Here’s the scoop: the best ice cream shops in Chicago

You scream, I scream, who doesn’t love ice cream?

If you’re like us, you probably find yourself indulging in Halo Top most often but we promise you don’t wanna miss out on Chicago’s ice cream scene. Keep reading to see some of our suggestions, and let us know your favorite spot in the comments. 

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s uses The Fellowship Model by working directly with their suppliers in order to offer you ice creams that have a uniquely smooth texture & buttercream body.

Jeni’s distinct flavor is due to founder Jeni Britton Bauer’s strategy of using whole ingredients & dairy from grass-pastured cows, rather than synthetic flavorings & commodity ice cream mix.

Jeni’s has four Chicago locations and you can buy online too!

Recommendation: Brambleberry Crisp

Photo: Graeter’s Ice Cream

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Aside from using only the freshest ingredients, what makes Graeter’s unique is the French Pot Process that they use to make their ice cream.

Graeter’s has two shops on the North Shore, but you should be able to find this in most grocery stores throughout Chicagoland.

Pro tip: Greater’s also offers a low-glycemic ice cream for those who need less sugar.

Recommendation: Black Cherry Chocolate Chip

Photo: Edward Boe Photography

Lickity Split

If you’re looking for delicious frozen custard in Chicago’s Edgewater or West Ridge neighborhood, we recommend Lickity Split.

This neighborhood favorite serves up ice cream, concretes, shakes & malts. Aside from the delicious ice cream, Lickity Split also offers Metropolis Coffee and they’ve partnered with local businesses to offer all sorts of candy & pastries.

Recommendation: PB & Fudge

Margie’s Candies

With two Chicago locations, Margie’s Candies is a go-to spot for many Chicagoans when the ice cream craving hits. Margie’s ice cream & toppings are made fresh, using all natural and kosher ingredients.

Margie’s also makes their own waffle cones if that’s something you prefer. Don’t miss out on Margie’s delicious homemade candy if you do decide to make the trip.

Recommendation: The Turtle Split

Photo: Scooter’s Frozen Custard

Scooter’s Frozen Custard

There’s a reason Time Out named this place one of the best ice cream shops in America in 2015.

You can watch the frozen custard get made fresh at this Roscoe Village shop. Scooter’s uses local ingredients from the family farmers of central Wisconsin, considered America’s Dairyland.

Recommendation: Boston Shake

Original Rainbow Cone

It wouldn’t be a true Chicago ice cream shop recommendation list if we didn’t include Original Rainbow Cone. The home of this shop is on the far south side of Chicago, but visitors can take in the rainbow goodness at their Navy Pier outpost.

The signature five-flavor rainbow cone features scoops of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet stacked to make a mountain of goodness.

Recommendation: Rainbow Cone