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Kurimu
Master Critic Review
Kurimu
8.3
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A short walk from the UIC campus, Kurimu leans into Asian-inspired soft serve, boba drinks, and coffee in a compact counter-service space. Since opening in 2019, it’s become a student staple for photogenic swirls and rotating flavors that run from taro to black sesame.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pandan soft serve in a waffle cone, Messy Boba cup with soft serve and tapioca pearls, Melon pan ice cream sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Asian-inspired soft serve and drinks with constantly changing flavor collabs.
Who should go: Students and soft-serve fans chasing playful flavors.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings before peak campus rush.
What to order: Pandan cone, Messy Boba soft serve cup, melon pan sandwich.
Insider tip: Check their socials before you go—limited-time flavors sell out quickly on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taylor Street and nearby side streets; availability varies with campus activity but usually manageable outside peak evenings.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — students, athleisure, and everyday wear all fit in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout traffic with short visits, easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dessert hours when limited-time flavors drop.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most soft serve, milk teas, and desserts are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Occasional rotating dairy-free and fruit-based options, but selection varies.
Gluten-free options: Soft serve is generally gluten-free, but cones and some toppings are not; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works great for a casual, low-pressure first date with quick service and fun, conversation-starting flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with limited seating; most guests pop in and out, so spots turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love the colorful soft serve and boba drinks, though seating is limited and best for short stops.
Best For
Better for: Playful Asian-inspired flavors, photogenic swirls, and quick dessert runs near the UIC campus.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down dessert café experience or guaranteed dairy-free options every day.