4 Best Ice Cream Shops near Girard

“"The Italian Beef sandwich is on special," the server said. "It's really good." From the bar, the owner, who was enjoying it for her own lunch, "Oh my gosh--it's so good!!" We both tried it and agreed that they were both right. Excellent food, a beautiful and delicious old school Strawberry Milkshake, great service, and a nice visit with the owners. Well worth whatever trip you make to get here. Highly recommend.“

“My sister Billie n I ate at the Whirla Whip while I was visiting from Southern IL. On Wednesday March 25,2026. Figuring it would be a big sandwich her n I split a Philly cheese steak sandwich, breaded mushrooms n corn nuggets n a nice cold Pepsi.The service was great n the food was nice hot n fresh. I compliment to the young lady at the window telling her how great the service was n that I believed it was the best food Id ever tasted n that I was sure to be back. The place was crowded. Some even brought their dogs for a bite of ice cream. I’m from Girard n used to walk there for a corn dog n fries from high school lunch back in the late 70s early 80s . Owned then by a family with the last name of Swift. My mom n dad owned Hubbard Feed Store in Nilwood n at the end of the year my mom n dad would have our bus stop n they paid for a drink n an icecream. The kids really appreciated it n would hang out of the bus windows screaming thank you Mr n Mrs Lake. Even after my school days were over it still remained there. My favorite was a toss up between orange n raspberry sherbet. With all that being said I’m looking forward to another trip home to have the same exact food! Thank you Whirla Whip for your awesomeness. Stay cool😎 Sue Lake Benton IL🌮🌭🍔❤️“

“Went to DQ tonight with my 3 littles and had a great experience. The young staff was very friendly and attentive and kept smiles on my children’s faces.“

“Back in the late 70's, 1970's that is, a girl I worked with down in Carbondale introduced me to one of my favorite treats, the chocolate-banana malt. Let me tell you that DQ made a terrific one that I have found it difficult to come close to at any other DQ's.

However, within 20 or so miles of me there at least 5 or 6 DQ  locations that I have tried BUT NONE HAVE MATCHED consistently the DQ in Virden, Illinois!!

Let me explain.

For the most part the staff are teenagers, probably still in school (I usually come by this location on the way home after 8pm, or, occasionally I will have lunch there and a supper.)

What makes this location standout are these young adults. I assume they are local, and I'm not faulting anyone else there who are older, it's just that as a group these "kids" (I'm in my late 60's) are some of the most genuine, caring and hard-working individuals you will ever have the fortune to meet.  And by God, they will create the best treats and other food items just the way you want them AND their attitudes are upbeat and positive.

I just can't say enough about them. It's personal for me when it comes to service and the quality of what you order and they deliver!

While I am not riding around on my Honda 350 and stopping by for my chocolate-banana malt like I did 43+ years ago , they make it seem like I am back at SIU-C and living life with a smile.

Thank you Dairy Queen in Virden, Illinois for allowing me to not only harken back to a simpler time with good people who aren't angry AND putting a smile on my face while I savor the items I order from you.“