When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
Why Cone Gourmet Ice Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream, located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood, is a family-owned and operated shop that stands out with its blend of premium quality ice cream and unique Irish flair. Since opening in 2013 by owner Sean McGuire, originally from Belmullet, County Mayo, Ireland, Cone has created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every visitor is treated like family. This makes it an excellent spot for friends to gather and enjoy a sweet treat whether after a lively day exploring Chicago or catching a game at nearby United Center. The shop offers a diverse menu including European-style soft serve, hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches, waffle cones, milkshakes, sundaes, root beer floats, and over 25 flavors that range from classic strawberry and chocolate chip to inventive options like Cookie Monster and Funky Monkey. Its location — just east of Madison and Aberdeen — is easily accessible by several bus routes and the Morgan-Lake Green and Pink line, adding to its convenience. Cone Gourmet Ice Cream’s family atmosphere, extensive variety, and quality ingredients make it a great place for a fun and delicious meetup.
Here's what people think of Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
As of recent, Cone Gourmet Ice Cream holds a 4.3-star rating based on 744 reviews.
Reviews of Cone Gourmet Ice Cream reflect its strong reputation, with many users praising both the taste and the charming family vibe of the shop. Positive reviews highlight the rich, indulgent flavors and creative combinations, such as the Cookie Monster and Elvis flavors, and commend the quality of the European-style soft serve and hand-scooped offerings. Customers appreciate the friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and the variety that can satisfy a wide range of preferences, making it a go-to spot in Chicago for ice cream lovers. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional wait times and the limited seating space, which can affect the experience during busy hours. A few reviewers wished for more consistency in service speed and availability of certain flavors. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus from the reviews is highly positive with many customers returning for the novelty and quality of the ice cream. Cone Gourmet Ice Cream clearly holds a beloved spot in the community as a top choice for premium ice cream and a welcoming atmosphere, supported by its over 700 reviews averaging a solid 4.3 stars.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
A T
DELISH!!! They offer tastes and everything is sooooo good - which makes it difficult to decide (but also gives you an opportunity to return). Can't go wrong. Good prices, too.
Cristian Hernández
Amazed by this ice-ice Cream! You must get the Guinness, Baileys, and Jameson. Now, my person favorite is the Lemon (Fruit ice) Sorbet. It used to be the ice cream flight with above flavors and Netflix & chill, Cinnamon (no longer available). It should be nice to select better music.
Curtis Park
Cone is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Sean is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing bacon ice cream. Must come back. 10/10.
Ivan Corona
There's nothing gourmet about this place, and the ice cream is extremely expensive. I came in here without even asking for the price, thinking it would be a regular price like most places. To my surprise, I ended up paying around $13 for two scoops of ice cream. Also, as other reviews are saying, one employee was on her phone and didn't even acknowledge our presence when we arrived. She clearly does not want to be there and didn't even say hi.
Nicole Rice
I’ve never been to an Irish ice cream shop but this one is great! Fun flavors and vegan/dairy free options in a separate case.
How to reach Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
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Why Cone Gourmet Ice Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cone Gourmet Ice Cream with your friends?
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream invites groups of friends and family to unite over one simple but deeply satisfying pleasure: exceptional ice cream. With a welcoming atmosphere bolstered by a neighborhood, family-owned charm, Cone Gourmet creates more than just a chance to enjoy a sweet treat—it offers a communal experience centered around quality and comfort. The shop’s creamy, rich ice cream, praised for its generous scoops and inventive flavors like coconut cream, Cookie Monster, and unique options infused with Irish whiskey or Baileys, sparks conversation and delight among visitors. In a city bustling with dining options, Cone Gourmet stands out because it encourages slow moments—sharing tastes, sampling new flavors, and enjoying the casual vibe together. This ambiance makes it a natural rallying spot for groups looking to relax, indulge, and reconnect. Whether you’re celebrating a small occasion, catching up after a long week, or simply hitting pause to share something delightful, Cone Gourmet’s inviting space and thoughtfully crafted ice cream create a perfect setting to gather and enjoy each other’s company in an authentically local style.
What activities make Cone Gourmet Ice Cream perfect for a group meetup?
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream offers guests activities focused on tasting, sharing, and socializing, making it ideal for group meetups. First, its variety of flavors, including unique and seasonal inspirations, encourages shared tasting sessions where friends can sample different offerings before deciding. This interactive element transforms a simple ice cream outing into a mini tasting adventure. Groups can order multiple flavors and combine them, discovering favorites together while sparking lively discussions about tastes and textures. The generous scoop sizes ensure everyone leaves satisfied, which is especially important when coordinating a meeting with diverse tastes. The shop’s cozy, neighborhood ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating areas allows groups the flexibility to find comfortable spots to linger. Whether sitting inside chatting or enjoying the fresh air outside, the setting supports a relaxed, extended visit rather than a quick grab-and-go. Lastly, the friendly, family-owned vibe enhances the social aspect, making people feel welcomed by the staff, who add a personal touch to each visit that can make group meetups feel like gathering in a local friend’s home.
What unique flavors and menu options attract friends looking for something new?
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream is renowned for going beyond typical flavors, enticing adventurous groups who want to try something different each visit. Apart from classic staples, the shop features unconventional options like coconut cream, Cookie Monster, marshmallow delight, and Elvis—an inspired blend of banana and peanut butter topped with homemade whipped cream. The Irish-themed frozen treats, some even infused with Jameson or Baileys spirits, add an adult twist for more mature palates. This bold experimentation appeals to groups looking to share new experiences and spark curiosity, elevating the simple act of eating ice cream into a fun exploration. Additionally, the availability of dairy-free sorbets such as coconut sorbet offers inclusivity for diverse dietary preferences, ensuring all group members can enjoy. This broad menu versatility enables everyone in a group to find something they love or intrigue their palate, supporting a social atmosphere rooted in discovery and conversation around tastes.
How does the ambiance support social gatherings at Cone Gourmet?
The ambiance at Cone Gourmet Ice Cream blends a cozy, local neighborhood vibe with the inviting warmth of a family-run business. This atmosphere encourages guests to settle in comfortably, making it an excellent environment for social gatherings. Unlike large commercial chains where the experience can feel rushed or impersonal, Cone Gourmet’s setting fosters a sense of belonging and long, relaxed visits. Whether friends are catching up after work, families are treating kids to a sweet outing, or casual meetups extend into laughter-filled hours, the space supports connection. The modest yet charming decor paired with the friendly and attentive service creates an unpretentious yet pleasant setting. Outdoor seating during warmer months further broadens appeal, offering a fresh-air environment where groups can comfortably enjoy their ice cream in open space, enhancing social interaction. This combination of thoughtful ambiance elements provides a backdrop that feels personal and welcoming—a perfect place for forging memories over delicious ice cream.
What practical reasons make Cone Gourmet Ice Cream convenient for hosting meetups?
Convenience is key when organizing group meetups, and Cone Gourmet scores well in this regard. Located at 1047 W. Madison Street in Chicago, it provides easy access within the city, with available street parking options nearby simplifying arrival for groups traveling by car. Its operating hours, typically open from noon to 9 or 10 PM depending on the day, allow flexibility to meet in the afternoon or evening—a great help for coordinating around work or family schedules. The reasonable prices, although occasionally viewed as rising, remain acceptable given the quality and size of servings, keeping group expenses manageable. Additionally, the shop’s policy of generous scoops and complimentary tastings means groups can efficiently sample before deciding, speeding up orders and reducing wait times. The family ownership ensures attentive service and a willingness to accommodate special requests, easing the logistics when meeting with a diverse group. All these factors combine to make Cone Gourmet a practical, hassle-free destination for organizing ice cream-centered social events.
Why do reviews support Cone Gourmet Ice Cream as a top choice for group outings?
Independent reviews of Cone Gourmet Ice Cream reflect a broadly positive consensus that enhances its appeal for group outings. Many customers praise the quality and creaminess of the ice cream, highlighting its generous portions and unique, flavorful options as delightful crowd-pleasers. Reviewers appreciate the family-run character of the shop, distinguishing it from corporate ice cream chains, and often include compliments about the welcoming, neighborly feel. This warmth supports the group experience, turning an ice cream run into an occasion for shared pleasure and memory-making. Some reviews do note occasional issues with service speed or pricing changes, but these are generally outweighed by the overall satisfaction with the product and atmosphere. The balance of high-quality ice cream, community spirit, and a location accessible to city residents and visitors alike consistently draws recommendations for group visits. This combination ensures that Cone Gourmet remains a favored spot where friends and family can reliably count on great treats in a cozy, inviting setting.
What are some tips for making the most of your visit to Cone Gourmet with a group?
To maximize enjoyment at Cone Gourmet Ice Cream during a group outing, a few strategic tips can help. First, visiting during off-peak times like weekday afternoons can avoid long lines, making it easier to order and settle in without rush. Second, encourage group members to sample the variety of flavors through the shop’s generous tastings, which turns ordering into a fun collective activity and helps everyone find a flavor they love. Splitting different flavors among the group and sharing bites can also enhance the experience, reinforcing the social vibe. Choosing a comfortable spot either inside or outside depending on weather and group size allows for better interaction and lingering. Finally, considering the unique Irish-themed and unconventional flavors, coming with an openness to experiment can enrich the visit, sparking conversations and creating a memorable outing. These simple approaches leverage Cone Gourmet’s strengths—quality, welcoming atmosphere, and flavor creativity—to deliver a rewarding group experience every time.