Black Dog Gelato

"Black Dog puts gourmet touches on a childhood treat. How else would one explain a Turkish coffee float or a strawberry lemonade gelato pie? The local gelato favorite previously operated three Chicago locations but has since narrowed its focus to the original shop in Ukrainian Village." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"Black Dog has some of our favorite gelato in Chicago. It’s incredibly smooth, and there are a variety of interesting flavors, like strawberry balsamic and sesame cookie dough (our absolute favorite is the goat cheese cashew caramel). Just keep in mind that since everything is made fresh daily, they might run out of what you’re looking for." - adrian kane, veda kilaru

"Black Dog Gelato is the brainchild of evil dairy genius Jessi Orolo. They’ve since opened a second location in Lakeview, but their original scoop shop in Ukrainian Village remains a perennial summer favorite. The cash-only spot has an ever rotating selection of flavors (written daily on the window) including standouts such as goat cheese cashew caramel and blueberry french toast. Take a cone to go or sit outside on the dog-friendly patio. And if you’re looking to bring some home, they offer good deals on day-old pints (if you’re lucky enough to get there early)." - Potluck Creative

"Sure, gelato isn’t technically ice cream, but the inventive offerings at Black Dog Gelato in Chicago easily warrant it a spot on this list. Chef and owner Jessie Oloroso mixes up batches of the creamy Italian treat the traditional way—but flavors like Blueberry French Toast and Sesame Fig Chocolate Chip make this gelateria anything but old school." - Alina Polishuk

"Black Dog Gelato, the indie gelato brand that chefs and other Chicago gourmands have treasured for 13 years, has permanently closed two of its three shops to focus operations in at its original location in Ukrainian Village. The brand is known for its novel flavors like brandied apple pie, blueberry French toast, and ruby chocolate strawberry balsamic." - Naomi Waxman