Best Ice Cream in Chicago (Parents Share the Scoop)

Vanessa M. said:  Capannari Ice Cream is a local gem in the Northwest suburb of Mt. Prospect. Their housemade, gourmet flavors have won prestigious awards such as "Best Ice Cream in Chicago" by Chicago Magazine and "Top 10 Best Scoops in America" by Good Morning America. Check their events calendar for fun, free family concerts, movies nights, and more!

Mt Prospect, IL

Kristy Pepping said:  Berry Yo was started by three siblings who wanted to bring something special and unique to the area. They offer several different flavors of frozen yogurt and even have flavors of the week. Some of the fun options include birthday cake gelato, pumpkin pie and tiger's blood gelato (which is also dairy-free)! And if toppings are what makes your dessert, then you are in luck because Berry Yo has over 50 to choose from! They are also a fun place to host a birthday party.

Arlington Heights, IL

Yoli B said:  Housed in an old mechanic garage, this family-owned custard shop is a perfect place for a quick family trip! Comet is an old-fashioned space with a drive-through lane and outdoor seating. The menu includes ice cream sundaes, frozen custard, concretes and one special flavor every day! The staff is friendly and the place feels like an old school neighborhood shop.

Rolling Meadows, IL

Yoli B said:  Down to the checkerboard floors Daisy Malt Shoppe resembles an old soda fountain. Unfortunately for me this place is on the way to my gym, but the menu is definitely worth the extra calories! Menu highlights are premium ice cream, soft serve and milkshakes. If you are dairy free you will have plenty of sorbet and soy ice cream to choose from too!

Palatine, IL

Kelly R. said:  It's all about the banana splits and sundaes at Margie's Candies! This institution has been around since 1921. Order enough for the family to share and know that you're in good company...Al Capone, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones have all eaten at Margie's!

Chicago, IL

Kelly R. said:  The Village Creamery is a family owned place that makes its own extra-creamy ice cream on the premises every day. You will find all of your favorite standbys there, but they are well known for their large assortment of creative and exotic flavors. Think avocado, green tea, mangosteen, red bean, and...queso.

Niles, IL

After trying this place, it's completely understandable to take a moment of silence and be grateful for Graeter's because it is mind-blowingly good. This family-owned business, based in Cincinnati, has honored a few select Chicago-area locations with their presence and you should treat yourself and your family to their hand-crafted, small batch, delicious ice cream and sundae creations. You won't regret it!

Northbrook, IL

Simply put, Black Dog's gelato is amazing! Only the gelato they make that morning is served that day. They have fun and inventive flavors such as goat cheese cashew caramel, sesame fig chocolate chip, and banana curry. Flavors change regularly which gives you an excuse to go back again and again. Black Dog's inventive flavors can be seen on various menus throughout the city, with chefs such as Stephanie Izard being a huge fan!
Chicago, IL

Brittany Kozielski said:  Located in Downtown Downers Grove for 20 years. An old fashioned ice cream shop serving Sherman's Finest ice cream. With more than 40 flavor choices and over 20 sundae choices, this shop is sure to please the entire family. Enjoy a sundae right when you get off the train with its convenient location.

Downers Grove, IL

Kelly R. said:  This popular spot offers delicious frozen custard and other sweets. I love that they partner with other local businesses to offer pastries, candy, and coffee, too.

Chicago, IL

Gina I. said:  Located in Andersonville, George's Ice Cream & Sweets combines the classic ice cream shoppe style with fun and innovative flavors like espresso Oreo, raspberry truffle, black licorice, maplenut, and fat Elvis. They also have a nice selection of dairy free and no sugar added varieties. With plenty of seating both inside and out, you can pull up a chair, grab one of the many family-friendly board games they have on hand, and enjoy a delicious scoop.

Chicago, IL

Brittany Kozielski said:  Rainbow Cone has been in business for over 90 years, and fortunately for Chicagoland families, this south side staple now offers a couple more locations, plus traveling ice cream trucks! The namesake "Rainbow Cone" is a huge stack of chocolate, strawberry, palmer house (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio and orange sherbet, and you can also enjoy your typical cones, shakes, sundaes and banana splits. To see whether the Rainbow Cone truck will be serving icy treats near you, check their website.

Lombard, IL

Kristy Pepping said:  Are you looking for an old fashioned ice cream shop? Then try The Magical Plush Horse! They have homemade ice cream with a fun step back in time. Menus options include: ice cream, shakes, sodas, malts, sundaes, banana splits and more!

Tinley Park, IL

Kelly R. said:  Jeni's originated in Columbus, Ohio, and is now sharing the love with Chicago. Artisan ice cream made with the highest quality, responsibly sourced, ingredients. It's the sort of ice cream that requires you to close your eyes when you savor that first bite.

Chicago, IL

Yoli B said:  Homer's is a 80 year old Wilmette institution and makes some of the best gourmet ice cream in the country, according to Bon Appetit magazine. The shop has over 50 flavors of premium ice cream, yogurt, sherbert and sorbets. One of the great bonuses of the shop is that you can ship pints to a far away loved one-- now that will definitely make someone's day!

Wilmette, IL