This Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor In Illinois Has Been A Sweet Tradition Since 1921
As soon as you walk into Margie’s Candies, it feels as though time has slowed down, allowing you to savor every moment.
The vintage jukebox plays tunes from a bygone era, the neon lights cast a warm glow, and a gravy boat of rich hot fudge arrives at your booth like a special guest you didn’t expect, but are thrilled to welcome.
This century-old gem has been delighting dessert lovers since 1921, offering towering sundaes, house-made candies, and service that’s as sweet as the treats themselves. Whether you’re here for a nostalgic journey or a first-time indulgence, Margie’s is a place where tradition meets joy.
Ready to see why it still draws crowds down Western Avenue?
A Century Of Sweet History Since 1921
Margie’s Candies opened in 1921 and has been a Chicago institution ever since, beloved for classic sundaes and homemade candies. The shop at 1960 N Western Ave anchors the corner with a glowing neon sign, inviting you into a time capsule of tile floors and glass cases.
History lines the walls with vintage photos and memorabilia that make every scoop feel like part of a bigger story.
Famous guests have stopped by over the decades, and locals still bring new generations for their first hot fudge pour. Ownership details are not exhaustively published, but the continuity of recipes and traditions is the headline.
Nothing here feels trend-chasing, just craft and care kept alive.
When you visit, that sense of legacy comes through in the menu and the way staff moves with practiced rhythm. You are not just ordering ice cream, you are participating in a Chicago ritual.
The place is proof that some pleasures do not need an upgrade. Margie’s sells nostalgia, yes, but mostly it sells consistency done right.
Exact Location And How To Get There
Find Margie’s Candies at 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, sitting at the edge of Bucktown and Logan Square. The storefront is easy to spot with a bright marquee and windows showcasing candies and sundaes.
If you are navigating by phone, type in 41.9174219, -87.6876832 and watch the map guide you right to the door.
Public transit works well, with the Western Blue Line stop a manageable walk and bus routes along Western and Armitage. Driving is doable, though street parking can require patience during peak hours.
A rideshare drop-off at the corner keeps things simple when the craving hits.
The phone number is (773) 384-1035, and the website offers menus and updates. Expect a line on weekends, but it moves steadily thanks to a seasoned staff.
If you are planning dessert after dinner nearby, budget a few extra minutes to queue and soak in the neon.
Decor, Ambiance, And Nostalgic Vibe
The moment you step inside, the vibe is charmingly old school. Personal jukeboxes at booths, retro tile, and glass cases full of vintage candy molds create the look of a classic parlor.
It is cozy, a little snug, and filled with happy chatter that bounces off the tile like bubbles.
Lighting is warm and slightly dim, perfect for showcasing towering sundaes and glossy hot fudge. Booths line the room with a few two-tops sliding into corners.
The feeling is movie-set ready, and plenty of guests snap photos of the neon and dishes shaped like seashells.
Music leans classic, and the flow of servers adds to the rhythm of the room. Even the lines become part of the pageantry as sundaes parade past.
If you love retro details, you will adore the framed memorabilia and the celebratory clink of spoons.
Menu Highlights And What To Order First
The menu is huge, with classic sundaes, splits, shakes, sodas, and handmade candies. Start with the Turtle Sundae or the Atomic Fudge Sundae if you want a signature experience.
Banana splits arrive with generous scoops, whipped cream, nuts, cherries, and that signature wafer cookie.
Ice cream flavors cover standards like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, plus rotating options that fit the season. Shakes are thick, malt-forward, and big enough to share.
Floats come in towering glassware with small side glasses that feel delightfully ceremonial.
If you are into candy, browse the cases for turtles, toffees, and caramels. Sundaes are plated in shell-shaped bowls and often arrive with fudge served on the side in a little boat.
Whatever direction you choose, expect classic flavors done with heart and heft.
Signature Hot Fudge And How It Is Served
Hot fudge is the star at Margie’s and people rave about it for good reason. It arrives warm in a little gravy boat so you control the pour, a small but delightful bit of theater.
The texture lands between glossy and dense, hugging scoops without sliding off too fast.
Chocolate flavor leans deep and cocoa-rich rather than sugary. A drizzle becomes a cascade and suddenly your sundae transforms into a molten masterpiece.
When the fudge hits the cold ice cream, it creates ripples and soft chocolate rivulets through the whipped cream.
Order it alongside a Turtle Sundae, Atomic Fudge Sundae, or even a brownie set-up if available. Peanuts on the side add a salty counterpoint that makes each bite pop.
Save a final spoonful to dip the wafer cookie at the end, because that is the victory lap.
Portions, Prices, And Value For Money
Portions here are famously large, making sharing a smart move for first-timers. One sundae can easily satisfy two, sometimes three, depending on appetite.
With a single dollar sign price range, Margie’s remains a remarkably wallet-friendly treat for the size and quality.
Expect value in the details, from table-poured fudge to the classic wafer finisher. Shakes are substantial, floats come with extra soda, and the candy cases offer gift boxes that feel special without breaking the bank.
When the check lands, it usually surprises in a good way.
Prices can vary by creation, but your budget goes far considering portion and showmanship. The experience adds even more value, delivering a memorable outing rather than a quick bite.
Bring a friend, split something iconic, and leave happy with change to spare.
Service Style And What To Expect
Service at Margie’s is quick, practiced, and focused on moving big treats to tables efficiently. Staff help you navigate the immense menu and will happily explain sundaes, splits, and the famous fudge boat.
It is a small dining room, so pacing is brisk and the team stays in motion.
Expect straightforward, friendly guidance and clear instructions on ordering and paying. On busy nights, the crew prioritizes speed to keep the line moving, which works in your favor.
If you have questions, ask early so you can relax and enjoy the show.
Order accuracy is excellent, and dishes arrive with picture-ready presentation. The vibe leans classic diner hospitality with a Chicago accent.
If you appreciate precision with a smile, you will feel well taken care of from first cherry to final wafer.
Hours, Best Times, And Practical Tips
Margie’s opens daily at 10 AM, closing 11 PM Monday through Thursday, midnight Friday through Sunday, per posted hours. Lines are common during evenings and weekends, so try weekday afternoons for the fastest seating.
If you arrive to a crowd, check in immediately rather than assuming the line is only dine-in.
Takeout has its own flow, with orders often picked up from the cashier near the entrance. For late-night cravings, the menu may focus on ice cream and drinks rather than savory options.
Always confirm current hours on the website or by phone before heading over.
Bring a friend to share a sundae and save room for candy to-go. Parking can take a moment, so budget a little extra time for the hunt.
If you want the full effect, grab a booth with a jukebox and cue up something classic while the fudge warms.
Customer Experience And Classic Dishes To Try
Customer buzz centers on the Turtle Sundae, Atomic Fudge Sundae, banana split, and thick shakes. Reviews praise the nostalgic setting, personal jukeboxes, and that unforgettable hot fudge.
Portions are described as huge, often recommended for sharing among friends or families.
For something festive, floats and sodas arrive with a showy pour and extra fizz in side glasses. Brownie a la mode, toffee sundaes, and seasonal treats appear alongside staples.
The wafer cookie at the finish is surprisingly crisp, the perfect little encore.
Expect a fun, high-energy room where the spectacle is part of the taste. When the fudge boat lands, phones come out and grins widen.
You will leave sugared, satisfied, and plotting a return trip before the neon stops glowing.
Why It Still Matters In Chicago Food Culture
Margie’s endures because it gives Chicago something rare, a living piece of dessert history that still tastes fantastic. In a city of ever-changing openings, this parlor stays itself, serving real-deal sundaes with timeless charm.
The space turns first-time visitors into regulars and longtime fans into family historians.
It is a place to celebrate, to bring out-of-town guests, and to mark the little victories that deserve a cherry. The pricing invites repeat visits, while the showmanship makes every bowl feel like an event.
If you think you know ice cream, Margie’s invites you to revisit the basics done right.
That is why the line never seems to fade and why the neon means something beyond signage. This corner of Western Ave reminds you that simple pleasures can carry a century of joy.
One hot fudge pour and you will understand exactly how the tradition lives on.