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Margie's Candies

1813 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
$$
Ice Cream

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Master Critic Review

Margie's Candies 8.4
North Center
An old-school ice cream parlor and candy counter that wins on hot-fudge sundaes, banana splits, and the full retro experience. Treat it like a sundae-first stop: pick one classic build, lean into the warm fudge, and let the portions do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes: Hot Fudge Banana Split, Turtle Sundae, Royal George Sundae
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 7.1 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A long-running Chicago ice cream parlor built around big sundaes and hot fudge.
Who should go: Sundae loyalists and family dessert crews
When to visit: Weeknights or earlier evenings to avoid lines
What to order: Hot fudge banana split, turtle sundae, Royal George sundae
Insider tip: Go classic and keep it to one big sundae per person.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; residential and metered spots nearby. Can be competitive after 6pm, especially on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Lively and bustling during peak hours; conversation is easy off-peak but louder when the room is full.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during prime evening hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait in the afternoon; short waits early evening
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most of the menu is vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Very limited—occasionally fruit ices or sorbet-style options; availability varies.
Gluten-free options: Ice cream and hot fudge are generally gluten-free, but cones, cookies, and toppings contain gluten and there’s potential cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want something playful and low-pressure. It’s more fun and nostalgic than intimate, so it works best for casual chemistry.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Expect a wait on busy nights; arriving earlier or on weeknights is the smoothest move.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—big portions, classic flavors, and a celebratory vibe make it ideal for kids, birthdays, and family dessert runs.
Best For
Better for: Old-school sundaes, hot fudge, and a full retro ice-cream-parlor experience you can’t rush.
Skip if: You want modern flavors, dairy-free depth, or a quick grab-and-go cone—newer scoop shops will suit you better.