Over the past week, I went to five different ice cream shops in and near Solon. All were good in their own ways, but all had their downsides. I ranked the shops based on three criteria: the overall taste of the ice cream, how the staff treated me and how the atmosphere was, in specific, the design of the place and the environment itself. To make this an unbiased ranking, I got cookies and cream flavored ice cream at every place I went. Without further ado, here are my top five ice cream shops in and around Solon.

5. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (Menchie’s)

Menchie’s is not exactly ice cream, but it is a fun self-serve frozen yogurt shop. An aspect I like about Menchie’s is the self-serve idea. This lets the customer choose which flavors they want and how much actual yogurt they want. The froyo itself was good, but it had kind of an artificial taste, considering it is not actually cookies and cream, just flavored that way. The atmosphere was joyful, there was popular hip hop music playing. The staff was friendly, greeting me as I walked in with a smile, and making sure I had whatever I wanted at my disposal. The interior was welcoming, the design with bright yellow and red walls and a chalkboard for anyone to draw on. One thing that some people might not like is that Menchie’s changes up their flavors a lot, which is not a problem for me, but might be for some who love the seasonal flavors. While Menchie’s comes in last on my list because the frozen yogurt itself was just average, it is still a fun place to go for a quick dessert.

4. Honey Hut Ice Cream (Honey Hut)

Honey Hut is located off of Miles Road and is open almost all year, but is closed right now. Honey Hut will open up again in April, so make sure to stop by when it reopens! What I like about Honey Hut is the wide variety of toppings you can choose from to put on your ice cream, like sprinkles, cookie bits, hot fudge, whipped cream and much more; all at a not so expensive cost. Honey Hut gives me more of a summer feeling, probably because it’s closed in the Winter. The staff is very caring and on top of everything and anything you need. The atmosphere is more quiet which is not something I personally like, I prefer a friendly and louder environment. The ice cream is soft and creamy, chunky cookie bits and vanilla ice cream that make it an above average experience. The interior is fun, with an interactive map that shows all the places where a little Honey Hut logo has been, with pins and pictures of places all over the country. The portions they give you are very generous. Even though Honey Hut comes in fourth, it is still a yummy dessert shop.

3. Graeter’s Ice Cream (Graeter’s)

Graeter’s has a new location, off of Harvard Road in the Pinecrest shopping center. Graeter’s is a small establishment, but the taste makes up for it, with good, creamy, rich ice cream and a welcoming staff that makes me feel happy and cared for. I was greeted right when I walked in by a staff member with a smile on their face.The interior makes me feel at home due to the little candy bar they have located in the shop, with chocolates and different types of delicious candies. The location of it gives it a little advantage; new and busy Pinecrest ensures plenty of customers to this parlor and the atmosphere was very warming and joyful. But, the reason I have this place as third is that even though I said the ice cream is good, it does not stack up to the other two places in front of it. Nonetheless, Graeter’s is still a good go to ice cream parlor.

2. Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop

The Popcorn Shop is in Chagrin Falls, hence the name of the store, and it has a lot of history. First established in 1875, the Popcorn Shop brings in plenty of customers due to the location and taste of the ice cream. Chagrin Falls is a little town that is always busy with office buildings, different restaurants and a variety of shops.  The staff is also very easy going and fun to talk to, giving good vibes all around. The shop itself is very small and has an old fashioned look to it, so most people will take their ice cream to go and walk around Chagrin Falls. The ice cream is just as great as the surrounding. While portions are small, each bite packs a cold and creamy taste, it’s very smooth yet has nice cookie chunks into it that makes up for the portions. The Popcorn Shop is definitely a place to go.

1. Mitchell’s Ice Cream

Mitchell’s is a classic. It’s been in Solon for a long time. Rarely do you see an empty Mitchell’s store, especially the one in Solon. Their ice cream is superb, the cookies and cream is very soft, and one bite into it shows how fresh the ice cream is. Also, having chocolate cookie chunks in it makes it even better. The staff consists of mostly easygoing teenagers who make sure you receive top notch service. The atmosphere is great – since it is a big hotspot in Solon you will always see people you know, whether they’re working there or not. Earlier in 2018, Mitchell’s went through a remodel and now it looks very new, with a more modern, open and classy look to it. Even with the long lines and crowded areas, Mitchell’s is an extremely friendly environment, the ice cream is homemade and delicious, and you will rarely have a bad experience. Mitchell’s does an overall great job, which is why I have it ranked as number one.