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Welcome to Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream.

At Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream, located in Columbus, Ohio, tradition meets adventure. This charming, family-owned shop, which has been serving the community for decades, offers a delightful array of flavors that range from classic vanilla and rich chocolate to exotic international favorites like guava and pistachio kulfi. Each scoop embodies a dedication to quality ingredients and innovative recipes, allowing patrons to indulge in the familiar while exploring new taste sensations. The warm, inviting atmosphere encourages sampling, ensuring every visit is a unique journey of flavor reminiscent of the vibrant Mardi Gras spirit. Treat yourself to a sweet escape!

Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream.: Reviews & Ratings

Demetrius B.
Demetrius B.

Much like the namesake NOLA festival, prepare for adventure when stopping by Mardi Gras. Roughly 1/2 of its ice cream offerings are non traditional/internationally flavored. That's neither good nor bad; it just depends on your palette. My samples of the international flavors were not my favorites, but my wife really liked them. I ended up getting a scoop of Salted Caramel and a scoop of the Peanut Butter, and I liked them separately and together.

Shelby L.
Shelby L.

Friendly spot to try something different! I can't eat ice cream by volume but I can taste! My friend got lychee and pistachios. Delicious and refreshing!

PJ S.
PJ S.

Worth the side quest from downtown. Very friendly service and delicious unique flavors. Feels like a well-loved store. I wish they had sugar cones in addition to cake cones!

Minji K.
Minji K.

Mardi Gras has crowd favorites like vanilla, chocolate, and lots of fruity sorbets as well as more unique flavors like the fire and ice (it was sweet and slightly spicy), kesar pista (saffron and pistachio), and jamun (plum). It's located in a small building that looks very unassuming and you can easily miss it, but it's definitely a must try. It's a mom and pop shop that has been around for decades. The decor has a classic feel to it and you can see pictures of customers enjoying their ice cream from years ago. Service was quick and there were some tables so you could enjoy the ice cream in the store.

Syed S.
Syed S.

Mardi Gras is a small hole in the wall ice cream establishment that serves up some of the best ice cream flavors in Columbus. They have a wide variety of flavor selections - the usual suspects flavors that you will find in any ice cream store are here. However, the main reason you should visit Mardi Gras is for their wide array of international flavors - guava, ginger, green tea, sweet rose, mango, lychee, and an assortment of different kulfi (a richer and denser variation of ice cream that originated during the Mughal era in India) flavors. My personal favorite is the Rajbhog (kulfi with saffron and dried fruits), but their Kesar Pista (kulfi with saffron, almond, and pistachio) will make you never go back to other pistachio flavored ice creams. The place is owned by a sweet couple, who will allow you to sample the flavors before you decide on something. They are closed during the winter months, so do yourself a flavor and check this place out before summer runs out. You can thank me later.

Saphace A.
Saphace A.

My sister had been here years ago and she really liked it! A friend of mine had been eyeing this place, so we decided to check it out. For a Monday at 6pm, it wasn't all that busy. Families did come in and out to grab ice cream but it was a steady flow. It's located in an unassuming strip by Little Caesar's and what looked to be a convenience store. Not much here. Parking was easy too. I got a scoop of Malai Kulfi flavored ice cream. Malai Kulfi is actually a milk-based dessert with nuts and cardamom. Delicious and unique! I didn't even have stomach pain from the milk! My friend got a Kesar Pista flavored ice cream. It's saffron, almond, pistachio, and cardamom. Also very interesting and yummy! The owner told us that she makes everything herself and that it's all eggless. They even got featured in the New York Times! They do have traditional ice cream flavors, but the variety of Indian influenced flavors is the selling point! I want to come back and try some of their other flavors! There isn't any indoor seating really. Maybe a Covid thing? But there were a few benches outside, so we sat there and finished our ice cream.

Michael R.
Michael R.

It is a good thing I don't live close by because I would hit this place up more than I'd like to admit. It has a real mom and pop type of feel. The owners came out and greeted us and gave us a little information about the ice creams and how they are all home made. I got the butterscotch crunch which was fantastic, she even gave me a tiny sample of cheesecake flavor on top as well.

Mark K.
Mark K.

Finally made it here. I've seen all the rave reviews, but it's just not on my way anywhere. We were in this end of town, the place we tried first was closed, and Yelp pointed out this kinda sorta on our way home. Tiny, old-school style ice cream shop. Except: all the flavors! No samples currently, but I would have tried alllllll the flavors. Some standards, of course, some intriguing odd ones, and some I had no idea what they were. Baby K went outside the box for her and got a scoop of mango (plus her usual whipped cream and cherry.) Polished it off, said it was awesome. I got a scoop of strawberry rhubarb, because that is a flavor I never pass up. But I was tempted by many others. Good stuff. Good service. Reasonable prices. A huge variety of options. We'll make a detour up this way now and again.

Tim Tc A.
Tim Tc A.

Great locally operated "mom & pop" style ice cream shop! The draw at this place is that they have some delicious "International Flavors"! This place was packed with people, had a real family/community feel, and they have great Indian Flavors! Tried the International Sampler Trio, you can pick any three flavors! Mine included Anjeer (made with figs), Pista Kulfi (AWESOME FLAVOR - pistachio & vanilla with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon), and Mango (which tastes like, you know MANGO LOL). If you like to try new things and places, and enjoy ethnic food tastes, this is def the ice cream shop for you! My dog-o enjoyed a pup cup!

Vy D.
Vy D.

We came already excited because of the reviews and they weren't wrong! There is a ton of variety and flavors of ice cream. The shop is owned by a couple and it seems like they've been there for a long time. It's a small shop, with a comfortable vibe. We got a scoop each and it's $3.25 for 1 scoop of ice cream in a cup. It might seem a bit expensive, but it's quality ice cream! I got the guava ice cream and it was absolutely delicious, very fresh and creamy; the guava flavor was not lacking. We're not sure what the other flavor of ice cream we got was, but it was also delicious and very unique; it had mango, but the sherbet was green and tasted like tamarind. This is a hidden gem because it's located in the suburbs and many people overlook it because it's in a plaza with many other businesses. There's plenty of parking outside and right now, you need a mask to go in! Usually, they allow sampling, but during this pandemic, there is no sample available. I recommend this place for a unique experience, delicious quality homemade ice cream, and for a pick me up or sweet treat.

Location

Welcome to Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream, a delightful oasis for ice cream lovers nestled in Columbus, OH. From the moment you step through the ADA-compliant entrance, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of community and celebration, much like the vibrant festival it’s named after.

This charming establishment prides itself on its unique offerings and rich heritage, being both Asian-owned and women-owned, which adds a special touch to each scoop you savor. Here, you’ll discover a diverse array of flavors that transcend the ordinary, enticing adventurous palettes with international inspirations.

  • Signature Delights: Indulge in the Anjeer flavor, a creamy treat featuring the subtle sweetness of fresh figs, or experience the zesty kick of Ginger ice cream that refreshes with every bite.
  • Traditional Treats: Dive into the nostalgic bliss of Faluda Kulfee, harmonizing creamy kulfi with vermicelli, rose syrup, and basil seeds—a true celebration of tradition.
  • Premium Flavors: Those seeking rich indulgence can revel in the Chocolate Delight or the Reese's Peanut Butter—a luscious fusion of creaminess and flavor.
  • Classic Varieties: Even the classics shine here. Eager to relish a scoop of Strawberry or Vanilla Choc Chip? The flavors are crafted to perfection, ensuring a consistently delightful experience.

Customer reviews glow with enthusiasm, highlighting the friendly service and the unique flavor combinations that challenge and please the senses. Demetrius B. found joy in the classic Salted Caramel alongside the Peanut Butter, while Shelby L. raved about the refreshing lychee and pistachio flavors that invite exploration beyond traditional choices. For those searching for a hidden gem, Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream may appear unassuming, yet its reputation for excellence stands tall in every scoop.

Mardi Gras isn't just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it’s a community hub offering amenities like delivery, takeout, and even heated outdoor seating for those warm evenings. With accessible parking and dog-friendly policies, it caters to all visitors, making it an inclusive place for friends and families.

So whether you're indulging in a unique guava or dancing along with the adventurous Fire & Ice, this delightful ice cream parlor promises a magical experience that lingers long after the last bite. Plan a visit to 1947 Hard Rd or dial (614) 766-2020 to embark on a flavorful journey you won’t soon forget. Don't miss out; summertime in Columbus wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream!