Happy (belated) National Ice Cream Day!
Anyone who knows me knows I. Love. Ice cream. Like, a lot. Like, slept with this thing her entire life a lot and she could never like, stay in a foreign country without him. No no, I’ll send him to her, that will be all thank you Martin.
Hello? Is anyone still with me?
Well, if you are then allow me to take you on a quick tour of Chicago’s best ice cream shops. I can’t promise you won’t be jonesing for a double-scoop in a waffle cone by the end!
Annette’s Italian Ice – Love this place, they have tons of flavors and they are dangerously located around the corner from my house – yikes.
Bobtail Ice Cream Company – This shop is adorable and reminds me of a 1950’s soda fountain situation. The blue awning is like a bat-signal for cute kids and dogs in the summer months.
Black Dog Gelato – My god, do I love me some gelato. This place touts unique flavors like Mexican Hot Chocolate and Sesame Fig Chocolate Chip. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s located in Bucktown, where I could spend endless summer nights moseying around.
Caffe Gelato – Not far away in neighboring Wicker Park you’ll find another gelato shop – this one with a more classic twist. They feature flavors like Tiramisu and Pistachio (if that doesn’t scream Italy I don’t know what does). Makes me wanna take a summer vespa ride!
George’s Ice Cream & Sweets – This sweet shop is located in another favorite neighborhood of mine, Andersonville. Not only do they have delicious ice cream, they also carry homemade sweets, baked goods, and yummy Italian sodas. Literally, there’s something for everyone.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – Jeni’s has two shops, one in Wicker Park and the other in Lakeview. They carry delicious ice cream flavors like Wildberry Lavender and Brown Butter Almond Brittle – YUM. Also, they carry buttermilk frozen yogurts, sorbets, and homemade sauces. I’m salivating.
Paciugo – Another gelato shop (Ok fine, I’m a little obsessed) which I also used to live near. Too risky, people. I advise against it. This place has three locations and the name means “messy concoction” in Italian, which I love. Flavors like Mint Cookies n’ Milk and Mediterranean Sea Salt Carmel keep me coming back for more.
Original Rainbow Cone – And last but certainly not least, the shop I grew up frequenting on hot summer nights. God, this place brings on WAVES of nostalgia! My family and I would walk there when I was a kid and I can remember it like it was yesterday. It’s a Chicago classic, and it does not disappoint! You must try the original rainbow cone (I get mine without chocolate) on a cake cone. It’s simply the best!