Need more frozen treats in your life this summer?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top sweet shops in Lakewood, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to cool off with ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato.
1. Malley's Chocolates
Topping the list is Malley's Chocolates. Located at 14822 Madison Ave., this candy shop and ice cream parlor is the highest rated frozen treat spot in Lakewood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 76 reviews on Yelp.
Malley's began business in Northeast Ohio in 1935 and has since expanded to 23 stores in the region. An Alice in Wonderland motif creates a playful environment in the flagship store, where customers eat banana splits, tin roof sundaes (vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and Spanish peanuts), sherbet and sorbets, ice cream sodas and shakes. Malley's chocolates and other candy are also available for purchase.
2. Molto Bene Italian Eatery
Next up is Molto Bene Italian Eatery, situated at 18401 Detroit Ave. It serves an extensive selection of gelato from Cleveland's artisan producer, GelatoStar. Order the gelato straight or in desserts like the gelato banana split or with warm molten chocolate cake. There's also a full Italian food menu. With 4.5 stars out of 66 reviews on Yelp, this spot has proven to be a local favorite.
3. Ice Cream Joy
Ice Cream Joy, located at 15210 Madison Ave., is another top choice. The cafe-style space features the work of local artists and locally produced food and drinks from Cold Bloom Coffee and Blackbird Baking Company.
Ice Cream Joy produces its own ice cream and sorbet, including such exotic flavors as avocado vanilla limeade and mango peanut. Vegans have numerous options to choose from with frozen treats made with almond milk, tofu and coconut milk. Yelpers give this ice cream joint 4.5 stars out of 30 reviews.
4. The Sweet Spot
Next up is The Sweet Spot at 17806 Detroit Ave. This shop also makes its own gelato, featuring more than 50 flavors using Ohio-sourced milk and cream. The pistachio gets a lot of attention, as do the vegan options like peanut butter. The checkerboard floor suggests an old-style ice cream shop, and locally produced art adorns the walls. With four stars out of 57 Yelp reviews, it's a clear local favorite.
5. Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Finally, check out Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, which has earned four stars on Yelp from 24 reviews. This branch of the nationwide chain is generous with free samples. You'll encounter playful decor and the chance to create your own product from large machines on the wall. Mix and match such flavors as red velvet, cake batter and sea salt caramel latte, add toppings, then pay by the ounce. You can find this frozen yogurt spot at 15008 Detroit Road.
