Community Corner

Top Spots for Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt

It's ice cream season! Let us know your favorite place to get ice cream, frozen yogurt and frozen custard in the area in the comments section.

As temperatures are expected to soar this week, does anything sound better than a nice frozen treat? 

There are plenty of amazing options for a ice cream and frozen yogurt in the area. Patch took some of the feedback we have received from readers over the years to compile a list of of the most beloved ice cream and frozen yogurt shops in the area:
  • Dairy Mart in Huntley: The Dairy Mart also has a strong following among local residents and is one of Huntley's most popular spots for ice cream and other dessert treats. The Dairy Mart is an outdoor restaurant, where orders are placed at the window and seats are available underneath their bright red awning. Located off Route 47 in Huntley, the shop is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 
  • The Freeze in Crystal Lake: There are a lot of loyal Freeze fans out there. And in recent weeks, the loyalty has shown by the long lines of patrons waiting for their Freeze fix. Located at 140 S. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake, the shop is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 
  • Julie Ann's in Crystal Lake: Voted as one of the best area ice cream spots in Patch's Chowdown Showdown, Julie Ann's offers fresh frozen custard that area residents have grown to love. Located at 6500 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, Julie Ann's is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 
  • Oberweis Dairy in Algonquin: One of the most popular places for cold treats is the local Oberweis location. The shop offers traditional indoor seating, accepts all major credit cards and has healthy options for desserts, including yogurt alternatives and sugar-free products. Located at 1493 S. Randall Road, the shop is open daily at 10 a.m. and stays open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • Cold Stone Creamery in Lake in the Hills: With hundreds of locations around the country, Cold Stone is always a crowd-pleaser. The chain offers sizes ranging from children’s to its enormous “Gotta have it.” Popular choices include the Birthday Cake Remix and Strawberry Banana Rendezvous. Cold Stone also offers lactose-intolerant options for all to enjoy. Located at 339 N. Randall Road, Cold Stone is open all year. The hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday with an 11 p.m. closing time on Friday and Saturday. 
  • Vans Frozen Custard in West Dundee: At 16 E. MainStreet in West Dundee, Van's has been family-owned and operated since 2007. Open Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and Fridays/Saturdays until 10 p.m., Vans Frozen Custard offers sorbet, custards, and concretes, as well as food and children’s options. 
  • Kaleidoscoops Ice Cream & More in Crystal Lake: Located at 53 N. Williams St., Kaleidoscoops offers not only traditional ice cream treats, but smoothies, coffee drinks, candy and more. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays during the summer. It also offers sugar-free options and there is a small dining area inside.
  • Yumz in Lake in the Hills and Crystal Lake: With two area locations, Yumz has become a popular spot for fro-yo in recent years. Visitors to Yumz can pick their frozen yogurt selection (or two) and top it with their choice of candy, chocolate, fruit, hot fudge ... and much more. There is a shop at 277 Randall Road in Lake in the Hills and another at 5006 Northwest Highway, Suite D, in Crystal Lake. Hours of operation are: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
Other sweet options: 
  • Colonial Cafe: 2555 West Bunker Hill Drive in Algonquin and 5689 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake
  • Baskin Robbins: 15 S. Randall Road in Algonquin, 4817 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake
  • Dairy Queen: 35 Berkshire Drive #15 in Crystal Lake, 3106 Three Oaks Road in Cary, 4710 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills, 1249 S. Main St. in Algonquin. 
  • Culvers: 501 Pingree Road in Crystal Lake and 13240 State Road 47 in Huntley. 
  • Yugen Fruz: 1624 Randall Road in Algoquin

Where is your favorite place to get ice cream, frozen yogurt and frozen custard in the area? 


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