It’s hard to imagine not spending at least one summer day with that cookie-like cone topped with a glorious dome of creamy, cold, delicious ice cream…. so, don’t. Logan Square is home to a variety of icy, sweet, nom-worthy treats to keep you cool throughout this sweltering summer and the pandemic can’t stop it. Check out these neighborhood ice cream spots to keep bring some chills and positivity to your summer days.
Miko’s Italian Ice (2236 N. Sacramento Ave.)
Beyond the crazy hub of Milwaukee Ave. lies a relatively unassuming green storefront that offers delectable, seasonal Italian Ice. Not so unassuming? The massive line you will likely find winding its way down the block. Miko’s has been a Logan Square favorite for almost twenty years and patrons — both old and new — have happily waited in that line for a cup of the iconic lemon ice or to try something new like coconut, mango, or banana with chocolate chips. Check its Facebook page for flavor updates or swing by the window to see it in person!
Margie’s Candies (1960 N. Western Ave.)
At the corner of Western and Armitage is a familiar red and yellow sign that shines like a beacon of tasty treats. But unless you have a hankering for a McFlurry, we’re not on the same page because Margie’s Candies is in a league of its own.
A portal for Americana and wonderfully excessive ice cream treats, Margie’s opened its original location on Western Avenue in 1921 and has been enabling Logan Square’s sweet tooth ever since. As the name suggests, Margie’s offers homemade confectioneries such as chocolates, fudge, and toffee, but it is arguably their ice cream — also homemade — that has cemented their iconic status in Chicago. And with an enormous menu of banana splits, sundaes, classic favorites, and jumbo creations (#yolo) there is definitely something for every kind of sweet tooth.
La Michoacana (3740 W. Fullerton Ave.)
If you’re scoping out L’Patron and want a little something sweet to round out your taco binge, look no further than La Michoacana, located right across the street. La Michoacana offers a few savory items but their extensive selection of ice cream and paletas are the real star of this show. The flavor offerings are adventurous and range from queso to tequila to pine nut but traditionalists can still get their fix with classics like strawberry, pistachio, and cookies and cream.
For those seeking a healthier option, check out their fruit salad — a combination of strawberries, mangoes, watermelon, and cucumbers topped with lime, salt, and chili pepper.
Black Dog Gelato (2662 N. Sawyer Ave.)
Last year, we said goodbye to Heavenly after 11 years in the neighborhood. But the good news is that another local gelateria took over the spot. Black Dog Gelato opened its third location earlier this month to bring us organic and tasty flavors, such as pistachio, nutella, lavender, sorbet options and “the 606” an ode to the neighborhood trail that is made up of saffron, peanut and coconut.
Pretty Cool Ice Cream (2352 N. California Ave.)
We were all over the opening of Pretty Cool in 2018 because…. well, you would know if you’ve been there. With their colorful popsickles and what seems like a zillion flavors, you are sure to find something you like. Although the shop is only open for window pickup during the pandemic, you can still catch a glance at the fun and creative space from the outside, which, in fact, sets the tone for your pretty cool experience. Some of our favorite items include the mango lassi popsicle, the vegan dark chocolate popsickle and the caramel horchata crunch.
You can visit the online pop shop to place your order for pickup.
Tastee Freez (2815 W. Armitage Ave.)
Lakeview might have Dairy Queen but Logan Square has Tastee Freez. Between the red, white, and blue motif, and the classic 50s drive-thru vibe it feels like the Pink Ladies or the T-Birds are about to crash your ice cream date. So if your sweet tooth is craving something à la Main Street USA, swing by Tastee Freez and grab a seat at one of the many picnic tables lining the side of the restaurant. And while they do offer savory items like burgers and fries, a trip to Tastee Freez wouldn’t be complete without some ice cream. Or a sundae. Or a milkshake. Or a dipped cone. Or a Freez. Or a Boston, which is a sundae… on top of a milkshake. Because why not? There’s plenty of time left in the summer to try all of these majestic options but seeing as how there are also more than fifty topping/mix-in options, it’s time to get a move on.
Show Logan Square that you scream for ice cream by sharing your tasty adventure on Instagram with @logansquarist!
Featured photo: Paulina Fadrowska
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