Original Rainbow Cone
- Neighborhood: Beverly/Mt Greenwood
- 9233 S. Western Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60620
- 773-238-9833
- Price range: $ (Under $9)
At the end of the neon rainbow, below the Spanish tile roof and inside the art deco-style beige building, you won't find a pot of gold. But you will find a historic treasure and some tasty treats at one of the South Side's oldest attractions. Rainbow's founder, Joseph Sapp, was an orphan who used to dream of getting more than one flavor of ice cream on the spoon for his 1 cent investment. So when he grew up, he invented the five-flavor Rainbow Cone, which features chocolate, pistachio, strawberry and Palmer House (a cherry-nut blend) ice creams, as well as a layer of orange sherbet. More than 80 years after he invented this delight, families still flock from miles around every summer to enjoy the cool concoction at its original site. In addition to the heavy Rainbow Cone traffic, the shop offers shakes, sundaes, floats and some of the best draft root beer this side of an A & W stand. Owner Lynn Sapp, granddaughter of the establishment's founder, also offers year-round ice cream catering service for parties and weddings, including a variety of ice-cream cakes.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- 92nd Place and Western.
- Parking:
- Free Lot and Street
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 49A South Western. Pace Bus: 349
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
-
11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. seven days a week, March through December
seasonal opening based on the weather.
- Cuisine:
- Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
- Meals Served:
- Dessert
- Price Range:
- $ (Under $9)
- Smoking:
- No
- Audience:
- Families
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- ATM:
- Yes. At nearby Standard Bank.
- Live Music:
- No
- Features:
- Catering, Free Admission, and On-site Merchandise. Includes ice cream cakes and sandwiches. Original Rainbow Cone T-shirts, rainbow balls and other ice cream related items. Catering service available. No buffet.
- Worth Noting:
- Chicago classic.
- Specialties:
- The original five-flavor ice cream cone; beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.
- Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. 18 picnic tables under a canopy behind the building. There is also bench seating.
- Seating :
- Bench and table seating.
Write a review
Rate Original Rainbow Cone
"I've had a (Ok 3)Rainbow..."
By Brandi from Romeoville, IL, August 9, 2007
I've had a (Ok 3)Rainbow Cones from The Taste and 1 from the little shop in Millenium Park, the best ice cream ever!
Report This Review"Although I've never ventured to..."
By T Lai from Evanston, IL, June 27, 2005
Although I've never ventured to the actual shop, the rainbow cones I've had at the taste tell me that it would be worth the trek from Evanston. Th...
Report This Review"Best ice cream in the..."
By shamrock from chicago, August 4, 2004
Best ice cream in the city.
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2.8
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