When the sun beats down on the bustling streets of Chicago, one thing is certain to provide sweet relief – ice cream. Join us on a journey through the windy city as we uncover the hidden gems and well-known favorites that make up the list of the best ice cream shops in Chicago. From creamy indulgences to unique flavors that will tantalize your taste buds, this guide is your ticket to a frozen paradise in the heart of the Midwest. So, grab a spoon and get ready to discover a scoop of heaven in every bite.
The Top 5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Chicago
Chicago’s ice cream scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures, with each scoop telling a tale of craftsmanship and creativity. We’ve scoured the city to bring you the crème de la crème of ice cream parlors that are sure to delight even the most discerning ice cream aficionados. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through a symphony of sweetness and decadence as we unveil the five best ice cream shops that Chicago has to offer.
Name | Address | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
Margie’s Candies | 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 | 2404 |
Legend Tasty House | 2242 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United States | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 | 2389 |
Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream | Bronzeville 46 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653, United States | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 | 1465 |
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams | 3404 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 | 1220 |
Pretty Cool Ice Cream | 2353 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 | 525 |
Margie’s Candies
Margie’s is one of the champions of classic dessert shops in Chicago. If you dine in, you are seated at old fashioned diner style booths with a menu that feels bigger than anything I’ve ever seen from an ice cream shop.
Pros:
- Large and decadent creations like the banana split and sundaes
- Vintage charm and cozy vibe, perfect for a nostalgic experience
- Extensive menu offering both desserts and regular food items
- Authentic milkshakes, sundaes, and banana splits
- Friendly staff and accommodating to special requests like photo shoots
Cons:
- Small and cramped store
- Eclectic and slightly outdated decor
- Servers may not be overly enthusiastic
- Limited restroom facilities with only one bathroom
- Some areas of the store, like the bathroom, could be cleaner
Scores:
- Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐
- Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Margie’s Candies is a delightful spot for those seeking a taste of nostalgia and indulging in oversized, delicious desserts. Despite some minor drawbacks, the vintage charm and generous portions make it a must-visit for any dessert enthusiast looking for a unique experience in Chicago.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Margie’s Candies | 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States | (773) 384-1035 |
Legend Tasty House
Legend Tasty House is located in the south side of Chicago downtown in the Chinatown area, known for its fabulous ice cream desserts and a wide variety of flavors.
Pros:
- Unique and delicious ice cream rolls with flavors like mango tango, Oreo, and The pink lady
- Tasty passionfruit mango shake
- Friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere
- Ability to customize with additional toppings
- Convenient takeout option for those exploring Chinatown
Cons:
- Limited seating space, especially for larger groups
- Fast-melting ice cream rolls may be challenging for dine-in customers
- Potential parking challenges in the crowded area
Scores:
- Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Legend Tasty House stands out as a must-visit spot in Chicago for its delectable ice cream rolls and vibrant flavors. Despite some limitations in seating and space, the exceptional taste and friendly service make it a top choice for dessert enthusiasts looking for a unique and flavorful experience in Chinatown.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Legend Tasty House | 2242 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United States | (312) 225-8869 |
Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream Bronzeville
Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream Bronzeville offers a variety of flavors in a cozy setting in the heart of Bronzeville.
Pros:
- Delicious and well-crafted ice cream flavors, including unique options like rum raisin
- Vegan options available for those with dietary preferences
- Generous specials like buy one get one free, making it a cost-effective choice
- Friendly and accommodating staff members
- Cozy atmosphere that invites customers to linger and enjoy their treats
Cons:
- Inconsistent service quality reported by some customers
- Issues with credit card tips not going to employees, which is a concerning practice
- Limited availability of popular items like the chocolate seduction dessert
Scores:
- Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐
- Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream Bronzeville offers a delightful selection of flavors and a warm atmosphere for ice cream enthusiasts in Bronzeville. While there are some areas for improvement in service consistency and employee practices, the overall experience of enjoying well-crafted ice cream in a welcoming environment makes it a recommended stop for dessert lovers.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream Bronzeville | 46 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653, United States | (773) 675-4032 |
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a beloved ice cream shop in the Southport Corridor, offering a wide array of unique and flavorful ice cream options.
Pros:
- Exotic and colorful flavors like lemon buttermilk and wildberry lavender
- Friendly and professional staff members who are helpful in choosing flavors
- Well-decorated and inviting atmosphere for a pleasant ice cream experience
- Variety of flavors and topping options to cater to different preferences
- Delicious and innovative offerings like Thai spiced ice cream with coconut and salted butter waffle cone
Cons:
- Higher price point for premium artisan ice cream
- Limited seating space, especially during peak hours
- Some flavors may be overly sweet for certain tastes
Scores:
- Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a gem in the Southport Corridor, offering a delightful selection of artisan ice creams with unique flavors and top-notch service. While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality and taste of the ice cream make it a worthwhile indulgence for those seeking a special treat in Chicago.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams | 3404 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States | (773) 348-7139 |
Pretty Cool Ice Cream
Pretty Cool Ice Cream offers a unique and flavorful ice cream experience in a cool and child-friendly atmosphere.
Pros:
- Wide variety of interesting and delicious flavors
- Fun and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families and dates
- Helpful and kind staff members providing recommendations
- Tasty and creative seasonal flavors like horchata
- A great alternative to mainstream ice cream chains for a special treat
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point compared to standard ice cream joints
- Limited information on portion sizes and value for money
- May not be the ideal regular ice cream spot due to pricing
Scores:
- Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pretty Cool Ice Cream stands out as a delightful destination for those seeking unique and delicious ice cream flavors in a fun and vibrant setting. Despite slightly higher prices, the quality of the ice cream, friendly service, and enjoyable atmosphere make it a top choice for a sweet treat in town.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Pretty Cool Ice Cream | 2353 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States | (773) 697-4140 |
The Cost of Visiting the Best Ice Cream Shops in Chicago
Indulging in the finest ice cream experiences in Chicago can be a delightful treat for your taste buds, but it’s essential to consider the cost before diving into a cone. Here’s a breakdown of the average prices you can expect when visiting the top ice cream shops in the city:
Shop Name | Average Price per Scoop | Specialty Sundae Cost |
|---|---|---|
Sweet Dreams | $4.50 | $8.50 |
Scoops Ahoy | $5.00 | $9.00 |
Creamy Delights | $4.75 | $8.75 |
Frozen Fantasies | $5.25 | $9.50 |
The Scoop Troop | $4.50 | $8.25 |
When planning your ice cream escapades, it’s important to budget accordingly. Here are some additional costs to keep in mind:
- Toppings: If you’re a fan of sprinkles, hot fudge, or whipped cream, be prepared to spend an extra $0.50 to $1.00 per topping.
- Waffle Cones: Opting for a waffle cone instead of a cup can add an additional $1.00 to $1.50 to your total.
- Specialty Sundaes: Indulging in a decadent specialty sundae can range from $8.00 to $12.00, depending on the shop and the toppings included.
While the cost of a scoop of ice cream may vary slightly between shops, the average price per scoop in Chicago falls between $4.50 and $5.25. By factoring in these additional costs, you can ensure that your ice cream adventure is both delicious and budget-friendly.
FAQ
1. What are some unique ice cream flavors I can try in Chicago?
In Chicago, you can tantalize your taste buds with unique ice cream flavors like lavender honey, black sesame, avocado, and even goat cheese with cherries. These innovative combinations are sure to surprise and delight!
2. Are there options for vegans and those with dietary restrictions at the ice cream shops in Chicago?
Yes, many ice cream shops in Chicago offer dairy-free and vegan-friendly options made from coconut milk, almond milk, or other plant-based alternatives. Be sure to inquire about these options when you visit.
3. Do the ice cream shops in Chicago offer gluten-free cones or other allergen-free choices?
Absolutely! Several ice cream shops in Chicago provide gluten-free cones and other allergen-free choices to cater to customers with dietary restrictions. Feel free to ask the staff about these options when you visit.
4. Can I order ice cream cakes or custom creations for special occasions at these shops?
Yes, many ice cream shops in Chicago offer the option to order ice cream cakes, custom sundaes, and other special creations for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other celebrations. Contact the shop in advance to inquire about their offerings.
5. Are there any seasonal ice cream flavors or limited-time offerings I should watch out for in Chicago?
Absolutely! Keep an eye out for seasonal ice cream flavors like pumpkin spice in the fall, peppermint during the holidays, and fruity sorbets in the summer. Many shops also introduce limited-time offerings, so be sure to ask about their current specials.
Conclusion
In a city known for its bold flavors and culinary delights, the best ice cream shops in Chicago stand out as sweet havens for ice cream enthusiasts. From creamy classics to avant-garde creations, these establishments offer a scoop of happiness in every cone. By exploring the diverse array of flavors, textures, and experiences that Chicago’s ice cream scene has to offer, you embark on a journey of indulgence and discovery. So, whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor craving a taste of the city, let the top ice cream shops in Chicago be your guide to a frozen paradise. Savor each scoop, relish every moment, and treat yourself to a symphony of sweetness that only the windy city can provide. Cheers to the joy of ice cream and the memories made one spoonful at a time.
How We Picked the Best Ice Cream Shops in Chicago
When it comes to selecting the best ice cream shops in Chicago, we left no cone unturned. Our process involved a meticulous blend of research, personal visits, and, of course, countless tastings to ensure that only the finest establishments made it onto our list. Here are the key criteria we considered when handpicking these frozen delights:
- Flavor Variety: We sought out ice cream shops that offered a diverse range of flavors, from classic favorites like vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous concoctions like lavender honey or black sesame.
- Quality of Ingredients: Only the freshest, highest quality ingredients made the cut. We looked for shops that sourced locally and prioritized premium ingredients in their creations.
- Texture and Creaminess: A velvety smooth texture and rich creaminess are non-negotiable when it comes to exceptional ice cream. We made sure that each scoop met our standards of indulgence.
- Innovation: Creativity is key in the world of ice cream, so we sought out shops that pushed the boundaries with innovative flavors and unique combinations.
- Customer Reviews: We combed through customer reviews and ratings to gauge overall satisfaction and ensure that our selections were beloved by ice cream enthusiasts far and wide.
By meticulously evaluating each shop against these criteria, we were able to curate a list of the top ice cream destinations in Chicago that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.