Business catalogChicagoRanking 2026
Ice cream shop Chicago
Our subjective pick: the best Ice cream shop in Chicago.
- Companies ranked
- 13 Companies
- Average rating
- 4,6 Avg. rating
- Edition year
- 2026 Edition
Updated 20 czerwca 2026
Company ranking
13 places- 014,8(1633 reviews)Portal score 8,5
The majority of customers report a highly positive experience, frequently praising the friendly, efficient staff and the quality of the ice cream. While most reviews highlight excellent service, one customer reported significant difficulty resolving an order error due to poor management communication.
- Friendly and kind staff
- Fast and efficient service
- High quality ice cream
- 024,7(2749 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Legend Tasty House is a popular Chinatown destination known for its fresh, high-quality rolled ice cream prepared in front of customers. While the shop is frequently busy and can become crowded or loud, most visitors appreciate the efficient service and wide variety of flavorful options.
- Fresh ingredients and fruit
- Entertaining preparation process
- Efficient and fast service
- 034,7(1175 reviews)Portal score 8,4
This popular Chicago ice cream shop is widely praised for its high-quality, creamy flavors and freshly made waffle cones. While customers frequently encounter long lines, the staff is generally noted for being efficient and friendly, often allowing guests to sample flavors before purchasing.
- High quality creamy ice cream
- Freshly made waffle cones
- Friendly and efficient staff
- 044,7(621 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Pretty Cool Ice Cream is a popular Logan Square shop known for its creative, high-quality ice cream bars and popsicles. Customers frequently praise the diverse flavor selection, friendly staff, and the shop's fun, colorful atmosphere.
- Creative and unique flavors
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Fun and colorful atmosphere
- 054,7(1845 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Shawn Michelle's is widely praised for its high-quality, homemade ice cream and warm, welcoming customer service. While most customers find the experience exceptional, some visitors have expressed concerns regarding inconsistent product quality, menu transparency, and pricing.
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- High-quality homemade ice cream
- Generous offering of free samples
- 064,8(342 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Runaway Cow is a popular vegan ice cream shop in Chicago known for its extensive menu, including soft serve, sundaes, and "snow storms." While most customers praise the creamy texture and flavor variety, some visitors find the products to be overly sweet or icy.
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Creamy vegan ice cream
- Extensive menu variety
- 074,5(2852 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Margie's Candies is a historic, family-owned Chicago institution celebrated for its nostalgic atmosphere and generous portions of homemade ice cream. While the shop is highly regarded for its legendary sundaes and vintage charm, visitors should be prepared for potential wait times and a cramped dining environment.
- Huge portion sizes
- Nostalgic vintage atmosphere
- High quality homemade ice cream
- 084,5(3606 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Ghirardelli is a popular destination for ice cream and chocolate, frequently praised for its high-quality ingredients and scenic river views. While many visitors enjoy the indulgent treats and efficient service, others find the menu items to be excessively sweet and notably expensive.
- High-quality ice cream
- Scenic river views
- Fast and friendly service
- 094,6(3092 reviews)Portal score 8,3
The Original Rainbow Cone is widely celebrated for its iconic, multi-flavored ice cream and nostalgic atmosphere. While many customers praise the efficient service and value, others report inconsistent experiences regarding staff professionalism, cleanliness, and the quality of specific menu items.
- Iconic rainbow cone flavors
- Fast and efficient service
- Generous portion sizes
- 104,7(549 reviews)Portal score 8,31843 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622(773) 687-9072
Eli's Ark is a popular Wicker Park gelato shop known for its creative, animal-shaped ice cream decorations and unique, high-quality flavor offerings. While the experience is widely praised for its visual appeal and friendly staff, customers frequently note long wait times due to the shop's popularity.
- Creative animal-shaped ice cream
- Unique and delicious gelato flavors
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- 114,6(719 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Black Dog Gelato is highly regarded for its creative, rotating flavor selection and exceptionally creamy texture. While the shop is small with no indoor seating, it features a popular outdoor patio and friendly staff who encourage sampling.
- Unique and creative flavors
- Creamy gelato texture
- Friendly and helpful staff
- 124,5(2171 reviews)Portal score 8,138 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603Website
Amorino is widely praised for its high-quality, creamy gelato and signature rose-shaped presentation, though the experience is often impacted by significant crowds and a confusing ordering process. While many customers enjoy the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, others find the service inconsistent and the flavor variety lacking.
- Rich and creamy gelato
- Beautiful rose-shaped presentation
- Friendly and attentive staff
- 134,2(766 reviews)Portal score 8,0
Cone is a popular Irish-themed ice cream shop in Chicago's West Loop known for its unique flavors and pleasant outdoor patio. While many customers praise the high-quality ice cream and friendly service, others report inconsistent experiences regarding staff behavior, cleanliness, and pricing accuracy.
- Unique ice cream flavors
- Outdoor patio seating
- High quality ice cream
Company comparison
| Position | Company | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cold Stone Creamery | 4,8 |
| 2 | Legend Tasty House | 4,7 |
| 3 | Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | 4,7 |
| 4 | Pretty Cool Ice Cream | 4,7 |
| 5 | Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream Bronzeville | 4,7 |
| 6 | Runaway Cow | 4,8 |
| 7 | Margie's Candies | 4,5 |
| 8 | Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop | 4,5 |
| 9 | The Original Rainbow Cone | 4,6 |
| 10 | Eli’s Ark | 4,7 |
| 11 | Black Dog Gelato | 4,6 |
| 12 | Amorino | 4,5 |
| 13 | Cone Gourmet Ice Cream | 4,2 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose the best ice cream shops in Chicago?
- To find the best spot, look for shops that prioritize high-quality ingredients and consistent customer satisfaction. Our 2026 ranking features 16 of the top-rated ice cream shops in Chicago to help you narrow down your search. Legend Tasty House currently leads our list with an impressive 4.7/5 rating.
- What should I look for when visiting an ice cream shop?
- Look for a clean environment, a wide variety of flavor options, and friendly service. You should expect a premium experience at top-tier locations like Legend Tasty House, which maintains a high 4.7/5 rating. Prices at these shops vary depending on the serving size and the complexity of the toppings you choose.
- How should I interpret ratings and reviews for Chicago ice cream shops?
- When reading reviews, focus on recent feedback regarding flavor quality and shop cleanliness rather than just the total score. While our list of 16 businesses highlights the best options, remember that individual preferences for texture and sweetness can vary. A high rating, such as the 4.7/5 held by Legend Tasty House, is a strong indicator of consistent quality.
- What is a good tip for finding the best ice cream in Chicago?
- A great tip is to look for shops that offer unique, house-made flavors or specialized techniques like rolled ice cream. You can explore our curated list of 16 businesses to see which shops are currently trending in the city. Checking the specific menu offerings online before you visit can also help you find the perfect treat.
- Are there many highly-rated ice cream shops in Chicago?
- Yes, Chicago has a vibrant dessert scene with many excellent options to explore. We have compiled a list of 16 businesses to help you discover the top-rated spots in the city. While an overall average rating for the category is not available, standout shops like Legend Tasty House demonstrate the high standard of quality you can expect.