I enjoy writing these “comparison” reviews because no matter which one I choose, I’m bound to make someone mad. I like ice cream, but I’ve never been adventurous with ice cream like some others are. What I mean is that I usually stick to vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream, and I don’t stray too far from those. Call me boring, but I’m scared to try “lavender” ice cream because that doesn’t sound super appetizing. Despite this, I have a bit of expertise in the dairy-treat industry as a former Orange Leaf employee. However, that place is frozen yogurt and it sucks in all aspects. Both Graeter’s and Jeni’s Ice Cream are Ohio-native and have great ice cream.
Graeter’s Ice Cream was founded in Cincinnati all the way back in 1870 by Louis Charles Graeter. Still family-owned and operated, Graeter’s has been passed down through five generations of Graeters while maintaining their original “French pot” method. French pot ice cream is created through a process where ingredients are slowly hand-spun in specially created freezers, creating a “dense and pliable” ice cream. Graeter’s remains one of the only large-scale ice cream makers to use this old-fashioned method. Their closest location to the high school is at 1534 W Lane Avenue.
Jeni’s was founded in 2002 here in Columbus by Jeni Britton. Known for their unique flavors, Jeni’s began after Britton, an art student at the time, was experimenting with cayenne and chocolate ice cream. Jeni’s first opened in the North Market but soon expanded to a separate location in 2005. For years, Britton herself worked the counter and continued experimentation with flavors, leading to signature tastes like Salty Caramel, Wildberry Lavender, and Brambleberry Crisp. Their closest location to the high school is at 1281 Grandview Ave.
I went to both Graeter’s and Jeni’s on the same day. I went to bed with an upset stomach. Not from bad ice cream–on the contrary, I’ve never had a harder decision than this one. Graeter’s most popular flavor is their Black Raspberry Chip, which is an interesting combination that I am not actually a huge fan of. I’ve never been too big a fan of hard, solid things in ice cream. Despite that, I absolutely love their cookies and cream, which doesn’t make much sense because huge Oreos are in it. Their vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, and butter pecan are my favorites. They also have great sorbets in lemon and raspberry. Its proximity to the high school adds to its repertoire. Additionally, almost all of their flavors can be turned into milkshakes; they make it with the ice cream itself in front of you so you get a thick and tasteful milkshake.
With Jeni’s, it’s a bit of a waste to go there and be picky with the flavors because they are known for their adventurous and fun flavors. I tried the Fluffernutter Pie flavor, which is roasted peanut butter and vanilla marshmallow ice cream layered with oat pie crust pieces. I chose that over Gooey Butter Cake and the popular Brambleberry Crisp. I don’t know if Jeni herself is coming up with the names, but they’re great, and I love them. I also love how Jeni’s locations look. In addition to the Grandview location, I’ve been to one of their High Street locations, and they all look and feel cozy. They’re usually smaller in size and have those nice little fairy lights. The Grandview location is also located in a great area near other little restaurants and a vintage arcade. On the other hand, Graeter’s on Bethel has an indoor playground. So you’ve got a tough choice to make. I walked out of Jeni’s on a brisk evening, lost in thought about which place to choose.
I’ve never had a harder choice; with my other comparisons, it’s almost like I know which one I’m gonna choose before I choose it. But because of my slight pickiness and my habit of choosing simple, uncomplicated flavors, Graeter’s is my winner. Jeni’s is wonderful and I’m sure Jeni Britton is a fantastic woman, but the old Louis Charles Graeter made some good ice cream. Graeter’s is Ali Approved.
