Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Vaca's Creamery

    4.5 (215 reviews)
    Open 12:30 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Vaca's Creamery Takeout or Delivery

    Vaca's Creamery Photos

    Business Info

    VACA'S CREAMERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Vaca's Creamery

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Cosmic cake sundae and cake batter with chocolate dip
    Ellison N.

    LOVE all the gluten free options Vaca's offers! I haven't been able to enjoy brownie or cookie dough pieces in years. That being said, I'm not in love with the texture of the cookie dough, it reminds me a little of a protein bar, but all the other options make up for it. The ice cream itself is very good and you wouldn't immediately know it's vegan. This place is a bit pricey but worth it for the occasional gluten/vegan friendly sweet treat.

    Peanut butter milkshake
    Anthony M.

    Stop by here on a hot Chicago day and got a peanut butter milkshake.. definitely a place to check out if you are in the area !

    Sticky mango rice sundae
    Tina L.

    Their mango sticky rice limited sundae is to DIE for. The texture of everything is perfection & the flavors are spot on with just the right amount of sweetness. It's a bit pricey but what isn't these days. Now I gotta come back & try their regular menu items!

    Mango Sticky Rice Sundae
    Alex V.

    Oh man. Vaca's Creamery serves up creamy, delectable ice cream with the perfect texture and level of sweetness. The perfect spot to enjoy a scrumptious treat on a hot Chicago day. Not too packed and busy (which surprised me). Tried two of their sundaes: Molten Chocolate Cake Sundae and Mango Sticky Rice Sundae. Both delicious, although my personal favorite was the Molten Chocolate Cake Sundae (with the "Swirl" flavor). A perfect balance between the ice cream and the cake -- just the right amount of both, with a flavor profile so unique that it can't be replicated anywhere else. For the longest time, it was difficult for me to find a new favorite ice cream joint. Now I can confidently say that I've found it, and it's Vaca's Creamery.

    Mango sticky rice
    Ali M.

    I hate to say this but the mango sticky rice was not good. The mango soft serve had such a bad after taste and tasted so chemically. The pudding on the bottom was actually quite tasty however the mango melted right into it. The price is also just a bit too much for the portion size you actually get.

    What's advertised
    Kirsten C.

    Ok this is tough. This was very very good however I feel a little ripped off. What's advertised is a huge swirl of ice cream however what I received was about half that. For $10 it's a very small portion. I was a bit disappointed when I got my order. Just feel like it's a bit of false advertising.

    Candy Bar Sundae
    Mary T.

    Cute walk up window ive cream shop. There is no indoor seating so must eat outside. We got the kid's size and its a pretty good amount of ice cream. The ice cream was delicious. They got ice creams out pretty fast, almost no wait time

    Vanilla Chocolate cake shake
    Mark M.

    Stopped by after dinner to try. 2nd vegan ice cream spot to try and it didn't let me down. When we pulled up there was prob 6 people in front of us and unfortunately the only flavor ice cream left was vanilla but no one minded. I went with the vanilla shake with chocolate cake bites in it. Ice cream was smooth and cake was nice and light. Whipped cream was so fluffy. Outdoor only with no seating so good for a walk or sit in your car.

    Mark T.

    A fun little mental experiment I do when enjoying vegan food: "If they didn't tell me, would I know?" When it comes to Vaca's, I'd have noticed that the texture is slightly different than usual, but wouldn't have anything resembling an "aha!" moment. It did melt a little faster than I would expect, but that might be my nature of running hot as a furnace! I ordered a Candy Bar Sundae, with the seasonal, Apple Pie flavor. The Apple Pie soft-serve was flavorful, with noticeable and distinct sweet and savory apple pie flavors. The sundae additions of salted caramel sauce, a chocolate shell, and peanuts worked well together and gave it the essence of a candy bar. However, I cannot say the sundae blew me away, simply a solid product that I wouldn't be against recommending to a vegan friend, but also wouldn't shout from the rooftops. Then there is the matter of cost: if I had gotten only the soft-serve, it would run me $6.25. However, adding some peanuts and a little sauce bumps the price up to $10? This seems like a substantial jump in price for not a very substantial change in product. This location is window service only, without any indoor or outdoor benches. Even trash requires finding a nearby can or dumpster. The service was polite and friendly, though it took just a smidge longer than I would have expected for ice cream that comes out of a machine. Final verdict: While Vaca's is decidedly "good," as someone who isn't vegan, was a little less than impressed, and questions the value proposition, I don't think a return visit is in the cards.

    Strawberry shortcake sundae and candy bar sundae
    Laura C.

    Was craving something sweet during our trip in Chicago. I found this yummy vegan and all gluten free creamery and certainly was not disappointed. The service was excellent the person who we ordered from gave us a few minutes to make up our mind. It was so hard! I wanted it all. I ordered a strawberry shortcake sundae with vanilla. It was scrumptious. The shortbread crumble made my gluten free heart so happy paired with the strawberry sauce and yummy vanilla cream. My husband got the candy bar sundae which he really loved as well. The ambiance is chill here you order at the window. Definitely recommend this spot! They have something for everyone and you wouldn't even be able to tell it was vegan or gluten free. It was stupendous!

    Giselle L.

    Vaca's Creamery is such a great vegan ice creamery! The flavor leans into oat, but in a very tasty way, I tried their classic vanilla cone and it was absolutely delicious simple. The concept is great, though I think they could showcase it even more. Right now, the place is mostly for pickup, and the flavors are just listed in the window. I noticed they also offer coupons for current clients, which is a nice touch. With how good the ice cream is, it would be amazing if they made the experience a little more engaging.

    Swirl Cone
    Aaron A.

    This unassuming creamery could easily be missed, if not for the line of customers waiting to place their orders. Once you reach the front, you place your order at the walk-up window. The staff are helpful and willing to answer any questions. I ordered the swirl cone, and it was interesting, to say the least. You can certainly tell it is vegan, which isn't a bad thing, but the flavors don't really taste like chocolate or vanilla. Their prices are also exorbitant for a walk-up window. Be ready to spend some moo-la for these non-dairy treats.

    Chocolate dipped
    Natasha A.

    Vegan, 100%. It's great, a little watery, even for vegan ice cream but overall good. I got the dipped vanilla soft serve with sprinkles. My child got a Cookie Monster sundae, it was not blue although it is not advertised to be. It took like 10 minutes to get my order and there was no one in front of me. But it was around 4pm on a Tuesday. There was a line after we left. This is a window store, there is no seating or inside to order. Definitely recommend if you want to try something new. It's good.

    Strawberry shortcake

    See all

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex V.
    1
    13
    54

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mariana M.

    Mariana M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack M.
    197
    16
    0

    11 days ago

    This is the best ice cream shop in Chicago, vegan or otherwise! You literally cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark T.
    529
    1475
    3891

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Clara S.
    610
    1679
    2387

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    overall not too bad, just too expensive for okay vegan ice cream. i'd rather just buy ben n jerry's next time

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liy P.
    3
    27
    87

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Vaca's Creamery

    Margie's Candies

    Margie's Candies

    4.0
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Such a legendary ice cream and candy shop that's been around over 100 years! It's like stepping…read moreback in time with the decor, neon signs, and old June boxes at tables. I heard The Beatles even visited here! It's a cozy shop and they fit quite a few tables instead and get creative with the layout. Fun booths. Everything is homemade. The hot fudge sundae is fantastic! They offer a variety of sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, chocolates and more. They also offer sandwiches and other food items. Excellent service. Very special place!

    My husband and I had both wanted to try this historic ice cream parlor and candy shop. The vibes…read moreare authentically vintage, with the wooden booths with individual jukeboxes (ours didn't work). There are a wide array of sundaes to choose from; I got the Margie's famous raspberry hot fudge sundae, which was so yummy; the fudge came in a little turreen on the side and the sundae itself was served in their signature clamshell dish. My husband got a chocolate chip cookie sundae, served in a big glass bowl. There are also shakes, malts, phosphates and other treats to choose from on their menu, as well as a case of homemade candies. The place isn't big and is rather crowded so we got an "eat and get out" vibe from the staff, which made me feel rushed (and who wants to hurry through ice cream?) Overall, though, Margie's has clearly been a Chicago favorite for a long time for a reason. Check them out.

    Photos
    Banana Split for 2
    Banana Split for 2
    English Toffee Sundae
    English Toffee Sundae
    Sundae

    See all

    Sundae
    Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

    Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

    3.8
    (416 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$$

    Ghirardelli offers the very best Cacao Bean (in the US known as Cocoa Beans same thing) chocolate…read more Nestle Chocolate chips and candy bars are disgusting just most too much white unhealthy sugar but Americans seem to like it so nbd At Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate on Michigan Avenue where we have our second residence my husband may enjoy the most delicious ice cream I bring my own soy milk and Ghirardelli has the most delicious hot chocolate If you have a sweet tooth come for the ice cream, chocolates etc If you are shopping at Jewel try the Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips or the Ghirardelli Brownie Mix in a box Ghirardelli has something for everyone

    The shop is located right in the tourist zone near the river on Michigan Ave. The lower level is a…read moreretail store and the upper level has the cafe and restrooms. They do have an elevator in the middle of the store if needed. There is a picture menu downstairs at the main entrance but it doesn't list any prices. Once you head upstairs you are immediately entering the queue to order. This line can move slowly so grab a menu (with prices listed) and spend some time reading over the sundae choices. These treats are on the pricier side for what is essentially a standard ice cream sundae and a single piece of chocolate. They also have shakes and hot cocoa but nobody in our party tried them. Most of the sundaes are hot fudge with a flavor of ice cream and a single signature Ghirardelli chocolate square. There is one non-dairy option on the menu which was unexpected yet ideal for one member of our party. The tables are all stationed along the windows so everyone can have a great view of the river as you enjoy your treats. Seating can fill up but tables were turning over fairly quickly during our visit so we were able to sit down by the time our treats were ready.

    Photos
    Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
    Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
    Hot Fudge Sundae and Hot Chocolate

    See all

    Hot Fudge Sundae and Hot Chocolate
    Margie's Candies

    Margie's Candies

    4.1
    (657 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $

    I had a super special date at Margie's with my 2 year old, and we had the best time ever. What I…read morelove about Margie's is that it's frozen in time. It's pretty small inside, there are only a few tables. A server comes to your table to place your order, which I feel like never happens at ice cream shops anymore! The menu is huge! There were multiple sections to banana splits, sundaes, and shakes. We decided to go with something simple. My son ordered 2 scoops of cookies n cream ice cream (with sprinkles of course) and I got moose tracks! The ice cream is the real deal. Our server was super sweet, and we were in and out of there in probably 30-45 minutes. We had the best time and will definitely be back this summer.

    We heard that Margie's Candies had some seriously good sundaes, so obviously we had to check the…read moreplace out. (The fact that the joint's been around for over 100 years doesn't hurt either.) It's a small restaurant but we managed to snag a cozy table near the back. We'd already spent most of the day eating, so we decided to share the Atomic Fudge Sundae. It's a fairly enormous concoction. I found it interesting that the hot fudge was served on the side, but it's actually pretty smart because you get control how much (or how little) sauce you get. The ice cream is the highlight. It's creamy and rich, and it's got a really nice flavor, too. The hot fudge was less impressive, but that might be because I had already eaten a Ghirardelli sundae earlier in the day and their hot fudge just can't be beat. The service was super friendly and the atmosphere was kitschy and fun. It's a cool place.

    Photos
    Margie's Candies
    Coco Loco sundae
    Coco Loco sundae
    Margie's Candies

    See all

    Mindy's Bakery

    Mindy's Bakery

    3.9
    (2.7k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Their seasonal banana cold foam cold brew is so stinkin good! The cold foam itself is super thick…read moreso as you drink your cold brew, quite literally every single sip gets that fantastic cold foam. The bagel, croissant, and peanut butter cookie were all so good! The dough used for the bagel and croissant is so scrumptious. I opted to get the ham and cheese croissant and it was a great balance. Both Bialays are a perfect savory treat!  I can't wait to come back and try more of the baked goods, especially the coffee cakes.

    I've been to Mindy's a few times now and have never had a problem finding a treat to enjoy. There…read moreare wide variety of pastry items, breakfast sandwiches, and beverages. My favorite, along with many others, is the iced banana bread latte. Definitely get it with the vanilla cinnamon cold foam! I've had a variety of pastries here, but particularly love the coffee cakes and cookies. The breakfast sandwich is also really great if it's fresh. The staff for the most part have been very warm and friendly. If it's busy, they are less likely to want to chat about the options and give a recommendation, so come in with a few ideas of what you're looking for if you come on a weekend! The store itself is very cute, with lots of wood and warm colors. There is limited seated outside on a few benches. I recommend walking to the park to enjoy your treats and coffee.

    Photos
    Banana Butterscotch Au Lait
    Banana Butterscotch Au Lait
    Mindy's Bakery
    Twice Baked Almond Croissant

    See all

    Twice Baked Almond Croissant
    26th Street Sugar Shack

    26th Street Sugar Shack

    4.3
    (252 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $

    I think I have to give this place another chance. I got the red velvet funnel cake which came with…read morecream cheese icing and it was huge for $8. That's a great price compared to what you have to pay at a fair. The only problem was that the flavor seemed a little off. Or the texture. I'm not completely sure. I have to come back and try something else. They have a ton of options and at very reasonable prices. I'm gonna try and come back and maybe try a normal funnel cake next time I'm in the neighborhood.

    I am so impressed with this neighborhood gem! The prices are very reasonable and more importantly,…read morethe treats are delicious! They have a large menu that offers a variety of treats, the service is quick, and the desserts are delicious. I got a mini funnel cake with a large scoop of ice cream (sans toppings and whip cream) for a little over $6. The funnel cake was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the puppy chow flavor tasted just as described. I do wish there was nearby seating to enjoy treats, but if just having a drive-by storefront keeps the prices low, I'm fine with enjoying my food in my car or at home.

    Photos
    26th Street Sugar Shack . 630 W 26th St, Chicago, IL  Ice Cream Milk Shakes  Italian Ice Famous Funnel Cake Sundae . Cool!
    26th Street Sugar Shack . 630 W 26th St, Chicago, IL Ice Cream Milk Shakes Italian Ice Famous Funnel Cake Sundae . Cool!
    26th Street Sugar Shack . 630 W 26th St, Chicago, IL  Ice Cream Milk Shakes  Italian Ice Famous Funnel Cake Sundae . Cool!
    26th Street Sugar Shack . 630 W 26th St, Chicago, IL Ice Cream Milk Shakes Italian Ice Famous Funnel Cake Sundae . Cool!
    A sign that the weather will eventually change

    See all

    A sign that the weather will eventually change

    Vaca's Creamery - icecream - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...