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 Ice Cream
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.