Where to Find the Best Ice Cream in Cleveland

Last updated: October 2026

For the best ice cream in Cleveland, look for shops making it in small batches on site rather than scooping it from a distributor. Battr makes house-made gelato at both of its shops — Tremont (910 Literary Rd) and Lakewood (15000 Detroit Ave) — and serves it on its own, tucked into a warm Hong Kong–style bubble waffle, folded into a crepe, or blended into a gelato shake. Gelato is churned slower and served a little warmer than standard ice cream, so it's denser and the flavor reads stronger. Battr stays open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, later than most dessert counters in the city. Whether you're in Tremont after dinner or on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, you can get a fresh scoop most evenings of the week.

What's the difference between gelato and ice cream?

Gelato has less air whipped into it and usually less butterfat than American-style ice cream, and it's served a few degrees warmer. The result is a denser scoop that melts sooner on the tongue, so the flavor comes through more directly. It's the same idea as ice cream, made with a different ratio and technique.

Where can you get house-made gelato in Cleveland?

Battr makes its gelato in-house for both locations. The Tremont shop sits on Literary Road, a short drive south of downtown; the Lakewood shop is on Detroit Avenue, about 15 minutes west. You can order a cup, a waffle cone, or a scoop set into a warm bubble waffle made from Battr's own batter. Check the gelato menu for current flavors.

Where can you get ice cream late at night in Cleveland?

Late-night dessert options in Cleveland thin out after 10 p.m. Battr runs until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at both shops. On weeknights, Lakewood is open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Tremont until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday (Tremont is closed Mondays). That makes it a reliable stop after a show at Playhouse Square, a game downtown, or a west-side dinner.

What should you order with your gelato?

• Bubble waffle — a warm Hong Kong–style waffle with a scoop pressed into the center.
• Gelato shake — a milkshake made with Battr's own gelato. See espresso and shakes.
• Crepe — a crepe wrapped around gelato and fruit.

Is there ice cream near downtown Cleveland?

Yes. Battr's Tremont location is roughly two miles south of downtown, five to ten minutes by car, which makes it the closest of the two shops for anyone staying or working downtown. The Lakewood location covers the west side.

Frequently asked questions

Does Battr make milkshakes?
Yes. Battr's gelato shakes are milkshakes made with its own house-made gelato, available at both locations.

Is gelato healthier than ice cream?
Gelato usually has less butterfat than American ice cream but similar sugar, so it's lighter in fat, not calorie-free. The bigger difference is texture and flavor intensity.

Where is Battr located in Cleveland?
Tremont at 910 Literary Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113, and Lakewood at 15000 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.

See the menu, or find hours for Tremont and Lakewood.