Spring weather ushers in ice cream season on the North Shore. So where’s the best place to pick up a cone? Patch shares this list of the most beloved spots for sweet treats around the region.
Andy’s Frozen Custard, Evanston: Andy’s opened its first store in Missouri, where frozen custard—a creamier, smoother version of ice cream—is a local tradition. Find the authentic stuff at the company’s downtown Evanston location at 719 Church St.
Hartigan’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Evanston: Take a trip back in time when you walk into Hartigan’s at 2909 Central St. in Evanston, which has served families there for three decades. Take your pick from an endless list of flavors, with creative names like “Lady Bug,” “Sneakers” and “Pirate Booty.”
Homer’s Ice Cream, Wilmette: There’s a reason generations of North Shore kids have been going to Homer’s, which opened with just two tables at 1327 Green Bay Rd. in Wilmette 78 years ago. Now the restaurant sells hamburgers, hot dogs and other food, but Homer’s homemade ice cream is what keeps customers coming back.
Bobtail Ice Cream, Wilmette: Specialty flavors at this gourmet ice cream shop include the “Signature Sunset,” which combines Merlot ice cream with dark chocolate chips, as well as the Lakeview Barhopper—a combination of Dutch cocoa ice cream and Jack Daniels. This quaint-looking shop is located in downtown Wilmette at 1114 Central St.
Via Gelato, Glenview: Via Gelato makes its gelato in-house in the Glen at 1835 Tower Dr. in Glenview. The owners opened the restaurant after a trip to Italy, when they were inspired by the food and culture. Taste a little bit of Italy here with creamy gelato in creative flavors.
Dairy Bar, Glenview: Nothing says summer like an ice cream stand. Kids have been lining up outside Glenview’s Dairy Bar, 1015 Harlem Ave., since 1955. The specialty is soft serve, of course, but you can also order up a sundae, shake or slushie to eat outside.
Yogen Fruz, Northbrook: Fill up your cup with frozen yogurt, fresh fruit and candy at Yogen Fruz in Northbrook, then walk across the street to the Village Green, where you can sit in the park and people-watch as families meander through downtown Northbrook.
Frost Gelato, Highland Park: Authentic Italian flavors like Fior Di Latte, Giandula, Panna Cotta and Stracciatella round out the menu at Frost Gelato, 617 Central Ave. in Highland Park. Tried and true favorites like chocolate, vanilla, butter pecan and strawberry are also available. Really, you can’t go wrong.
Sweets, Lake Forest: Open for more than 25 years at 260 E. Deerpath Rd., Sweet’s is renowned in Lake Forest for its ice cream, toffee and homemade chocolates. If you don’t want to enjoy the creamy, rich ice cream on-site, Sweet’s will hand-pack a pint for you to take home.
Baskin-Robbins, Deerfield: Stop by Baskin-Robbins at 671 Waukegan Rd. in Deerfield for one of the famous 31 flavors. This cute location with a maroon awning is the perfect stop for a sweet treat after shopping at nearby Deerfield Square.