Dairy Depot

168

515

6278

3 years ago

Summer time delight!! Dairy Depot has the best soft serve in the Rockford area. They offer seasonal flavors and big portions. The current seasonal offering is butter pecan. The dipped and crunch cones bring back childhood nostalgia. They also offer a doggie cone which is a very small cone with vanilla soft serve. Note side street parking, but they also have parking on the other side too. Great time to just take an ice cream break with friends and family. read more

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Bill A.

1

8

1

2 years ago

Checked to make sure they were open. Drove 15 miles to get there. The site said they were open at 1:00 Found out they were open at 4:00 after we got there. read more

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Mitch J.

266

422

1409

7 years ago

This has always been our favorite spot to get ice cream in the Rockford area. Best soft serve around, and a great value too! We love their rotating flavored ice creams, dipped cones, "twinklecoat" (like a sugar/sprinkle/nut coating), and the peanut butter cup/Oreo flurry. Also they finally have vegan flavors!! If you can't eat dairy (like me) go for the "Dole Whip." I got the lemon/lime twist cone. Outside seating, and we really appreciate that they're pet-friendly! Ask for a pup cup if your dog wants to get in on the action. Service is fast but the employees are super nice. Just an FYI, cash only! Also, if you tip them they ring a fun bell. A classic spot that I hope our family can come to for many years to come. read more

Business owner information

Brittany L.

Thank you for the feedback! We hope to see you in 2020!

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Mary K.

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3

0

2 years ago

The staff is always happy! The ice cream is delicious... memorable! They even have pup cups for our furry friends! You don't want to miss out on this place! read more

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Kaile B.

0

6

13

2 years ago

we took a late night trip & the service was great! everyone was super helpful & the dairy dole whip was FANTASTIC! great seating, music & easy parking! read more

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Hallie J.

22

10

0

2 years ago

Love this spot. Been coming here for years. Their ice creams cones are a running joke in my family because they're so tall!

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Ashley A.

454

323

2410

8 years ago

Cute place for some soft serve ice cream at cheap prices! Cash Only. Outdoor tables. Great summers night spot to enjoy a nice treat. I've been here a few times. I got the chocolate dipped cone and a flurry with strawberries added. read more

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Samantha S.

0

25

1

5 years ago

They move very slowly. You'd think one person was working the window and the back... I don't think I'll ever come again if there's more than three people in line... bummer because it is such a great stop! read more

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Kaitlin P.

48

36

0

3 years ago

Great ice cream. They seem a little unorganized this summer. Also, Usually they have great music playing over the speakers but today they had live music- it was crazy loud and 90% of the songs were total downer songs (doesn't really fit with the fun summer ice cream vibe people are used to). I know I sound like an old fart but you couldn't even have a conversation this guy's sound was so loud. The staff is questionable. For the second time in a row, I've ordered a dipped cone and the ice cream fell off from the dip being too hot and the staff member caught it in their bare hand and plopped it into a cup with their hand. Gross. read more

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Meghan G.

133

1

0

3 years ago

What is with the new hours? No one wants ice cream at 9am! Used to love this place. Closes at 5pm which is too early for summer time and ice cream! read more

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Keith C.

79

11

5

5 years ago

Great neighborhood spot. Friendly and laid back vibe. Love having flavors of the week.

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Lindsey G.

47

237

121

11 years ago

Best soft serve in town! We love the train crossing decor and that most of the ice cream is between $2-4, even for the sundaes. They have a new flavor ever week, though I never try them because I always get the same thing.... Swirl cone with twinklecote. The twinklecote is awesome and you must try it!! They have soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes, banana splits and much more! All seating is outdoors but they do have a huge tent covering most of the picnic tables. There is no bathroom but you can ask and they will let you in to use the employee one. They have a foot pump water sink to wash up afterwards. There is also a big grass area for the kids to run around in. Parking in on the street unless you make yourself through the neighborhood to the parking lot in the back, which is kind of hidden. Support local and go get some great ice cream! read more

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Jeanne L.

Elite 15

236

461

483

16 years ago

This is a cute little ice cream (soft serve frozen yogurt) shop in which you walk up to a window and order. It seems that this place has been around for years (only open for the summer season though), and it's got quite the fan base. There was a long line for the place when we showed up a little before closing time. There's a huge selection to choose from: frozen yogurt, sundaes, root beer floats, and I think they even have a different 'special' flavor each week. (It's currently "Dreamsicle".) I'm a fan! The prices were good, and everyone was friendly - the workers, the other people in line! The best part is that they have ice cream in "mini-sized cones - they're not even as tall as my thumb! It's perfect when you overeat at dinner beforehand, and then decide you still want ice cream. Also, they're free for kids! read more

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Kathy L.

43

56

5

6 years ago

Delicious grasshopper parfait. I've been waiting all summer try to this delightful treat! I think I see another visit in the near future.

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Dana C.

Elite 18

311

170

13

9 years ago

I'm just here to let you all know, Dairy Depot is still the best. Have a great day! read more

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Bethany W.

1

9

1

6 years ago

Great ice cream especially pb cup flurry way better than Mcdonalds Mcflurrys They also have a great selection of ice cream flurrys and non dairy desserts definitely check it out you will love it read more

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Robert W.

24

34

10

8 years ago

This review will be no surprise to any of the Locals, but Dairy Depot is hands down the best Ice Cream Ship in the Nation; hands down! I can say this because I live in Southern California, but Dairy Depot is always on our list when visiting Loves Park, IL. My Dad started bringing me here when I was young, and now I'm 55! Always a fantastic treat at a very fair price. Keep up the great work! read more

Business owner information

Brittany L.

Thank you for sharing your feedback! We celebrated 35 years last year…

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Stephen B.

0

1

0

4 years ago

Took my son there yesterday and we noticed some big changes. The ice cream itself is no longer the same consistency: it is now very airy and seems insubstantial compared to before. While it still tastes great, it felt like you were getting less of the "good stuff" than you used to. Also, the menu prices used to include tax so you knew your total before going up to the window -- no longer the case so be prepared to pay above the menu price. read more

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Amelia B.

0

9

4

7 years ago

Stopped here while I was in town and I have to say I loved the ice cream! It was pretty cheap as well compared to a lot of other places

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Luda K.

2

51

17

13 years ago

The Depot is open again (2013) with the same great owners and staff. Still the best damn soft serve in town. It is shocking to get a sundae made with cashews and realize there are not just chips and pieces of nuts in it, but the whole nut. Always the best ingredients. My puppy loves the plain vanilla cone! See ya there nearly every weekend. read more

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Steve F.

136

12

6

11 years ago

Good ice cream good prices, local. On a warm summer night expect to wait a bit but its worth it read more

Dairy Depot - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Loves Park, Illinois

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Matt W.

0

3

0

6 years ago

Had the heath bar flurry, better than Dairy Queen and McDonalds. The first time I visited last year there was outdoor seating so I look forward to that again once we are past Covid. read more

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Tyler B.

70

8

0

7 years ago

Awesome place to go hang out and have some ice cream. Tables to sit at under a tent. Cash only.

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Jennifer Q.

23

26

0

14 years ago

Dairy Depot is a great place to stop on a hot day and have some great ice cream. Which is exactly what a friend and I did one day after dinner. This place is usually packed after dinner so the lines are fairly long, but move pretty quick. They have a weekly soft serve flavor and have all the typical summer ice cream treats. Prices are good and there's seating with shade to sit outside and enjoy your treats. Definitely worth the stop. read more

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Brad M.

Elite 16

305

70

67

10 years ago

The best ice cream, but make sure you bring cash! I have tried just about everything on the menu and it is delicious! My fiancé's favorite was the green grasshopper Sunday! Just go and try it you will NOT be disappointed. This is the place dreams are made of! read more

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Kris R.

1

7

0

12 years ago

Best ice cream around. Decently priced they only accept cash but staff is very friendly. Owner on premises walking around talking to customers very family friendly environment. read more

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Jessica J.

1

28

1

10 years ago

Loved this place before moving a bit farther away so don't come here as much. I think their soft serve is very creamy and tasty. I like that they have fun options for kids such as dirt sundae which includes gummy worms and ground oreoes 'dirt' and different sundae options. Prices are pretty decent as well. read more

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Michelle F.

0

6

3

11 years ago

Love this place!!!! I have been going here since I was a kid and have never been disappointed by the service or the quality of the items I have ordered. They are extremely reasonably priced and offer quite a bit of options for having such a little place. The only complaint I could possibly make is that it has gotten very busy over the years (which is awesome for them). I obviously am and will continue to be a repeat customer! read more

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More info about Dairy Depot

5413 N 2nd St
Loves Park, IL 61111
Directions

Hours

What time does Dairy Depot open?

Dairy Depot opens at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Dairy Depot opens at 1:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Dairy Depot close?

Dairy Depot closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 3:00 PM - 9:00 PMSat-Sun 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Dairy Depot take Bitcoin?

No, Dairy Depot does not take Bitcoin.

Does Dairy Depot take credit cards?

Yes, Dairy Depot takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Dairy Depot have catering options?

No, Dairy Depot does not have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does Dairy Depot allow dogs?

Yes, Dairy Depot allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Dairy Depot have bike parking?

Yes, Dairy Depot has bike parking.

Does Dairy Depot have parking?

Yes, Dairy Depot has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Dairy Depot wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Dairy Depot is wheelchair accessible.

Does Dairy Depot have free WiFi?

No, Dairy Depot does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Our business specializes in providing great tasting ice cream for a reasonable price in a great outdoor atmosphere. Dairy Depot is fun for everyone!

History

Established in 1984.

Dairy Depot was established in 1984. John & Diane Elliott purchased the Dairy Depot in 2000. In the summer of 2018 John suffered from a heart attack and the business was passed to long term employee of 13 years; Brittany Larsen.

Meet the Business Owner: Brittany L.

Dairy Depot was my very first job, my favorite job (and who doesn’t love ice cream!) I was devastated when John Elliott (precious business owner) had passed away, as he was a mentor of mine for years. I am so honored to be continuing his business and legacy.

Review Highlights - Dairy Depot

“This has always been our favorite spot to get ice cream in the Rockford area.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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4.1(15 reviews)

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Ah, memories! Places like Dari Fair bring back those memories of so long ago, in simpler times…read morewhen places like this were the rule, not the exception. This place is north and west of the Burpee Museum, where we had just attended a free (YES FREE) concert by the Cash Box Kings which was quite well attended. I like to look for a dessert after the show, and we hadn't been to this place so I decided to take a short ride (around 6 minutes) north and west. Looking at the place, it's a classic early 60's / 70's mom and pop soft serve place. It's now equipped with better soft serve equipment, but the outside is just pure original fun. We looked at the options - I ordered their Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae, and my wife had their Small Mint Chocolate Chip sundae. Keep in mind, their small is a LARGE most places. Their Large is GIANT. I could see and taste the real strawberries in my sundae, as well as chunks of cheesecake material (graham cracker bits) on the vanilla soft serve, which was scrumptious. My wife said similar things about her mint chocolate chip sundae - it was a topping laid over the vanilla ice cream. Will we be back? Bet on it - this place is great! They have two windows in the front - one is ice cream only, the other is ice cream and everything else. Pay with cash, or pay the $2 convenience fee for using a credit card. Plenty of parking is available, with seating to the right (south) of the service windows.

The service windows - read the signs on the windows to get the right one.

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Really authentic Mexican food. The little lady that made my order was a pro. This place is a hidden…read moregem for carne asada burritos!

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Love the place. It's clean. They have a lot of flavors to choose from. But it's so over priced. We…read moregot a cup of fruit for $12! And waited at least 20 minutes since there was only 1 worker and a line of people.

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Yumberry Frozen Yogurt

3.1(7 reviews)

4.0 mi

Worst Customer Service I've Ever Experienced! Avoid Yumberry Frozen Yogurt…read more I stepped into Yumberry Frozen Yogurt in Machesney Park with my significant other expecting a fun treat. Instead, I got one of the most bizarre and hostile customer service encounters I've ever had. No one was at the register when we walked in, so we grabbed our own spoons and cups to quickly try one flavor--literally a tiny taste--so we could make a confident purchase. Out runs a woman with blue and black hair, acting frantic, scolding us for trying a flavor. We immediately threw away our spoons as she demanded. A small drip of yogurt almost fell from my cup, so I caught it with my hand and ate it (not a crime last I checked). She then threatened to make us throw away our entire bowls--which we were moments away from paying for--just because we had dared to taste a flavor earlier. I calmly explained that I used to work at a frozen yogurt shop for years, so I understand policies, but asked if they offer any kind of compensation or exchange for unsatisfied customers. She said no. I asked what would happen if the yogurt was expired or the machine dirty still no. Even more shocking? She's worked there for a year and "isn't sure" about basic service procedures. Her reasoning for the extreme rules? COVID. In 2025. Meanwhile, the same yogurt she wanted me to throw away would've been wasted anyway. This is a frozen yogurt shop, not a high-security lab. Other froyo shops happily let customers taste flavors and will gladly fix an order if something's wrong. Here? You're treated like a criminal for wanting to be sure you'll enjoy what you're buying. Do yourself a favor and spend your money somewhere that actually wants you to come back. This place clearly doesn't.

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•$$

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