Evanston's Best: Ice Cream

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Summer is peak season for frozen treats, be it ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or any other extra-cold dessert-like object that helps your insides beat the heat. And many of us are equal-opportunity eaters and enjoy frozen treats year-round. Whatever your ice cream preferences may be, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at one of these fine Evanston shops.

Don’t see your go-to spot on this list? Please mention it in the comments below.

C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor1901 Church St., 847-833-9367

Clarence and Wendy Weaver’s new hand-dipped ice cream parlor, which opened this summer, is dishing up Homer’s Ice Cream with flair. The smell of the freshly made waffle cones is downright intoxicating! Peach is a go-to summer flavor, but don’t sleep on the mint chip, always my favorite. They’ve got some fun toppings: a delicious nut brittle, gummy bears and more. If you can finish the Weaver Banana Split with three scoops of ice cream, bananas, two sauces and whipped cream, more power to you! That’s just impressive. And keep a sharp eye out for their traveling ice cream truck on the lakefront or at special events.

Edzo’s Burger Shop1571 Sherman Ave., 847-864-3396

Yes, I realize Edzo’s is not an ice cream store per se but hear me out: They make the best milkshakes I’ve ever had … and I’ve had a few. The Oreo milkshake is always a favorite, as is the Nutella. I’m partial to a mash-up of banana and chocolate, or the Mexican chocolate shake if available. Seasonal shakes have included pumpkin pie, salted caramel, maple-bacon, fresh strawberry and other delights. They make their root beer floats with Chef Gale Gand’s Root Beer, and the Coca-Cola float is made with Mexican Coca-Cola, which uses sugar rather than corn syrup. Plus, whipped cream and a cherry on top never hurt anyone.

Frío Gelato1301 Chicago Ave., 847-868-8767

Made right here in Evanston, Frío eschews pre-made bases, corn syrups and artificial flavorings for the real thing: hormone-free milk and all-natural ingredients. This is Argentine-style gelato, rich, smooth and creamy. And the whole operation is nut-free! Classic Argentine flavors like Malbec Wine with Berries, Dulce de Leche, Avocado and Cheese & Honey are all local favorites. They also have a wide variety of sorbets, all gluten-free and vegan. Don’t miss the “Alfa-lato” (Argentine cookies sandwiched with ice cream) and house-made cucuruchos (hand-rolled waffle cones) dipped in chocolate!

Hartigan’s Ice Cream Shoppe2909 Central St., 847-491-1232

Located in northwest Evanston, this OG ice cream spot is celebrating “43 years of love” this year. Ice cream = love is a motto I can get behind. For decades, this has been the place for kids’ (and big kids!) ice-cream birthday cakes, ice-cream sodas (Green River float, anyone?) and sinfully good sundaes. The ice cream is brought in from Cedar Crest in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and Hartigan’s is the only store in the area that carries it. They have a candy store worth of toppings, many different cone choices, and more. There’s a reason they always have a line out the door during the summer.

Kilwins Evanston1724 Sherman Ave., 847-868-8739

This regional chain started in northern Michigan, which accounts for the obsession with Mackinac Island fudge, made fresh in-store daily. As for the ice cream, you can buy it by the scoop, or take it home in a hand-packed quart (for the princely sum of $19.99). But not many places still have toasted coconut or Traverse City cherry ice cream, or Blue Moon, for that matter. Kilwins Tracks – their version of Moose Tracks – or Kilwins Mud are other flavors you won’t find elsewhere. This is super-premium, high-quality stuff. Plus, fudge!

La Michocana Premium2349 W. Howard St., Chicago, 773-961-7199

I hope you’ll indulge me including this popsicle heaven, even though it is technically 30 feet south of the Evanston line. Believe me, it’s worth walking across Howard Street to savor one of these frosty taste treats. These are Mexican paletas in a Day-Glo rainbow of colors, some dairy-based, some vegan. Many tropical flavors – mango, guava, passion fruit, zapote, tamarind and more – are available, often with the option of spicy chiles mixed in. But you’ll also find strawberries and cream, mint Oreo, chocolate banana, caramel and much more. They have ice cream, too, but we’re here for the paleta, right?

Reprise Coffee Roasters710 Main St., 847-868-8097

Did you know that one of south Evanston’s favorite independent coffee shops is now selling ice cream? And not just any ice cream, mind you, but goat-milk ice cream from Lazy Goat Ice Cream in Long Grove, Illinois. Goat milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk, so even the lactose-sensitive folks among us can enjoy it. Some of the more unique flavors available include lavender, matcha and almond. You can get it by the cup or cone, or try it in an affogato, or a “matchagato” which substitutes matcha for coffee. The ice cream has a little tang to it from the goat milk, but it is smooth and creamy.

YoFresh Café635 Chicago Ave., 847-859-6408

Larry and Jean Murphy, both retired college professors, weren’t quite ready to retire fully, so they opened YoFresh in southeast Evanston to provide some healthier sweet treats to the community. Their super-refreshing soft-serve frozen yogurt is kosher, and they also offer non-fat, no-sugar and dairy-free choices, so it’s a wonderful option for those with dietary restrictions. Grab a cup and help yourself to some combination of the eight flavors available daily, then go to the counter to add one of 20 different toppings – including fresh fruit and nuts, along with some more calorie-naughty options. You are charged by the weight of your creation.

Be sure to check out more listings of Evanston’s Best, plus fresh market recipes and the rest of the RoundTable’s Food and Dining coverage.

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Julie Chernoff is Food Editor at the RoundTable and a longtime food and culture writer. She loves all things Evanston and has lived here since 1989. Contact her at [email protected]. More by Julie Chernoff