There are few things more adorable than watching a dog go to town on her very own cone. Luckily, there are many Chicago ice cream shops where your pal is welcome to get a little sweet treat action. Check out our favorite classic Chicago ice cream patios to chill with your cool pup.
1. The Freeze
A Logan favorite since 1950, The Freeze is certainly tops with area patio pups. Unassuming and largely unchanged, The Freeze barkens back to the days before your Chicago dog was complaining about all these dang condos. Head here for soft serve, Freezies (blendy ice cream treats of dreams), classic fast food options, and the vintage vibes your boy craves.
2. Dairy Star Ice Cream of Lincolnwood
Dairy Star Ice Cream of Lincolnwood has a parking lot, a walk-up window so you can bring your dog up with you, and prices we ruv (it’s just a few bones for a cone). This longstanding ice cream shop serves up soft serve, floats, slushies, milkshakes, sundaes, and splits. With bazillions of choices (including vegan vanilla and chocolate soft serve!), we definitely think this one’s worth riding in the C-A-R for.
3. 26th Street Sugar Shack
Longtime Bridgeport neighborhood favorite 26th Street Sugar Shack is home to the famous Funnel Cake Sundae (and hey, don’t mind if we doo). Sniff this one out for ice cream, Italian ice, funnel cakes—and a few outdoor spots to chill with your bestie.
4. Original Rainbow Cone
It doesn’t get more Chicago than this, folks. An institution for 95 years, Rainbow Cone still stacks the same five iconic *slices* as they did way back when: orange, pistachio, Palmer House, strawberry, and chocolate. Grab a seat on the patio at the Beverly shop, or if your pup is up for an adventure, follow @theoriginalrainbowcone to track down the cutest ice cream trucks on Earth.
5. Scooter’s Frozen Custard
Chicago’s oldest frozen custard shop, West Lakeview’s Scooter’s Frozen Custard boasts absolutely delightful desserts and a walk-up window for snagging cool treats when it’s just the two of you. Important: they offer cones for dogs!
Which of these iconic Chicago ice cream patios is your dog’s fave? Let us know in the comments and be sure to tag #SidewalkDog in your pup’s ice cream pics!
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