When my fiancé suggested ending our evening with a visit to the Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve, I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much. As a native Cincinnatian, he has taken me to many places that I have never even heard of. But tucked just inside the brightly lit convenience store was something delightfully out of the ordinary: a frozen yogurt bar — spotless, colorful and self-serve. I paused, then followed my sweet tooth.
The setup is cheerful and inviting, with six rotating flavors that range from classics like chocolate and vanilla to seasonal picks and tart fruit options. And while I was doing my research by visiting Rhino several times, I scientifically mixed and matched flavors so that I could guide others through this delicious process.
Step 1: Swirling. After a short reconnaissance mission, I chose three different kinds of yogurt — no easy task when faced with such variety. Then came the toppings. I started strong in the chocolate camp, adding every indulgent option I could fit, with the largest scoop going to the Heath bar bits. But just when I thought I was done, I spotted the fresh fruit and nuts. A few strawberries, some blueberries and a sprinkle of crushed nuts made their way on top. The final product? A strange yet delicious conglomeration of all things chocolate and fruity. Somehow, it worked.
Step 2: Editing. As I reviewed my first visit, I felt a twinge of self-awareness. Who had I become? The yogurt bar beast? I decided it was time to emulate the mature taste and measured behavior of my date. This meant restraint: just one flavor of yogurt, and a thoughtful mix of chocolate syrup, crushed nuts, whipped cream and a cherry. I chose the vanilla yogurt to keep the base clean and classic. The result was a delicious, old-fashioned sundae where every component held its own. And this time, I felt proud of myself after I ate it.
Step 3: Copying. We live in a time where we can copy whatever we like. In that spirit, I decided to copy the person ahead of me at the yogurt bar. She seemed very confident in her choices, which included orange Dole Whip and M&Ms. She also added many kinds of gummies and dental work be damned, I did as well. I was skeptical about this combo but upon first taste, I was surprised at the tart Dole Whip’s ability to pair with anything and make it good. Or was this an even bigger phenomenon? Did everything taste good at Rhino?
Step 4: Confirming. I wanted to compromise between my crazy swirling and my date’s more measured behavior at the bar. I wanted a sundae with just enough elements to be interesting but not so many that I would lose all sense of direction. The key, I decided, was sticking with one yogurt flavor and slowly, thoughtfully adding toppings. This time, I went with strawberry yogurt and layered on fresh strawberries, coconut, maraschino cherries, crunchy waffle cone pieces, Heath bar bits, strawberry boba and mochi (those chewy little marshmallow-like bites). It was sweet, balanced and completely satisfying. I ate the whole thing before I even got back to the car.
Step 5: Returning. I’ve gone to Rhino after a formal dinner, a wedding with no appetizers, a trip to Trader Joe’s and a visit to City Barbecue. I do have my favorites (hello, little caramel bears and mochi). Now I am the one confidently putting together my yogurt and toppings. I have indeed confirmed that there is no bad combination — treat yo’self to whatever makes you happy.
The yogurt itself is creamy and light, never cloying. The toppings bar is clean and full of options, whether you’re building a nostalgic sundae or experimenting with culinary chaos. It’s priced by weight, but the value is solid — and the fun is free.
The shop is impressively maintained, and the service surprisingly friendly and informative. There is something refreshingly unpretentious about discovering a genuinely good treat in such an unassuming setting.
Would I go out of my way for it? Absolutely. Whether you’re filling up on gas, chauffeuring your kids, or just need five minutes of sweetness in your day, the Rhino’s frozen yogurt bar is a little local gem. In a community like Blue Ash, where convenience and comfort go hand in hand, it’s exactly the kind of surprise worth discovering.
Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve in Blue Ash offers a rotating selection of over 50 flavors of frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. At any given time, they serve 10 flavors, ensuring a diverse and ever-changing menu. Some of the froyo flavors that have been featured are:
• Triple Chocolate
• Dole Whip Pineapple
• Old Fashioned Peanut Butter
• Birthday Cake
• Strawberry
• Cherry Amaretto
In addition to these, they offer non-dairy and sugar-free options to cater to various dietary preferences.
For those adhering to kosher dietary laws, it’s worth noting that Rhino’s Frozen Yogurt & Soft Serve is certified kosher by Cincinnati Kosher. This certification ensures that all frozen yogurt, ice cream, and gelato flavors (with specific exceptions noted in their certification) meet kosher standards.
What to Try: Strawberry yogurt with fresh fruit and mochi, or classic vanilla with chocolate syrup and a cherry, or a 3-flavored cup with every gummy available. There is no wrong combination.
Why Go: An unexpected delight inside a gas station, offering a wide variety of flavors and toppings in a clean, welcoming environment
Perfect For: Families, late-night cravings, and anyone seeking a sweet treat
