Looking for real ice cream in Chicago? These 211 local ice cream across Chicago and nearby Illinois are the artisan spots — no chains, just the good stuff.
We currently track 25 ice cream shops and parlors serving Chicago, IL in Cook County.
A single scoop in Chicago usually runs about $4-$7, with specialty sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a little more than soft-serve chains.
Many Chicago listings also serve hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, and dairy-free options.
A single scoop in Chicago usually runs about $4 to $7, with sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a bit more than soft-serve chains.
Many Chicago shops now carry dairy-free, vegan, or sorbet options. Check the listings above and ask, since offerings change with the season.
Gelato has less fat and less air than ice cream, so it is denser with more intense flavor. Several Chicago shops serve both.
Some keep shorter winter hours or close seasonally. Check the hours for the shop you have in mind before you go.
The shops above are the independent, small-batch spots in and around Chicago — no chains. The order reflects community ratings, so the more people rate, the better it gets. Tried one? Give it a rating.
Use the category chips to filter Chicago shops by gelato, frozen custard, soft serve, sorbet and dairy-free, and rolled ice cream — whatever you're craving.
This directory is built from open data and grows with the community. If a great Chicago scoop shop isn't listed, add it here.
GelatoFrozen CustardSoft ServeFrozen YogurtSorbet & VeganRolled Ice CreamIce Cream CakesItalian Ice
Claim your shop and get featured → Add photos, hours, and your best flavors, and pin to the top of Chicago.