Every December, a certain kind of errand starts showing up on Cincinnati to-do lists, right between wrapping gifts and untangling lights. It involves a pint, a scoop, or a sundae, and it usually has a peppermint twist.
One shop on the east side of the city turns that seasonal craving into a full family outing, with a play area, a bakery case, a gift shop, and hours that start before most people finish their coffee. Keep reading to find out where it is, what makes it bigger than the usual stop, and how to plan a visit that fits your holiday schedule.
A Big Scoop On Beechmont Avenue
East-side Cincinnati has a holiday tradition hiding in plain sight, and it sits at 8533 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255, in the United States. The shop is Graeter’s Ice Cream, and locals often call this branch the Cherry Grove location.
Graeter’s is a longtime ice cream parlor chain built around small-batch scoops. Signature sundaes and frozen drinks round out the menu.
What sets this particular store apart is size. It is noticeably larger than the typical Graeter’s, which gives it room for extras that many parlors simply cannot fit.
Inside, there is a kids play area, a bakery section, and a gift shop stocked with take-home treats and branded gear. Outside, a drive-thru handles the people who want their scoop without leaving the car.
The combination makes the place feel less like a quick stop and more like a small destination. Families plan birthday parties here, out-of-town relatives get brought here, and regulars treat it as their default ice cream answer.
Around the holidays, that role gets even bigger. When peppermint stick season arrives, this is one of the spots where Cincinnati lines up for it.
So the address is settled. The bigger question is why one ice cream shop has earned so much loyalty in a city with plenty of options.
Small Batches, Long Memories
Ask a Cincinnatian about ice cream and the conversation usually lands on one name before long. Graeter’s has been part of the city’s routine for generations, and its small-batch approach is a big part of the identity.
The company describes itself as a longtime parlor chain. That history shows up in how people talk about it, as a family habit rather than a novelty.
At this Beechmont store, the loyalty runs deep. Regulars describe Graeter’s as their first choice for ice cream, full stop.
The reputation also travels well beyond Ohio. Fans in North Carolina have been known to beg the brand to open stores there, settling for now on delivery and grocery-store pints from Harris Teeter.
Some guests even come from overseas. A family visiting relatives for an American Christmas once left wishing Graeter’s would open in Germany.
Part of the buzz comes from recognition. The brand has been voted the best ice cream in the United States, a title that tends to get mentioned with a certain hometown pride.
Small batches, big following, and a lot of holiday memories attached. That mix sets the stage for the season when one flavor gets extra attention.
The Peppermint Stick Pilgrimage
Cold weather does not stop Cincinnati from ordering ice cream. If anything, the holiday stretch gives people a fresh excuse.
Peppermint stick ice cream is the flavor that headlines the season for many local families. It shows up on holiday plans the same way cookies and light displays do.
Graeter’s rotates seasonal flavors throughout the year, with picks like peach and strawberry appearing in warmer months. Peppermint stick is the wintertime answer to that rotation.
That seasonal timing is part of the appeal. A flavor that is not around all year turns each scoop into a small event.
At the Beechmont store, the holiday crowd has options for how to get it. Some grab a cone inside, some take the drive-thru route, and others pick up pints from the gift shop freezer for family gatherings.
Out-of-town relatives often get looped in too. Bringing visiting family to Graeter’s during a Christmas trip is a well-worn local move.
The best plan is simple. Check the case or ask at the counter early in the season, since seasonal flavors come and go on their own schedule.
Of course, peppermint is only one chapter. The rest of the lineup has its own loyal fans.
Chunks That Steal The Spotlight
Golf ball. That is the size comparison one sundae fan used for a chunk of chocolate found inside a Graeter’s scoop.
Big chocolate pieces are the brand’s calling card. Many of the flavors come loaded with these oversized chunks rather than tiny chips.
The most famous example is black raspberry chocolate chip. Longtime fans call it the original, the one to order if you only order one.
It is a family favorite for plenty of households that come to the Beechmont store. Some people do not even bother scanning the rest of the case.
Double chocolate chip is another pick for chocolate loyalists. Banana chocolate chip and black cherry chocolate chip continue the theme with different bases.
The chunks also explain why portions can feel generous. A scoop with a few large pieces of chocolate goes a long way.
One fair heads-up comes from regulars: scoop size can depend on who is behind the counter. Two siblings ordering the same thing may get slightly different results during a busy rush.
That small quirk rarely slows anyone down. Most people are too busy hunting for the next chocolate chunk to compare cups.
A Flavor Board Built For Indecision
Pick a flavor, any flavor. That advice works at Graeter’s mostly because the list is long enough to make choosing tricky.
Beyond the chocolate chip lineup, the case covers a wide range. Vienna coffee is a regular favorite, and caramel macchiato pairs with it well for coffee fans.
Salted caramel sits on the menu for people who lean toward the sweet-and-salty side. Dark chocolate brownie appeals to the all-chocolate crowd.
Fruit fans have options too. Blueberry and cherry ice cream get mentioned often, and lemon sorbet offers a lighter pick.
Then there is the Bearcat flavor. In a city with deep ties to the University of Cincinnati, a flavor with that name has obvious hometown appeal.
Seasonal rotations add another layer. Peach and strawberry show up during their season, while peppermint stick takes the spotlight around the holidays.
Three-scoop orders are not unusual here. Mixing coffee, cherry chocolate chip, and brownie in one cup is a popular way to solve the decision problem.
With this many options, a second trip is almost guaranteed. Some people simply treat the board as a list to work through over several visits.
Sundaes Worth Sharing
Skipping dinner for dessert is not usually recommended. At Graeter’s, some people admit they wish they had done exactly that.
Sundaes are a signature item here, and the classic two-dip version is a common pick for sharing. One couple split a two-dip classic with black raspberry and chocolate chip and felt they got the equivalent of three or four scoops.
The price for that sundae landed around ten dollars. For two people, that is a pretty reasonable dessert outing.
Hot fudge is a popular topping choice. Topping portions get praise for being generous, even when scoop sizes vary a bit.
Ordering inside is often the better move for sundaes. The counter staff can build them on the spot, and there is space to sit and share.
Frozen drinks are also part of the menu, giving another way to enjoy the flavors. They work well for anyone who wants something easier to carry out.
During the holidays, a sundae built around a seasonal flavor turns a regular evening into a small celebration. It is also a smart way to try peppermint stick alongside an old favorite.
Sharing is optional, of course. Nobody is checking.
The Banana Seesaw Factor
Kids have their own name for this store. Some grandchildren call it the banana seesaw place, after the banana-shaped seesaw in the play area.
The indoor play area is one of the biggest reasons families pick this Graeter’s over others. It is small but fun, with a cute indoor slide alongside the seesaw.
That setup changes the pace of a visit. Parents can finish their scoop while kids burn off a little energy nearby.
In winter, the indoor part matters even more. Cincinnati weather in December does not always cooperate with outdoor plans, so a warm play space is a real bonus.
Grandparents seem to love it as much as the kids do. Bringing visiting grandchildren here has become a routine for some local families.
The play area also connects to a larger family-friendly feel. The store is spacious, so strollers and small groups are easier to manage than in a tight parlor.
For holiday breaks, when kids are out of school and relatives are in town, this is a handy outing. One stop covers dessert and entertainment.
Fair warning, though. Kids who visit once tend to start asking about the banana seesaw by name.
Birthday Parties With A Sundae Bar
Birthday planning gets a lot easier when the venue comes with ice cream built in. This Graeter’s offers a party room that families can reserve.
One package includes a sundae bar and drinks for the kids. The birthday child gets a birthday bear plush and a gift bag.
Access to the indoor play area is part of the deal as well. That means guests can move between the sundae bar and the slide without leaving the building.
A party coordinator helps run the event. Families have praised coordinators for being friendly, patient, and attentive to making the day go smoothly.
For a seventh birthday, this kind of setup checks a lot of boxes. Parents skip the cleanup at home, and kids get a party that feels like an outing.
The room works for winter birthdays especially well. A December or January party here avoids the weather worries of an outdoor venue.
Booking details and package options are best confirmed through the store’s page on the Graeter’s website. Spots can fill up, so planning ahead makes sense.
A holiday-season birthday with peppermint stick on the sundae bar sounds like a strong plan. Just ask about seasonal availability when you reserve.
A Bakery Behind The Scoops
First-timers are often surprised to learn there is a bakery here. It is one of those details people find out only after they walk in.
The on-site bakery adds pastries to the menu, including donuts and cream horns. It gives the store a reason to open as early as it does.
Some guests even joke about pairing donuts with a glass of milk, if only it were on tap. The idea says a lot about how the bakery fits into a full visit.
For holiday hosting, the bakery is a practical bonus. Picking up pastries and a few pints in one stop saves a second errand.
One practical tip is worth repeating. When ordering bakery items to go, a quick check of the bag before leaving can help catch any mix-ups.
The company has responded to past concerns about bakery items with apologies and promises to follow up with staff. That kind of attention suggests the bakery is meant to match the ice cream’s standard.
Morning visits are a good time to explore this side of the store. The early hours make it easy to stop by before work or holiday shopping.
Ice cream remains the main act. The bakery is simply a strong opening number.
Gifts That Come By The Pint
Holiday shopping and ice cream do not usually overlap. At this store, they share the same building.
The gift shop sells pints of ice cream to take home. That is the easiest way to bring peppermint stick to a holiday dinner or stash a favorite flavor in the freezer.
Graeter’s t-shirts are on the shelves too. Parents have picked them up for their kids as a fun souvenir of the trip.
Graeter’s candy is another option. For a stocking stuffer or a host gift, it is a hometown pick with a recognizable name.
The variety of items for sale is broad enough that some people browse even when they came only for a scoop. Others ignore it completely and head straight to the counter, which is also a valid strategy.
For out-of-state fans, these items carry extra meaning. People who cannot easily find Graeter’s at home often treat a trip here as a chance to stock up.
The gift shop makes the store useful beyond dessert. It fits neatly into a holiday errand list.
Somewhere between the shirts and the pints, a gift list tends to get shorter. That is a seasonal win.
Drive-Thru Or Dine In
Cold nights make the drive-thru tempting. Plenty of people use it, and it is one of the most talked-about features of this Graeter’s.
A drive-thru at an ice cream shop is handy during the holidays. Grabbing a cone or pint on the way home from shopping takes only a few minutes.
Still, many fans recommend going inside when time allows. Ordering at the counter makes it easier to see the case, ask about seasonal flavors, and customize a sundae.
The speaker box can be tricky during busy stretches. Speaking clearly and checking the order at the window helps keep things on track.
Staff here are mostly high school and college students. Many are described as sweet, friendly, and efficient, while experiences can vary on rushed evenings.
Patience goes a long way during peak times. Holiday evenings and weekends tend to draw crowds, especially later in the day.
Inside or out, the menu stays the same. The choice mostly depends on whether the play area, bakery, or gift shop is part of the plan.
For families with kids, the answer usually picks itself. The banana seesaw is not visible from the drive-thru lane.
Hours Built For Early Birds And Night Owls
Ice cream at 7 AM is technically possible here. The store opens early Tuesday through Saturday, mostly thanks to the bakery side.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday hours run from 7 AM to 10 PM. Friday and Saturday stretch later, from 7 AM to 11 PM.
Sunday opens a bit later, at 9 AM, and closes at 10 PM. Monday has the latest start, opening at 11 AM and closing at 10 PM.
That schedule gives a lot of flexibility during the holidays. Morning pastry runs, afternoon play dates, and late-night scoops all fit.
Friday and Saturday nights are good for after-dinner trips. The extra hour helps when holiday events run long.
Price-wise, a two-dip classic sundae has come in around ten dollars. Single scoops and pints will vary, so checking at the counter is the safest bet.
The store page on the Graeter’s website lists this location under Cherry Grove. It is worth a quick look before visiting, since holiday hours can shift.
Plan around Monday mornings, and everything else is fair game. Early birds get pastries, and night owls get the last scoops.
Why The Holiday Tradition Sticks
Traditions tend to last when they are easy to repeat. This Graeter’s makes the holiday ice cream run about as easy as it gets.
The store is spacious, the play area keeps kids busy, and the bakery and gift shop handle a few extra errands. The drive-thru covers the nights when getting out of the car feels like too much.
Then there is the ice cream itself. Small batches, big chocolate chunks, and a deep flavor list give everyone a reason to come back.
Peppermint stick adds a seasonal deadline. Because it is a holiday flavor, families make a point of getting it while it lasts.
Not every visit is flawless, and scoop sizes or busy-night service can vary. Most people still leave planning the next trip.
Out-of-town relatives get brought here, kids name it after a seesaw, and birthdays get booked in the party room. That is how a shop becomes part of a city’s calendar.
For anyone mapping out holiday plans on Cincinnati’s east side, this stop belongs on the list. Grab a cone, a pint, or a sundae, and let the tradition do its thing.
Peppermint season comes once a year. The habit, once started, usually sticks around much longer.
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