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The Original Rainbow Cone
Master Critic Review
The Original Rainbow Cone
8.0
This small kiosk inside Gino’s East brings the century-old South Side Rainbow Cone brand to 60611, serving stacked multi-flavor cones, cups, and sundaes. While it’s ice cream first, the shop is tagged for donuts and functions as a nostalgic, color-forward sweet stop a block off Michigan Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Rainbow Cone, Mini Rainbow Cone, Rainbow Cone Sundae
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A downtown outpost of a classic Chicago dessert brand known for its five-layer Rainbow Cone.
Who should go: Visitors chasing a quick, nostalgic Chicago-only dessert
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening after Mag Mile shopping
What to order: Original Rainbow Cone, Mini Rainbow Cone, a sundae riff on the stack
Insider tip: Order in a cup if you’re walking far—Rainbow Cone melts fast, especially from this mostly grab-and-go, indoor kiosk setup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; the most reliable option is nearby paid garages around Gino’s East and Michigan Ave.
Dress code: Casual — tourist-and-walkable attire is totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — it’s a kiosk inside a busy space, but you can still chat while you wait.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes during peak post-dinner dessert rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, aside from a brief line during tourist surges.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most ice cream items are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — dairy-based flavors dominate; check for rotating non-dairy options.
Gluten-free options: Partially — cones are not gluten-free, but cups are available; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works best as a fun, low-pressure dessert stop rather than a sit-down setting. Great for a playful walk-and-talk near Michigan Ave.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or full tables — it’s a grab-and-go kiosk with limited indoor perching. Plan to take your cone to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very kid-friendly, with bright colors and smaller cone sizes. Expect tight space and minimal seating, so strollers fit best during slower hours.
Best For
Better for: Iconic Chicago nostalgia, colorful presentation, and the signature stacked Rainbow Cone experience in a convenient downtown location.
Skip if: You want artisanal small-batch flavors, vegan/dairy-free depth, or a café-style seating environment.