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Jun 2010  |  By Julie Chernoff  |  Comments (1)

Five Faves: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors

TAGS: North Shore Chicago ice cream, Capannari's, Homer's, Oberweis, Bobtail, Hartigan's

It’s hot. And this time it’s not the night sweats. The dog days of summer call for the most potent medicine known to woman -- ice cream.

I’m talking real ice cream, none of this high-falutin’ gelato or—God forbid—non-fat yogurt. I want full-fat, cream-laden, fresh fruit-swirled, chocolate-studded goodness. I want the kind of ice cream that reminds me of my childhood, when I didn’t worry about calories, just fun and flavor.

Here are our five ice cream faves. Each one has its own special style, and all of the ice cream is hand-scooped, well-crafted and served with love. Don’t forget the whipped cream!

Bobtail Ice Cream
Wilmette

Inventive flavors, homemade daily at their Chicago location. You’ll melt for: Peanut Butter Chip, Signature Sunset (Merlot ice cream with chocolate chips!), S’more Sundae and Chai Shake.

Capannari’s
Mt. Prospect

Super-premium ice cream made four gallons at a time in their state-of-the-art kitchen. You’ll melt for: Coconut Chip, Ginger (have it in a hot fudge sundae!), Lick-the-Bowl Cake Batter and Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse.

Hartigan’s
Evanston

This beloved neighborhood landmark serves Cedar Crest ice cream from Manitowoc, Wisc. You’ll melt for: Pirate Booty, Mint Cookie, Sunset Cooler, Marcia’s Matterhorn Sundae and Kiddie Clown Cones.

Homer’s Ice Cream
Wilmette

A suburban institution since 1935. Al Capone ate here! You’ll melt for: Cappuccino Chip, Prairie Berry, Fresh Peach and Apple Cinnamon.

Oberweis
Glenview

Before the politics came the dairy products; they’ve been around since the ‘50s.

You’ll melt for: Chocolate Caramel Crunch, Dulce de Leche, Butter Brickle and German Chocolate Ice Cream Cake.