Best Ice Cream In Chicago

There are a lot of reasons to love Chicago come summer time. From the Lake Michigan beach to the street festivals and—finally!—the warm weather, there's plenty of ways to enjoy the city. And when it comes time to cool down, there's nothing more refreshing than an ice cream cone (or sundae, or ice cream funnel cake, you take your pick). This July, make a tour of all the best ice cream spots in the city to celebrate National Ice Cream Month!

Scooter's Frozen Custard
1658 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 244-6415
www.scootersfrozencustard.com

For fresh, creamy and smooth ice cream unlike any other, head to Scooter's in Roscoe Village. Here they call it frozen custard, but that's just another word for the best ice cream ever. Plus, frozen custard is made a bit differently than your traditional ice cream; to be considered authentic custard, it must contain 1.4% egg yolk and at least 10% butterfat. It also is produced with a process that uses less ice cream, creating fewer ice crystals. But the only thing you really need to know is this: Pick either vanilla or chocolate frozen custard and then your choice of a stunning array of mix-ins, including butterfinger, mocha, sprinkles, chocolate chip cookie dough, and the list goes on and on. In other words, ice cream heaven.

Margie's Candies
1960 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 384-1035
www.margiesfinecandies.com

Established in 1921, Margie's Candies in Logan Square is an institution known for just about every dessert there is, including a variety of ice cream options, and today the shop is run by a fourth-generation Poulos family member. If you have a super big sweet tooth—or you're willing to share -- check out the amazing jumbo options. All include hefty scoops of ice cream and come with an array of toppings. One of the many favorites? The turtle sundae, which comes with three scoops of ice cream, as well as caramel pecans, and fudge, all topped with whipped cream, cherry and a cookie.

Delicias Natural
2867 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
www.facebook.com/deliciasnatural

Mexican-inspired ice cream? Yes, please! The flavors here may sound crazy—after all, you can get avocado ice cream—but it's one of the most delightful and interesting ice cream experiences you'll have in the city. In addition to the avocado flavor, there's also 35 other flavors to choose from, meaning you can have an entire Mexican feast through ice cream, from appetizers to dessert! For those seeking something a tad more traditional, Delicias Natural also offers a fabulous Mexican chocolate ice cream.

Related: Best Ice Cream Sundaes in Chicago

26th St. Sugar Shack
630 W. 26th St.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6568
www.sugarshackon26th.com

For one of the most decadent ice cream desserts, look no further than this Bridgeport hot spot. While it also has Italian ice, ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, and malts—in other words, plenty of dessert options—it's the funnel cake sundae that makes this place famous. If you're enjoying your dessert alone, opt for the mini for $4.50. Sharing? Grab the enormous full size for just $7.25. Either options include vanilla soft serve, one wet topping (like hot fudge or peanut butter), one dry topping (with options ranging from granola to fruity pebbles) and whipped cream, and is finished with a cherry on top!

Original Rainbow Cone
9233 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 238-7075
www.rainbowcone.com

Established in 1926, the Original Rainbow Cone in Beverly is one of the oldest ice cream shops in Chicago (other than Margie's, of course). But that's not the only thing that makes this family-run shop so special. Rather, just as the name implies, it's all about the unbelievable and sugary delight that is the rainbow cone. Whether ordered in a cup or a cone, the rainbow comes in, you guessed in, a plethora of colors and flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet. This rainbow of flavors is also available as a cake. Other flavors, as well as shakes, are available, but it's the rainbow cone that has made this place popular for decades, and decades to come.

Related: Best Doughnuts In Chicago

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 blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.