When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Margie's Candies
Why Margie's Candies is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Margie's Candies, a beloved Chicago institution since 1921, offers a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere that makes it an ideal location to meet up with friends. This family-owned confectionery and ice cream parlor has retained its old-time charm over the past century, welcoming guests with the rich aromas of homemade chocolates, caramel, and freshly made ice cream. Visitors can indulge in heaping piles of creamy ice cream combined with handmade fudge, caramel sauces, and classic candies like pecan turtles, chocolate-covered marshmallows, and taffy apples, all crafted from scratch. The vintage setting features mustard-colored upholstered banquettes, wood-paneled walls, Tiffany lamps, and original booths with miniature jukeboxes, evoking a warm, timeless ambiance perfect for gathering and reminiscing. Margie's has a storied history with loyal customers and celebrity visitors alike, adding to its cultural charm. Whether it’s a casual catch-up, a first date, or a celebration, Margie’s provides a comforting, consistent experience that preserves sweet memories, making it a cherished meeting place in Chicago.
Here's what people think of Margie's Candies
As of recent, Margie's Candies holds a 4.5-star rating based on 2731 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Margie's Candies for its exceptional homemade ice cream and nostalgic ambiance, contributing to its strong 4.5-star rating from over 2,700 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the high quality of the ice cream—known for its rich texture and high fat content—alongside generous portions of hot fudge and caramel. Many reviewers appreciate the authentic and unchanged vintage décor, describing the experience as a step back in time with charming booths, Tiffany lamps, and an inviting soda fountain. Customers also admire the family’s dedication to maintaining tradition and quality across four generations. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional long wait times due to its popularity and the busy atmosphere, which might affect service speed. A few customers voiced concerns over pricing and limited non-dessert menu options, but these did not overshadow the overall positive experience. In conclusion, Margie's Candies is celebrated as a legendary Chicago destination where excellent ice cream, classic ambiance, and heartfelt family care converge to create unforgettable visits that keep customers coming back for generations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nathan Powers
Do you like ice cream along with your hot fudge? How about a gravy boat full of warm marshmallow fluff? The this is the place. Come here if you enjoy ice cream sundaes as a meal, not as a dessert. Us 2 got our own dishes to serve as lunch. Mine was the classic turtle where caramel is poured on the ice cream before serving. On the side a boat of hot fudge, made fresh on site. Pour it all on and enjoy. My daughter's boat had hot fudge mixed with marshmallow fluff, which is as decadent and delicious as it sounds, truly a heavenly match. Both sundaes came with a small cup of peanuts to top off with. And when your done with the main course, you get a surprisingly crispy and flavorful wafer cookie. Sure, this place isn't cheap, but it's a great experience.
Shawn
I got a chance to dine in here. I came here on weekdays so I didn't need to wait too long just 30-45 mins. When you come here there might be a long line so you might want to give up but the thing is that the line might be people who are waiting for their takeout order so I recommend coming into the shop and talking to the lady first. She will ask for your name and how many people to put on the waiting list and will call your name when the table is ready. They have a couple of seats in front of the shop for waiting. If you want to get a takeout order the line starts from the cashier on the left side when you open the door. First, I plan to try their sandwich too but unfortunately, they don't serve sandwiches late at night so they only offer drinks and ice cream on the menu. The shop might be small but the menu is huge. I got to try some drinks and ice cream. It was pretty good and the portions were huge as well. It was good and the price is not bad. I like the atmosphere. It's so nice to see this old-school ice cream shop in Chicago. It made me feel like I was in a 90s movie. There are a lot of things I would like to try so I definitely will be back here again!
pragnya sai priya
OMG 😮!!! It's a heaven for people having sweet tooth. The quantities are huge. You will be in a sugar rush at the end for sure. We had their best. (Chocolate marshmallow sundae and brownie one too) I would definitely love to go back again ❤️
Roberto Santiago
Iconic!!!! , I enjoy dining here. This is where memories are made of, brought my daughter here for the first time she maxed that Sunday, I had the banana split, my wife had the old fashioned banana split, and my mother had the Pina colada split. Must try if you're an ice cream fan.
lisA fRosT
I am a FROST… and ice cream is our thing. Before Chicago became a foodie town, there were simple joys like Margie’s. Homemade ice cream sundaes served in fancy shell, albeit plastic dishes, in a tiny, nostalgic spot. The scoops are huge, the ice cream is delicious, and the charm is timeless. 🍦🍦Also…the personal juke boxes at the booths are so cool! 😎
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?
Gathering your friends at Margie's Candies is an experience that transcends ordinary meetups, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, exceptional treats, and an inviting atmosphere that encourages togetherness. Established over a century ago in 1921, Margie's Candies is not just an ice cream parlor; it is a Chicago institution steeped in history and tradition. Walking through its doors, you step back in time to an era where the aroma of rich chocolate and caramel fills the room, and the ambiance is marked by original Tiffany lamps, a marble soda fountain, and old-fashioned booths with miniature jukeboxes. This setting creates a warm, nostalgic environment that feels like a welcoming embrace, ideal for friends reconnecting or families sharing special moments. Longtime patrons often describe how Margie's doesn't just serve desserts—it serves memories, from extra scoops on difficult days to celebrations of milestones like first dates or marriage proposals. The legacy of the Poulos family, who have maintained the shop across four generations, adds a sense of continuity and charm rarely found elsewhere. For anyone looking to enjoy sweet treats while sharing laughter and stories, Margie's Candies offers the perfect backdrop, combining timeless ambiance with outstanding homemade confections.
What activities can you enjoy with a group at Margie's Candies?
When you gather a group at Margie's Candies, the centerpiece of your visit naturally becomes the indulgent array of homemade ice cream and candies crafted with family recipes dating back to 1921. The menu boasts more than fifty varieties of sundaes, including iconic creations like the Atomic Sundae and the colossal World’s Largest Sundae, which is ideal for sharing among friends or family. The Royal George, a 25-scoop sundae named after a member of the Poulos family, stands as a memorable challenge that groups can tackle together, transforming dessert into a fun and social event. Beyond sundaes, Margie's offers classic treats such as banana splits, waffle cones, pie à la mode, and rich milkshakes, providing plenty of options for everyone’s taste and dietary preferences. The candy offerings—ranging from chocolate-covered cherries to English toffee and fudge—are made fresh on site, with caramel stirred to silky perfection in the original candy kitchen, allowing guests to watch the sweet magic happen. While indulging, groups can also immerse themselves in the shop’s vintage decor, sharing stories inspired by the historic black-and-white photos and newspaper clippings that adorn the walls. The experience is more than eating; it’s bonding over a Chicago tradition with a multi-sensory treat that invites conversation and laughter.
Why is Margie's Candies the perfect venue for a group meetup?
Margie's Candies is uniquely suited as a venue for group meetups because of its inviting atmosphere, ample seating, and the sense of community it fosters. Unlike sterile or overly modern venues, Margie's embraces a homey, comfortable aesthetic that encourages diners to linger and enjoy each other's company. The presence of old-fashioned booths equipped with miniature jukeboxes lets groups customize their ambiance with music, enhancing the social vibe and making it feel like a private party within a historic setting. The venue’s layout supports intimacy without feeling cramped, allowing groups to chat easily while sharing desserts and stories. Margie's long-standing reputation as a place of joy and celebration means your group can feel at ease knowing the environment is family-friendly, inclusive, and warm. Moreover, the staff's attentive service and the tradition of personalized touches—like Margie’s known extra scoops for regulars or those needing a pick-me-up—add a layer of personalized hospitality that makes gatherings special. The history of the place, including visits from celebrities like the Beatles and Chicago Cubs stars, also offers a fun conversation starter for groups, enriching the gathering with a shared sense of being part of a legendary locale.
What makes the food and drink at Margie's Candies stand out for group enjoyment?
The food and drink at Margie's Candies excel not only in taste but also in how they serve as a focal point for group interaction and enjoyment. The homemade ice cream is rich and creamy, served in generous portions that are meant to be shared and savored—a perfect fit for social occasions. Unique offerings such as the Turtle Sundae, with its blend of sherbet, vanilla ice cream, caramel, hot fudge, whipped cream, and peanuts, invite groups to explore flavor combinations together. The extensive candy selection—handmade in small batches using traditional methods—adds variety and an element of surprise to group outings, as everyone can try different sweet bites and compare favorites. The beverage menu includes creamy milkshakes and classic soda fountain drinks that complement the desserts well and round out the nostalgic experience. Groups can also appreciate the simple diner fare, such as burgers and sandwiches, providing balance for those who prefer savory bites alongside their sweets. Altogether, the menu’s thoughtful curation ensures that every group member finds something delightful, turning the outing into a shared culinary adventure that enhances connection and enjoyment.
How does Margie's Candies' history and legacy create a meaningful experience for visitors?
Margie's Candies is more than a place to eat; it is a living piece of Chicago history that enriches the experience of every visitor, especially groups looking for a meaningful meetup location. Founded by a Greek immigrant, Peter George Poulos, the shop has been a family-run business for four generations, with each era preserving the traditions and recipes that made Margie's famous. Stories of Margie herself personally knowing customers and brightening their days add a personal touch to the legend of the establishment, making visitors feel part of an ongoing story rather than just customers. The unchanged decor, authentic craftsmanship, and continual use of original recipes create an atmosphere that transports guests to another time, offering a genuine, heartfelt experience that resonates with people young and old. This timeless authenticity invites groups to feel connected not only to each other but also to the broader community of Chicagoans who share the love for Margie's. The historical anecdotes, celebrity visits, and rich family narrative create a deep sense of belonging and pride, turning a simple meetup into a cherished memory worthy of retelling.
What practical tips can help maximize a group visit to Margie's Candies?
To enjoy Margie's Candies to the fullest as a group, planning and a few practical tips go a long way. Since Margie’s is popular year-round and often draws lines, it's wise to go during off-peak hours such as weekday afternoons or early evenings to secure seating without a long wait. Calling ahead to confirm hours and availability can help avoid surprises. Given the extensive menu, consider sharing sundaes or ordering a variety of smaller candy items so everyone in the group can sample multiple specialties. Margie's charming booths and jukeboxes add interactive fun and are best enjoyed by arriving with an open mind to relax and engage in the ambiance. Because the venue has maintained its vintage charm rather than adopting a modern layout, large groups might find it easier to split into smaller sub-groups to ensure comfort and conversation ease. Finally, encourage everyone to learn a bit about Margie's history before arrival to spark lively discussions and appreciation for the backdrop behind the treats. These tips ensure an enjoyable, smooth visit that leaves a lasting positive impression on all group members.
In summary, Margie's Candies stands out as an exceptional place to host group meetups due to its irresistible homemade ice cream and candies, nostalgic atmosphere, rich history, and welcoming environment. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, catching up over sweet treats, or just looking for a charming and cozy spot to reconnect with loved ones, Margie's offers an experience that is both uniquely Chicago and universally delightful. Its blend of tradition, quality, and warm hospitality ensures that each group visit is not only delicious but memorable.