Streeterville, Chicago's vibrant neighborhood, offers a delightful array of culinary experiences. Among its many attractions, the milkshakes stand out as a particularly tempting treat. This guide explores sixteen of the best milkshakes in Streeterville, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you crave a classic vanilla or an adventurous gourmet creation, this list has something for everyone. We'll delve into the unique offerings, price points, and overall experiences, ensuring you find your perfect milkshake match.
Classic Creaminess: Traditional Milkshake Havens
These spots offer the quintessential milkshake experience – simple, delicious, and undeniably satisfying.
1. The Purple Pig: A Tapas Treat with a Side of Shake
While known for its innovative tapas, The Purple Pig also boasts surprisingly delightful milkshakes. Their classic vanilla shake is a creamy dream, perfect for pairing with their savory small plates. The rich, smooth texture is a testament to quality ingredients. Expect a slightly higher price point reflecting the restaurant's upscale ambiance.
2. Lou Mitchell's: A Chicago Institution
A Chicago institution, Lou Mitchell's serves up classic diner fare, including milkshakes that have stood the test of time. Their straightforward vanilla and chocolate options are made with real ice cream, resulting in a thick and satisfying drink. The nostalgic atmosphere adds to the charm. Prices are moderate, making it a family-friendly option.
3. SteakBar: A Luxurious Indulgence
SteakBar, known for its upscale steakhouse experience, elevates the classic milkshake to new heights. Their shakes are crafted with premium ice cream and often feature seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations. While more expensive than other options, the quality and ambiance justify the cost.
Gourmet Adventures: Beyond the Basic Milkshake
For those seeking a more adventurous milkshake experience, Streeterville offers some truly unique creations.
4. RPM Italian: Italian-Inspired Shakes
RPM Italian offers a sophisticated take on the milkshake, incorporating Italian flavors and ingredients. Think rich chocolate with a hint of espresso or creamy vanilla with subtle notes of amaretto. Their presentations are visually stunning, turning each milkshake into a work of art. The price point reflects the high-quality ingredients and elegant atmosphere.
5. Andros Taverna: Greek-Inspired Delights
At Andros Taverna, you'll find a refreshing twist on the milkshake, incorporating Greek flavors. Expect unique combinations featuring yogurt, honey, and other regional ingredients. These lighter, potentially healthier options offer a delicious change of pace. Pricing is generally moderate.
6. Sunda: Asian-Fusion Flavors
Sunda showcases the adventurous side of milkshakes with Asian-fusion creations. Imagine green tea, matcha, or mango-based shakes, offering a unique and unexpected flavor profile. Their visually appealing presentation further enhances the experience. Expect a higher price point due to the unique and upscale presentation.
Unique & Unexpected: Milkshakes with a Twist
These establishments offer truly innovative and unexpected milkshake experiences.
7. Geja's Cafe: A Romantic Escape with Sweet Treats
Geja's Cafe, renowned for its romantic ambiance and fondue, offers a unique selection of milkshakes. Their innovative flavors, often featuring seasonal ingredients, are designed to complement their fondue-centric menu. Expect a premium price point for the romantic experience and high-quality ingredients.
8. Boka: Innovative and Upscale Indulgences
Boka, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a sophisticated take on classic desserts, and this extends to their milkshakes. Expect unique flavor profiles that reflect the restaurant's fine-dining focus. The presentation is exquisite, and the price point is accordingly high.
9. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: A Classic Steakhouse with Sweet Surprises
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf, a popular steakhouse, surprises guests with its carefully crafted milkshake menu. While offering classics, they also regularly feature unique seasonal flavors, creating an element of anticipation. The quality of ingredients is excellent, reflected in the price.
Coffee & Dessert Fusion: Milkshake Meets Coffee
These establishments seamlessly combine the comforting experience of a milkshake with the caffeine kick of coffee.
10. Starbucks Reserve Roastery: Coffee Milkshake Perfection
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery offers a coffee-infused milkshake, perfect for coffee lovers with a sweet tooth. Expect a balanced blend of coffee flavors and creamy milkshake textures. This innovative drink is relatively priced like other Starbucks offerings.
11. Intelligentsia Coffee: Coffee House Delights
Intelligentsia Coffee, a renowned coffee roaster, often includes creative milkshake options on their menu. Their coffee-based shakes are known for their quality and sophisticated flavor profiles. Prices are generally moderate for a specialty coffee shop.
Fruity Fun: Milkshakes for Fruit Lovers
For those who enjoy the refreshing taste of fruit, these milkshakes are a must-try.
12. Walgreens: Convenient and Classic Fruit Flavors
Walgreens provides a convenient option for a quick and easy milkshake. They offer various fruit flavors such as strawberry and banana, providing a refreshing alternative to classic chocolate or vanilla. Prices are generally budget-friendly.
13. Whole Foods Market: Healthy & Delicious Choices
Whole Foods Market offers a selection of healthier milkshake options, often incorporating fresh fruit and organic ingredients. While prices might be slightly higher than typical fast-food options, the emphasis on quality and healthy ingredients justifies the cost.
Sweet Treats with a Twist: Unexpected Milkshake Experiences
These establishments offer unique and unexpected milkshake experiences.
14. Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop: Chocolate Overload
Ghirardelli offers a range of chocolate-based milkshakes, making it a paradise for chocolate lovers. Expect rich, decadent shakes that are sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. Prices are moderate, given the quality of the chocolate used.
15. Pinkberry: Frozen Yogurt Shakes
Pinkberry offers frozen yogurt shakes, which are a lighter and potentially healthier alternative to traditional ice cream milkshakes. Their variety of flavors and toppings allows for customization. Prices are typically moderate.
16. Sweet Surrender: Classic and Creative Milkshake Choices
Sweet Surrender offers a selection of both classic and creative milkshake options, ensuring that every customer can find a perfect match. Expect rich, creamy shakes with high-quality ingredients. The price point is moderate compared to other upscale options.
Conclusion: Your Streeterville Milkshake Adventure Awaits!
Streeterville offers an incredibly diverse milkshake landscape. This guide highlights sixteen of the best options, each providing a unique experience and catering to varied tastes and budgets. From classic creaminess to gourmet adventures, your perfect Streeterville milkshake awaits! Remember to check each establishment's menu and hours before your visit. Enjoy!
