Chicago is a city that is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches.
However, there is another food item that is often overlooked, but equally delicious – malts.
Malts have been around for over a century and are a classic American treat. They are made by blending ice cream, milk, and malt powder together to create a thick and creamy drink.
Malts come in various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, and are often topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Chicago has numerous places that serve malts, and each one has its unique style and flavor. Some places are old-school soda fountains, while others are modern cafes.
Each place has its own specialty and secret recipe, making the malt scene in Chicago diverse and exciting.
In this blog post, we will explore the best places for malts in Chicago. From classic diners to trendy cafes, we will take you on a journey to discover the best malts in the Windy City.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in the creamy goodness of the best malts that Chicago has to offer.
1. Girl & The Goat
Girl & The Goat is a trendy spot for malts with a modern and electric atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its elevated American fusion food with unique and flavorful dishes.
The steak, lamb, and chicken are cooked to perfection, and the veggies are super fresh.
The desserts are good, but not exceptional. The service is attentive, and the restaurant gets busy and packed, so reservations are recommended.
The prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the food justifies it. Girl & The Goat is a must-try for foodies looking for innovative small plates.
2. Superdawg Drive-In
Superdawg Drive-In is a classic drive-in hot dog stand that has been around since 1948. They specialize in Chicago-style hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes.
The car hops deliver your food right to your car, adding to the nostalgic experience. The retro ambiance of the place adds to the entire drive-in experience.
The food is freshly prepared and tasty. They also have options for vegetarian customers. The staff is friendly, fast, and provides excellent customer service.
Superdawg Drive-In is a must-try for anyone looking for a classic drive-in experience with delicious food.
3. Margie's Candies
Margie's Candies is a classic ice cream and chocolate shop that has been around for over 75 years.
The interior takes you back to the 1950s with its old-school decor and diner jukeboxes at every table.
The menu boasts an extensive selection of sundaes, banana splits, and milkshakes, all made with multiple scoops of ice cream and topped with whipped cream, hot fudge, and a cherry.
The staff is friendly and the portions are generous. If you're looking for a unique Chicago-only experience, Margie's Candies is a must-visit.
4. Annette's Italian Ice
Looking for a refreshing treat on a hot day in the city, head to Annette's Italian Ice. This quaint, family-owned establishment offers a wide variety of flavors for both Italian ice and ice cream.
In addition to the usual vanilla and chocolate soft serve, they also have peanut butter frozen yogurt.
Don't miss their malts, sundaes, and shakes. The prices are reasonable, and the quality is top-notch.
Keep in mind that they only accept cash, so come prepared. This place is perfect for a quick stop or a sweet treat on the go.
5. Devil Dawgs on State
Devil Dawgs on State is a go-to spot for inventive hot dogs and burgers. This laid-back counter-serve joint offers a diverse menu of creative hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes, along with hand-cut fries.
The hot dogs are juicy and topped with unique ingredients, making them perfect for all types of palates.
The customer service is top-notch, with fast and friendly service. The only downside is the limited seating, so it's best for a quick grab-and-go meal.
If you're in the area, Devil Dawgs on State is definitely worth checking out for a delicious and unique dining experience.
6. Cameron's Ice Cream & Grill
Cameron's Ice Cream & Grill is a no-frills counter-serve spot that's perfect for grabbing a quick bite.
They serve up delicious Philly cheesesteaks, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, and of course, ice cream. Their malts are a must-try and are made with good quality ingredients.
The staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. The inside is cozy with plenty of seating, making it a great spot to take a break from the heat and indulge in some sweet treats.
If you're in the mood for some classic American food and mouth-watering desserts, Cameron's Ice Cream & Grill is definitely worth a visit.
7. Kilwins
Kilwins is an old-fashioned confectionery chain that serves amazing malts.
Their ice cream is creamy and delicious, and the waffle cones are freshly made.
The staff is friendly and helpful, making the experience even better.
While the prices may be a little high, the quality of the treats is definitely worth it. Kilwins is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
8. Janson's Drive-In
Janson's Drive-In is a classic fast food restaurant that serves up delicious malts and other American fare.
The staff is friendly and the food is always fresh and tasty. The restaurant has a clean and inviting atmosphere, both inside and out.
While there may not be a lot of seating available, the quality of the food and service make up for it.
Janson's Drive-In is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
9. Epic Burger
Epic Burger is a local fast-service chain that uses all-natural & organic ingredients in its burgers & shakes.
The burgers are delicious and made to order with a lot of options to dress them up. The milkshakes are some of the best around, especially the strawberry flavor.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making ordering a breeze. The only downside is that they only accept debt or credit cards.
If you're looking for a tasty burger and shake, Epic Burger is definitely worth a visit.
