If you find yourself in Freeport Illinois for whatever reason, make it better by stopping at the Union Dairy. It's a time warp back to a 1950 soda shop, complete with marble counter tops and tiny two seater iron tables. The sparkling clean dairy serves GIANT ice cream cones (one Freeport scoop = 34 Chicago scoops) for a tiny price. 50 fresh flavors--some standard, some wacky. The teenage girls working here are sweet and efficient. *******BEWARE! THEY CLOSE FROM OCTOBER-MARCH********* I understand they have a full menu as well---check back for more on that later. read more

They should be ashamed. I went there yesterday to get 2 burgers for takeout. The wait wasn't too bad when I first walked in, 2 couples in front of me getting ice cream and one picking up an order. I placed my order for 2 burgers, cheeseburger and Union Dairy burger. The girl/teenager at the cashier seemed upset I wasn't leaving a tip but I normally don't when getting takeout, the waitstaff literally has nothing to do other than hand me the takeaway bag. The place quickly started becoming busy, and I saw several couples at the diner counter get food while I was waiting, people that came in long after I placed my order. One girl with braces was helpful, I don't recall her name, but she asked the manager to come over as I had been waiting so long. The manager asked what was wrong, I let her know I had been waiting a very long time for my 2 burgers. She told me it would be 5 more minutes. Others were complaining as well but neither she nor anyone else seemed to care less. After at least 10-15 minutes my burgers were brought out and she handed them to me. She asked if I had paid. I told her yes I had or I would have left a long time ago. The only reason I hadn't walked out is I was starving, didn't want to have to try and fight through the mob of screaming, unruly kids to try and get some snotty, inconsiderate bitchy teenager to try and figure out how to refund me. The staff overall were extremely rude, except the very nice girl with braces, the customer service was appalling. And to top it off the burgers were a joke. $20 for a cheeseburger missing the lettuce, tomato, pickles, everything, yet SOAKED in ketchup and mustard. The Union burger sans grilled mushrooms and maybe one or 2 little slices of onion, and it ALSO was absolutely SOAKED in ketchup and mustard. We both ended up throwing out our buns as they were drenched and mush. This place may have great ice cream per other reviewers but their customer service is appalling, and $20 for 2 so called burgers and an hour long wait was ridiculous. Burger King would have served me better food and very likely by much more polite and considerate staff. read more

This ice cream is hands down one of the best, if not THE best, I've ever had. We were visiting from Northern California Bay Area, which is a hot spot for artisanal... well, everything, but ice cream is one of the more popular items to be artisanal about. Most places there have great quality ice cream (hand churned, slow churned, in the back room churned) in fancy or posh flavors, such as basil or earl grey, something that is oriented towards a crowd that likes to think of itself as haute couture and the like. However, Union Diary blows them out of the water in two ways: 1) It is amazing ice cream. The texture, quality, and flavors are those of ice cream out of the imagination and fairy-tale land where children are lured to their deaths with ice cream this enticing. And, 2) It stands for what ice cream fundamentally represents to me, which includes family, happiness, and simple joy. I love how unassuming their options are, with black cherry and whatever that neon blue flavor is called as clear favorites among other guests. In addition, the traditional ice cream bar setting only accentuates their longstanding history with ice cream (100 year anniversary!). All in all, I love that Union Dairy is a place where ice cream is not really art, it's heart. read more

Old time old fashioned ice cream shop. Bring around of 100 years. Favorite place to visit when in Freeport...

Union Dairy is set up like an old-fashioned '50s ice cream parlor / soda shop. Y'know, the kind of place high school kids are always hanging out at in movies or TV shows that are set in the past. I half-expected duck-tailed greasers and poodle-skirted bobby soxers to be milling about, sipping milkshakes and calling things "swell." But alas, real life is less cliched than our idealized depictions of the mid-20th century, and I had to content myself with modern-day people-watching. Drag, man. I ordered the Lincoln/Douglas Burger (kudos to Union Dairy for playing up their proximity to the debate site), which was topped with Havarti cheese, sinus-clearing amounts of horseradish, and too much ketchup and mustard. It was alright, but nothing life-changing. Nice to see that they use local beef and cheese in their burgers, though. For dessert, my boyfriend and I shared the Razz-A-Mac Sundae: Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream topped with raspberries, whipped cream, pecans, and a cherry. It was crazy, you dig? I mean, this sundae was the MOST, Daddy-O! One bite and we was gone, REAL gone! ...Oh, sorry. I don't usually speak in outdated '50s beatnik slang when I get excited, but the sundae was incredible and I guess I just got swept away by all of Union Dairy's nostalgia. It won't happen again. In summation: have a burger if you like, but you've GOT to have the ice cream. And don't forget to roll a pack of cigarettes in your shirtsleeve. read more

This is on a one way street. Managed to stuff myself with a chocolate ice cream soda, that carried so much ice cream I had to request more fizzy water about half way through. Young servers fit right into the awesome atmosphere. A huge semi circle counter and plenty of room in the back. We need more throwback places like this in the country, and at these prices. Burgers are great too. Found it on our trip to Rockford. Don't miss this stop. read more

I came. I saw. I conquered. I ate the Holy Cow. All by myself. In two minutes..... Then I woke up. That is WAY too much ice cream for one person, and I really like ice cream. But what I did have was delicious. The ice cream tastes fresh, the toppings delicious and the staff (like most Freeport places) were really friendly! read more

Union Dairy is a classic ice cream parlor, they don't make their own ice cream but they get their ice cream from Wisconsin and all the food they make(burgers, sandwiches, etc) all come from local producers. One of the best things about Union Dairy is the atmosphere. They still have the original counter and red stools. They also have a jukebox, it's the best ice cream shop in northwestern Illinois. read more

Came here on our journey to Kansas due to searching for a geocache. We were delighted to find this architectural gem next to Debate Square. We immediately loved the 50's style ice cream parlor and red stools and the ice cream was out of this world. I had the 100th Anniversary ice cream with salted caramel and my husband had Coconut Explosion. So wonderful on a hot afternoon. Don't miss this! read more

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Union Dairy is like stepping into the 1950's with terrific ice cream offerings. With so many flavors and choices, it was hard to pick! They have indoor seating and outdoor seating areas as well. The homemade German Chocolate Cake was delicous too! Extremely busy, but worth it! read more

Drove 30 minutes to find out they had only 12 out of the 40 flavors..... waited in line for 10 min then sat down thinking it would be faster. Nope they helped 3 other groups first.... took almost 25 min befor my order was even taken! Staff was friendly but they seemed unorganized! Almost ? 7.00 and it came with a prepackaged brownie? But it was still good.... read more

Nothing spectacular about the ice cream parlor. The ice cream is mainly "cold creek" brand and unless you want to pay a ridiculous amount for some scoops, it's cheaper to just get it at the grocery store. If you're planning on getting food at Union Dairy, make sure YOU grab someone and tell them you want something, otherwise you're sitting in a booth for ages waiting to just get a water. The burger I has "The Hawaiian" was alright, tasted like the patty was frozen and dry. The pineapple chunk was good and the sauce was good, but the amount they give you, you have to ask for an extra to just get a real taste for it. Overall, I wouldn't recommend coming here, it lacked a sense of pride an seemed that the only reason we went was because it was convenient at the time being down town in Freeport. read more

This is actually Alber Ice Cream Parlor. Union Dairy is historical in Freeport so they kept the name on front. Definitely a cool place to check out being part of history. Food was good, what you'd find at a 50's diner. The prices weren't bad but. The ice cream is good. It has a fun atmosphere, very family friendly. Cute, casual, good food, prices and service. read more

Great experience with one small exception. The service was a little slow. Food was great. I had tuttie burger and wife had the pork tenderloin. PT wasn't the typical frozen one, it appears to be hand made. Very good. The tuttie burger was good but the green olives were a little strong but still good. Ice cream was excellent. read more

Union Dairy - Pork tenderloin with fabulous onion rings! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Freeport, Illinois

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Step into the past and enjoy the most delicious ice cream on the planet. So, so worth it! read more

BEST ice cream place in the country! They have SO many flavors and always great service. The atmosphere is fun and enjoyable. The prices are a little high but it's what's expected in any ice cream place. The restaurant is clean and I really enjoy the outdoor seating. read more

Really cute place. Locals were very friendly We were in Freeport for a softball tournament. Ice cream was good. Would go back. read more

Terrible service and extremely high priced. Long lines and store brand ice cream repackaged at double the cost.

A classic American ice cream parlor, I'm not even sure I can call it a ice cream Parlor because it's so much more than that it's amazing try the raspberry sherbet and root beer float! read more

The best ice cream in the city right here. I don't know what is in those tubs but man the ice cream just taste so fresh and good.

Love this place the chili burger is absolutely phenomenal and my other half loves their Chicago dogs

Home run! Love love love this place. My Lincoln Douglas burger was amazing. The burger was thick and had a crust. I wanted two more! My peanut butter fudge ripple ice cream was great. It was packed there. I can't wait to eat there again. There's a free small parking lot at the corner opposite the eatery. It looks private but it's available. read more

Want to time warp back to the golden days of the 1950's? This place is definitely one of the best places I've seen, from the ice cream freezers, to the low elongated counter to the steel fixtures, it's got it all! Excellent ice cream selection and good burgers make this an excellent family venue or date night. Don't miss the cheese curds as well! Definitely not a place for the weight watcher crowd though. read more

Not too far from the main road, this is an ideal place for a meal stop. Drive through quaint Freeport and see the possible one-time home of Prez Garfield's assassin. Adorable store front with some local antiques and history on the walls. Counter service in front and table service in back (unless you just come for the ice cream, then go to the freezer area). Grab a few paper towels from the dispensers around you, they'll serve as your napkins. Burgers not as big as they sound (1/3 lb?) but solid, nicely cooked with great variety of toppings. Service is at a comfortable pace. Stay for the ice cream. Not made on site, however creamy and sundae combos are creative and enticing, and many can be made with 1 or 2 scoops. Set alongside the park in which the local Lincoln-Douglas debate took place, so stretch your legs afterwards and learn a little. read more

My husband grew up with this ice cream icon in Freeport, Il and every time we go with his mother to get her favorite butter pecan, there is almost always a waiting line to get in! It is so charming with tons of flavors! It is the Neighborhood stopping grounds all summer. Most people can be sure they know someone in line! They also have a restaurant with the stools as you exit and table seating in the back room. It is definitely not a one visit ice cream store, you feel compelled to return for a sundae, malt or shake, ice cream soda or just another regular or waffle cone! Try it, you will love it! read more

I love this place. The service was great, the ice cream fantastic. We drive down from Monroe every Sunday for a treat. If I could give 10 stars I would. read more

Really great place for a family on a budget. Great ice cream that offer so much for little money.

I LOVE Union Dairy! From their wide assortment of flavors to their delicious waffle cones and fun atmosphere, this is the place to go on a hot summer night! They are always busy during the hot days, but they work quick to serve everyone and they never disappoint. Some of my favorite flavors include Superman, Raspberry Sorbet, Playdoh, Pirate's Booty, and Cookies n Cream. read more

Been going here for years for the awesome ice cream without trying the food. Finally had a burger and cheese curds - amazing!!! If you are in the Freeport area, it's best place for a treat! read more

the best ice cream I have ever had. Service was amazing and I will dream about that Elephant Tracks until next time.

The food is good but the service is awful. It took us 20 minutes to be given a menu and to have our order taken. I ordered chicken strips, fries, ranch, and a water. After we received our food and we were given our checks, I was charged for a soda, two extra servings of fries and two sides of ranch. I immediately was confused because my ticket only said chicken strips, fries, and one ranch. I waited for one of our waitresses to come over and pointed it out. The waitress apologized and went to fix it but then came back and said she was confused on where I was charged extra. I pointed it out and then she fixed it so my first total was $12.50 then when it was all said and done and fixed it was $7.54. I then gave her $20.54 and I should have gotten $13 back but I received $12.15. If you work in any occupation that works with currency you should know how to count money, which apparently they could not. I was very displeased by my experience and will not be going back any time soon. read more

Wow, love finding random awesome places! We were on our way for a weekend in Wisconsin when we needed to stop for gas. I barely had cell reception, but managed to see the listing for Albers Union Dairy. I took a quick look at the website and immediately decided to take a detour. This place is so so cute. It's a 1950's diner set up with a lot of original soda fountain equipment. Oh and the ice cream is ridiculous. So many flavors to choose from. The caramel one is insanely good. I had a strawberry shake which was awesome and my friend had in her words 'the best chocolate malt ever'. We were bummed that we didn't have time to try the food and the grill isn't open on Sundays when we were driving back to Chicago, but we want to go back! Not to be missed if you're in the area! read more

Absolutely astounding ice cream and burgers. Visited as part of a larger trip to New Glarus, but I'd almost travel the1.5 hours just for this place. They manage to extract maximum flavor from the burger and bun. For ice creams the zanzibar chocolate was a truly deep, dark chocolate and black cherry had the perfect fruity-creaminess. read more

Saying this place is a blast from the past is an understatement. Hand-dipped malts and shakes top the list of local favorites. Dozens of specialty ice cream flavors line the walk-up counter. Vintage menu items from bacon burgers to patty melts line the classic menu. It's definitely a dynamite diner in the heart of Freeport, IL. The only thing it's missing is a drive-in and servers on roller skates. Need to cool off or get your cool on? Cruise on over to Union Dairy. read more

I've had 2 turtle Sunday's here this summer. What the heck? Where's all the hot fudge and caramel both times. They're skimping! Been eating them here for 50 years! ! Go back to the way it used to be!! read more

My uncle brought here here on a really got summer day. We had a family get together that day & figured why not go out & get everyone some ice cream? Where better to go than Union Dairy! He has been raving about it to me & I've heard very many good things about this place from others as well. I got 1 scoop of pistachio & another scoop of a flavor I forgot, haha. The ice cream was nice and creamy. Very refreshing. The pistachio contained walnuts or almonds. I can't remember what it was but there was more nuts in there than I expected. they can go a little more easy on the nuts in the ice cream! flavors were great though. read more

Useless and rude staff. Walked out after no one would help us. Staff looked the other way when we tried to ask questions. Quite frankly the place was a bit of a dive and flies kept us waving our hands. read more

Went to get some ice cream, server had there hand in my ice cream with out gloves. gross. does not have grill on Sundays. outside tables are dirty and unsafe. read more

I went to Union Dairy right after they opened in March. I sat in the dining room. Only 2 other tables were occupied. Two servers were in and out several times. Not once was my presence even acknowledged. I sat there for 15 minutes, then I left. I have not been back since. I realize the wait staff is young, but they are old enough to know that you don't ignore customers. I'm happy to know that Union Dairy is doing so well that they can affor×d to ignore customers. read more

Everything about this place deserves 5 stars. The young workers are very attentive and polite. Try the german chocolate cake and ice cream if you haven't already! I'm not a Mid-Westerner so I do not eat "Chicago dogs", but I did try a chili cheese dog and it was very good. Went twice in 3 days of staying in Freeport, so we also tried the BLT sandwich was also good. I brought a Union Dairy T-shirt home! read more