Best Cold Treats In Chicago
By Elizabeth SanFilippo
It's hard to go wrong with a frozen dessert, but these five cold treat spots are hot, hot, hot during the summer. Whether you have a hankering for a thick custard ice cream or a light Italian ice, there's something refreshing for everyone. Cool off this summer with some stellar summer treats. These Chicago restaurants offer more than just your typical ice cream.
Best Ice Cream:
Bobtail Ice Cream
2951 N Broadway Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 880-7372
www.bobtailicecream.com
This charming soda fountain and ice cream parlor harkens back to a simpler time, all while offering homemade ice cream flavors. But it's not just the ambiance that makes this a worthwhile stop on a steamy summer day. The ice cream flavors are out of this world, whether it's the simple vanilla bean or the more adult flavor of merlot ice cream with dark chocolate chips. Shakes and sundaes are also available. Prices may be on the more expensive side (cones are around $3.50), but it's worth it for every delicious lick.
Best Gelato:
Black Dog Gelato
859 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-3116
www.blackdogchicago.com
Do you think goat cheese and cashew caramel don't belong in a gelato, let alone together in one flavor? Think again. Black Dog Gelato specializes in bizarre flavor combinations, such as sesame-fig chocolate chip and cocoa nibs with pecans. So whether you're looking for a savory or sweet dessert, you'll find it here for under $5. It also offers sorbet, such as a lemon lavender, which is the perfect after-dinner snack. Whether your heart desires a sorbet or gelato, bring cash, because that's all this place will take in exchange.
Related: Best Dessert Trucks in Chicago
Best Sundaes:
Margie's Candies
1960 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-1035
Part candy store, part 1930's ice cream parlor, Margie's Candies has won people over in both of its locations in Bucktown and North Center. You won't find a bigger sundae anywhere else, seriously, because Margie's offers a tummy-rubbing $50, 25-scoop sundae. Those wishing for just a bit less ice cream can still get a few colorful ice cream scoops in a sundae that will more than satisfy a craving. Margie's offers sandwiches, root beer floats and some creamy ice cream sodas for those looking for something beyond the beloved ice cream treat.
Best Italian Ice:
Miko's Italian Ice
1846 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 645-9664
www.mikositalianice.com
Have a hankering for Italian ice? The hardest decision you'll have to make at Miko's Italian Ice is which one of the amazing flavors to try. No matter what you choose, whether it be coconut or banana with chocolate chips, expect bold flavors that will delight your taste buds. Try a combination of a few to get the perfect mix. The delicious frozen fruit flavors like mango, kiwi and cherry are some of the best ways to cool down on a hot summer day.
Best Frozen Custard:
Scooter's Frozen Custard
1658 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 244-6415
www.scootersfrozencustard.com
The frozen custards here are thick, creamy and cold -- and made with just about any flavor combination you desire. While Scooter's offers unique flavors of the month, such as toasted sugar, as well as 10 concretes of the month, such as blueberry pie and java lava, you can also choose a number of mix-ins for your concretes, sundaes, shakes and malts. Don't forget to bring your pup with you to the outdoor counter either. Scooter's offers doggie cones for just over a $1.
Related: Best Outdoor Bars and Drink Deals
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
