These days, your traditional summertime cool down doesn’t have to be ice cream. It can also be frozen custard, frozen yogurt or even snow ice. Check out these cool new Chicago spots offering up some refreshing options for chilling out.
Cloud 9: This new Boystown spot boasts a unique way to cool off this summer. Cloud 9’s Taiwanese “snow ice” is more refreshing than your standard ice cream cone due to its light, fluffy texture than has a hint of creaminess you won’t find in shaved ice. Flavors like vanilla, strawberry and chocolate provide the base for customers’ personalized concoctions, each of which can be topped with pureed or chopped fruit, including blueberries, kiwi and mango. This cold dish isn’t just delicious – it’s also quite pretty.604 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-857-1255
Lickity Split Frozen Custard and Sweets: Lickity Split, a new frozen custard spot in Edgewater set to open within the next week or so, will serve up cones, sundaes, shakes and malts with frozen custard. Think ice cream but creamier, richer and much thicker. In addition to plenty of toppings and mix-in options for your custard, the shop will also offer baked goodies, Intelligentsia coffee and bulk candies that are sure to bring back memories from your childhood.6056 N. Broadway; 773-274-0830
Forever Yogurt: Given that this new fro-yo outpost is located right next to the Belmont L stop, a post-work rush hour is to be expected. Forever Yogurt boasts yummy flavors like green tea, cake batter, pomegranate raspberry and sweet coconut with all the usual fixings. Customers get to make their own creation, which is then priced by the ounce. Take it on the go or grab a seat in this CTA-themed eatery which opened earlier this spring.931 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-772-4770
The Purple Cow Ice Cream Café: Cool down after a day at the beach with a treat from The Purple Cow. This new café in Uptown, which opened over Memorial Day weekend, is just steps from the lakefront bike path and Montrose Beach. In addition to 22 flavors of Kemps ice cream, they also serve Crumbs cupcakes, Metropolis coffee, various candies and popcorn.838 W. Montrose Ave; 773-878-1430
Pinkberry: If you suffered through your West Coast buddies bragging about their amazing Pinkberry creations, your time has finally come. Chicago will finally get a Pinkberry location right in River North, with a planned opening date in early July. This frozen yogurt chain brings with it a selection of yummy base flavors (try the salted caramel) and funky topping options, like Fruity Pebbles cereal and honey almond granola.635 N. State St.