I love coming here on a hot summer afternoon. The fresh waffle cones are amazingly delicious. The ice cream is okay, nothing out of this world. It's simply ice cream. I gave an extra star for having a pink Cadillac Escalade power wheels truck outside to sit in. I don't care if it was for the children, I sat there first! I'm almost certain that more adults sit on the children's patio set than children. It's just one of the things to do here. Overall, the ice cream cone is where it's at, super fresh and delicious. The prices are reasonable and servings are large. read more

College and Manning is only a short walk for me, and I pass by the corner frequently. I always enjoy the delicious sugary smell wafting right on to the College street sidewalk. HOW do they do that, and make it so strong? Do they pump it out there? If so, well played. Its hard for me to ignore the impulse to go every couple of / few weeks or so. As mentioned in previous reviews: 1. They have a spacious patio with furniture for the kids and a nice variety of seating for adults (benches, muskoka chairs) 2. The decor is colourful and playful like an ice cream store should be 3. The service is cheerful and samples are often offered without asking (up til recently I wouldn't have thought service and a cheerful disposition would matter that much on such a brief transaction... but... I'm looking at YOU, Riviera Bakery) For me, the ice cream is OK. I do like the banana fudge ripple (Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey anyone) and the Pralines and Cream is fine. The couple other flavours were forgettable enough that I can't even recall their names. The offer whipped cream as an option but plunk a mini-Oreo on each cone without even asking... I'm not sure how a mini-Oreo cookie is supposed to complement or improve my premium(?) ice cream-eating experience. While the one scoop regular/sugar cone is $3.40, the two scoop waffle cone tops out at just shy at $5.90 or $5.95. One issue is if its crowded (often) you can really only see the flavours available when you are right at the counter and they are ready to make your order (there is no board that lists out the flavours). This is because the people who are having their order made are pressed right up against the freezer rendering the names of the ice cream unviewable - inefficient. When I (gently, I'm sure) pointed out how it would be great to have a list of the flavours to see out to the server he made some comment about it "ruining the experience". Well, I don't mind "ruining" the "lengthening of time before I can eat my ice cream cone". As a roll over the stars to decide what ranking to provide, my intended selection of 3 stars is encaptioned "A-OK"... Well, I'll give it three stars but it would be more accurate to say "OK". read more

I was underwhelmed. Between the two of us we had two single scoops: the dark chocolate peanut butter and the Turtles caramel-y flavour. The ice cream was fine, not great. Halfway through my dish I knew I wouldn't be back for more. It's pricey ($9.05 for a waffle cone and a dish) and there are better options nearby. To their credit, though it was very busy when we visited the fellow behind the counter was patient with me while I tried to find a flavour that did not contain brownies or other gluten-infested chunks. He didn't even roll his eyes, which was very sweet. read more

So many flavours of ice cream! One tip is to walk right into the store and look at their other dessert aside from ice cream. I'm definitely coming back once summer is underway! read more

The Big Chill - Brownie toffee crunch - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Old and retro in style- The Big Chill is a fine option for Ice Cream in the neighborhood. I wouldn't go anywhere else. With over 30 flavors to choose from, you'll find one you will love and have the option to get it in a cup or waffle, plain, or sugar cones like usual. For 5-6 bucks, it's not terrible! There are a few seats outside and more inside. In the summer it gets busy, seats are scarce! A sweet treat if you're walking around, perusing Little Italy- it's a go to if you're looking for Ice Cream! read more

I love love love the Big Chill. As much as I love the ice without the cream, sometimes gelato just doesn't cut it. I mean it is just flavoured ice, and it doesn't have that extra oompf that ice cream offers. Not to mention you can't get gelato with chunks of cookie dough in it. The Big Chill is the GREAT local ice cream joint. I think the ice cream there is delicious, and their waffle cones are the perfect combination of soft and crunchy. Personal favourites: Cookie Dough (obviously), Bordeaux Cherry, and bubblegum. Beware when getting bubblegum or any other kiddie-type flavour -- they tend to stop tasting so good when you get a large cone and your entire mouth turns blue. This place gets packed on weekends, cause kids love it and they can eat their ice cream while playing on all the sticky toys outside. Parents like it because they can sit. And everyone else loves it because they love cheap, delicious ice cream. read more

An essential part of my summer in Toronto. Once the good weather hits, there isn't a week that goes by without a trip to The Big Chill...it's just a part of the ritual. I didn't even know the place was there, since it's tucked away just off of College on Manning. But once you know about it, it's hard to imagine ever walking by without seeing the brightly coloured murals or smelling the mouth-watering fresh waffles. They have a good selection of flavours (of ice cream and frozen yogurt) but sadly, they don't have either of my favourite flavours...but that ends up being a good thing because I try something new almost every time I go. The service is fabulous - really friendly - and there's lots of seats to chill at whether you're by yourself or with your family or a giant group of people. They have nice benches but also a bunch of cute, kid-like seats that although generally reserved for the tiny tykes, are often occupied by adults chilling on the mini cars and chairs :) It doesn't get any better then a waffle cone, tasty ice cream and a warm summer night out on the patio. Trust me...go...you won't regret it. read more

Grraaaaaghl... Absolutely delicious ice cream served in yummy, fragrant homemade waffle cones. If the pastel and neon 50s decor mixes unpleasantly with your sugar rush, they have some little tables outside. A friendly employee recommended the blood orange sorbet when my friend asked for regular orange sorbet, and it proved irresistible when we had a taste-test. Highly recommended if you're into sorbet, or if you've opted to have dessert at the Big Chill after a dinner in the area and need something refreshing and light but still delicious. My friend got her ice cream in a cup and the two scoops teetered crazily out of the cup, a good 6.5 inches tall. It had to be eaten like a cone. Initially I balked at the thought of paying $5.90 for two scoops of ice cream, but this was more like four or five scoops. My only complaint is the layout. A line that stretches out the door means that you can't see what's available until you're standing in front of it, and the people who are waiting for their orders to be filled block the cases further up the room. It's impossible to see the contents of those freezers unless you push past the waiting customers and cause minor chaos. A blackboard with available flavours to read while you wait (both indoors and outdoors) would really help. I imagine that many people end up ordering stuff in the first freezer they see, just to avoid pushing through the line. The display aside, it's a great place. Will return again and again this summer to sample their other offerings! read more

An excellent option for ice cream on those hot summer days, The Big Chill is a big winner. While its has some tough competition from many of the gelato places that can be found throughout Little Italy, The Big Chill is ice cream in the classic sense. It's not super soft the way gelato is and again comparing it to gelato, the flavour is not as thorough. Let's move on from the point that these guys are the only ice cream parlour in the area. It's also important to point out that when comparing them to other ice cream parlours, The Big Chill is great, but not the best. They do provide a wide array of flavours, and have several cone and topping options, but as far as their ice cream itself goes, I've had better. That said, when I'm in the mood for ice cream, BC is always a good option. read more

I LOVE the Big Chill. The ice cream selection is on the small side but still has good variety. The trick to getting the most out of the BC is indulging on a waffle cone that is made fresh in house while you wait. Beyond the ice cream the big outdoor patio is great for a hot summer evening of people watching. The place is always busy and it's easy to waste away an hour or two in the evening just relaxing. Big Chill is my choice for west end ice cream all season! read more

I love this ice cream parlour. It has a 50's look- you flight back in time; not only that ice cream is decadently good and staff is friendly. Good place to chat with friends. read more

When it gets warm out, there is nothing more satisfying than ice cream... well a beer would be nice too but I'll settle for a cone. The Big Chill is so wonderful. There are so many flavour options, it's overwhelming. The staff are helpful and incredibly efficient. When we went there, the line up was long but they were moving people at a rapid rate. The only complaint I have is that the flavours only seemed to be written on the glass freezers which isn't helpful when there's a line up and everyone is standing in front of it. (perhaps I missed an alternate sign?) I highly recommend taking the pink Cadillac for a spin while enjoying your Big Chill. read more

Everyone is all in a big Hoopla about Greg's...but in my opinion, the best place to get ice cream on this side of town is The Big Chill. A great variety of flavours....not too sugary. I love the old standbys of mint chocolate chip or cookie dough...they do both well. You can really taste the flavors and arent overwhelmed by sugar. Also, great indoor and outdoor seating. A bit overwhelmed by small children, but I suppose thats the nature of ice cream shops, so I'll let it slide read more

While the ice cream was decent the staff were great and very friendly/patient. The 2 scooper is fairly priced given the amount of ice cream they give. Next time I'll likely get an ice cream sandwich. What I liked best about this place is that it is open til midnight. read more

The Big Chill - Ferrero rocker and smores. Great combo. This is the 2 scooper. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The Big Chill is in a lively neighbourhood with lots of activity going on day and night. The interiors are fun and makes you feel like you're eating ice cream on the set of Grease or something haha As for the ice cream, yeah it's good but nothing special. I would only go if I was in the neighbourhood, not really worth the trip otherwise. Still, good ice cream, good music, good decor :) Oh! Also, they make their own waffle cones and they smell/taste reaaaally good - get that! read more

Really good ice cream. Last time I went I had the fantastic Rolo ice cream in a made on the spit waffle cone. mmmmmmm The cone was excellent and the Rolo ice cream was terrific. If you're close by you need to go read more

Super super overhyped ice cream place in Toronto. Let me start with my biggest issue- cash only. It is 2017 and you only take cash. Basically I already hate my experience. It is not kitchy or niche to be cash only in 2017, it's annoying. Also you charge $8 for a milkshake and you don't take debit. They have a lot of flavours of ice cream so I guess I'll give them that. Their ice cream is no different than Baskin Robbins yet is twice the price. I'm annoyed with the Yelpers who lead me to this Toronto "cool" trap. Just because it's independent doesn't mean it's good. read more

Only reviewing one particular item on the menu: The Milkshake Do not get one here if you are a lover of thick, full, flavourful milkshake. The Big Chill's idea of a milkshake is a watery mess with no flavour at all. When I brought this to the attention of the staff, they mentioned that their milkshakes are 'hit or miss'. Huge miss. Stick to the waffle cones, folks. read more

A bit pricey, but with that selection and such good cones? It's well worth it. If it's a sunny day and you're on College, you'd be out of your mind not to stop in - even just for a baby cone. Add on the friendly staff and the great familiar ambience of this corner shop and you've got a real winner. read more

Can I give this place 200000 stars? It is THE BEST. I get two scoops in a waffle cone every time for around $6. While that may seem pricey, it is TOTALLY 100% WOULD COME AGAIN A+ WORTH IT. I've had the pistachio, birthday cake, raspberry cheesecake, and one more that I don't remember the name of. All I know is everything I've had is delicious, including their amazing waffle cones. I will eat here even in the dead of winter. The best part about this place is it's a twenty minute walk or so from my apartment, so I can feel slightly less guilty when eating it! read more

This is an absolutely cute ice cream joint in Little Italy. Be aware that the scoops are absolutely huge and if you get it in a cone, it was break the cone and leak towards the end. Tons of flavours to choose from and amazing taste! Pricey, but worth a treat! Great location to catch up with old friends! read more

Ice cream. Who doesn't like ice cream? My friend and I decided to go get ice cream to satisfy our sweet tooth, and the fact that I have always wanted to try it. Being that Taste of Little Italy was going on, the place was crowded, but the staff were very nice and patient. I got to sample Mickey's Birthday Cake (I didn't like it, but for those of you who like Betty Crocker's icing, you may like it), and went with the Brownie Toffee Crunch ($5.75). The waffle cone was fresh as it came right off the waffle iron, and the ice cream was delicious! They even gave me a mini Oreo cookie to top off the cone :) The only downfall was that I didn't taste any toffee. Although the number of cow pictures, figurines, and stuffed animals kind of freaked me out, I would totally go back again. read more

A 50's ice cream parlour in the .... what do we call this decade.... the elevensies? A little retro place to grab your frozen yoghurt in Little Italy, great for kids as they have little sit on cars and motorcycles on the terrace. read more

This is my favourite ice cream parlour in Toronto by far for many reasons. Firstly, the big chill smells like HEAVEN!! The continuous smell of freshly made waffle cones will seriously either have you glued to your chair not wanting to leave the parlour, or chasing the delicious smell outside from a mile away! The ice cream selection is perfect. Just to name a few of my favourites: Black raspberry cheesecake, chocolate peanut butter, oreo salted caramel and Mickey's birthday cake. They surely have all of your ice cream cravings covered at the big chill! For those nights where you are up for trying something different, they have a wide variety of specialities you can choose from, such as ice cream sandwiches, ice cream donut sundaes or Belgian waffles, just to name a few to get your mouth watering. The retro theme inside the big chill is another thing I love! The colour schemes and overall cow theme within the parlour is cleverly thought out, and is something that I always look for and credit within any restaurant. Also, the adorable outside patio is sure to add a sweet end to any summer night! Do yourself a favor and go check out the big chill, I can guarantee you won't be disappointed! read more

Last time I was there my ice cream was mega soft. Their flavours are fine. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there again.

This place LOOKS super cute from the outside, and you go in thinking you will have this amazing ice cream experience. And then you get to the cash and they tell you that its $13 for two mediocre sized scoops. And you are quite appalled at the price of a scoop but this to yourself, meh, it's probably so pricey 'cause it's so tasty. It will be worth it. But then you take a bite and there is absolutely no flavour to the 'ferrero rocher'or the 'mint chip'. It's just cold cream. Anyways, definitely just walk down the street to college and beatrice to dolce gelato if you want good ice cream. This place is a rip off and your expectations will be very disappointed. Sorry big chill. read more

This place has a lot of nice sit down space (indoor and out), which gives off a nice cozy diner feel. They have plenty of flavour, noteworthy is the Caribou Trail! It's similar to the Moose droppings at Dutch Dreams which is made of butterscotch ripple ice cream with small caramel chocolates that look like Reese's peanut better cups - YUM read more

we go to the big chill a lot- so many different flavours to try. service isn't massively friendly, only downside. read more

The Big Chill - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I'm not a frequent patron of anything west of Bathurst. But a friend's last day of work needed a special celebration. A celebratory ice cream was the plan. Since we get off work so damn early we were there by 2:30pm and there was no line! Normally i'd just get one little scoop as I'm actually not a huge lover of ice-cream. There i said it. I don't go crazy for ice-cream. But on this day i was feeling particularly wild, and I couldn't decided between flavours. So I went all out and got a 2 scoop waffle cone. I recommend it!! It's a special treat, so splurge!! Yes it's was about $6 (cash only) but again, it's not something I do very often and it was plently delicious. My friends got an array of things and all were spectacular. An ice cream sandwich with homemade chocolate chip cookies, two fruity scoops in a cup (although i do think she's crazy for skipping out on the waffle cone) and an ice cream sundae! We had it all. The ice cream woman was nice and friendly and patient with our decision making. We sat inside at a comfy booth. Cow paraphernalia was splattered all over the walls. And the smell of fresh waffle cones filled the air. Big Chill was worth the trek west for this east side girl. read more

Canadian ice cream is THE best, and this place does it pretty well. Thinking of the rum raisin still gives me palpitations. The cookie dough was good as well. They don't seem to know how to properly dispense hot fudge onto the ice cream, but that's neither here nor there because the ice cream speaks for itself. The late hours are also much appreciated. read more

Try the dark chocolate peanut butter or espresso robusto!! Amazing. It's very retro, which is cool too. Lots of selection, there's something for everyone. I try to stop in whenever I'm out and about in little italy. read more

Great ice cream. I also love the vast space they have both inside and outside. In the heart of lil Italy, this is definitely a great summer spot. It's rather pricey for ice cream... but if you want good stuff, this is a good place to get it. read more

Great service! Natasha was friendly and considerate. After offering me a sample as soon as I entered I tried the watermelon sherbet and loved it. I was even told details of the ice cream like the fact that the seeds were actually chocolate covered oats. So fun I would definitely recommend it to anyone! PS : they only take cash read more

amazing 80-90's designed restaurant, gives you an old fashion vibe, costumer service is great, however they only take cash!! Ice cream is delicious. read more

The Big Chill - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

A few friends and I were having dinner in the area and we were looking for a good dessert/ice cream/gelato place. Due to its proximity to our restaurant and the sweet smell of its fresh made waffle cones, this place was a front runner. It was about 9pm on a Sunday night and there was a lineup of about 10 people waiting in line; that is a good sign. There was quite a lenghty list of interesting ice cream and sorbet flavours, but as soon as I saw dark chocolate peanut butter and fudgey banana on the menu, I knew exactly was I was going to order. I ordered mine on a waffle cone (a must!) and it was still warm when they handed it to me! To make it even better they served it with a dollop of whip cream and a mini oreo on top. That was a really nice touch to finish it off, although I asked for no whip to save on some calories and stomach space :S The decor inside and outside of this little ice cream shop is so colorful and cute. It is a great atmosphere to bring a date. It was a warm night so it was too warm to sit inside but there are little benches to sit just outside of the shop to enjoy your delicious treat. I think the place is a little pricey, but it seems that any scoop ice cream place, heck even DQ is pricey these days, so it was worth the splurge. read more

Really tasty ice cream. Fresh waffle cones. And a fun little patio outside to enjoy your treat, or you can keep walking along little Italy.

The ice cream was great and the service was great. The cashier woman was lovely and this spot is family friendly and great for anyone with a sweet tooth. I got a scoop of cookies and cream ice cream and it was amazing. I certainly reccomend this spot for anyone. read more

near my home, long business time. fancy flavor. welcoming waiter and you can enjoy your ice cream in cozy seat. They have many food you can choose read more

See all

Regular flavors. Service is great and extremely friendly. Salted caramel ice cream is one of the favorotes.

The waffle and ice cream were great until I saw a hair in it. It was actually my girlfriend who saw it just as I was about to put it in my mouth. I didn't complain because there was a long line to the counter. However, in retrospect, I should have gone to the front of the line, showed the cashier (and whoever was at the front of the line) the problem and asked to speak to the manager. read more