Craving ice cream in downtown Chicago? You’re not alone. Maybe it’s the fresh air off Lake Michigan or the calories you’ve burned off walking along the Mag Mile or exploring bustling River North. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to find a ice cream shop in downtown Chicago.
Best Ice Cream Downtown Chicago
Chicago is a frozen treat lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for soft serve, classic custard, hard scoops on waffle cones, or paleterias or vegan options.
Here is a list of seven ice cream shops in downtown Chicago, to tempt your taste buds all year long.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s has 11 locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding area, and it’s no wonder. This chain is beloved for their creative flavors of ice cream & frozen yogurt made from local ingredients.
Grab a pint or a cone of one of their inspired flavors like White Chocolate Peppermint (my favorite), Buckeye Frenzy (made with peanut butter and rice crispies) or Brambleberry Crisp. This fruity ice cream is made from Oven-toasted oat streusel and a sweet-tart brambleberry jam layered throughout vanilla ice cream.
Address: 1419 N Wells St Ste 1S, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
You’ll find this ice cream shop with a cozy European vibe near the Water Tower on Michigan Avenue. It’s the perfect place to stop and relax after a long day shopping for a sweet pick-me-up.
Try a cone or sundae (my go-to- here is the Marshmallow Sundae with creamy Chocolate Ice Cream) at the Ghiradelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. You can also choose from other sweet treats including their signature filled chocolate squares or many other bars and sweet treats.
Address: 400 N Michigan Ave Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611
Museum of Ice Cream
What better way to spend an afternoon in Chicago than by celebrating ice cream? Sure, the Museum of Ice Cream offers a whole menu of tasty treats ranging from creamy or crunchy to dairy-free, but there’s so much more to do at this immersive ice cream experience.
Whether you bring the kids or not, you’ll feel like a kid again as you dive into the world-famous sprinkle pool and play a round of dessert-themed mini golf. After you’ve had your fun exploring the museum, visit the café, speakeasy and gift shop to relax. Located in Chicago’s iconic Tribune Tower, you’ll love this spot no matter your age!
Address: 435 N Michigan Ave Suite G, Chicago, IL 60611
Legend Tasty House
If you’ve ever had rolled ice cream, you’ll agree that it is something special. Frozen layers of creamy ice really rolled out and mixed with fudge, caramel, berries or a variety of other toppings are mad4 right before your eyes at this favorite Chinatown spot.
Mix unique ice cream flavors like Taro, Matcha Green tea or Banana with toppings like Coconut, Dragon fruit or Nutella for some delicious flavors. You might have a short wait during the warm summer months, but it is worth it!
Address: 2242 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Original Rainbow Cone
You’ve probably seen pics of the amazingly colorful rainbow cone on social media but seeing it up close- and tasting it- is a whole other story. A Chicago institution for more than 95 years, the Original Rainbow Cone features five delicious flavors of ice cream: Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate stacked on a cone or in cup. It’s important to note that the ice cream is sliced, not scooped: it’s all part of the rainbow cone magic.
EXPERT TIP: Head over to this Original Rainbow Cone location at dusk in the summer so you can enjoy your cone while watching the Navy Pier Fireworks.
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Kilwins
Kilwins, a Michigan-based chain known for their famous Mackinac Island fudge, brings their sweet confections to Chicago at this Loop outlet.
You can pick up fudge, salt-water taffy and other sweet treats here, but it’s also a great spot for some truly creamy, original-recipe ice cream. Choose from flavors like Superman, Chocolate Toasted Coconut or Blueberry Waffle Cone and you can’t go wrong. It’s sound boring, but their plain vanilla ice cream just may be some of the best around.
Address: 310 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Cold Stone Creamery
This downtown Chicago outpost of everyone’s favorite ice cream chain doesn’t disappoint. Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, they offer a variety of design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes and more.
Address: 20 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
BONUS: Jojo’s Shake Bar
This isn’t your ordinary shake: Jojo’s colossal shakes are truly next-level!
Choose from out-of-this world creamy concoctions like The Gold Digger, a caramel toffee shake, with a toffee donut hole, gold star marshmallows, toffee pretzels, and a macadamia nut cookie; or the Girl Scout, made with Andes mint chocolate shake, toasted marshmallow, chocolate pretzel, chocolate s’more, and a double chocolate cookie.
There are many others to choose from, and you can also nosh on French fries, mozzarella sticks and other menu items. EXPERT TIP: Be sure to snap some photos of your shake; these sweet treats are truly Instagram-worthy!
We’re sharing the River North location, but they have an outpost in the Water Tower, too.
Address: 23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Try Some Ice Cream in Downtown Chicago
These are just a few of the many great ice cream shops in downtown Chicago. So next time you’re in the city, be sure to stop by one of these shops for a delicious and refreshing treat.