Ten Illinois Ice Cream Parlors Keep Their Doors Open All Winter Just For Sundaes
One Chicago parlor stays open until midnight on weekends, even in January, and its signature sundae comes with raspberry and fudge. I love that kind of stubbornness.
Snow on the sidewalk, hot fudge on the spoon.
Illinois has a whole crew of these year-round sweet shops. A few date back more than a century.
One sits on a street literally named Ice Cream Drive. Another started serving custard back in 1949 and never looked back.
These aren’t summer pop-ups that board the windows after Labor Day. They keep the freezers humming through the gray months, and that makes them perfect for a cheap family outing when the kids are bouncing off the walls.
I keep wondering why a sundae tastes better when it’s freezing outside. Maybe it’s the contrast.
Maybe it’s the nostalgia. Either way, these ten parlors are worth bundling up for.
1. Margie’s Candies
Midnight sundae runs are a real option here on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The doors stay open until 12 AM those nights, and until 11 PM the rest of the week.
Margie’s Candies has been a Chicago fixture for a long time. It’s an old-fashioned parlor that makes its own candies alongside the ice cream.
The headliner is Margie’s Famous Raspberry Fudge Sundae. Raspberry and fudge together sounds bold, but the combo has earned its famous label.
Chocolate fans can go for the Chocolate Mint Sundae or the Junior Hot Fudge Sundae. The junior size is a smart pick for smaller appetites, because these sundaes run big.
Banana splits and brownies also get plenty of love here. Shakes round out the menu, including The Raspberry Ravenswood Shake and a classic Chocolate Shake.
A Root Beer Float sits on the menu for anyone craving fizz. It’s the kind of order that feels made for a grandparent and grandkid sharing two straws.
The room carries a vintage feel that fits the menu perfectly. You get table service, which makes the visit feel like a proper sit-down treat.
Mornings tend to be the quietest stretch of the day. Weekend evenings bring the biggest crowds, so plan accordingly if you want a seat fast.
The shop opens at 10 AM daily, so an early sundae is fair game. In Chicago, nobody will judge you for it.
Address: 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
2. Lagomarcino’s Confectionery
Chocolate runs deep on 5th Avenue in Moline. Lagomarcino’s Confectionery is an old-fashioned chocolate shop that also happens to serve a serious lineup of ice cream treats.
Stepping inside feels like a trip back in time. Homemade chocolates and old-fashioned candy share the spotlight with the ice cream counter.
The Hot Fudge Banana Split is the big-ticket dessert here. Homemade hot fudge is the star, and it shows up on sundaes too.
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Sodas give you another throwback option. Ordering one feels a little like time travel, minus the paperwork.
Lunch is also on the table, which makes a full Quad Cities outing easy. The menu includes a Reuben and a Grilled Cheese.
That means you can feed the family a real meal before dessert. Then you can pretend the sundae was always part of the plan.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Sundays are closed, so make it a Saturday trip instead.
Visits here tend to be quick, which works well with restless kids. Free parking, both lot and street, keeps things simple.
Heading home with a box of homemade candy is almost a requirement. Winter afternoons in western Illinois could use the extra sweetness.
Address: 1422 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265
3. Flesor’s Candy Kitchen
Small-town Main Street charm comes with a soda fountain in Tuscola. Flesor’s Candy Kitchen sits on West Sale Street in this central Illinois town.
The soda fountain here feels truly authentic. Handmade candy fills the front of the shop, so you’ll pass temptation before you even sit down.
House-made ice cream anchors the dessert side. Artisan chocolates and homemade fudge back it up, and waffle cones are part of the lineup too.
Breakfast and lunch make this a full-day stop. The menu includes a Gyro, a Reuben, and a Turkey Bacon Club.
Burgers are made fresh to order. Fried Mushrooms and a BBQ Bacon Chicken Sandwich add even more reasons to linger.
Lunch usually runs about 10 to 20 dollars per person. For a family outing with dessert on top, that’s a friendly number.
Families get real support here, with high chairs and a kids’ menu. Big groups fit in easily, and reservations are accepted.
Hours run Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Mondays are closed, which is the only day the fudge gets a break.
Saturday mornings and afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer if you prefer a quiet booth.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. That’s one less thing to stress over on a snowy drive through Douglas County.
Address: 101 W Sale St, Tuscola, IL 61953
4. Petersen’s Ice Cream
Back in 1919, Oak Park got an ice cream parlor that never stopped scooping. Petersen’s Ice Cream still serves classic fountain treats on Chicago Avenue.
The building itself is old and handsome. Inside, little tables and chairs give it a traditional parlor look.
Fudge is part of the story here too. Pair it with a sundae and you’ve got a dessert with more than a century of practice behind it.
Prices are a big draw. The portion you get for the money is hard to beat, which matters when you’re buying for the whole crew.
A nice range of flavors keeps decisions interesting. Cones come in several styles, so even the cone choice becomes a debate.
Doors open at 2 PM and close at 9 PM, seven days a week. That makes it easy to swing by after school or after dinner.
Weekday afternoons tend to be the quietest. Weekend and Sunday evenings bring the bigger crowds.
Visits are usually quick since there’s no table service. Order at the counter, grab a spot, and get to work on that sundae.
Outdoor seating exists for warmer months. In winter, the indoor tables feel like the obvious choice.
Oak Park has plenty of famous architecture. This century-old parlor might be the tastiest landmark in town.
Address: 1100 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
5. Homer’s Ice Cream
Dinner and dessert can happen at one counter in Wilmette. Homer’s Ice Cream serves burgers and Chicago classics right next to dozens of ice cream flavors.
The space is bright and counter-serve. There are seats for groups, so the whole family can spread out.
Sundaes are a highlighted menu item. Cappuccino chip ice cream and monster brownies give you even more ways to build dessert.
Milkshakes are made from scratch here. Banana and strawberry versions both get plenty of attention.
The savory side leans proudly Chicago. You’ll find an Italian Beef Sandwich and a Chicago-Style Polish Sausage on the menu.
A Cheeseburger rounds things out for picky eaters. Then everyone can meet back at the freezer case.
Portions are generous, so sharing is a smart move. Your wallet and your stomach will both thank you.
Hours stretch late, which helps on long winter nights. It’s open until 10 PM most days and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest. Sunday mornings are the calmest time to stop in.
Free parking in a lot and on the street makes life easier. It’s a North Shore staple that feels classic without trying too hard.
Address: 1237 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091
6. Plush Horse Palos Park
A white horse greets you at this parlor, which explains the name pretty quickly. Plush Horse sits in a quaint home setting in Palos Park.
Inside, the space feels old-fashioned and cute. Original tables and chairs add to the throwback mood.
The ice cream is homemade, and the scoops run large. Dozens of flavors mean you might need two visits to decide.
Sundaes are where things get serious. Hot Fudge and Turtle versions are favorites, and they tend to be hearty.
Candy is also part of the fun. Cotton Candy, Rocky Road Almonds, and English Toffee Nuts are on offer.
Those sweets make an easy take-home treat. Kids can grab a bag for the car ride, though no promises about it lasting.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week. That steady schedule makes winter trips easy to plan.
Weekend afternoons and evenings draw the most people. Mornings are the quiet stretch if you want the horse all to yourself.
Free parking is available in a lot and on the street. Free Wi-Fi is there too, though the sundae deserves your full attention.
Palos Park sits in the southwest suburbs of Cook County. It’s an easy drive for families craving an old-time scoop.
Address: 12301 S 86th Ave, Palos Park, IL 60464
7. Jarling’s Custard Cup
Custard is the language spoken on West Kirby Avenue. Jarling’s Custard Cup has been serving house-made frozen treats in Champaign for decades.
You can go with cups, cones, sundaes, shakes, or floats. The mix-in list is long, which makes building your own treat half the fun.
The Black and White Sundae is a signature pick. A Marshmallow Creme Sundae Topping is also available for anyone who likes things extra gooey.
Parfaits get special attention here. The Berry Delightful Parfait and Snicker Parfait come layered in a cup.
Flavor names show some personality too. Almond Joyful and Coffee Chocolate Chip are both on the menu.
Base flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and lemon. A special flavor of the week keeps regular trips exciting.
Prices are friendly, and the family atmosphere suits kids of any age. It’s an easy win for a cheap outing near the University of Illinois.
Hours start at noon daily. Closing time is 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Weekday afternoons tend to be the quietest. Weekend evenings are when the custard line gets busy.
Visits are usually quick since there’s no table service. Grab your cup, find a spot, and enjoy a little Champaign tradition.
Address: 309 W Kirby Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
8. Every Day’s A Sundae
With a name like that, skipping dessert feels almost illegal. Every Day’s A Sundae lives on Warren Avenue in downtown Downers Grove.
Create-your-own sundaes are the specialty. Pick your scoops, then pile on toppings and sauces until you feel satisfied.
The flavor list is big. Chocolate mocha and salted caramel are part of the lineup, and splits are available too.
Non-dairy options mean more people can join the fun. That’s a nice touch when one family member needs a different choice.
Portions are generous, and costs tend to run lower than at many shops. For families watching the budget, that’s a sweet combo.
Cakes are on offer as well. A birthday in February doesn’t have to mean skipping ice cream cake.
Indoor seating makes winter visits easy. The shop is welcoming to everyone and includes a gender-neutral restroom.
Weekday hours run 1 PM to 8 PM. Friday and Saturday go from noon to 9 PM, and Sunday runs noon to 8 PM.
Downtown Downers Grove is a pleasant place for a stroll before or after. Just bundle up first, then reward yourself.
Quick visits are typical here. Still, building the perfect sundae can take a while if your kids are serious about toppings.
Address: 990 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
9. Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store
Yes, the street is really called Ice Cream Drive. This Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store sits there in North Aurora, which feels like destiny.
It’s part of a regional chain with Illinois dairy roots. The store doubles as a market for fresh milk, cheese, and other dairy products.
The Old Fashioned Sundae is the classic order. Rich whipped cream and hot fudge make it a crowd favorite.
A Strawberry Shake gives you a slurpable alternative. Both pair nicely with a gallon of milk for the fridge back home.
The space has some fun extras. Chess tables and a free jukebox give kids something to do while they wait.
Outdoor dining exists for warmer days. The clean indoor area is the better bet when the wind is howling.
Service tends to be quick and friendly. A drive-thru is available, which helps on nights when nobody wants to leave the car.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days. Friday and Saturday stretch to 10 PM.
Saturday evenings bring the biggest rush. Mornings are the quietest if you prefer a calm sundae break.
Free parking and free Wi-Fi round out the practical side. Mostly, though, you’re here for that hot fudge.
Address: 951 Ice Cream Dr, North Aurora, IL 60542
10. Krekel’s Custard & Hamburgers – Springfield IL
Lemon custard might be the most underrated winter treat in central Illinois. Krekel’s has been serving it, along with burgers, since 1949.
This location sits in Grandview, right in the Springfield area. The retro space includes picnic tables and a historic feel.
Soft serve flavors keep things simple and satisfying. Vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and strawberry all show up here.
The strawberry lemon twist is a standout. It’s bright and fruity, which feels like a little sunshine in February.
Custard sundaes are part of the dessert lineup too. Handmade milkshakes give you one more delicious choice.
Thin burgers and krinkle fries handle the savory side. Chili is also on the menu for a classic Illinois combo.
Meals usually run 10 to 20 dollars per person. That keeps a family dinner plus dessert pleasantly affordable.
Kids are well covered with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Parking is free and usually easy to find.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM. Sundays are closed, so plan your trip for another day.
Friday and Saturday afternoons bring the bigger crowds. Mornings stay quieter if you want an early lunch with custard.
Address: 2121 N Grand Ave E, Grandview, IL 62702