The 8 Best Ice Cream Spots in Chicago
As we enter August, what better way to remind us that we still have a little touch of Summer left then to list some favorite ice cream shops around Chicago!
While I have not “tested” all of the places listed below, most I have visited and are guaranteed to be delicious!
1) Scooter’s Frozen Custard–Roscoe Village, Chicago
Started by a husband and wife who quit their jobs working in sales, they opened in 2003 and most days you will find a line out the door! There is a “Flavor Schedule” so each day is different (which means more than one visit is needed!). Their “Concretes” are heavenly and big enough to share. Open seasonally, make sure to stop by between March and the Friday after Thanksgiving.
2) Tom and Wendee’s Italian Ice–Lincoln Park, Chicago
I knew when my best friend, who doesn’t eat chocolate, took me here to have the Chocolate Italian Ice that this was a special place! It is open seasonally, March to October. Some favorite flavors are Black Cherry, Chocolate Coffee Toffee, and Watermelon. If you can’t decide, they can do ½ and ½!
3) Capannari Ice Cream–Mt. Prospect
A hidden gem in the suburbs, this place is a true “ice cream parlor”. It is family owned and the ice cream is made on-site. They host a lot of events, especially in the community, which is always nice when local places give back. Their list of “standard” flavors is quite large and there are also rotating flavors!
4) Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams–Lakeview, Chicago
Having gone to The Ohio State University and having lived in Ohio for many years, I knew about this terrific place before they branched out to other states. Yes, it is a bit pricey, and the flavors are quite unique. Stop in and you will see what is meant by this quote from their website: “Jeni and our kitchen team make every ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt from the ground up with grass-grazed milk, local produce, American bean-to-bar chocolate and select ingredients from around the world”.
5) Original Rainbow Cone–Beverly, Chicago
A favorite at the Taste of Chicago, the rainbow cone, consists of the following flavors all mixed together (in a cone!): Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio and Orange Sherbet. Open seasonally from March to November, there are other items on their menu…but why not treat yourself to 5 flavors all together!?
6) George’s Ice Cream And Sweets—Andersonville, Chicago
Ahhhh, with a place so close to home, George’s is certainly a favorite! Their fun, unique flavors are sure to please, especially the Fat Elvis (banana ice cream, peanut butter ripple, and liquid chocolate chips) or Horchata. With plenty of seating inside the shop, you can relax and enjoy your ice cream. BTW, the staff also allows you to “taste” as many flavors as you want…handing you numerous tiny spoons with smiles on their faces!!
7) Homer’s Homemade Gourmet Ice Cream –Wilmette
With so many flavors to choose from, you can’t go wrong!
Another great thing is you can share the fabulous flavors with out-of-towners—they ship via Fed Ex. You can also find it locally in some grocery stores!
8) Paciugo—Lincoln Square, Chicago
I discovered this place as I was walking with friends after dinner and wanted something sweet. To my amazement, their gelato hit the spot! The flavors rotate daily and are divided by category (Milk, No Sugar Added, Soy, Water-Sorbet) so there is something for everyone! The best part is you can do a small cup and choose 3 flavors…and it is 70% less fat than ice cream. Hey, why not order a medium?!?
Click here to get the official scoop on ice cream and nutrition!
