The inside scoop on the city’s best ice cream

The Museum of Ice Cream Chicago opened its doors on July 16 in the historic Tribune building. Chicagoans have plenty of choice when it comes to sweet spots for a cool treat.

Sundae Stop (931 W. Belmont) pays homage to the CTA, mimicking a subway stop serving homemade ice cream, sorbet and vegan options. Hop off the train, pop in and grab a tasty treat.

Margie’s Candies (1960 N. Western) brings back the 50s diner feel with shakes, malts and sundaes. Known far and wide, this popular parlor has delighted patrons with rich, heavenly desserts and candies for over 90 years.

The Original Rainbow Cone (9233 S. Western) is considered an iconic ice cream institution. The south side establishment stacks the perfect combination of colors to achieve a blissful burst of flavor in every bite. For over nine decades, they’ve sliced orange sherbet, pistachio, palmerhouse, strawberry and chocolate into a work of art depicting their signature cones.

Scooters Frozen Custard (1658 W. Belmont) serves up locally sourced frozen custard made fresh daily. Enjoy concretes, sundaes, shakes, malts, floats, cups and cones at this locally owned shop with authentic ingredients and exceptional service.

Eli’s Ark (1843 W. North Ave.), a gelato shop in Wicker Park, offers animal-shaped scoops that delight patrons of all ages. Try a scoop shaped like a bunny, bear, dog, chicken, pig or unicorn, with artistically placed candy facial features and ears made of chocolate.

Bombo Bar (832 W. Randolph) is home to the irresistible bombolini—a hole-less Italian doughnut infused with ever-changing filling flavors that steals the show atop Bombo’s highly instagram-mable gelato shakes.

Pretty Cool Ice Cream (2353 N. California) is a small handmade, artisan ice cream company specializing in frozen novelties. Through collaboration with local artists, each item is carefully crafted for a look and flavor that’s as diverse as the city.

Legend Tasty House (2242 S. Wentworth), located in the heart of Chinatown, puts on a show as they scrape, chop, mix, flatten and expertly roll Thai ice cream, which is served upright in a cup with optional mix-ins and garnished with colorful, tasty toppings.

Scoops Dessert Bar (608 W. 31st St.) serves vegan and gluten-free desserts, as well as boozy milkshakes and mini doughnuts. This woman-owned Gold Coast ice cream shop ensures that food intolerances don’t get in the way of indulging in traditionally dairy dominated delicacies.

Taiyaki Chicago (2468 N. Clark St.) brings unique treats to the community. Taiyaki is a traditional dessert in Japan translating to “fried fish.” Various fillings are molded into a fish shape, baked in cast iron and filled with soft serve ice cream.