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The Original Rainbow Cone
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Original Rainbow Cone
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Sweet Treats Escapes
Instagram Worthy Wonders
The Wicker Park outpost of Chicago’s 1920s-born Rainbow Cone layers its signature sliced cones with sundaes and hot, made-to-order mini donuts. It’s where dessert runs turn into full-on sweet sessions built around cones, shakes, and donut-topped creations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Mini Donuts, Cookies & Cream Crunch Sundae, Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Sundae
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A neighborhood outpost of Chicago’s nearly century-old ice cream brand that pairs its famous sliced cones with fresh mini donuts and sundae-style donut desserts.
Who should go: Families and friends planning a dessert-focused outing.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings before peak summer lines.
What to order: Fresh Mini Donuts, Cookies & Cream Crunch, an Original Rainbow Cone slice.
Insider tip: Use sundaes as your move if you really want mini donuts—their signature creations layer hot donuts directly into the ice cream build.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; it can be competitive during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — anything from jeans to summer wear is totally appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat and busy, but you can still chat without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during peak dessert hours, longer in summer.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many ice cream and donut options are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — selection may vary seasonally.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some ice cream options are naturally gluten-free, but donuts are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s playful, low-pressure, and works great as a casual dessert stop after dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first come, first served. Seating may be limited at busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequent it, and the colorful cones and mini donuts are especially popular with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Nostalgic ice cream experiences, colorful treats, and donut-stacked sundaes in a family-friendly setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for artisan or chef-driven donuts, or a quiet café-style environment.
The Original Rainbow Cone
8.3
This Wicker Park outpost of Chicago’s 1926-born Original Rainbow Cone serves thick slices of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet stacked onto a single cone. It’s where neighborhood families and late-night dessert runs converge when they want a classic South Side treat without leaving Division Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Rainbow Cone, Chocolate ice cream, Strawberry ice cream
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A neighborhood branch of Chicago’s century-old rainbow-slice cone institution.
Who should go: Families and visitors chasing a classic Chicago ice cream experience.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings before weekend lines peak.
What to order: Original Rainbow Cone, plus extra chocolate or Palmer House scoops.
Insider tip: Get the Rainbow Cone in a cup if you want more time for photos and slower eating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; it can be limited on Division during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are.
Noise level: Light to moderate; mostly outdoor and walk-up traffic, easy to chat while you wait.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on weather and season.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — nearly all flavors are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — selection depends on seasonal sorbets or dairy-free options.
Gluten-free options: Yes — order scoops in a cup to avoid cones containing gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s casual, playful, and low-pressure, especially if you take your cone on a walk around the neighborhood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-up ice cream shop with limited outdoor seating; most people take their ice cream to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — portions are generous, the vibe is relaxed, and families are common, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Classic Chicago nostalgia, colorful photo-worthy cones, and family-friendly dessert runs.
Skip if: You’re looking for artisanal small-batch flavors or a quiet sit-down dessert café.