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Best of Illinois

Soft serve spots

A cold swirl of soft serve is the only thing that makes sense on a hot afternoon.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
TNT Ramen image 1
TNT Ramen image 2
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Ramen restaurant

Ramen spot shines with authentic rich ramen and homemade noodles in a cozy atmosphere featuring a small art gallery. Soft serve is a standout with vanilla ice cream topped with lemon zest and ginger biscuit crumble, paired with a unique homemade compote.

Soft serve comes with vanilla ice cream, topped with lemon zest and a ginger biscuit crumble. It pairs well with a homemade compote that adds a delicious twist.

People are saying

"The Tonkotsu Ramen here is delicious with a rich, flavorful broth."

"The service here is top-notch, making it a great spot for a date."

"I haven't stopped thinking about the soft serve with homemade compote."

Good to know

1

TNT Ramen offers a $15 lunch special that provides great value.

2

The restaurant has a vegetarian option that can be made vegan.

3

Patrons can choose from three appetizers and three ramen dishes.

02
Lola's Handcrafted Churros image 1

Churro shop shines with Instagram-worthy decor and a cozy vibe. Soft serve is super creamy and melts fast, with tasty non-dairy options. Fresh churros pair perfectly with espresso shots, making it a charming spot for dessert lovers.

Soft serve comes in super creamy and melts in your mouth textures. Options include non-dairy varieties and pair well with fresh, hot churros or espresso shots poured over the ice cream.

People are saying

"These churros are delicious and made fresh."

"The coffee here is delicious and warm."

"The churros are fresh, warm, and crispy with the soft serve."

Good to know

1

The churros are reasonably priced and great for sharing.

2

Expect a variety of unique churro flavors not found elsewhere.

3

The establishment is clean and well maintained.

03
Candy Cloud - Glenview image 1

Cozy coffee shop blends modern design with a friendly vibe. Offers unique Oatly soft serve in shakes and desserts. Intuitive self-service tablets make ordering easy and fun for all ages.

Shakes use Oatly soft serve, which is rare for nondairy options. Soft serve features in layered desserts and drinks like the Cookie Butter with espresso. Regular soft serve shipments are pending due to recent opening.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and delicious."

"I thought the Lavender Lemonade was immaculate."

"I loved making my own shake with the Oatly soft serve."

Good to know

1

The shop is located in the Target plaza for easy access.

2

Expect minimal wait times even during busy hours.

3

Candy Cloud offers a variety of drinks and food options.

04
SUGOi Sweets image 1
Chocolate shop

Small storefront shines with colorful packaging and unique matcha soft serve. Vegan matcha and black sesame flavors offer a rich, pure taste in smooth cones. High-quality chocolates with distinctive flavors create an inviting, elegant atmosphere.

Soft serve here features vegan matcha and black sesame flavors with a rich, pure taste. The cones are made with delicate care, offering a smooth, not overly sweet experience.

People are saying

"The chocolate here is unbelievably delicious and high quality."

"Their matcha soft serve has a deep, rich flavor."

"The bon bons are beautifully made and visually pleasing."

Good to know

1

SUGOi Sweets offers a limited selection of dark chocolate flavors, typically two at a time.

2

Most bonbons are not vegan, with only one vegan option available.

3

All products are beautifully packaged, making them great for gifts.

05
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy seating. Cocktails shine with creative Negroni and martinis. Soft serve impresses with creamy texture and pairs well with desserts like Tiramisu.

Soft serve stands out with its creamy texture and memorable flavor. It pairs well with desserts like Tiramisu and leaves a lasting impression.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"The homemade pasta here is amazing and cooked to perfection."

"I couldn't stop thinking about the soft serve."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant features a unique fusion of Brazilian and Italian cuisines.

06
Tulip's Tea on Tuesday image 1

Tiny cafe offers a warm, inviting vibe with cozy seating and handmade crafts. Soft serve shines in Thai green tea and ube flavors, often topped with free boba. Plushies and crocheted mini flowers add charm to every visit.

Soft serve comes in Thai green tea, matcha, and ube flavors. Boba toppings often come free with soft serve. Drinks and soft serve pair well on hot days.

People are saying

"The tea service here is so friendly and welcoming."

"The coffee here is served with such sweet and friendly service."

"The soft serve servers are super friendly and nice."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a membership deal that includes a drink and snack every Tuesday.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The seating area is small, so it may be crowded during busy times.

07
Banana Split LLC image 1
Ice cream shop

Outdoor walk-up window offers homemade ice cream with many flavors and toppings in a nostalgic setting. Strawberry soft serve shines with excellent flavor and swirl options. Benches and a park nearby provide great spots to enjoy treats with a happy local crowd.

Strawberry soft serve stands out with its excellent flavor and comes as a strawberry/vanilla swirl option. The soft serve overall tastes fantastic and ranks highly among local ice cream stands.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best banana split ice cream I ever had."

"This place is a childhood staple, I've loved it for years."

"The strawberry soft serve here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is conveniently located in the front, with plenty of street parking nearby.

2

The prices at Banana Split LLC are very affordable.

3

They offer many flavors and toppings to choose from.

08
Minnie Bird image 1
Chicken restaurant

Bright space with 1950โ€™s modern diner theme offers a lively vibe with loud music and many kids. Free soft serve cones end meals with a sweet touch, enhanced by an amazing sauce bar. High ceilings add to the fun, welcoming atmosphere.

Free soft serve cones end the meal with a complimentary treat. Dipping sauces add a fun twist to the ice cream soft serve experience.

People are saying

"I loved the free salted caramel ice cream they offered."

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and full of flavor."

"I loved the free soft serve with dipping sauces."

Good to know

1

Minnie Bird offers loyalty points through their app for free food.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment with tables cleaned after each guest.

3

Prices at Minnie Bird are reasonable, with meals averaging around $23.

09
Nikko Sushi Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Multi-level Japanese spot blends sleek modern decor with traditional touches and lively EDM house music. Fresh sushi shines alongside a diverse drink menu, creating an upscale yet fun vibe. Matcha soft serve offers a creamy texture and pairs perfectly with vanilla for a balanced finish.

Matcha soft serve stands out with its creamy texture and great taste. It pairs well with vanilla, offering a not too sweet finish to the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best in the city."

"I loved the matcha ice cream; it was the best part of my meal."

"Their matcha soft serve is so creamy and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option is available on weekends only.

2

Reservations are recommended for the all-you-can-eat service.

3

They charge extra for any leftover food from the all-you-can-eat menu.

10
KURIMU CAFE Lincoln Park image 1

Space blends color-changing neon lights with cozy seating for a trendy vibe. Soft serve offers Japanese-style creaminess with unique flavors like pandan and ube. Indoor seating invites lingering while ice cream stands out for authentic taste and quality.

Soft serve features a Japanese-style creaminess with a smooth texture and balanced sweetness. Flavors like pandan/black sesame swirl and ube stand out for their authentic taste and quality.

People are saying

"The Japanese-style soft serve ice cream is delicious and creamy."

"I loved the unique ice cream flavors and textures."

"The soft serve is so creamy and perfectly sweet."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers 12 rotating flavors, providing a unique selection each visit.

2

Parking can be challenging but is manageable near the cafe.

3

Free samples are available, allowing you to try flavors before ordering.

11
Dear Donuts image 1

Bakery offers freshly made donuts in a warm, cozy space with a doodle wall and board games. Soft serve features unique flavors like ube and pandan, with light, refreshing texture and fun toppings like mochi and ube boba.

Soft serve here comes in unique flavors like ube, pandan, matcha, and pineapple. It feels light and refreshing, similar to Italian ice but smoother, with options like mochi and ube boba adding texture.

People are saying

"I thought the donuts were light, tasty, and clearly made fresh."

"I loved the Ube Milk Tea with tapioca."

"I really liked the ube soft serve."

Good to know

1

Every Sunday, they offer a special monthly seasonal savory donut.

2

Call ahead to check if your desired donuts are available.

3

Arrive early to get the best selection of donuts.

12
Green Valley Golf Range image 1
Golf driving range

Golfers enjoy a covered upper deck with heat lamps and a pro shop for custom clubs. Families love the 18-hole miniature golf and kid-friendly rules after 7 pm. Soft serve fans find unique dairy-free and beet options alongside affordable food and beer.

Dairy-free and beet soft serve options stand out here. Kids can enjoy soft serve alongside a small food menu.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with fun mini golf for everyone."

"The staff here is super friendly and funny."

"I found their dairy-free soft serve to be phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Buckets of balls cost $11, $13, and $18, which is affordable compared to other ranges.

2

The range offers mini golf, driving range, putting greens, and a digital golf course.

3

The range is open late, allowing for play after work hours.

13
Rand Red Hots image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Old-school hot dog stand with retro decor and a chill vibe. Soft serve cones are creamy and affordable at $1.79, loved by kids. Outdoor picnic tables and 50s music create a classic American experience.

Soft serve cones cost $1.79 and have a classic taste. Kids enjoy the creamy texture and it pairs well with the retro vibe of the spot.

People are saying

"I thought the hot dogs and fries were amazing."

"I thought the food here was great and a good value."

"I enjoyed a soft serve cone here."

Good to know

1

Rand Red Hots hosts a classic car show every Tuesday night during the summer.

2

Cash payments are required inside Rand Red Hots; credit cards accepted at the drive-thru.

3

Hot dogs and fries cost just over $5, making it an affordable option.

14
Hotel Chocolat image 1
Chocolate artisan

Cozy cafe vibes meet smooth soft serve and rich chocolates in a relaxed space with real plants and comfy seats. Unique chocolate wall adds charm while an urban oasis patio invites quiet moments. Soft serve pairs perfectly with coffee and hot chocolate.

Soft serve stands out with its very good quality and smooth texture. It pairs well with coffee and hot chocolate options available.

People are saying

"I loved the high-quality chocolate and hot chocolate here."

"You'll find unique chocolate bars and truffles you can't find anywhere else."

"I was so happy to finally get some soft serve ice cream here."

Good to know

1

Hotel Chocolat offers a variety of clearly marked dairy-free and vegan options.

2

Prices are not displayed on items, so ask staff for details.

3

Seating can be limited, especially on weekends around 2pm.

15
Twisted Cookie image 1

Bakery offers a wide variety of unique cookies and desserts in a cozy yet modern setting. Soft serve features rich chocolate syrup and pairs well with brownie bites, though expect a 20-minute wait. Seating is limited, making takeout ideal.

Soft serve here comes with rich chocolate syrup and pairs well with brownie bites in creations like the Brownie Twirl. Expect freshness and a wait time over 20 minutes for a cone.

People are saying

"You can blend homemade treats like brownies into a delicious milkshake."

"You can get warm, gooey cookies or cold, creamy shakes here."

"You can get brownie bites mashed between chocolate syrup and soft serve."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead online for pickup or delivery if you're in a rush.

2

Twisted Cookie stays open until 10PM or 10:30PM in the summer.

3

Street parking is easy around 9 PM.

16
KURIMU image 1
Ice cream shop

Soft serve here is creamy and smooth with unique flavors like sesame and Thai tea. Bright, playful decor features Peanuts character art, creating a cheerful vibe. Ordering is easy via kiosk, and sampling lets you try before you buy.

Soft serve features creamy and smooth textures with flavors like sesame, tiramisu, and Thai tea standing out. Options include unique choices such as espresso and fire soft serve, all delivering rich and authentic tastes.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so flavorful and delicious."

"I loved the unique flavors like ube and Earl Grey here."

"I loved trying all the unique and changing soft serve flavors."

Good to know

1

KURIMU offers unique flavors that change seasonally and are posted on their Instagram.

2

The small cup of ice cream costs $8, which some may find pricey.

3

KURIMU has minimal seating and no restroom available for customers.

17
K Cafe & Eats image 1
Restaurant

Cozy space with family-friendly atmosphere offers calm and relaxed meals. Matcha soft serve shines with balanced sweetness and consistent quality. Electronic ordering and free ice cream add convenience and small treats to the visit.

Matcha soft serve stands out with a balanced sweetness and consistent quality. Other soft serve options are decent but sometimes feel watered down compared to the Matcha.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very presentable."

"I love their matcha soft serve, it's not too sweet."

"I always finish my meal with their amazing Matcha Soft Serve."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers free sparkling lemonade with a meal from 10am to 2pm.

2

Electronic ordering is available for convenience.

3

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to high traffic.

18
Premo's Drive In image 1
Ice cream shop

Old American style sets a nostalgic tone with mix-matched outdoor seating and an anime show nearby. Soft serve ice cream is creamy and mild, drawing crowds despite fast melting and limited flavors. Parking spots cluster close to the walk-up window, matching the casual, outdoor-only service.

Soft serve stands out for its creamy texture and mild chill, not as cold as typical versions. It offers a delicious flavor that draws regular visits.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so creamy and delicious."

"I loved the mix-matched outdoor seating area."

"I thought the soft serve ice cream was the best around."

Good to know

1

Only the outdoor window is open for service.

2

Expect long lines during summer, especially on weekends.

3

There is plenty of outdoor seating available.

19
Sizzle image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Spacious spot serves juicy burgers with a modern vibe. Soft serve is creamy and flavorful, often with hidden deals. Families love the lively yet chill atmosphere here.

Soft serve here has a creamy texture and a flavor that stands out as above average. It often comes with promotions, though these are not always clearly mentioned upfront.

People are saying

"I tried the Ghost Burger; it was spicy and really good."

"The bubble tea here is delicious and super refreshing."

"I thought their soft serve was exceptional."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find.

2

The cleanliness of the place impressed us.

3

The prices at Sizzle are very reasonable.

20
Creamery image 1
Ice cream shop

Cozy igloo seating with heated domes makes for a warm visit. Soft serve is rich and creamy, especially the classic chocolate vanilla swirl. Vintage decor and festive lighting add to the inviting atmosphere while the menu offers unique flavors beyond typical ice cream.

Soft serve here is rich and creamy with a smooth texture. Chocolate and vanilla swirl stands out as a go-to choice even in colder months.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great ice cream here."

"It's so fun and kid friendly, my kids absolutely loved it."

"I loved their rich and creamy soft serve."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect long wait times at the drive-through during weekends.

3

Free ice cream samples are available for customers.

21
Taiyaki Chicago image 1
Ice cream shop

Vegan soft serve shines with dairy-free matcha and fish-shaped waffle cones. Fresh, made-to-order treats offer unique fillings like red bean and crushed Oreos. Chill, clean vibe adds to the bizarre atmosphere that makes the experience stand out.

Soft serve here is vegan and dairy free, with a light and creamy texture. Matcha flavor stands out, often paired with taiyaki or toppings like crushed Oreos and red bean.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the taiyaki, is freshly made and delicious."

"The matcha soft serve here is light and creamy."

"I loved the vegan ice cream and taiyaki shell options."

Good to know

1

Vegan options are available, including dairy-free soft serve and toppings.

2

Expect a wait time of 5-8 minutes for your order.

3

There are plenty of customization options for your taiyaki.

22
Dairy Queen - Arlington Heights image 1

Warm atmosphere and lovely decor make it inviting for families. Soft serve is creamy and comes in cones or sundaes. Blizzards offer a thick, mixed treat alongside classic soft serve.

Soft serve comes in cones or sundaes with a creamy texture. Blizzards offer a thicker, mixed treat alongside the classic soft serve.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was really, really good."

"I loved the custom cake design and it turned out awesome."

"I enjoyed their soft serve ice cream, especially as a cone or sundae."

Good to know

1

Hot dogs and ice cream for two children cost less than $15.

2

Parking was easy at the Tony market location.

3

Ice cream cakes cost about $30 to $35.

23
releaf image 1
Ice cream shop

Enjoy unique matcha and black sesame soft serve in a charming spot with quick service. Tea comes very hot, often at 180 degrees, adding a bold twist. Prices stay low, and the place stays calm for a smooth visit.

Soft serve features black sesame and matcha flavors. The selection includes various ice cream and matcha dessert options.

People are saying

"The matcha and black sesame soft serve ice cream here is so good."

"The matcha soft serve is a must-try and so good."

"I really liked the black sesame and matcha soft serve."

Good to know

1

A warning about how super extra hot the tea is should be posted.

2

70% of the time, the soft serve machine was down.

3

I found the matcha to be of very high grade.

24
KURIMU Schaumburg image 1
Ice cream shop

Small shop offers unique Japanese flavors like Ube and Thai tea in soft serve and hard ice cream. Cute anime decor creates a cozy, artsy vibe that draws youth. Creative touches like shovel spoons and gold flake sheets make treats special despite the lively, cramped space.

Soft serve comes in unique flavors like Ube, Lychee, Thai tea, pandan, and blackberry. Some options feature a gold flake sheet for a special touch, and both soft serve and hard ice cream are available.

People are saying

"The ice cream here has so many unique and delicious flavors."

"I loved the cookie chunks in the black sesame ice cream."

"I loved trying all the unique soft serve flavors here."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find and access.

2

The ice cream shop has a small seating area, especially when crowded.

3

Expect to pay around $35 for three scoops of ice cream.

25
Zarlengo's Soft Serve image 1
Ice cream shop

Drive-through setup with outdoor seating offers a casual vibe. Gelato and Italian ice shine with fresh ingredients and unique flavors. Soft serve includes sundaes and shakes but can be mild in flavor at times.

Soft serve here offers a variety of flavors including sundaes and mixed blended shakes. The texture is smooth but sometimes the flavor can be mild or weak compared to other spots.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was the best I ever had."

"The Italian ice here is so good, especially the lime flavor."

"I found the soft serve here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Zarlengo's Soft Serve accepts card payments, but there's a service fee.

2

It's best to pay with cash to avoid the service fee.

3

The walk-up window is closed during certain seasons, affecting service options.

26
Sugar Shack image 1
Ice cream shop

Cash-only spot offers creamy soft serve with a unique Orange Creamsicle twist. Crispy, fresh-fried funnel cakes are a must-try. Small outdoor seating fits the old-school vibe, but expect long lines during peak times.

Soft serve here is creamy and pairs well with crispy, fresh-fried funnel cakes. The Orange Creamsicle combines vanilla soft serve with orange Italian ice for a refreshing twist.

People are saying

"I loved the crispy funnel cake loaded with creamy soft serve."

"I loved topping my funnel cake with creamy soft serve and hot fudge."

"The shaved ice here is the best in town, totally Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

This place is CASH ONLY, so bring cash for your treats.

2

Expect long lines with a 20-30 minute wait during peak times.

3

There is no seating; customers must stand and eat their orders.

27
Creepies image 1
Restaurant

Small space with Parisian cafe vibes offers a cozy, upscale feel perfect for gatherings and date nights. Baguette soft serve is a unique, filling dessert that stands out. Lively energy fills the room, though noise and tight seating can challenge conversation.

Baguette soft serve stands out as a unique dessert option. Portions come larger than expected, making it quite filling after small bites.

People are saying

"The sauces here are interesting and flavorful."

"The gnocchi is creamy, soft, and has a crispy cheese topping."

"You have to get the baguette soft serve for dessert."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends and evenings.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

28
Love Me Mochi (Halal) image 1

Bright, cozy cafe with Asian-inspired dรฉcor offers unique treats like Halal Korean corn dogs and mochi donuts. Honey butter soft serve is smooth and pairs well with the ube donut. Quiet vibe makes it perfect for relaxing and enjoying sweet flavors.

Soft serve comes in a honey butter flavor that is smooth and not overly sweet. It pairs well with treats like the mochinut ube donut and joy ice cream cones.

People are saying

"The donuts and corn dogs here are delicious and a must-try."

"It's a cozy and cheerful spot, perfect for hanging out."

"These mochi donuts are so soft and airy, they stay fresh longer."

Good to know

1

All products offered are halal certified.

2

Expect a free donut with your first purchase.

3

The self-serve stations are well-maintained and clean.

29
Kurimu wicker park image 1
Ice cream shop

Cozy shop with peanut-themed decor offers a chill vibe and a half-level seating area. Soft serve features a tart pineapple swirl and classic vanilla topped with Capโ€™n Crunch on a waffle cone. Unique flavors shine in a modern, clean space.

Soft serve comes in several in-house flavors with a unique pineapple swirl that is tart and tasty. The vanilla soft serve pairs well with toppings like Capโ€™n Crunch on a waffle cone.

People are saying

"The soft serve ice cream here is really yummy and great quality."

"The ice cream flavors here are so unique, like purple yam and black sesame."

"Their soft serve has such unique rotating flavors."

Good to know

1

There are no public restrooms available at Kurimu Wicker Park.

2

Street parking can be difficult to find in this busy area.

3

Expect to pay around $8 for two scoops of ice cream.

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