creamy whip in Cincinnati, Putz's is a likely frontrunner. It's iconic, delicious, and the variety of the menu means you can try something new each time you visit... which should really be every day during the summer.
4. Gold Top - 2810 Blue Rock Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45239
You can't miss the infamous yellow pyramid-shaped roof just off Colerain Avenue. You'll love the longtime favorites like the Fancy Nancy, or try something new like this Frozen Caramel Latte!
5. Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar - 7840 Hamilton Ave. Mount Healthy, OH 45231
Mt. Healthy Dairy Bar is a neighborhood tradition that continues from generation to generation. The cones are perfectly swirled and their specialties - like the Snowman - are fan favorites.
6. The Ice Box Dairy Bar - 4141 OH-128 Cleves, OH 45002
Compared to the other westside creamy whips on this list, The Ice Box is the new kid on the block. Located in Cleves, it deserves a visit for their fresh toppings, drive-thru option, and awesome patio area that also occasionally offers bounce houses for the kids!
7. Cone Zone - 4101 Harrison Ave. Cheviot, OH 45211
In the heart of Cheviot, Cone Zone is the ultimate walk-up soft serve destination. Like other westside favorites, it's simple and unassuming, but also happens to serve unbelievable ice cream. Be sure to ask about their Flavorburst cones!
8. Flub's - 981 Eaton Ave. Hamilton, OH 45013
Head to Hamilton for our next delicious destination! There's no better spot than Flub's Dari-ette. From simple cones to elaborate creations, it's a summer tradition that we all hope will be around for years to come.
9. The Dip - 1680 Gelhot Dr. Fairfield, OH 45014
Over in Fairfield, locals love The Dip. Grab a cone and enjoy it on the patio, or try one of the kid favorites with silly faces and decorations!
10. The Cone - 6855 Tylersville Rd. West Chester, OH 45069
Luckily for those of you living north of Cincinnati, there are plenty of tasty options for you! One of the most popular has to be The Cone in West Chester. You can't miss the iconic cone building, and you also can't go wrong with anything on their menu.
11. Twist Ice Cream Company - 7813 Bethany Rd. Liberty Township, OH 45044
In Liberty Township, you'll feel right at home at Twist - a neighborhood favorite that literally feels like you're at your neighbor's house! Their patio is perfect for enjoying any one of their sweet treats.
12. Whipty-Do - 2529 US Rt. 22 Maineville, OH 45039
While you're up north, you should swing by Whipty-Do in Maineville. This charming spot (with an even more charming name) is rumored to have even better blue ice cream than the nearby amusement park we all know and love.
13. Tucker's Whippy Dip - 127 East Main Street Mason, OH 45040
Mason has its own claim to soft serve fame with Tucker's Whippy Dip. It's fun to eat these adorable creations and they taste great too!
14. Loveland Dairy Whip - 611 W. Loveland Ave. Loveland, OH 45140
Loveland loves ice cream and the proof is the popularity of the Loveland Dairy Whip. Go often and try everything, but definitely don't miss the cake batter ice cream!
15. Mt. Washington Creamy Whip & Bakery - 2069 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45230
If you want your ice cream with a BIG dose of character, head east to Mt. Washington Creamy Whip & Bakery. You can enjoy delicious soft serve, bakery items, coffee, and other treats at this adorable location.
16. Old Milford Parlor - 119 Main St. Milford, OH 45150
The classic ice cream parlor certainly has the charm of a creamy whip at this Milford destination. Cool off with a sweet cone of soft serve and energize with a cup of coffee.
17. Dairy Corner - 3501 Main St. Newtown, OH 45244
Historic Newtown gets in on the action with Dairy Corner. This traditional walk-up creamy whip has fun creations and tasty sweet splurges.
18. Silver Grove Dari Bar - 5178 Mary Ingles HwySilver Grove, KY 41085
We wrap up our trail south of the river in Silver Grove, at the infamous Dari Bar. It's everything a creamy whip should be - tasty, inexpensive, walk-up, and memorable.
If we listed every amazing creamy whip in Cincinnati, this list would be a mile long. If we missed your favorite, let us know! We'll never pass up the chance to taste test a new creamy whip! Share your top spot with us in the comments! Keep in mind that many of these locations are seasonal, so you better hit this tasty trail sooner rather than later!
For another epic food trail around Cincinnati, check out our picks for the best tacos in the area here.
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