Decadent, rich custard powers Lickity Split's sundaes and concretes. The specialty is (surprise) banana splits that brighten everyone's day. The shop has an additional location in West Rogers Park.

Any time there are dairy-free options, there needs to be some recognition. The crazy sundaes at George’s are made with ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe in Madison, Wisconsin.

Argentine spot Frio Gelato has earned plenty of local fans with year-round and seasonal flavors like yerba mate, dulce de leche cheesecake, and tamarindo. It comes in a variety of forms, like flights, sundaes, doused in espresso as an ahogado (Argentina’s answer to Italina affogato), and sandwiched between two alfajor cookies. Fans can find additional outposts at Navy Pier and in suburban Evanston.

Dana Salls Cree, the former pastry chef of the Publican, collaborated with Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits owner Michael Ciapciak to open this charming Logan Square shop in 2018.

Options range from custard and buttermilk bars to vegan pops and “piesicles” covered in a graham cracker shell. Patrons can now place online orders for pickup via a walk-up window.

Bust out those letterman jackets because Margie's is straight out of the 1950s. Have a malt or Margie's turtle sundae and pretend to be Richie Cunningham waiting for the Fonz. Oh, Happy Days. There's also a Ravenswood location near the Montrose CTA train station. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic shop is only open for ice cream and candy to go.

Black Dog brings a sense of gourmet fun to a childhood treat. How else would one explain a whisky bacon gelato bar or goat cheese cashew caramel gelato? It operates two additional locations in West Loop and Logan Square.

DineAmic Group’s dessert shop offers many ways to satiate that sweet tooth. The gelato won’t disappoint and is available in flavors like s’mores, coffee caramel crisp, pistachio, and birthday cake. Add a waffle cone for a dollar more (because why not?) or go big with the bombolato sandwich — gelato and toppings served between a hot-pressed bombolone doughnut. There are also pup-friendly treats available. Human patrons can order through the walk-up window.

Jeni’s is now up to seven locations in Chicago and has a horde of loyal followers who sprout long lines. They wait for creative flavors such as brambleberry crisp, goat cheese with red cherries, roasted strawberry buttermilk, wildberry lavender, and other seasonal offerings. For an added convenience, Jeni’s is also available at local grocers.

Get ready for cones in surprising colors, edible gold or silver leaf, boba ice cream bars, melon pan buns stuffed with ice cream, and cold, sweet soft serve in flavors like taro at Japanese-style spot Kurimu in Little Italy. Customers can place orders for pickup online.

For a seemingly endless array of options, Pilsen’s Mexican creamery can’t be beat. Ice creams run the gamut from cucumber to Mexican Twinkie while the colorful paletas selection is even more eclectic, boasting dozens and dozens of flavors. It can be an overwhelming experience but don’t fret; just jump right in and then come back (again and again) to try a bit of everything.

Thai rolled ice cream has popped up all over town but this Chinatown parlor was among the first to offer it. Workers roll the ice cream by hand in front of guests and finish it off with mix-ins such as fresh fruit, animal crackers, and chocolate chips.

Waffles are ice cream's best friend, and Scoops knows this. Its waffle cones and bowls are made in house and come in a number of different flavors, and the candy selection for toppings are top-notch.

It might sound like a strange combo but Lindy’s and Gertie’s has been serving chili and ice cream for decades. Diners can stop in to grab a burger and bowl of chili before ending with one of Gertie’s famous creations. From banana splits and super sundaes to triple rich shakes and malts, this South Side classic has it all — plus socially distanced outdoor seating.

Chocolates and fudges and ice creams, oh my! The Michigan-based chain has just about everything needed to indulge a sweets craving. Guests can watch employees make everything in house before trying more than 40 flavors, which include choices like Mackinac Island fudge, New Orleans praline pecan, and Georgia peach. There are a handful of other Chicago outposts, including a downtown spot on Michigan Avenue.

Rainbow Cone fans will come find anyone who says a negative thing about their favorite iconic treat. For more than eight decades, the South Side institution has been stacking up chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts plus cherries), pistachio, and orange sherbet together. A second outpost can be found at Navy Pier, and serious fans can order delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub, and UberEats.