Best Local: Ice Cream Shops

Grab a scoop or two from these Chicago and suburban ice cream shops!

Beat the summer heat with a tasty treat! Chicago is home to many ice cream parlors and creameries to help keep cool. Try any of these favorite Chicago or suburban locations, and don’t forget the sprinkles!

Close-up of chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches, with vanilla ice cream filling rolled in mini chocolate chips, placed on a wooden surface. More sandwiches are visible in the background.

From ice cream truck to famous storefront, try Bobtail’s Ice Cream! Bobtail’s offers small-town feel with an urban touch. Try Chicago-based flavors such as Daley Addiction, Lakeview Barhopper and Cubby Crunch. If you need a caffeine kick, try the specialty Bobby Joe, ice cream blended with coffee and espresso. Only a 10 minute ride on the 36 bus from The Belden Stratford!

Two glass cups filled with layered desserts; the front one has vanilla pudding, strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a mint garnish, while the back one features chocolate mousse with strawberries. Fresh strawberries are scattered around.

Indulge yourself with delicious sweets from Ghirardelli Chocolate Café! Ghirardelli is America’s longest operating chocolate manufacturer, opening in America in 1849. Try any of their decadent sundaes such as Crissy Fields, Earthquake or Treasure Island. Choose from over 12 ice cream flavors, serves in a handmade waffle cone or in shakes or floats. Only a 7 minute walk from Columbus Plaza!

A small cup of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with a wooden spoon, placed on a white napkin on a wooden table.

Ice cream in a cup on a wooden table ready to eat. Great illustration for dessert and holiday concept.

Step back in time to an all-American diner with Five Faces Ice Cream! Five faces serves throwback soft serve as a cone or a shake, along with other classic diner foods for cheap! Only a 9 minute walk from State & Chestnut or an 11 minute walk from The Chicagoan!

A display case filled with various colorful gelato flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and pistachio, with metal scoops placed in some of the tubs.

Get a taste of Italy with rich gelato at Gelati! Gelati rotates over 75 unique flavors, including Amerena, Biscotto, Donatella and Fior de Latte. Only a 10 minute drive from Lincoln At The Parks.