Columbus, Ohio, boasts a vibrant ice cream scene, home to renowned names like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Graeter’s, alongside beloved local brands such as Johnson’s Ice Cream and charming smaller shops like Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream, Cream & Sugar, and Double Happy. While these brick-and-mortar destinations are undoubtedly worth a visit, there’s a unique joy in discovering exceptional ice cream that comes directly to you.
A few years ago, whispers began circulating about a family-operated food truck crafting delectable – and undeniably Instagram-worthy – soft serve and sundaes. Last summer, as we all sought out socially distanced indulgences amidst the pandemic, we finally experienced the magic of Little Ladies Soft Serve when their truck parked outside Bleu & Fig in Clintonville.
And frankly, we’ve been hooked ever since.
Operating from their charming white truck, adorned with delightful pastel sprinkles, Little Ladies Soft Serve dispenses what is genuinely some of the most outstanding soft serve I’ve ever tasted. While I may not be a self-proclaimed soft serve expert, I know exceptional quality when I experience it. The soft serve is remarkably creamy, perfectly sweet, and utterly satisfying whether enjoyed simply in a cone or as part of one of their inventive sundaes.
The Little Ladies Soft Serve truck typically operates from April through October, bringing their frozen delights to the Columbus area during the warmer months. You can reliably find them at Galena Square most Friday evenings throughout the season. However, their schedule for the rest of the week is more dynamic and varied. They frequently make appearances in different neighborhoods, and thankfully, they are excellent at keeping their followers updated on their locations through social media and their website’s Truck Tracker page.
Little Ladies Soft Serve keeps their menu wonderfully uncomplicated, focusing on classic perfection. They offer chocolate, vanilla, and twist soft serve cones – available with or without vibrant rainbow sprinkles – alongside a curated collection of creative sundaes. Each sundae is playfully named after sweet ladies’ names, such as Mabel, Margot, Essie, and Ida, adding a touch of personality to the menu.
While you truly can’t go wrong with their plain soft serve in a cone, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed every sundae we’ve sampled. You have the delightful option to choose your soft serve flavor as the base for any sundae creation. I personally gravitate towards vanilla, appreciating its versatility as a “neutral” canvas to showcase the diverse and delicious toppings.
One of my absolute personal favorites – and I suspect a consistent crowd-pleaser – is the “Aggie” sundae. This Midwestern-inspired masterpiece combines crushed puppy chow, miniature buckeyes, luscious peanut butter sauce, and rich hot fudge. It’s truly a Midwesterner’s dessert dream come to life in a cup.
The “Essie” sundae offers a brighter, more tangy flavor profile, expertly layering a zesty lemon cornflake crunch with sweet-tart raspberry compote and light whipped cream.
This is the “Daphne,” a delightful special from last summer that featured a seasonal peach compote, creamy dulce de leche, crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and cinnamon Life cereal, all beautifully arranged on top of a chai-infused doughnut from Tupelo Doughnuts. It showcased Little Ladies’ creativity and willingness to collaborate with other local favorites.
On my most recent visit, I finally indulged in the “Luella” sundae, a comforting and decadent combination of brown butter graham cracker crumble, smooth Nutella, and a perfectly toasted marshmallow. It was, simply put, delicious and deeply satisfying.
Regardless of our chosen order, every single taste from Little Ladies Soft Serve has been a delight. They’ve recently kicked off their 2021 season, so be sure to treat yourself and track them down multiple times in the coming months. It’s the ideal treat as we eagerly anticipate sunnier days and warmer weather in Columbus.
Little Ladies Soft Serve
littleladiessoftserve.com
Follow their truck’s journey on Facebook and Instagram @littleladiessoftserve for location updates.
