Chicago is the best city to be in the summertime. And, when I hear the word “summer”, the only things I can think about is laying on the beach, dining alfresco, and of course…eating ice cream! It’s a great way to beat the heat.
Ice scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. There are many ice cream shops in the city to choose from, but I have narrowed down my favorites. Here are my “Top 5 Ice Cream Shops” in the city…
5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s was founded by Jeni Britton Bauer in 2002 and began in Columbus, Ohio. Her artisan ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavoring or coloring is used. Not only are her creative ice cream and sorbet flavors delicious, but the tart, yet sweet buttermilk frozen yogurts are also a must-try! The ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or as the perfect topping for pies, cookies, and other desserts.
Brambleberry Crisp and Sweet Cream at Jeni’s Ice Cream // Photo: @fabsoopark
FAB TIP: You can also pick up your favorite pint of ice cream at various grocery stores around the city. Check their website for their pint locator.
{Location}
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Lakeview || 3404 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 348-7139
Wicker Park || 1505 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (872) 802-4668
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
4. George’s Ice Cream and Sweets
George’s was established in 2009 and has been a neighborhood favorite since. Their all-natural ice cream comes from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream in Madison, Wisconsin. They have 32 rotating flavors daily as well as milkshakes, sundaes, baked goods, hot & cold drinks, and more. With so many options, there is surely something for everyone.
Lemon Meringue and Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Topped with a S’more at George’s Ice Cream and Sweets // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: They have a large selection of baked goods and chocolates, which you can top any ice cream with.
{Location}
George’s Ice Cream and Sweets
Andersonville|| 5306 N Clark St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 271-7600
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
3. Lickity Split Frozen Custard and Sweets
Lickity Split is an old-fashioned ice cream shop that is also part candy store. If you are ever looking for your favorite candy from your childhood that is difficult to find, they probably have it there. Lickity Split is well-known for their frozen custards, which definitely do not disappoint. Their custards can be made into a variety of sundaes and shakes. Mmmm…
A photo posted by Chicago Foodie 🍴 (@topchicagoeats) on
FAB TIP: If you can’t decide what kind of dessert you want, you can get the best of both worlds with their Crazy Cake Concrete. You get a choice of frozen custard blended with a your favorite cupcake flavor.
{Location}
Lickity Split Frozen Custard and Sweets
Edgewater || 6056 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 274-0830
Rogers Park || 7000 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 293-7239
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
2. The Original Rainbow Cone
The Original Rainbow Cone has been around for a long time (since 1926 to be exact)…making it a Chicago summer staple. The ice cream flavors in a rainbow cone are chocolate, pistachio, strawberry, Palmer House (New York Vanilla with cherries and walnuts), and orange sherbet. Other traditional ice cream flavors are offered like butter pecan, banana, vanilla, and cookie dough. You can also pick up one of their famous rainbow cakes, which includes all five rainbow cone ice cream flavors.
Rainbow Cone at The Original Rainbow Cone // Photo: @fabsoopark
FAB TIP: In my opinion, it is definitely worth the drive to the South Side of the city. However, they have recently opened up a small kiosk at Navy Pier so now you can easily get one downtown.
{Location}
The Original Rainbow Cone
Beverly || 9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 238-7075
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
1. Cone
Cone is a family-owned ice cream shop located in the West Loop. They serve delicious ice cream with an Irish flair like “The Shamrock”, which is ice cream rolled in Lucky Charms cereal.
A photo posted by Chicago Food Blog & Consultant (@fabsoopark) on
Cone gets very creative with their ice cream flavors. Some may sound a little strange like their “Netflix & Chill”, which is butter flavored ice cream mixed with mini M&M’s. It is actually one of my favorite flavors. Their ice cream flavors rotate seasonally so you are always sure to find a flavor you’ll love in addition to their various sundaes, shakes, and dipped cones.
Netflix & Chill Ice Cream at Cone // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Delivery available via Grubhub and Door Dash.
{Location}
Cone
West Loop|| 1047 W Madison, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 666-5111
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}
Where is your favorite spot for ice cream? Share below.
Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette
Note: These desserts were not complimentary. The views and opinions are those of the writer.
Cone is absolutely fantastic, totally yummy!
I wish more of these were closer!! I’ll have to get out to the West Loop since that one’s the closest!!