There’s something about ice cream that brings people together.
Whether it’s celebrating after a baseball game, grabbing dessert after dinner, or taking a walk on a warm summer evening, stopping for ice cream has become a tradition for many families in Lewis Center.
As the community has continued to grow, so have the dessert options. From rich frozen custard to handcrafted ice cream and authentic gelato, Lewis Center has something for every sweet tooth.
If you’re searching for the best ice cream in Lewis Center, Ohio, here are the local spots you won’t want to miss.
1. Johnson’s Real Ice Cream
One of the newest additions to Lewis Center is also one of Central Ohio’s most iconic ice cream brands.
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream has been making homemade ice cream for generations, and its Evans Farm location has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors. The shop offers dozens of classic and seasonal flavors, along with sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and fresh waffle cones.
One of the best parts about visiting this location is what comes after dessert. Evans Farm is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Central Ohio, making it the perfect place to grab a cone and take an evening stroll through the community.
If it’s your first visit, don’t be afraid to ask for a sample or two—choosing just one flavor can be the hardest part.
2. Whit’s Frozen Custard
Few dessert shops have built as loyal of a following in Lewis Center as Whit’s Frozen Custard.
Unlike traditional ice cream, frozen custard is made fresh throughout the day and contains egg yolks, creating a smoother, richer texture that keeps customers coming back.
Whit’s is especially known for its rotating “Flavor of the Day,” meaning every visit offers something a little different. Their signature “Whitsers” combine frozen custard with your choice of mix-ins, creating endless combinations.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic vanilla, chocolate, or one of their seasonal specialties, Whit’s has become a summertime staple for many Lewis Center families.
3. Gelatolicious
Looking for something a little different?
Gelatolicious specializes in authentic Italian gelato, offering a dessert that’s denser, smoother, and packed with flavor.
Instead of overwhelming you with dozens of choices, the focus here is on high-quality ingredients and carefully crafted flavors. Popular options often include pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, mango, strawberry, and rotating seasonal creations.
If you’ve never experienced true gelato before, this is a great place to start.
What Makes Lewis Center a Great Place for Dessert?
One thing that makes Lewis Center unique is that dessert often becomes part of a larger evening.
Many residents will:
- Grab ice cream after dinner.
- Walk around Evans Farm.
- Stop by Highbanks Metro Park before sunset.
- Take the family for a drive through the neighborhoods.
- Meet friends after a round of golf.
- Celebrate birthdays or special occasions with a sweet treat.
It’s those simple traditions that help make the community feel like home.
Ice Cream vs. Frozen Custard vs. Gelato
Not all frozen desserts are the same.
Ice Cream
Traditional ice cream contains more air, giving it a lighter texture and making it perfect for scoops, sundaes, and milkshakes.
Frozen Custard
Frozen custard contains egg yolks and is churned differently, creating a creamier, richer consistency with a smooth finish.
Gelato
Italian gelato uses less air and typically less butterfat, allowing the flavors to become more concentrated while maintaining an incredibly silky texture.
Each offers a completely different experience, and Lewis Center is fortunate to have all three.
Best Places to Take the Family
If you’re looking for a family-friendly dessert stop, it’s hard to go wrong with:
- Johnson’s Real Ice Cream
- Whit’s Frozen Custard
Both offer a welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and desserts that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Perfect for Date Night
Dessert is one of the easiest ways to end a great evening.
One of my favorite date-night ideas is grabbing dinner at one of Lewis Center’s local restaurants before heading to Johnson’s for ice cream and taking a walk around Evans Farm.
It’s simple, relaxing, and a great way to enjoy everything the community has to offer.
Supporting Local Businesses
One of the things that makes Lewis Center special is its growing collection of locally owned businesses.
Choosing a neighborhood ice cream shop instead of a national chain means supporting local families, local employees, and small businesses that help shape the community.
Those businesses sponsor youth sports, participate in local events, and become part of the memories people make here.
Final Thoughts
Lewis Center may be known for its beautiful neighborhoods, excellent parks, and convenient location, but its dessert scene deserves attention too.
Whether you’re craving a handcrafted scoop of homemade ice cream, rich frozen custard, or authentic Italian gelato, there are several outstanding local options just minutes away.
As Growing Columbus continues to explore communities throughout Central Ohio, one of my favorite things is highlighting the local businesses that make each place unique. Sometimes it’s not the biggest attraction that defines a town—it’s the places where families gather after dinner, where kids celebrate the end of baseball season, or where friends catch up over a cone on a warm summer evening.
If you’re spending time in Lewis Center, make sure to save room for dessert. You won’t be disappointed.
— Jacob Bates
Growing Columbus
