CINCINNATI, OH – While Cincinnati is widely known for its distinctive (and often debated) chili, the Queen City also offers a sweet treat with deep historical roots. Nestled within the iconic Union Terminal, Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor is a pastel haven, where visitors can enjoy sundaes and other frozen confections in a charming, mint-colored space.
The ice cream parlor, which reopened in 2018, occupies what was once a tea room in the historic Union Terminal, a landmark that opened its doors in 1933. Union Terminal stands as a testament to the art deco style that defined much of the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing a $41 million design that housed a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater. Originally, the Rookwood Tea Room opened in the same location during World War II, serving as a USO headquarters and providing coffee to passing troops.
Today, the parlor serves Graeter’s Ice Cream, a beloved local brand that dates back to 1870. Graeter’s, founded by Louis Charles Graeter, started with just a pair of ice cream carts, using the French pot method to create its signature rich, dense ice cream. This traditional method involves churning creamy custard in a spinning, 2 ½ gallon container, resulting in a high-butterfat, low-air product that has become a Cincinnati favorite.
The Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor’s decor reflects the city’s artistic heritage, with its striking green tiles that echo the work of Rookwood Pottery. Established in 1880 by Maria Longworth-Nichols, Rookwood Pottery has become synonymous with American craftsmanship, contributing ceramics and tiles to notable projects such as New York City’s subway system.
At Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor, the rich history of Cincinnati’s cultural and culinary traditions meets modern indulgence, offering both locals and visitors a taste of the city’s past – and its sweet future.
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