38 Best Ice Cream Shops near Highwood

“So so so good! We got pizza and ice cream. Both were perfect! We are so excited for summer with many dinners here!“

“It’s such a fantastic ice cream place. Ice cream made with natural, flavorful ingredients- it can be a wonderful, healthy treat for you and your children. They use high-quality, real ingredients. It's hard to find such a place these days. We definitely recommend the Marciano ice cream shop.I’m glad we stumbled upon it while searching for an ice cream shop in the area — it turned out to be the best find. If you’re a fan of ice cream, you’ll definitely want to come back after trying it! Support local quality business!!!“

“Nice ice cream shop and a bonus as they have entertainment“

“WOW WOW WOW !!! AMAZING cookies and so beautiful too“

“Delicious turtle split 😋 open late till 11pm week days 11:30 pm weekends. Very friendly fast service! thank you Andy's for a terrific experience“

“Tasty ice cream, pleasant staff, good family atmosphere“

“Just had the ice cream, which was yummy! Next time we’ll stop for lunch & ice cream!!“

“Yummy froyo with yummy toppings 😘“

“Delicious 🤤 10/10 recommend!!“

“This location is best approached as a modern, fusion-style snack and dessert spot, not a traditional La Michoacana street-food stand — and once you understand that, it’s actually a fun experience.

While the name points toward classic Mexican treats, the menu is much broader and global. You’ll find Indian street food, Nepali momos, fusion fries, masala flavors, lassis, aguas frescas, and desserts all sharing the same space. It’s less about authenticity and more about variety and creativity.

The food was very good. The momos were delicious, and the loaded fries were a standout — flavorful, generous, and well executed. Everything we tried tasted fresh and satisfying.

A big plus is that the entire menu is halal, which is rare for this kind of snack-and-dessert concept and makes it especially appealing for families and groups with mixed tastes.

The ambience is simple and casual — more functional than trendy — but the customer service absolutely makes up for it. The owner was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely warm, which leaves a great impression.

If you’re looking for pure, traditional Mexican La Michoacana street food, this may not match that expectation. But if you’re open to a modern, multicultural twist with solid food and great hospitality, it’s definitely worth checking out.“

“it is a great ice cream parlor“

“★★★★★ A Hidden Gem That Will Sweeten Your Life
Having frequented Parlor on Central since this summer, I've been holding onto a delicious secret that I can no longer keep to myself. This ice cream shop is nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm compelled to share my experience after countless visits (let's just say my rewards account has seen plenty of action).

What sets Parlor on Central apart is their remarkable creativity with flavors. I've made it my personal mission to sample their entire menu – yes, even the vegan and dairy-free options – and each flavor has been a delightful discovery. Their seasonal offerings are particularly impressive, introducing unexpected combinations that somehow always work perfectly.

The attention to detail extends beyond just the ice cream. Whether you prefer your scoops nestled in one of their various cone options or presented in a classic cup, the presentation is always Instagram-worthy. While I think they've recently expanded their menu beyond ice cream, I remain loyal to their frozen creations, which have yet to disappoint.

But what truly elevates this establishment is the exceptional customer service. The staff's genuine enthusiasm for their craft is evident in every interaction. They're always ready with a warm smile and eager to help you discover your next favorite flavor through their generous sampling policy. It's rare to find service this consistently outstanding, especially in an ice cream parlor.
Pro tip: Don't forget to join their rewards program. Trust me, at the rate you'll want to return, those free scoops add up quickly. I might be their most frequent customer (averaging twice weekly visits – but please don't tell my doctor!).

In a city with plenty of dessert options, Parlor on Central stands out as a must-visit destination. It's more than just an ice cream shop; it's a place where every visit feels special, and every scoop tells a story. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and experience what might just become your new favorite ice cream destination -- regardless of the weather! Yes, today with the temperature in the 20's and windchill in the teens, I had the mint chocolate. Burrr-Yumm!!!“

“I came here with my kids who were really excited for ice cream and boba, and we were very happy with the quality and service. Superman milkshake was so good, strawberry smoothie with tapioca was my favorite! We all had a blast and Jerry made us feel very welcomed! This will definitely be our ice cream and boba spot.“

“They have the best ice cream! So good I normally only eat 1 scoop but when I go here I get 2 or 3 because they're so good. The employees are so nice, especially the teenage girls. The girl with blond highlights and the girl with dark hair are so sweet! On vacation I went to a gelato place, thier gelato was FULL OF SUGAR all I tasted was sugar but here I actually taste the flavor. The flavors are so good. I 100% recommend the banana and strawberry .I would have given this place six stars but it only goes up to 5.“

“Just popping on here to say I really like this Crumbl location! I’ve been a big fan of Crumbl for about 4 years now and this location always has consistently great treats. The employees at this Vernon Hills Crumbl are always friendly. I’ve had some nice, light-hearted experiences during order pickup, and they’ve always been efficient and professional, too. I’m easily giving them 5 stars — without hesitation!“

“Best yogurt hands down!“

“Ice cream is the best around“

“Best burgers in the area!“

“My husband walked by Graeter’s with our daschund Teddy today. One of the employees was handing out super cute Graeter Icecream dog leashes and a cup of dog icecream. What a treat! We already loved Graeter’s icecream and the delicious flavors, but now Teddy is a huge fan too! Thank you!“

“Best ice cream ever!!!! I am an ice cream snob when I’m on vacation. I have to have it every day and I walked miles to that ice cream parlor this week the owner and the boy Jake that worked there was such awesome people too. I will definitely be back. I went tonight because I’m leaving in the morning sorted caramel chunk.!!!! you will not be disappointed“

“Very good service... I highly recommend the place...“

“We love these cookies! The chocolate chip is always a family favorite but we like the fun of the variety too. Curbside or delivery service are a huge plus!

Vegetarian options: Dessert!

Parking: Huge lot. Dedicated spots for curbside service.

Kid-friendliness: Nowhere to eat inside. But the flavors are always exciting for the kids. Especially the extras like shark gummies.“

“Nice ice cream shop and a bonus as they have entertainment“

“Gelato was soooo good and my wife loved her cappuccino“

“We had a great experience for my sons second birthday. The truck was the talk of the party and the kids loved it. Very professional and reliable.“

“Often drive over an hour for their delicious offerings! This shop is a must for any sweet lover!!“

“I love cocomero. I came in here after a long and hard day at work. I was welcomed right away. The Cake batter yogurt is so good. If only my husband could please me like the yogurt does. The thick and cold yogurt is so good. I love the little fruit balls the have juice inside. Will be coming (coming back here because my husband can’t make me come) ?“

“GREAT ATMOSPHERE- GREAT COFFEE & that Ham & Cheese Roll was amazing“

“Great family owned michoacana. They're always friendly and their quesadillas are delicious! If I'm ever in a hurry, I call my order in, and it's an easy pick up with no mistakes on my orders.

Kid-friendliness: Always sweet to my kids and have baby high chairs“

“Great great service! We were waiting on like they were a sit down restaurant. Food was good, place clean and staff friendly! I would definitely recommend.“

“Delicious burgers, fried chicken, ice cream, etc.“

“The wait is lengthy but SO WORTH IT. This is literally the best pizza I've ever had, and I've been to Italy. 😆 the gentleman making our food was so attentive and you can tell he put his heart into the food. We had the pesto pizza and wings and both were 🔥🔥🔥 I will drive an hour to go here again!“

“To the staff at Libertyville Culver’s, thank you so much for taking care of Hanna during her Special Needs Transition Pathways work program. Hanna loved working there. Not to worry, we love Culverts and Hanna will be back!“

“great restaurant very good food and service“

“Stopped by Churro Parlor in Lakeview, and it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was warm and inviting. Jennifer was absolutely amazing—she took the time to explain the menu, offered great recommendations, and made sure we had the best experience. The churros were fresh, perfectly crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. We tried a few different flavors, and each one was better than the last! The dipping sauces were the perfect complement. Whether you’re a churro lover or just looking for a sweet treat, this spot is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back! Virtual review : @iam.shonnaaaa“