The 26 best ice cream shops in Chicago

What is it? A timeless, colorful Beverly institution.

Why we love it: For a century, the awning-covered picnic tables of this South Side ice cream shop have been packed with locals indulging their sweet tooth. The signature five-flavor Rainbow Cone features layers of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio and orange sherbet stacked one on top of the other to form an unbeatable classic. Aside from the original Beverly shop, you can also swing by locations at Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, Wicker Park and the suburbs.

Time Out tip: Grab a small Rainbow Cone for just $5 before 3pm on weekdays.

Address: 9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-10pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm

What is it? An old-school ice cream parlor.

Why we love it: It’s nostalgia that draws people in droves to this kitschy diner and ice-cream parlor. Fancy silver trays, paper doilies and saucers filled with chocolate and caramel sauces bring back fond memories for many who’ve made this place a tradition since it opened in 1921. Equally reminiscent of the good old days are the display shelves, which are crowded with memorabilia from the Beatles, who just had to have some Margie’s ice cream after they played at Comiskey.

Time Out tip: Bring a group to share the World's Largest Terrapin sundae.

Address: 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-midnight; Fri, Sat 10am-1am

What is it? A Bronzeville shop serving a variety of inventive flavors.

Why we love it: The cold case at Yahya and Nataki Muhammad's cheerful Bronzeville scoop shop is packed with hand-churned homemade ice cream in flavors like Jamaican rum raisin, honey cinnamon graham cracker and bourbon butter pecan. But it won't take long to spot someone devouring the creamery's crown jewel: a generous serving of peach cobbler crowned with melty vanilla ice cream. Once you try this summertime delicacy, prepare to crave it for the rest of your life.

Time Out tip: Several vegan flavors, including mango and cookies and cream, are available.

Address: 46 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653

Opening hours: Tue-Sat noon-8pm; Sun 1-6pm

What is it? A beloved Lakeview custard shop.

Why we love it: Walk into Scooter’s and disregard the hot dogs, Italian ice and anything else that doesn’t contain the words frozen and custard. Purists should order a cone of vanilla or chocolate and savor every last lick of the cream-laden treat. If you're hankering for something a bit more involved, opt for the banana splice: vanilla custard, banana, chocolate, strawberries, pineapple and nuts. It's big enough to split, but we won't judge if you're selfish.

Time Out tip: Scooter’s walk-up window makes it easy to grab a treat with your furry BFF in tow.

Address: 1658 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 2-9pm; Sat, Sun 1-9pm

What is it? A Japanese-inspired ice cream shop known for playful flavors.

Why we love it: The technicolor soft serve at Little Italy's Kurimu (and its sibling locations in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park and Schaumburg) is inspired by the always-trendy desserts of Japan, Taiwan and Korea, with a rotating list of flavors like Okayama peach, taro, and matcha (you can even get your soft serve wrapped in gold or silver foil, if you're feeling fancy). Pair your cone with a boba milk tea or frothy Dalgona coffee, and consider ordering a pint of ice cream to go.

Time Out tip: Kurimu is always cooking up new collaborations, so keep an eye out for limited-edition flavors and merch.

Address: 1159 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 1-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-10:30pm; Sun noon-10pm

What is it? A nostalgia-fueled store producing frozen treats on a stick.

Why we love it: Inspired by the memory of standing at the end of her driveway with change in her pocket and waiting on the ice cream truck, Dana Cree opened Pretty Cool Ice Cream with Michael Ciapciakin in Logan Square in 2018. The cute-as-a-button shop slings beautiful popsicles in fascinating flavors: Lick a peanut butter-potato chip custard bar, a plant-based blue moon pop or a strawberry buttermilk bar. Keep an eye out for limited-edition flavors and community partnerships as well.

Time Out tip: Vegans, Pretty Cool offers a selection of plant-based pops.

Address: 2353 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun noon-10pm; Thu noon-midnight

What is it? A West Town gelateria serving rich, creamy scoops.

Why we love it: After peddling her gelato all over town to the city's best chefs and markets, Jessica Oloroso found a fitting home in Ukrainian Village. There, she lures folks with boundary-pushing flavors of gelato, including goat cheese cashew caramel and cucumber lime sorbet.

Time Out tip: Dairy-free options are available on Wednesdays.

Address: 859 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-11pm

What is it? A neighborhood spot for frozen custard.

Why we love it: With locations in Edgewater and West Rogers Park, this custard shop is a community staple for families and sugar fiends alike. Guests can get their custard by the cone or dish or have it whipped into a sundae or concrete. Spring for the OMG—chocolate or vanilla custard dotted with peanut-butter fudge brownie pieces and a shot of hot fudge. As if that weren't enough, you'll also find cookies, cupcakes and chocolates behind the counter.

Time Out tip: Grab a quart to take home and enjoy later.

Address: 6056 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

Opening hours: Daily noon-10pm

What is it? A Bridgeport favorite for indulgent desserts.

Why we love it: This seasonal, family-owned walk-up window is the stuff that sweet sweet dreams are made of. From churro sundaes and ice cream floats to Italian ice and banana splits, you might just experience a sugar rush while browsing the menu. Order whatever makes your heart happy and take a seat at one of the umbrella-covered tables—you're in for a treat at this Bridgeport shop.

Time Out tip: The funnel cake sundae is the signature item for good reason.

Address: 630 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Daily noon-10pm

What is it? One of the best national ice cream chains.

Why we love it: When Ohio-based Jeni's moved to Chicago, it immediately upped the city's ice cream scene. Buttermilk ice cream with swirls of peach jam? Check. The richest, darkest chocolate ice cream you'll ever taste? They've got that, too. When you factor in toppings like salted caramel sauce, the decision about what to order is that much harder. Luckily, Jeni's workers are happy to dish out as many samples as your heart desires.

Time Out tip: Flavors rotate seasonally, but favorites like salty caramel and brambleberry crisp are always on offer.

Address: 3404 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-11:30pm; Fri noon-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-11:30pm

What is it? A vegan ice cream specialist.

Why we love it: Vaca’s Creamery co-owners Dylan Sutcliff and Mariana Marinho met working at a vegan ice cream shop in Austin, Texas, and now have their own business with locations in Noble Square and Lincoln Square. Chicago’s first exclusively vegan soft-serve shop doesn’t sacrifice decadence or deliciousness in the name of dairy-free—indulge your inner child with creative, over-the-top sundaes like the appropriately-named Death by Chocolate, which features chocolate sauce, chocolate shell and brownie bites, or the mango sticky rice, which captures the flavors of the Thai dessert. You can also pick up pints and seasonal baked goods including cookies and Brazilian cheese bread.

Time Out tip: If you're celebrating an occasion, the ice cream cakes are crowd pleasers.

Address: 1436 W Blackhawk St, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1-9pm; 12:30-9pm

What is it? An Emerald Isle-inspired shop.

Why we love it: Sean McGuire brings the flavors of his native Ireland to the West Loop with ice cream varieties featuring Guinness, Bailey's, Jameson and Irish mint chip. For a traditional treat from across the pond, try a soft-serve cone garnished with a crumbling milk chocolate Cadbury 99 Flake bar. A party room makes a perfect place for a kid’s birthday celebration.

Time Out tip: Don’t be afraid to try something different: Cone Gourmet regularly offers new flavors.

Address: 1047 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-11pm

What is it? A Mexican dessert wonderland.

Why we love it: No summer bucket list is complete without a trip to Pilsen to visit La Michoacana Premium, Chicago's premiere paletería. Upon entering this cheerful shop, you'll be pulled to the display case, which is jam-packed with dozens of paletas in flavors like blackberry, kiwi-strawberry and creamy pistachio. The shop's mangonada is another fan favorite, blending tangy mango sorbet, hunks of fresh fruit, lime juice and Tajin chili powder.

Time Out tip: La Michoacana Premium also offers tortas and savory snacks if you’re craving something more substantial.

What is it? A Chinatown shop specializing in made-to-order frozen treats.

Why we love it: Rolled ice cream takes center stage at Legend Tasty House. Originating in Thailand, the dessert is made right in front of you, similar to the experience at Cold Stone Creamery. Staff pour a milk-based mixture onto a frozen pan, then work it into thin rolls. The ice cream is served in a cup with toppings ranging from fresh fruit and cookies to candies, syrups and more.

Time Out tip: Nearby parking is scarce, so plan to do a bit of walking.

Address: 2242 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11:15am-11pm; Fri 11:15am-11:30pm; Sat 10:30am-midnight; Sun 10:30am-11pm

What is it? A charming spot that's especially popular with the little ones.

Why we love it: Ice cream doesn’t get any cuter than the creations from Eli’s Ark. The mom-and-pop shop scoops a variety of gelato flavors and shapes them into adorable animals like dogs, pigs and unicorns. No matter your age, you’ll get a kick out of these delightful treats.

Time Out tip: The ube flavor is a particular favorite.

Address: 1843 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 3-9pm; Sat 1-9pm; Sun 1-8pm

What is it? An artisan gelato shop.

Why we love it: If you've driven past the busy Milwaukee-Ogden-Chicago intersection, you may have noticed this teal-hued spot. Gelato world champion and chef Pawel Petrykowski brought this Polish gelato franchise to River West, where guests can savor classic flavors like fior di latte and straciatella alongside fruitier options like blueberry and strawberry. The menu rotates, so come back often to see what’s new.

Time Out tip: There are vegan, keto and dairy-free flavors.

Address: 1058 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4-9pm; Sat, Sun 2-9pm

What is it? A classic neighborhood stand.

Why we love it: Nothing says summer like lining up on the rainbow sprinkle–coated blacktop with the crowds outside this ice cream shack, waiting for a soft-serve cone dipped in chocolate or cherry coating. Grab a spot on one of the benches for people-watching that reflects a great cross-section of city types. If you’re feeling indulgent, try the Buddy parfait, made with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and salted peanuts, or one of the myriad of funky-flavored shakes, like caramel or marshmallow.

Time Out tip: Dairy Star’s ice cream is certified kosher.

Address: 3472 W Devon Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-11pm; Fri noon-midnight; Sat 2pm-midnight