Serving Up Soft Serve: Scooter’s Frozen Custard in Illinois Won Me Over

I lived dangerously close to Scooter’s Frozen Custard in Chicago for years. I’m talking a stone’s throw away from this shop. Located in the Windy City’s Lakeview neighborhood, Scooter’s has been serving delicious custard and ice cream since June 2003.

No matter the time of day, Scooter’s always has a line out the door. There’s even an order and pickup window on the side of the building. Complete with an indoor seating area and casual benches outside, the shop has been a staple gathering place for the local community since it opened. 

The highlight of the menu is called a “concrete”. A concrete is an extremely thick serving of custard. The treat is so dense and creamy that the scooper will hand it to you upside down. The concretes come in all the traditional flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Alternatively, you can try one of their rotating limited-time offerings, which range from creative combinations like raspberry cheesecake to unexpected flavors like lavender honey. You can also opt to “add in” additional toppings like bananas, cookies, caramel, and more.

If you’re someone who prefers to stick with what they know, Scooter’s menu carries all the classics. From sundaes to shakes, it offers an indulgence for everyone. They also have Italian ice, brownies, pints and quarts for take-out service, as well as a special kids' menu. Additionally, their menu provides a classic Chicago hot dog, a Scooter dog, and the option to build your own hot dog. 

Frozen custard made its way from Coney Island in New York to Chicago in 1933. This happened because Chicago was hosting the iconic World's Fair, which, in turn, caused the custard craze to spread throughout the Midwest. However, it oddly disappeared from Chicago until Scooter's revamped it in the early 2000s. In keeping with authenticity, the owners of Scooter's use the same dairy to supply its custard that was used during the World's Fair.

During the years I spent living across the street from Scooter's, it earned a regular spot on my rotation of places to take out-of-town guests in Chicago. The combination of creamy, smooth custard and ice cream always left a lasting impression on my visitors. Their focus on locally-sourced ingredients and dedication to creating the perfect custard and ice cream have made it a beloved spot among locals and tourists alike.

Plus, the shop is located just steps away from other restaurants, bars, and shops. The best part? It’s just over a mile walk to Wrigley Field. It’s a perfect pre- or post-game treat when cheering on the Cubbies. 

Of course, Chicago is brimming with many other custard and ice cream shops. Yet, if you're looking for an authentic Chicago experience, Scooter's Frozen Custard is one of the best. What are some of your favorite custard and ice cream shops in Illinois? Please tell us about them!