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Unique ice cream shops in Chicago

Made for those who seek out ice cream shops that deviate from the standard menu in favor of experimental or unconventional flavors.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Nube's Ice Cream & Coffee Shop image 1
Nube's Ice Cream & Coffee Shop image 2
Nube's Ice Cream & Coffee Shop image 3
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Small cafe with cozy, homely vibe and friendly atmosphere offers unique fruit ice cream flavors like guava and soursop. Warm interior with limited seating invites quiet enjoyment. Coffee service extends beyond typical hours, adding to its local charm.

Small shop offers authentic Ecuadorian flavors with shredded cheese topping. The atmosphere feels fun and quaint, showing clear passion in flavor creation.

Ice cream features all homemade, real flavors with a focus on unique Ecuadorian tastes. Every flavor offers a sweet and tasty experience that stands out.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is delicious, fresh, and creamy."

"I loved the rich, unique ice cream flavors."

"The ice cream flavors here are unique, fresh, and perfectly sweetened."

Good to know

1

Nube's Ice Cream & Coffee Shop allows customers to sample unique flavors before purchasing.

2

They offer unique flavors such as blackberry, soursop, and mamey.

3

The shop features a variety of unique South American flavors in addition to common ones.

02
Bartlebyโ€™s Homemade Ice Cream image 1

Bright, spacious ice cream shop with family-friendly design and indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is fun and lively with loud music and a vibrantly colored interior featuring reclaimed art. Offers vegan options and allows watching ice cream preparation through kitchen windows.

Cute atmosphere stands out at this ice cream shop. It offers a few delicious vegan options that are hard to find elsewhere.

Flavors stand out as unique and fresh with a creamy and decadent texture throughout.

People are saying

"I found the homemade ice cream to be the best I ever had."

"The homemade ice cream here is so creamy and has amazing flavors."

"I loved the unique flavors and how creamy they all were."

Good to know

1

Bartleby's offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free ice cream options.

2

Prices for two scoops in a waffle cone are around $8.

3

Street parking is available, with free spots on the side street.

03
Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream image 1

Ice cream shop inside a church offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with peaceful background music. Customers enjoy endless free samples and unique flavors like vodka-infused ice cream. Setup focuses on takeout and delivery without traditional seating.

Offers nostalgic, flavorful ice cream with careful preparation that stands out among ice cream shops.

Many unique flavors like sweet potato pie, key lime pie, and black walnut stand out. The ice cream has a thicker, stretchier texture and a unique consistency that sets it apart.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was rich and delicious."

"The ice cream flavors here are so unique and creamy."

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

Good to know

1

They have weekly specials every Wednesday.

2

The ice cream shop offers a rotating selection of unique flavors.

3

Parking is available in the industrial park where the shop is located.

04
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams image 1

Ice cream shop offers indoor and outdoor seating with a quiet courtyard and picturesque patio in a scenic park setting. Atmosphere stays peaceful and charming despite nearby busy streets, with a fresh waffle aroma filling the air. Long lines form often, reflecting popularity and a wide variety of unique, creamy flavors.

Small and charming, this spot offers a cute setting for ice cream lovers. The shop feels adorable and inviting.

Unique flavors stand out with a wide variety that mixes traditional and special options. The ice cream has a creamy texture made from high-quality ingredients like grass-fed dairy.

People are saying

"The ice cream here has amazing, unique flavors."

"I found so many unique flavors here, it was hard to choose!"

"I found this ice cream shop to be adorable and cute."

Good to know

1

Parking is very tough at this location.

2

Expect long lines, especially during peak hours.

3

Two waffle cones with tax and tip cost over twenty dollars.

05
Kurimu wicker park image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers a cozy, warm interior with peanut-themed decor and a half-level indoor seating area. Atmosphere feels hip and efficient, creating a chill spot to hang out. Unique ice cream flavors stand out amid a modern, clean design.

Many unique ice cream flavors appear here that you won't find elsewhere. The shop feels cute and lovely, making it a special spot for ice cream lovers.

Many ice cream flavors stand out with black sesame, Ube, and mango sticky rice options. Unique choices like passion fruit cheesecake and Thai iced tea add to the variety, along with a mochi topping.

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."

"This ice cream shop has the most 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.

06
Lickity Split Frozen Custard & Sweets LLC image 1

Old-fashioned ice cream shop blends nostalgic candy displays with modern flair and unique frozen custard flavors. Atmosphere feels like stepping back in time with a cozy, charming vibe and a mix of classic and new sweets. Seating is limited, with some outdoor options and dog-friendly amenities.

Flavors blend nostalgic charm with a modern flair in a setting that feels like an old ice cream store. The shop mixes ice cream with a candy shop vibe, making it fun to explore beyond just scoops.

A candy shop atmosphere creates a nostalgic vibe with a wide variety of unique candy and dozens of bottled sodas. The back features a distinct drink section alongside great ice cream and sweet treats.

People are saying

"The frozen custard here is dense, not too sweet, and amazingly good."

"This ice cream shop is a fun step back into childhood with vintage candies."

"I found the candy selection here to be unique and nostalgic."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines on nice evenings, often extending out the door.

2

The shop offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors and toppings.

3

There is minimal seating available for enjoying your treats.

07
Legend Tasty House image 1
Ice cream shop

Medium-sized ice cream shop with rolled ice cream prepared in front of customers creates an engaging experience. The atmosphere is bustling and family-friendly, often crowded with limited seating. Decor is modern and cozy, supporting a lively vibe where many enjoy sweet treats together.

Rolled ice cream stands out as the main offering with fresh preparation right in front of you. The shop has a Chinatown vibe and serves unique ice cream styles popular in the area.

Unique flavors and a fun presentation stand out here. The ice cream is done in a unique way that is both delicious and visually appealing.

People are saying

"The rolled ice cream here is super tasty and fun to watch being made."

"The ice cream here is unique, with fun flavors and whimsical toppings."

"The ice cream here is uniquely crafted and totally delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early or use nearby lots.

3

You can customize your ice cream order at the kiosk upfront.

08
Nitro Nostalgia image 1
Ice cream shop

Liquid nitrogen tanks stand visible in a spacious, eclectic space filled with vibrant decor and nostalgic board games. The atmosphere blends whimsical nostalgia with laid-back social areas where people play games and enjoy ice cream. Boozy ice cream options add a unique twist to the experience.

Offers a wide range of vegan ice cream flavors. Serves ice cream with a unique twist that stands out from typical shops.

Watching ice cream made with nitrogen offers a unique and entertaining experience. Vibrant decor and board games add to the fun atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was crazy good."

"The ice cream making process is a unique and entertaining experience."

"I highly recommend this amazing ice cream shop."

Good to know

1

They have events often that support other local black-owned businesses.

2

For January, there is no venue charge for parties up to 30 people.

3

Expect a 25-minute wait for ice cream during busy times.

09
KURIMU image 1
Ice cream shop

Soft serve ice cream shop with a sleek, modern vibe and playful pastel colors featuring Peanuts character art on walls. Atmosphere feels bright, cheerful, and laid-back, inviting people to unwind and enjoy unique Asian-inspired flavors. Sampling is allowed, and ordering can be done via kiosk without interaction.

A cute ice cream shop that welcomes visits all year round. Known for its bubble tea and ice cream offerings, it has a consistent presence with multiple visits noted.

Soft swirls come in unique flavors like Thai iced tea and affogato with Hokkaido milk. Many other distinctive options include matcha and seasonal specialties.

People are saying

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

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

"The ice cream shop has so many cool and interesting 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.

10
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 1

Two-story chocolate shop offers stunning river views and a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. The space fills with lively energy and can get noisy and busy, especially with families around. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, with an outdoor patio providing a more relaxed vibe.

Chocolate and ice cream come together in a shop with a high-end feel. It serves treats like treasure islands in a building that looks like an old-time candy and ice cream shop by the RiverWalk.

Watching river life while eating creates a unique experience. The shop offers terrific chocolates and unique ice creams with a smooth flavor from a special chocolate-making process.

People are saying

"Jameson's service made the chocolate experience feel personal and joyful."

"The ice cream here is delicious with so many flavors."

"I thought the ice cream and chocolates were unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

There's a special offer on 7/25 for a mini hot fudge sundae at $7.25.

2

Seating is first come, first serve and can be sparse during peak hours.

3

Finding a seat can be nearly impossible during busy times.

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