When it comes to Chicago-style popcorn, (a common holiday treat!) this city knows how to do it right.
Beyond the big-name brands, metro Chicago is home to plenty of local popcorn shops putting their own creative spin on the classic mix. From sweet-and-salty favorites to bold new flavors, check out what’s poppin’ at one of these six spots.
Berco’s Popcorn
Berco’s high-quality products include classic sweet and savory flavors, like butter, caramel and white cheddar, as well as the pricey Way Too Expensive White Truffle and golden Billion Dollar Popcorn. You can even purchase your own custom creations, like a four pack or a tin of mixed flavors. Beroc’s also hosts private corporate events, such as weddings, for popcorn lovers tying the knot.
Location: 904 W. Armitage, Chicago
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 2-8 p.m. Monday; 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Let’s Get Poppin
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Let’s Get Poppin sells both sweet and savory popcorn flavors individually but also combines them, giving customers a more layered flavor experience. Creations by Let’s Get Poppin, besides the classic flavors, include Cheezy Caramel, Garlic Parmesan, Salt and Vinegar, Bacon Cheddar, Jalapeno Red Pepper and Ranch. Customers can also purchase cakes and beverages there.
Location: 11758 S Western Ave., Chicago
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Mr. Poppa Gourmet Popcorn
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Mr. Poppa is another gem whose popcorn is a celebration of the Midwest. The menu serves sweet and savory popcorn with flavors that mix together and complement each other, or just stand out as cool concepts, like Turtles and Caramel, Turtles and Cheese, Buffalo Ranch, Sour Cream and Chives, Dill Pickle and Cajun. You can also purchase Mr. Poppa Chicago Mix, which combines cheese and caramel corn.
Location: 800 S. Wells St., Chicago
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
Popus Gourmet Popcorn
This Wicker Park shop serves delicious gourmet candy and popcorn made fresh daily. Popcorn varieties include Oreo, Birthday Cake, Blazen, Fruit Explosion, Caramel and Cashews, the Midwest Mix and more. If you want to complete your order with a candy topper, you can choose between fruit rings, fruit sours, sugar bears and saltwater taffy. Perfect for an at-home movie night or holiday gift!
Location: 1184 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday
The Little Popcorn Store
This charming and traditional little shop, currently a family-owned business, has been delighting the residents of Wheaton since 1921. The store is dedicated to delivering high-quality popcorn, which it makes fresh daily and has spent the last several decades perfecting. The Little Popcorn Store also sells candy and merchandise, like clothing, puzzles, coffee mugs and artwork.
Location: 111 W Front St., Wheaton
Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
What’s Poppin Gourmet Popcorn and Italian Ice
At What’s Poppin, you can expect fresh, house-made products. Popcorn comes in a variety of buttery, nutty, cheesy, sweet and spicy flavors, like Nutty Caramel, Cheesy Vinegar, Buffalo Dill and Cookies-N-Cream. Customers can also choose between an entire rainbow of fruity flavors of Italian ice to accompany their popcorn (try a savory popcorn and sweet Italian ice!) The shop is veteran-owned and community oriented and occasionally holds fundraisers.
Location: 11517 S Pulaski Road, Alsip
Hours: 1-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
