We've all jumped on the froyo train at one point or another, lured in by promises of no calories, no sugar and no clue what exactly that leaves us with. Froyo has a place kind of like turkey bacon has a place. I get why it exists, I just don't have to agree with it.
There's simply nothing that can replace the taste of slow-churned, carefully crafted small batch nostalgia. There are still good old-fashioned ice cream parlors scooping ice cream and hand-making Italian ice that would make even your grandma feel like a kid again.
Here are 10 Chicagoland ice cream shops serving up the best double scoop around.
Miko's Italian Ice
With 20 years of handmade Italian ice under their belts, it's no wonder Miko's is a Chicago family favorite. They recently opened their third location, so you can have a double scoop of combos like lemon and strawberry, or banana chocolate chip and chocolate in Logan Square, Bucktown and Irving Park.
Brown Cow
This charming ice cream parlor serves up root beer floats from an old-fashioned soda fountain. My childhood was partially defined by my love for root beer floats. Their homemade ice creams, pies and cakes are fresh, delicious and definitely worth the trip to Forest Park. Double up on the chocolate-chip ice cream sandwiches; they are divine.
Jeni's Splendid
Both Jeni's ice cream and her ice cream stores are works of creative genius. Supermoon and Brambleberry Crisp are a double scoop combination to be both savored and celebrated. Check out one of Jeni's three Chicago locations: Southport, Wicker Park and Armitage.
Cone
This place feels like heaven to my little Irish heart. Owner Sean McGuire was born and raised in Ireland (County Mayo to be exact!) and takes pride in quality, customer service and a topping o' Irish flair. The next time you're in the West Loop get a couple scoops -- and opt in to the Irish flake bar garnish with Lucky Charms on top.
Margie's Candies
For more than 90 years, Margie's has served up hand-dipped candies, homemade sundaes and delicious shakes. Margie's Candies has seated The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Al Capone and countless others who couldn't resist Margie's homemade treats. Don't leave without a jar of fudge. I'm sorry, and you're welcome.
Gina's Italian Ice
Using a recipe she learned back in Italy, Gina started making Italian ice in 1977. She would buy fruit from local markets and make her Lemonade Italian ice by hand, selling scoops in small paper cups for 15 cents each. Gina's now makes about a dozen flavors, but her no-nonsense approach has made her a legend in Berwyn. Gina's is only open May through September, so get in and try her favorite flavor: lemon!
Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop
Their name is historic, and their sundaes are world famous. On my first visit I was greeted with a chocolate square at the front door, and haven't looked back since. Their scoops have old-fashioned written all over them, arriving at your table in a glass cup or bowl, with a heaping dollop of whipped cream and always with a cherry on top. Ghirardelli has two locations on Michigan Ave.
Petersen's Ice Cream
Since opening on 1100 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park in 1931, Petersen's has made their ice cream the exact same way for decades. In true “old-fashioned” spirit, quality and nostalgia are their finest ingredients. And they serve Blue Moon … Need I say more?
Bobtail Ice Cream
When their story starts with grandpa selling homemade ice cream door-to-door in 1950 you know this old school ice cream joint is legit. You can savor your double scoop of cubby crunch and vanilla bean while playing a board game with your dates. Bobtail is located in Lakeview.
George's Ice Cream
Named after a beloved member of the Andersonville community, George's Ice Cream was inspired by an old school way of thinking. What could be better than conversation with friends and delicious ice cream in a comfy neighborhood ice cream shop? George's serves classic and unique ice cream flavors, sundaes, cupcakes and coffee. Try the red velvet ice cream sandwich, or The Exhausted Parent (complete with espresso and bourbon).
