Best Ice Cream in Chicago

Best Ice Cream in Chicago Suburbs

The Windy City, Chicago, might be rich in history, architecture, entertainment, art, and more, but don’t forget that Chicago was the birthplace of brownie! They were cooked up at Chicago’s Palmer House for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, aka World’s Fair. What goes perfectly with a fudgy brownie? Ice Cream! Here are a few of Chicago’s best ice cream spots!

The Original Rainbow Cone

The Original Rainbow Cone
PC The Original Rainbow Cone

Thank goodness for “Grandpa Joe”, who wasn’t ever satisfied with just one simple flavor, the first Rainbow Cone came about in 1926. By cone, I mean ice cream cone with all different flavors piled high! He and his wife created their signature cone featuring five different flavors – Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), Strawberry, and Chocolate; all sliced (not scooped) into a cone.

With this, they became a local favorite and one of Chicago’s best ice cream shops. Obviously, they didn’t stop at those flavors; they also have Chocolate Peanut Butter, Butter Pecan, Black Walnut, New York Vanilla, and Mint Flake, among others. Choose from their ice cream cakes, rolls, or mini donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can also create your own sundae or shake with your choice of flavors or go for a Banana Split.

Cone Gourmet Ice Cream

Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
PC Cone Gourmet Ice Cream

For some of the best homemade ice creams with an Irish flair, visit Cone Gourmet Ice Cream in the heart of West Loop. What’s Irish about this ice cream shop, you ask? It’s owned by an Irishman – Sean McGuire and has booze-flavored ice creams. While kids have a great choice of flavors here, adults can rejoice, especially with the Hair of the Dog sundae (a scoop of Baileys, Guinness, and Jameson topped with chocolate syrup, crumbled Flake bars, and whipped cream with a cherry on top).

Some other delightful choices include the Amaretto (with brownie bits and cookie dough), West Looper (a sundae with pecans, Graham crackers, hot caramel, whipped cream, and a cherry), and Trail Mix (vanilla, peanuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds). They also have a lovely choice of ice cream cones, including vegan ones.  Also you can mix and match ice cream with donuts!

Black Dog Gelato

Black Dog Gelato
PC Black Dog Gelato

Former Pastry Chef Jessica Oloroso’s scoop shop, Black Dog Gelato, gets its name from both her dog and her passion for gelato. You’ll be dazed by the choice of flavors you can find here, not just any traditional ones, but a wide variety of seasonal flavors and some most unexpected ones. Think Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel, Yuzu Licorice Sorbet, Sesame Fig Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, Pumpkin Cheesecake Nutella, and Turkish Coffee float.

She uses what she called “a Northern-style base to create Chicago-style gelato” that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. With regularly changing flavors, it’s all the more reason to visit them often.

Scooter’s Frozen Custard

Scooter’s Frozen Custard
PC Scooter’s Frozen Custard

Chicago’s oldest frozen custard shop is a locally-owned place that Mardi and Denny Moore opened in 2003. All they wanted was a frozen custard place with great hot dogs, and that’s exactly what they’ve managed to make it – a local favorite. Frozen custard is their passion and they make their product from scratch daily. You can find Vanilla and Chocolate custard every day plus one of their special flavors of the day.

Some of their sumptuous flavors include Black Raspberry Truffle, Mint Chocolate Chip and Guinness, Turtle Trax, Chocolate Cake Batter, and After Dinner Mint.  Don’t forget to add some delectable toppings to your scoop. They also have mouthwatering concretes, sundaes, shakes, floats, malts, Italian ice, frozen custard pies, and cookie custard sandwiches.

You’ll be offered a free pup cone if you get your furry friend along.

Margie’s Candies

Margie’s Candies
PC Margie’s Candies

A delight for the old and young, Margie’s Candies has been a local favorite for over 90 years with homemade sundaes, shakes, and hand-dipped candies!

This old-fashioned ice cream parlor has shelves crowded with Beatles’ memorabilia, who had Margie’s ice cream after playing at Comiskey Park! Al Capone and the Rolling Stones have also enjoyed their share of ice cream treats at Margie’s. Drop by with your whole family and order their massive sundae featuring 15 scoops of ice cream, sauces, and toppings, unless you dare finish it solo!

Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream

Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream
PC Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream

Here’s a South Side institution that serves vanilla ice cream so good that every with all the variety of flavors, you’ll must try the vanilla too.

Located in Bronzeville’s historic Rosenwald Courts Apartments, you can find classic flavors with a twist here – One Night in Madagascar vanilla and Sweet Dark Chocolate. Yet, their signature ice cream flavors are equally tantalizing to the tastebuds – Lemon Sunbeam Supreme, Jamaican Rum Raisin, and Honey Cinnamon Graham Cracker. I can’t wait to try Banana Pudding! Don’t forget to try one of their freshly-baked cobblers.

Kimmer’s Ice Cream

Kimmer’s Ice Cream
PC Kimmer’s Ice Cream

Known for its creamy textures and inventive flavors, Kimmer’s prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to craft their frozen treats. Signature options like “Cereal Killer,” a nostalgic blend of cereal-infused ice cream, and their decadent “Salted Caramel Brownie” ensure there’s something for every palate. Seasonal flavors and small-batch production add a layer of uniqueness, making each visit to Kimmer’s a new and exciting experience.

Their inviting atmosphere, complete with cheerful decor and friendly staff, guarantees a memorable experience. Whether you’re indulging in a cone, a sundae, or a custom ice cream cake, Kimmer’s embodies the simple joys of a perfect frozen dessert.

Lickity Split Frozen Custard

Lickity Split Frozen Custard
PC Lickity Split Frozen Custard

Lickity Split Frozen Custard is a beloved Chicago destination offering rich, velvety custard served with a vintage twist. This retro-style ice cream shop combines a nostalgic aesthetic with modern flavor combinations. Their menu features frozen custard in classic options like vanilla and chocolate, but their specialties are the “Concrete Mixers,” which blend the custard with mix-ins like candy, nuts, and fresh fruit.

Guests can also enjoy a curated selection of locally made pastries and coffee, offering more than just frozen treats. Lickity Split’s custard is smooth, creamy, and perfect for enjoying on a sunny Chicago day or cozying up with a sweet treat during winter.

Kurimu

Kurimu
PC Kurimu

Kurimu brings an Asian-inspired twist to the Chicago ice cream scene. Specializing in unique flavors and stunning presentation, this dessert spot redefines ice cream as a modern art form. From Japanese-inspired matcha and black sesame to trendy ube and taro, Kurimu’s offerings stand out for their vibrant colors and authentic flavors. Each scoop is meticulously crafted, often featuring Instagram-worthy toppings like edible gold leaf, mochi, or Pocky sticks.

In addition to ice cream, Kurimu serves inventive desserts like boba floats and taiyaki cones, a nod to traditional Japanese street food. The shop’s sleek, minimalist interiors enhance the experience, creating a trendy yet welcoming atmosphere.

  • Kurimu, 1159 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 and 1632 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor
PC The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor is a nostalgic escape that’s beloved for its homemade ice cream and family-friendly atmosphere. The parlor features an array of classic and creative flavors, all made on-site with premium ingredients. Their “Brown Cow Pie,” a signature ice cream cake, is a crowd favorite, perfect for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence.

Beyond their ice cream offerings, they serve traditional milkshakes, sundaes, and malts, making it a go-to spot for those seeking classic American treats.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen
Image Credit: Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen, an iconic name in frozen treats, has a strong presence in Chicago with multiple locations offering their signature Blizzard Treats, cones, and sundaes. Known for their soft-serve and the legendary DQ curl, Dairy Queen has been a staple for generations of ice cream lovers. The Blizzards, featuring mix-ins like Oreo, Reese’s, and cookie dough, remain a favorite, with seasonal specials adding excitement year-round.

Treat yourself to some of the best frozen treats in the Chicago Suburbs by dropping into one of the local ice cream shops. From delicious Italian ice and soft serve ice cream to ice cream sandwiches and vegan and dairy-free ice cream options, you’ll find it all and more.

Traveling Elsewhere? Here Are Some Great Ice Cream Shops You Can Try!

Franklin Fountain
@PC Franklin Fountain

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