The Original Rainbow Cone: Chicago’s Iconic Treat
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Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a scoop of ice cream. What could be more refreshing? Maybe 5 scoops of ice cream. Or in the case of the iconic Original Rainbow Cone in Chicago, 5 “slices”. Since 1926, this delicious ice cream shop on Western Ave has served their trademark colorful cone on the southside. Summer of 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of my favorite ice cream shop.
Today, it is considered the best ice cream in the city, as well as a Chicago staple. Growing up on the southside in the late 80’s-mid 90’s, it was common to arrive and find a line outside the door all summer long. Fortunately, the store has expanded to include numerous locations, so you can enjoy a colorful cone no matter where your travels take you. On a recent trip back home, I went out of my way to visit the original cafe for nostalgia’s sake. I love this colorful building and I wanted to go back to where it all began.
Sliced ice cream in 5 delicious flavors
Today, the iconic cone is made with the exact same flavors which made the ice cream shop popular 100 years ago. On your cone. you will find 5 slices (not scoops) of:
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Palmer House Vanilla
- Pistachio
- Orange Sherbert
You can opt to have your treat served in a cup or even a waffle cone. I love all of the flavors especially Palmer House and Pistachio. The best part is that it is not overly sugary and the texture is perfect. What a treat on a hot and humid summer’s day! I had to eat it fast to prevent it from melting, but I didn’t mind ;). The sliced flavors are so visually appealing it’s hard to eat. As they state on their website, it is “The prettiest treat you’ll ever eat.”
You can also enjoy sundaes, ice cream cakes, and other unique flavors of ice cream such as Cosmic Birthday and Minty City. Or you can grab a quart or pint of delicious rainbow ice cream so you can enjoy it yourself at home all summer long. You can also get ice cream quarts shipped anywhere.
Where it all began
Today, you can find locations all over the city and suburbs, however, the OG is found on Western Avenue on Chicago’s southside. The building is a colorful eye catching pink amongst a sea of grey. You can’t miss it. The pink color really pops out amongst surrounding chains.
You will find a small seating area outside (note you cannot eat ice cream inside the parlor) which offers the same colorful ambiance. Even the picnic tables are rainbow. A cute mural dedicated to Mt. Rushmore adds to the fun ambiance.
Note that this area is considered a bit rough today, so be careful and lock up your valuables at all times.
Other locations in the Chicagoland area & other states
Illinois cafes:
- Orland Park
- Skokie
- Bolingbrook
- Darien
- Lombard
- Flossmoor
- Harwood Heights
- Lakemoor
- Kildeer
- Loves Park
- Mount Prospect
- Oak Park
- Glenview Heights
Other state cafes:
- Crown Point, IN
- Dyer, IN
- New Buffalo, MI
- Orlando, FL
- Lake Geneva, WI
- Cypress, CA
Note: As of late spring 2026, new locations just opened in Laguna Beach, CA, Surprise AZ, and Murfreesboro, TN. I just relocated to the Phoenix metro so I’ll let you know soon how the Surprise location stacks up!
Update: I just checked out the new Surprise shop. The exterior is a little bland, but the rainbow cone was just as delicious. They offer a Happy Hour special Monday-Friday until 3 (cones for 5 bucks) and also a rewards program which is pretty cool. While it’s nice to have a location just a half hour from my house, it also takes away one of the things I liked most about visiting Chicago.
Update spring 2026: I recently visited the Dyer, Indiana location and I was impressed. The space is so cute and colorful and they actually had a few colorful pink stools to sit on inside. Here are a few pics I took around the shop (fortunately, we were the only ones around). In addition to the rainbow cone, we also tried Chocolate Obsession for the first time. This tasty treat includes: chocolate, peanut butter swirl, cookies & cream, & big muddy (dark chocolate with caramel swirl and brownie pieces). It was (almost) better than the rainbow!
On a side note, if you are in the Northwest Indiana region this summer, I highly recommend checking out the Dunes. The state park beach is so gorgeous and the Three Dunes Challenge is amazing for anyone up for a challenge. Despite living in Chicago for over 20 years, I didn’t make it out here much. The state & national park are just a ~30 min drive.
Summer fun in The Windy City
Most tourists prefer visiting this city in the summer. I actually like the winter too because I love the ice rinks and holiday festivities, but I admit that there is so much going on as soon as the temps warm up. The temps are typically cool enough to enjoy a lot of activities outside. I’ve traveled all over and there is no city I enjoy more in the summer.
Brookfield Zoo is my favorite zoo anywhere and summer is the perfect time to enjoy a stroll. There is now a rainbow cone stand here too so you don’t have to go out of your way. You will also find the famous cones at other touristy city attractions like Millennium Park and Navy Pier so you can choose whichever spot is most convenient to you.
Also, there are tons of free festivals to enjoy, many of which are free. The lakefront path and beaches are amazing. Plus, it’s easy to get to and from the museums and other city attractions in the absence of a foot of snow. Check out my guide to the best of The Windy City: Summer Edition for more details.
