Ice Cream, Rechurned: Savory Scoops to Slurp

1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

Whether it's a dollop of Trappist ale ice cream with milk chocolate panna cotta or aromatic, Moroccan-spiced ras el hanout ice cream teamed with dark chocolate cremeux, pastry chef Elizabeth Dahl uses savory ice cream flavors to turn her sweet finales on end. Of course, house-made ice creams like the smoky hickory syrup are offered solo, too.

535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

Ever imaginative, chef Suzy Crofton crafts exciting, seasonal ice cream flavors, be it pink peppercorn, honey chevre or Dalwhinnie single malt scotch with salted caramel. She also proves that even fruit can toe the sweet-savory line with a tangy strawberry ice cream made from goat’s milk.

859 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

Put the diet on hold. After a cheese-oozing panini, move on to savory gelati flavors like roasted red pepper and banana curry--courtesy of Black Dog Gelato--at this casual Ukrainian Village cafe. While not technically ice cream, it'll still satisfy your craving for something cold, smooth and savory.

500 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

You never know what savory scoops you'll find at Carrie Nahabedian's Mediterranean-accented downtown restaurant. Her knack for farm-fresh fare has sparked ’screams made with everything from salsify to parsnip. Craving a bowl of borscht? Come when beets are at their peak, and you can lap up a bowl of creamy, vibrant pink roasted beet ice cream.

4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs, IL 60558 (map)

This elegant suburban gem known for canning and pickling local ingredients also preps dynamite desserts. On regular rotation are choices like basil, rosemary and sage ice cream. But there’s also an array of way-beyond-the-norm ice creams, from farm-fresh roasted and candied fennel to celery root, brown butter and grilled sweet corn.