Annette's Italian Ice

Annette’s is a Chicago classic! I’ve always seen a line wrapped around the corner and I’ve wondered what the hype was all about. Annette’s has a large overwhelming menu with all amazing options to try — I wanted to eat it all. Such tasty options from fruity seasonal flavors to the indulgent flavors Annette’s has everything for any sweet lover from ice cream, to sundaes to, Italian ice. Remember it’s cash only so be prepared, if not they have an ATM available for you to get cash if you need it!

Great spot!! We came on a Saturday and the line was pretty long but only took about 10 minutes. I got the frozen lemonade - tart and delish! Ice cream was fab

Fun place to visit on a hot day. Simple walk-up window to order concept. Cash only. (Good thing I had some.) There are a few tables with umbrellas and a bench. There is NO dine in area. Italian Ice was delicious. They also sell other items like lemonade, ice cream, etc. Don’t forget—cash only!

Cozy counter-serve italian ice place that also has some other offerings as well. I went here twice in the same week because it was that good. The first time i got the blood orange and the texture of the ice was perfect. The flavoring is fresh and taste like actual fruit. The second time I got strawberry with chocolate fro yo. This combo was bomb and the strawberry flavor is very authentic. The service was quick and the women at the counter both times was so sweet. This will most definitely be an essential for me going forward.

First time at Annette’s and no wonder they always have such a long line. Had the blackberry lime sorbet and it was great! The wait was definitely around 30mins though so be prepared to wait sometime. Staff were so sweet!

Bring cash and be prepared to wait. Took me about 35 mins at 8:30 on a Friday night. I was immediately intrigued with the peanut butter frozen yogurt as I am a fiend. The first bite was delicious as that peanut butter flavor was present, but after that it went away and I really couldn’t even taste it anymore. It became the most subtle nut flavor and if I was blind taste testing it, I wouldn’t be able to tell it was peanut butter. While that quickly became a disappointment, the chocolate frozen yogurt was much better. Very rich cocoa taste and more than sweet enough for me. It really carried the cup and would be something I get again. Finally, I’m not sure how to describe this but the frozen yogurt was too cold for my liking. I don’t know if the machine was set at a lower temp but it just felt colder than normal which deterred from the experience. Would I come here again? Yes. Would I wait in that line? No. Lots of options which I will be sure to try on some hopefully off peak hours.

Great spot to get some dessert, I recommend. They have a variety of desserts from italian ice to sundaes. You order and receive your ice cream at the windows. It is cash only, but there is an ATM. We didnt wait long, but the line grew very long so there might be a wait.

Their strawberry ice and chocolate gelato combo is to die for! We’re obsessed!! Their peanut butter shake is delicious as well. You have to try it if you’re in the area! PSA: Cash only but there’s an atm right next to it.

Annette's Italian Ice in Lincoln Park is a must-visit spot for anyone craving a refreshing treat. We arrived during dinner time on a weekday, so there was no line, but I've heard it gets busy after 7pm. The Lemon Italian Ice was perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness--an ideal summer treat. The Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt tasted like smooth, creamy peanut butter straight from the jar, just in frozen yogurt form. Even though it was my first time trying Annette's, the high quality and attention to detail in their flavors were immediately apparent. Located in the lovely Lincoln Park neighborhood, Annette's operates out of a walk-up window, which adds to the experience. The staff was friendly and welcoming, making the visit even more enjoyable. It's cash-only, so be sure to come prepared. I'm definitely planning to return to try more flavors!!!

Bring cash and be prepared to wait. Took me about 35 mins at 8:30 on a Friday night. I was immediately intrigued with the peanut butter frozen yogurt as I am a fiend. The first bite was delicious as that peanut butter flavor was present, but after that it went away and I really couldn't even taste it anymore. It became the most subtle nut flavor and if I was blind taste testing it, I wouldn't be able to tell it was peanut butter. While that quickly became a disappointment, the chocolate frozen yogurt was much better. Very rich cocoa taste and more than sweet enough for me. It really carried the cup and would be something I get again. Finally, I'm not sure how to describe this but the frozen yogurt was too cold for my liking. I don't know if the machine was set at a lower temp but it just felt colder than normal which deterred from the experience. Would I come here again? Yes. Would I wait in that line? No. Lots of options which I will be sure to try on some hopefully off peak hours.

Such a great local staple! I never heard of this place until I was introduced to it via run club but I haven't looked back since. Their menu is crazily extensive with an endless list of ice creams, Italian ices, and froyos. My go-to is getting the Italian ice + froyo mix. This time around I got black cherry with passion fruit raspberry + vanilla froyo and it was delightful. Looking forward to coming back and trying a new thing each time, plenty of opportunity. FYI it is cash only!! There is an ATM next to it but bring some ahead of time to avoid the fees.

A cash only walk-up window ice cream & Italian ice shop in Lincoln Park. The Raspberry Rendezvous ice cream is the BEST! You can get creative and mix Italian ice and ice cream! This family owned business is a CHI fav for a reason, the flavour and quality of their ice cream & Italian ice has been consistent. Though being a self service shop through the walk-up window, the staff is super friendly and helpful! Located in the Lincoln park neighbourhood, this place has some good vibes with a couple of tables outside on the sidewalk. Parking in that neighbourhood is usually not that bad, metered street parking till 6PM and post that it's FREE! Now go and grab some IceCream!!

I came here twice within a week because it is SO good! They have an insane amount of ice cream flavor options - Carrot cake ice cream, anniversary cake, and Oreo with iced animal crackers were amazing. The ice is really creamy which I love, and they can mix the any of the ice with the ice cream. The staff is super friendly - Just make sure you bring cash because they don't take cards. They have a few tables to sit outside or you can walk around Lincoln Park with it on a nice day. Honestly would come here at least once a week if I lived closer. I want to try every ice cream and ice flavor

This place always has a crazy line in the summer, but my friend and I were able to walk up on a Tuesday at 6 PM for dessert before dinner. The Italian ice special where you get your choice of Italian ice and soft serve ice cream mixed together is incredible. I got blueberry, Italian ice and vanilla ice cream and I could eat it every day.

Love Annette's!!! Be prepared to wait in a line because there is always one, but it's so worth it. Tons of different ice cream flavors & countless toppings. I got their anniversary cake ice cream with hot fudge & strawberries. It was 10/10, can't wait to go back to try another flavor!!!!

Cozy counter-serve italian ice place that also has some other offerings as well. I went here twice in the same week because it was that good. The first time i got the blood orange and the texture of the ice was perfect. The flavoring is fresh and taste like actual fruit. The second time I got strawberry with chocolate fro yo. This combo was bomb and the strawberry flavor is very authentic. The service was quick and the women at the counter both times was so sweet. This will most definitely be an essential for me going forward.

Cant believe it took me so long to come here!!! I've been wanting to find a local ice cream shop with a neighborhood feel and Annette's is absolutely that. The street is super cute and there are tables outside where you can sit and eat. The business is cash only. The Italian ice soft serve combo was so refreshing and delicious! I cannot wait to go back and try more!

Quality/Quantity - 4 stars; we just had ice cream from around the corner at Jeni's but still wanted to try yours. The good news was that we enjoyed yours better. :) Mango ice with vanilla yogurt - We all preferred the ice cream over the yogurt. Pomegranate ice with key lime ice cream - My choice and the favorite for all, good sweet and tart combination. Raspberry ice with cookie dough ice cream - Good. Overall, a fairly extensive flavored menu. See picture of menu. Atmosphere - Small walk up window to order and to pick up from. Limited outdoor seating. Open 7 days a week from noon till 11pm or 11:30pm. Service - 2 stars; the Lady (owner?) did not seem to be in a good mood. Was it because she was working alone? And her delivery truck just came...? I felt pressured to order (see extensive flavors on the menu) even though there was a break in customers (no customers behind us). Price - $18ish; cash only. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 2005.

A fun walk-up/window ice cream shop in Lincoln Park. It's close to Jeni's but this is one of a kind :) and there are both classic and fun creative flavors! The Chicago pothole is chocolate based with fudge chunks and peanut butter cups. Super decadent and perfect for a chocolate lover. The mint chip is refreshing and creamy! Stop by for a sweet treat - and you can sample flavors too!

Lines were all the way down the street even following a decent rain shower. Cash only, but an atm is available on site. I didn't find anything special about the desserts, but it's a fun novelty. There are places to sit and enjoy your treats.

OmG show long has this spot been here and how come I'm just learning of it? I think this used to be David's Tea but super delicious spot to grab an ice cold sweet. Menu- Includes multiple ice flavors or if the mood calls for something else they have ice cream, frozen lemonades and soft serve. Pricing- Avg $4 & UP. But super important they are a CASH ONLY spot. No cards or Apple Pay. They do have an atm nearby. Parking- You're in the heart of DePaul/Lincoln Park so street parking is the standard. So make sure you follow the signs. Highly recommend. I will certainly be back.

Came on National Ice Cream day which was buy $5 and get a scoop for free, so was a special day to come! A small is $5 so I got to try the Italian ice and got a free scoop of ice cream. The black Cherry Italian ice was a little tart and had a bit of red cherries in there. The Amaretto Cherry was chocolate-y with just enough cherries. Would want it to taste a little bit more fresh and fruity, but a good price for the size.

Finally got the chance to try this iconic spot in Lincoln Park. Got in line around 5:30 on a Sunday evening, and it took about 15 minutes to be served. I ordered the Italian Fro-yo, which is their Italian ice and frozen yogurt swirled together. It was delicious! I love how many different flavors they offer, meaning there are dozens of combinations you could try! You order through a window, which felt very old school in the best way! They also only take cash, but there is an ATM right by them. There are a few tables to sit at outside, but those fill really quickly. This is a great spot for an after dinner treat!

Chicago. NO. This is a review about the Italian Ice. We waited in that LONG LINE today for Italian Ice (after passing by for years and seeing the lines, we assumed it would be delicious) and this was simply not it. Maybe the ice cream is delicious, but I will never know because there's no way in hell I will stand in that line again. Here were the flavors we tried: 1. Lemon: this is the flavor my husband judges Italian Ice by. I tried it and felt it was one of the best flavors they had but it was simply nothing to write home (or stand in line about). It was just a very basic lemon, not too tart. 2. Blood Orange: Disappointment, it just tasted like regular artificial orange flavor. I was expecting something more sophisticated or sharp and this was not it. 3. Red Raspberry: This was actually decent and was the only flavor (other than strawberry that genuinely tasted like it was made with fresh fruit. 4. Coconut: very ehh. 5. Passion fruit: Unbelievably mellow. shockingly so for passion fruit 6. Strawberry: Like Raspberry, this tasted like it was made with fresh fruit but it was really watered down somehow. Overall notes: Pro: The ices weren't too sweet, which was nice Cons: A. Terrible value, these were very expensive for what they were. B. Every single flavor had a bizarre aftertaste and mouth feel C. Cash only (just a pain in the butt and silly at those price points. We had two mediums and a small and it came out to just below $20) I will never stand in line for this place again, and hopefully this saves someone's time.

What a darling Italian ice shop!! The counter feels so classic and long-standing, the Italians!! They're here!!! The Italian fro yo is a combo of Italian ice and frozen yogurt and let me tell you it is godly, the perfect combination of tangy and creamy. Sensory high, peaceful summer night, long walks down the street. I'll dream of it

Italian ices are a top tier dessert and they know how to make em. Pina colada and blueberry lemon made for a fine combo. 2 flavors/scoops to a small cup. Got to sample the spumoni ice cream. If I wasn't craving an ice, I would've gone with that flavor (so good!)

The line is always long when I walk or drive by during the weekend or after work hours, but surprisingly goes by quickly. The combination of the Italian ice and froyo is such a divine sensation, that I want to come back and try it with every Italian ice flavor. Cami got the mint chocolate chip, and I don't even typically like mint chocolate chip but my one taste of her scoop has me also coming back to try their Icecream.

After eating dinner around the loop, my bf wanted a refreshing dessert to end the night. He found this place which was near our Airbnb so we decided to go here. Now, I usually don't like Italian ice because my conception is based on those frozen pre-packaged Italian ice, but I really need to change that mindset, otherwise, I wouldn't have tried Annette's. We came here on a Saturday night, and it was poppin'. The line was relatively long, but it was maybe a 10 minute wait for us. We were trying to figure out what flavors to sample and what to order. We decided on a medium scoop with lychee, mango, and watermelon. The Italian ice was very soft and smooth. The lychee was our favorite; we just love lychee :) I also liked the mango, but it just wasn't as light and refreshing as the lychee. My bf liked the watermelon which seems to be a popular flavor here. I think I just don't really like watermelon aside from its natural state, but I bit into a white watermelon seed when eating it so you know they use the real stuff. We loved this place so much that we decided to go for round 2 the next night! The place still had a small crowd, but it wasn't as long of a wait. We went for a large this time and got two scoops of lychee, passionfruit, and blackberry lime. I liked the passionfruit. It had the tropical sweetness and sourness which was nice. The blackberry lime was interesting, but it wasn't really in my flavor profile. The lychee was still by far the best flavor for both of us. I also liked how the worker split the lychee scoops so one was at the bottom and the second was at the top. This was a great find for dessert, and if you're in the area, I definitely recommend you try the Italian ice here. They only take cash so make sure you bring some, otherwise, there's an ATM right outside the shop.

Great dessert spot! Nice people. I absolutely love Italian Ice and this is their specialty! They have a variety of flavors unique and familiar alike. I always get their blood orange but would love to give that mojito one a shot next time. The Italian ice is never too sweet. It's also not overly frozen like rocks. It's a refreshing treat.

This is a cash only place. The line and waiting is very long but the ice cream is worth waiting for.

came for a little treat at the end of a hot summers day w a couple friends to catch up!! sometimes with italian ice it can get a little watered down but that was not the case here, Annette's is so flavorful but not in a way that tasted artificial either. the combination of textures between the italian ice and the froyo was also so good in a way i was not expecting!! wld definitely come back! also bonus points because coming at night has the same vibe as a suburban late night froyo run which used to be a huge pastime of my sister and i (-:

My family absolutely love Annettes. Its a LP favorite especailly in the summer months. The lines can vary depending on the time of day - so expect a line wrapped around the corner on a hot summer afternoon. My favorite thing to get is the italian fro-yo. its a perfect combo of Italian ice and frozen yogurt. I recommend the vanilla for this because it complements any fruit flavor (dragon fruit, peach, strawberry) really nicely. If your not interested in ice cream they have shakes and smoothies too.

This is my fav italian ice place so far!! There are soooo many flavors to choose from & they sell not only italian ice but ice cream & smoothies! My favorite is the dragonfruit pear italian ice. It's perfect for the hot summer day. It's cash only but there is an atm nearby to withdraw from.

Annette's has been on my list forever and finally checked it out. I'm not sure the name of what I got but it was a passion fruit iced and vanilla frozen yogurt. This place is cash only - but they have an atm and there's a chase on the corner. Line was very long so be ready to stand for a while. There's a few seats outside, but not enough.

Wow! I was in Lincoln Park a few weeks ago and stumbled upon Annette's, but haven't been able to visit it so I stopped by today. It was so good. Italian ice isn't totally my thing, but I actually had intended to buy one. When I took a look at their ice cream flavors, though, I had to try the marionberry ice cream. I actually know what marionberries are--they are a variety of blackberry that was established in Marion County, Oregon, which I know since I'm from Oregon and they're much more common there both in markets and in products (marionberry yogurt is better than any other flavor). This ice cream did not let me down at all. I sent a photo to my BFF who lives in Salem, the county seat of Marion County, and she agreed it looked delicious! This is the sort of ice cream that next time I'm at Annette's, I'd buy a quart of so that I have it in my freezer. They also have a flavor called Sea Turtle that sounds delicious, and I may have to try it sometime soon. My family will be visiting in a few months and I may have to bring them here.

An Ice Cream Lover's Paradise! Be prepared for long lines and CASH Only! I got a small cup of puppy chow and it was delicious. Can't wait to go back and try the Italian Ice! There are too many options to choose from including brownie sundaes, milkshakes, soft serve, cookie ice cream sandwiches..the list goes on. They also have frosty paws for sale for your fur babies and a few outdoor tables if you're lucky enough to snag one.

TL;DR: BRING CASH! HAVE PATIENCE! WOW! This is great little ice cream oasis! There are so many different variations of what you can get because of their overwhelming list of flavors and toppings! When I went I ordered the Anniversary Cake as a shake, but it wasn't my favorite. However, the brownie sundae was so great and so big that I recommend sharing. I cannot wait to go again and try more of their amazing ice cream flavors. Remember to bring cash and that the line is worth it, so have patience!

Amazing ice cream! Had chunks of chocolate in it which I love. Quick easy service but be aware it is cash only. Just a walkup area you can go to and continue walking around the area. Great treat for a walk

Best Italian ice I've ever had. I love their monthly ice cram specials too. Cash only!

Perfect summer treat - there are some tables along the road, and chairs laid out, but walking down Armitage is the perfect backdrop after getting some scoops from here. Cash only, but there's an ATM 10 feet away, and a Chase bank across the street. Would recommend the strawberry Italian ice - it was by far superior to coconut, passion fruit, and grapefruit. They have a ton of other sweet treats - ice cream, froyo (saw some ppl mixing Italian ice and froyo), sundaes, milkshakes, you name it. There's vegan options too for a bit extra. Def check this place out if you're in Chicago!

My biggest regret is walking by Annette's for years and not going because the line was too long. This place is so worth the wait!! I haven't had a flavor that I didn't like, but the Chicago Pothole is definitely my favorite. It's cash only so be prepared beforehand!

So good, their Italian ices, yogurt, and ice cream are all top notch. Quick and friendly service. We love this place!

I had the apple crisp ice cream and did not taste one ounce of apple, would not recommend. My mom had the mint chip. I tried a bite and it was very good, I would recommend that one. they had tables outside (no seating indoors, just a walk up window). Umbrellas at the tables would be nice. sitting in the sun not so fun with ice cream, melts too fast.

Long line but so yummy. A bit overwhelming choosing all the flavors but you can't really go wrong with any of them ‍ also best dessert/compliment after Cafe Babareebas happy hour

We love Annette's! Such a fun spot for warmer months! We love their shaved ice and ice cream options. Great seating offered on their sidewalk. We love to walk over in the summer and stop for ice cream and treats! The best pit stop on summer walks!

On a hot summer day, not much tastes better than Italian Ice. Annette's is a great place to get your fill, with lots of unique flavors. It is cash only, but they have an ATM right outside, so you'll be able to get your cash (for a small fee).

Annette's is an institution. The ice cream is delicious and if you're lucky, you'll be handed your order by Annette herself.

10/10 ice cream. Love the walk up window, be prepared to wait on a nice night, but promise it's worth it. You can't go wrong with any of their flavors/combos. Cash only.

best ice cream in chicago!! also have italian ice and fro yo! such good summer vibes! love can get long and they only take cash!

This is a hole in the wall ice cream place in Lincoln park, was pretty busy when we were there. Lots of options to choose from.

In town visiting for the long weekend, and after a day of exploring I wanted something cold and refreshing, and ice cream just sounded too sweet. So I decided to take to Yelp and found this place- only a 25 minute walk away, so I set off. I noticed a nearby ice cream shop was near empty but soon as I rounded the corner, sure enough all the people were in line waiting for Annette's! I grew up in a beach town eating shaved ice with ice cream so I knew I wanted to try the Italian froyo mix of Italian ice and frozen yogurt. I opted for the pina colada italian ice + vanilla froyo. The line was long, but not really that long? However it took a pretty long time to get to the front of the line. Seemed like not too many people working inside, and though the woman who helped me was very friendly, I think they could probably benefit from staffing more people given the demand for their product! Check this place out if you're nearby.

Great ice cream spot in lincoln park. Be prepared to wait in line and have cash handy. Walked over here yesterday to try and boy was I impressed. Lots of ice cream and italian ice flavors to choose from. It was all reasonably priced and the line did move fast. I got the amaretto cherry which I really enjoyed. Apparently it's one of the best ice cream spots in Chicago! Highly suggest going!

Not sure why the line for this place was to the end of the corner. It was actuality because there was only one person working :[ the Italian ice was super chunky ice and really lacked flavor... black cherry. Added the fat free soft serve and that was even worse. I ended up Bthrowung it in the trash :[ If you've been to Rita's Italian ice there is no comparison. Sadly disappointed :[ Take yourself to the ice cream spot around the corner instead.

Annette's is a neighborhood staple. The perfect summer spot. The last stop after a nice dinner on date night. The Italian ice is so good. Mix the strawberry and watermelon! However, it's the nostalgia that will forever bring me back here. They carry Superman!! IYKYK. This is a flavor specific to the Midwest. When I was a child, I would bike to the Dilly Deli 4 blocks down, with my allowance in my pocket, and get a scoop of this every summer. Sadly this flavor is not very commonly found anymore, but it's here at Annette's!!! :)

Delicious always! i love the frozen yogurt and italian ice combination!!! especially with raspberry yogurt and a berry ice! the cutest little stand and the wait is worth it! i appreciate that they let you sample. a neighborhood staple!

Our family are long time customers of Annette's and we can't say enough GREAT things about them. We first discovered Annette's when our kids were in summer camp a few blocks away. Usually, when you want Italian ice you have to make the trip down to Mario's on Taylor St. Annette's blows Mario's away, not that Mario's isn't great and a standard bearer, but it's the SELECTION of flavors you have at Annette's that's what's so amazing. Here's a quick sampling: Blueberry Lemon, Pina Colada, Blood Orange, and it goes on. Oh you can get ice cream, sundaes, shakes, malts all the standard desserts. But it you want great Italian Ice, and you don't want to make the drive down to Mario's, head to Lincoln Park/DePaul and drop in on Annette's. One more thing: Even though you'll probably encounter a line that can wrap around Armitage, it's more than worth the wait, and the line does move pretty fast, so don't leave!

The ice is as cold as the service. Outstanding and tasty. Best anywhere. Try the lychee