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Margie's Candies

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Why Margie's Candies is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family

Margie's Candies stands as a cherished Chicago landmark and a perfect meetup spot for friends seeking nostalgic charm and delightful sweets. Established in 1921 by Greek immigrant Peter George Poulos, Margie’s has evolved into a legendary candy and ice cream parlor that combines the warmth of an old-fashioned soda fountain with the indulgence of handcrafted candies and rich ice cream treats. Located primarily at 1960 North Western Avenue in Bucktown, its vintage 1940s interior, complete with wood paneled walls, a brass cash register, old Frigidaire freezer, jukeboxes at each booth, and classic mirrors, creates a cozy atmosphere that invites guests to savor their favorite desserts in a timeless setting. Beyond the enchanting ambiance, Margie's is renowned for its in-house made candies such as English Toffee, chocolate caramels, caramel apples, fudge, and truffles. The ice cream selection, famous for its creamy texture and high fat content, is often enjoyed in elaborate sundaes topped with rich sauces and fresh toppings. Margie's sprawling menu of sweet treats ensures there is something for everyone, making it an ideal place to gather with friends and create lasting memories, whether for a casual daytime visit or a nostalgic night out. Its connection to Chicago’s cultural history, including celebrity visits and appearances in popular media, adds to the allure of experiencing an authentic piece of the city’s confectionery heritage.

Here's what people think of Margie's Candies

As of recent, Margie's Candies holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1322 reviews.

Customer reviews consistently highlight Margie's Candies as a beloved and iconic destination for ice cream and candy lovers in Chicago. Visitors appreciate its nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era, describing it as a "time machine" where they can enjoy classic sundaes and handcrafted sweets in a charming 1940s-style parlor. Positive reviews frequently praise the superb quality of the homemade ice cream, the generous portion sizes, and the exceptional hot fudge, which is often cited as a standout. Reviewers also love the attentive and swift service, with many noting that the experience provides great value for money, especially considering the rich flavors and generous servings. Many guests recall fond personal stories about Margie's, reinforcing its role as a community staple that brings back cherished memories. On the other hand, some negative feedback includes occasional comments about a crowded or busy environment, long waits during peak hours, and a few reports of service inconsistencies, though these are relatively rare and mild compared to the overwhelmingly positive sentiment. Overall, the reviews convey that Margie’s Candies maintains its reputation as a top-tier ice cream parlor and candy store, beloved for preserving a unique blend of history, warmth, and top-quality sweets. The continuous family management and commitment to tradition uphold the welcoming experience that keeps customers returning for decades.

Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)

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Chad Wilson

Great milkshakes! Don’t bother with the Turkey cranberry sandwich as the Turkey is deli meat and not good. Don’t bother with the Italian beef as it is also made with deli beef that is not good. If you get there too early, the chicken is not available which leads me to believe maybe that is the sandwich to get.

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Merve Naja

Walking into this shop is like time travel, I love it. Tried the turtle sundae, it comes in a very fun dish and it’s quite large, comes with an entire saucer full of fudge on the side, it’s best to share one. The vibe and the experience is unique but I found the ice cream not that special. It’s a good quality ice cream but that’s all. Staff are very nice, service is fast, seating is limited.

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Patrick Cameron

I visited Margie's Candies after just bumping into it. What am awesome find for me! I know it's a popular place but it was new to me. I got the feeling that I'd entered a place where their menu items are made with care. A place where food traditions are kept and shortcuts in product quality are avoided. I tried a New York Cherry ice cream cone and some of their chocolates, breaking my diet, but it was beyond worth it. Everything was delicious. Here, I believe, you will enjoy your food experience.

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Jack Djikas

If you are a fan of Ice cream, this is a great place to go. With dozens of ice cream flavor, package candies such as chocolate covered cherries, and half a dozen Sundays this is a great place to go. The restaurant has a lovely antique vibe with little stereos at each table and a glass memorabilia case filled with the heritage of Margie’s Candies. The service is great, you get your food within minutes of ordering. All the waiters are very nice and can help you pick your order. You’re seated quite fast and can easily have a to go order if you would like. I would say Sundays are their specialty. The Sunday comes with hot fudge, wafers, and three scoops of your choice of ice cream. The portions can be shared or finished on your own. If you don’t want all that or for some reason that doesn’t sound appealing you could also get a shake. The shakes are very good, they aren’t too thick and aren’t watery. The flavor is very good and can easily substitute for a meal. Margie’s is a great place to go whether you want a Sunday or if you looking for a fancy treat. Margie’s if a wonderful affordable way spend your afternoon.

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Elizabeth Solorzano

An excellent pit stop for family, friends or a partner. Sizes for everything off the menu are pretty large, so keep that in mind when ordering. Overall, you can’t go wrong with anything!

How to reach Margie's Candies

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Why Margie's Candies may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out

Why rally at Margie's Candies with your friends? Because it offers more than just sweets—it provides a charming, timeless gathering spot that brings people together through nostalgia, exceptional treats, and a uniquely warm atmosphere. When you step into Margie’s Candies, located in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood since 1921, you immediately feel transported back to an earlier era, thanks to the vintage décor, original soda fountain, and cozy booths with jukeboxes. This enchanting setting invites you and your friends to relax, share stories, and enjoy classic homemade ice cream sundaes and candies in a way that few modern venues can replicate. The aroma of rich chocolate and buttery English toffee fills the air, sparking joy and sweet anticipation. Margie’s long-standing reputation as a Chicago landmark, backed by over 1300 glowing reviews and a stellar rating of 4.6, ensures that your group is in for a genuinely delightful, authentic experience that mixes tradition and fun, making it an ideal place to connect with friends or family while indulging in some of the city’s best confections.

What makes Margie's Candies perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, the variety and customization options for ice cream sundaes alone can satisfy any group’s diverse tastes. Whether your friends crave a classic banana split, an over-the-top 25-scoop "Royal George," or the famed "Atomic Sundae," Margie’s playful and extensive menu offers something for everyone. Sharing giant sundaes or sampling a flight of handmade chocolates encourages conversation and communal enjoyment. The old-fashioned soda fountain setting, complete with marble counters and vintage Tiffany lamps, provides a warm, inviting ambiance conducive to lingering and chatting. Each booth is fitted with a miniature jukebox, allowing the group to pick nostalgic tunes that enhance the moments together. Additionally, the hands-on history of Margie’s makes it more than a dessert spot—it’s a conversational piece where friends can learn about the shop’s Greek immigrant origins and see artifacts like the original brass cash register or the old Frigidaire, connecting the past to the present. This sense of history combined with fantastic treats helps foster a memorable group experience.

What activities can you do with your friends at Margie’s Candies? Beyond indulging in their famous ice cream and homemade candy, your group can dive into a true Chicago cultural experience. Enjoy sitting together in the vintage booths, brass and wood surroundings, and marveling at the decades-old newspaper clippings and photographs decorating the walls. Each element sparks stories and encourages sharing memories or creating new ones. The little jukeboxes let each person add a song, making the visit interactive and personalized, perfect for groups looking to bond over music. If your gathering extends into the evening, Margie’s Bucktown location is open until midnight on weekdays and even later on weekends, giving you plenty of time to relax and savor each other's company. For larger groups, you can strategically order a selection of candies—like chocolate-covered cherries, fudge, or their signature English Toffee—to sample together, adding variety and fun to your meetup. Though primarily a confectionery and ice cream parlor, Margie’s also serves light diner fare including sandwiches and burgers, ensuring everyone’s taste buds are satisfied beyond sweets.

Why is Margie's Candies an ideal venue for both casual and special group occasions? The ambiance and historical significance make Margie’s well-suited for everything from casual afternoon get-togethers to celebratory outings. The friendly, family-run environment feels welcoming and intimate, ideal for reconnecting with old friends or bonding with family members. Its vintage charm adds a sense of occasion without the stuffiness, allowing guests to feel comfortable whether dressed down or spruced up. The location is also conveniently nestled in the vibrant Bucktown area, known for its mix of old and new Chicago culture, which means your group can easily combine a visit to Margie’s with other neighborhood activities or dining options, extending the gathering as desired. Because Margie’s has been a community mainstay for over 100 years, celebrating a birthday or reunion here infuses your event with a unique touch of legacy and warmth. This blend of historical charm, delicious menu offerings, and a relaxed yet special atmosphere makes it a venue that leaves guests happy and eager to return with more friends.

What about accessibility and capacity for group meetups at Margie’s Candies? Margie’s maintains the feel of a classic 1940s soda fountain and ice cream parlor, which naturally encourages smaller groups to occupy the booths comfortably, promoting cozy conversation and shared plates. While the original Bucktown location has limited space compared to modern restaurants, the layout with several booths and counter seats creates an inviting environment for groups of friends or families to enjoy intimate gatherings. For larger groups, it might require some planning or splitting into smaller sets, but the casual atmosphere still makes it easy to socialize throughout the space. Margie's also operates a second location in Ravenswood, which might offer additional seating and a slightly different atmosphere, providing flexibility depending on your group’s size and preferences. Both locations are open daily with family-friendly hours, including late evenings, so your meetups can be as brief or as extended as you like. Accessibility is central too: both venues are in popular, easy-to-reach Chicago neighborhoods with ample parking and public transit options nearby.

Why does the food and drink quality at Margie’s Candies enhance the group experience? The secret to Margie’s enduring popularity lies in its commitment to quality and tradition. Their English Toffee, made with real butter, is a standout confection that melts delightfully in your mouth, creating a shared sensory highlight among the group. Over fifty varieties of ice cream sundaes are crafted using homemade family recipes passed down through generations, lending authenticity to every bite. Hand-dipped chocolates and caramel apples made in-house offer freshly made indulgences you don’t find in typical dessert chains. The combination of rich, creamy textures and nostalgic flavors becomes a conversation starter and a reason to savor slowly with friends. Plus, the option to enjoy classic cold and hot concoctions—from frozen sundaes topped with whipped cream and peanuts to steaming hot fudge—caters to varied seasonal preferences, making it a year-round destination. This top-notch quality paired with Margie’s whimsical menu encourages groups to sample multiple items and share, turning dessert time into a joyful shared ritual.

How does Margie’s Candies connect you with Chicago’s cultural and historic heritage during your meetup? Margie’s is more than an ice cream parlor—it's a living museum of Chicago’s sweet tooth history and immigrant entrepreneurial spirit. Founded by Peter George Poulos in 1921 and carried on by multiple generations of the Poulos family, the shop captures the heart of old Chicago with its unchanged décor, original fixtures, and vintage artifacts. When your group visits, you are stepping into a place where decades of Chicagoans have gathered to celebrate special moments, enjoy simple pleasures, and find respite from the summer heat or winter chills. The establishment’s inclusion in popular culture—as seen in TV shows like Hulu’s "The Bear"—further cements its icon status, giving visitors a shared cultural reference point that enriches the experience. Discussing the legacy of Margie’s adds depth to your meetup, making the outing educational as well as entertaining. This connection to the past lends a nostalgic yet lively charm that many modern venues lack, influencing the mood and making every group visit memorable.

What are the unique features that set Margie’s Candies apart from other group-friendly venues? Besides the remarkable longevity and historic ambiance, Margie’s offers an unmatched array of vintage touches that enhance group cohesion and shared enjoyment. The soda fountain’s original brass cash register, fully operational Frigidaire, and booths fitted with personal jukeboxes bring a tactile, interactive element rarely found today. These features inspire guests to move beyond the passive eating experience and engage actively with the space and each other. The physical setting feels more like a trip to a cherished relative’s home than a commercial dessert shop, encouraging relaxation and spontaneous fun. Moreover, Margie’s use of in-house candy-making means your group shares the promise of freshly made, handcrafted sweets, elevating the taste experience into something artisanal and special. This combination of hands-on historic charm, handcrafted products, and social interaction opportunities makes Margie’s an exceptional and multi-layered venue your group will appreciate and want to revisit.

How do the location and accessibility of Margie’s Candies support easy group gatherings? Situated in Bucktown at 1960 North Western Avenue and with a second store in Ravenswood, Margie’s occupies two well-known Chicago neighborhoods that are both lively and accessible. Bucktown offers a trendy yet historic vibe with eclectic dining, shopping, and art nearby, so your group can easily extend the outing before or after dessert. Public transportation is convenient, with accessible bus routes and nearby train stations, reducing parking hassle for groups. For those driving, parking options around both locations cater to visitors. Ravenswood’s location at 1813 West Montrose Avenue similarly offers a welcoming neighborhood feel with a slightly quieter atmosphere, which might suit groups preferring a more relaxed gathering space. The flexible hours, including weekend late-night service, ensure your group can meet at convenient times whether planning a daytime get-together or a casual late evening treat. Both locations’ neighborhood ties also appeal to locals and visitors alike, providing a genuine Chicago experience without urban stress.

In what ways can Margie's Candies enhance celebrations and special events for groups? Given the rich history and festive atmosphere, Margie’s makes a superb venue for group celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or even casual reunions. The vintage décor and nostalgic vibe create a natural celebratory backdrop, requiring little extra decoration. The extensive sundae menu allows you to order show-stopping desserts like the half-gallon "World’s Largest Sundae" to wow your guests and create lasting memories. Customizing orders to include a range of candies and treats lets everyone feel included and indulged. The friendly, attentive staff, rooted in four generations of family business experience, add personal touches that make your group feel valued and welcomed, a rarity in larger establishments. Their commitment to quality and tradition ensures that your celebration is paired with excellent food and a consistently warm atmosphere. Whether you prefer an intimate gathering in the quieter booths or a lively meetup around the soda fountain counter, Margie’s accommodates various group sizes and moods.

What should groups know about the overall experience and customer feedback at Margie’s Candies? With a solid 4.6-star rating from over 1300 reviews, Margie’s Candies is clearly beloved by both locals and visitors alike. Customers frequently highlight not just the delicious sweets but also the unique nostalgic ambiance and friendly, family-style service as core reasons for repeated visits. Reviews often mention how the timeless decor makes them feel like they’ve stepped into a joyful moment frozen in time, perfect for sharing with loved ones. The consistent quality of the homemade candy and ice cream, plus the wide variety of sundae and chocolate options, appeals to large groups with diverse tastes. Patrons enjoy the sense of history and community wrapped into every visit, spotlighting Margie’s as more than a dessert spot, but a Chicago institution worth rallying around. Groups looking for a place to create sweet memories, enjoy great food, and soak in authentic atmosphere will find Margie’s Candies a perfect choice for their next meetup.

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