Parlor on Central Introduce
Parlor on Central is a popular ice cream shop located in the heart of Evanston, Illinois. It has quickly become a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike who are searching for a high-quality frozen treat. With its friendly, professional atmosphere and commitment to serving outstanding ice cream, this shop has established itself as a must-visit spot in the community.
The shop is known for its dedication to unique and rotating flavors, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to try. From classic favorites to seasonal specialties, the menu is crafted to delight a wide range of tastes. A key aspect of their business is their partnership with Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, a family-owned company in Madison, Wisconsin, which guarantees a high standard of quality in every scoop. This focus on premium ingredients and creative combinations is what sets Parlor on Central apart and keeps customers coming back for more.
The shop itself is designed to be a welcoming and comfortable space. The minimalist black and white interior, adorned with black-and-white family photos, creates a clean and inviting environment. Whether you're stopping by for a quick cone or staying to enjoy a treat with friends and family, the atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The staff's genuine enthusiasm for their products and their generous policy of allowing customers to sample flavors before making a decision further enhance the overall visit. This combination of a delightful product, a warm environment, and exceptional customer service makes Parlor on Central a true gem in Evanston.
Conveniently situated at 2002 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201, Parlor on Central is easy to find and access. The shop is located on a vibrant and walkable commercial corridor that features a variety of other independent shops, restaurants, and businesses. Its prime location makes it an ideal stop after a day of shopping or a meal at a nearby eatery.
For those traveling by public transportation, the shop is a short walk from both the CTA Purple Line and a Metra station, offering a convenient option for commuters and city-dwellers. If you are driving, the area provides a range of parking options. There is street parking available directly on Central Street, as well as a public parking lot located just across the street. The area is very pedestrian-friendly, making it a pleasant destination to visit on foot or by bike, especially with the upgrades to Independence Park across the street, providing a nice area to enjoy your ice cream.
Parlor on Central offers a wide range of services to satisfy any ice cream craving, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
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Hand-Scooped Ice Cream: The main attraction is their selection of gourmet ice cream, with a variety of classic and inventive flavors that rotate regularly.
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Vegan and Dairy-Free Options: To cater to all dietary needs, the shop consistently offers delicious vegan and dairy-free flavors, such as the popular oat milk mint Oreo.
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Cones and Cups: Customers can choose to have their ice cream in a classic cup or a freshly made waffle cone.
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Pints to Go: For those who want to enjoy their favorite flavors at home, Parlor on Central offers pints that can be purchased and taken with you.
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Gift Cards: The shop offers gift cards, making it the perfect gift for friends, family, or fellow ice cream lovers.
The unique features and highlights of Parlor on Central are what make it a standout destination in Evanston.
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Exceptional Flavor Variety: The shop is celebrated for its creative and ever-changing menu of flavors. The use of premium, unique ingredients results in delightful combinations that are not found at typical ice cream parlors.
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High-Quality Sourcing: By proudly serving Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream from Madison, Wisconsin, Parlor on Central ensures a rich, creamy texture and superior taste in every scoop. This partnership is a testament to their commitment to quality.
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Friendly and Welcoming Staff: The customer service at Parlor on Central is consistently praised. The staff is known for their genuine warmth, helpfulness, and willingness to offer samples, making every visit a pleasant experience.
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Rewards Program: The shop offers a rewards program that allows frequent customers to earn points with every purchase, which can be redeemed for free scoops and other perks.
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Community-Oriented Atmosphere: The owners have created a space that feels like a gathering point for the community. With tables available both inside and outside, it's a perfect place for families and friends to meet and connect.
Address:
2002 Central St
Evanston, IL 60201
USA
Phone: (224) 486-8663
For the residents of Evanston and the surrounding Illinois region, Parlor on Central is more than just an ice cream shop; it’s a community hub. The family-owned business fosters a sense of local pride and connection. The owners and staff are passionate about creating a welcoming environment where people can gather, socialize, and make lasting memories. It’s a place where you can grab a special treat regardless of the weather—whether you are cooling down in the summer heat or warming up with a creamy scoop in the winter.
The focus on quality, variety, and outstanding customer service has cemented Parlor on Central's reputation as a local favorite. The shop’s ability to cater to diverse tastes, including offering excellent vegan and dairy-free options, makes it accessible to everyone. The rewards program provides a great incentive for regulars, and the location on Central Street makes it a convenient and enjoyable stop for anyone in the neighborhood. As one customer noted, it’s a place where every visit feels special and every scoop tells a story. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer to the area, Parlor on Central is the perfect destination for a sweet and satisfying experience that will quickly become part of your routine.
Parlor on Central Vibe
Flavors Of The Day
- Black Cherry
- Vanilla Chocolate Chip
- Pb Hearts Chocolate™M
- Raspberry-Lemon Twist Italian Ice
- Fat Elvis
- Mint Avalanche
- Zanzibarⓡ Chocolate
- This $@&! Just Got Serious®
- Cookie Dough
- Yippee Skippeeⓡ
- Super Human
- Bang!! Caffinated Iced Latte Da®
- Blue Moon
- Sticks & Stones®
- Malt Amore
- Old Fashioned Vanilla
- Pomegranate Swirl
- Kitty Kitty Bang Bangt
- Exhausted Parentⓡ
Sold Out
- Sticks & Stones®
- Strawberry
- This $&@! Just Got Serious®
- Zanzibar® Chocolate
- Black Cherry Oat
- Mint Oreo Oat Cream
- Vanilla Chocolate Chip Oat Cream
Others
- Mint Oreo
- Cake Batter Fudge
- Black Cherry
- Rainbow Sherbet
- Mint Chip
- S'more To Love
- Peanut Butter Cup
- Super Human
- Coconut Almond Bliss
- This $@&! Just Got Serious®
- Dutch Maid Vanilla
- Passionfruit Italian Ice
- Fat Elvis
- Halley's Comet®
- Cookie Dough
- Exhausted Parentⓡ
- Blue Moon
- Pomegranate Swirl
- Blackberry Lemon Bar
- Kitty Kitty Bang Bangim
Parlor on Central Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
- Small Business
Service options
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Delivery
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Dining options
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parlor on Central Photos










Parlor on Central Location
Parlor on Central Reviews
veganparkoat milkgluten freegemdairyadditionmint chocolate chipweatherso delicious
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We tried three different flavors: Vegan (oat milk) mint Oreo, regular mint chocolate chip, and coconut almond bliss. All were excellent. The servers were nice, the store was simple and clean, and the location is great. All the choices were really special/unique flavors, and from what I hear the ice cream is made in Madison Wisconsin. Tables outside and a new park coming soon across the street. Highly recommended!!!
September 04 · Todd Lamb★★★★★ A Hidden Gem That Will Sweeten Your LifeHaving frequented Parlor on Central since this summer, I've been holding onto a delicious secret that I can no longer keep to myself. This ice cream shop is nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm compelled to share my experience after countless visits (let's just say my rewards account has seen plenty of action).What sets Parlor on Central apart is their remarkable creativity with flavors. I've made it my personal mission to sample their entire menu – yes, even the vegan and dairy-free options – and each flavor has been a delightful discovery. Their seasonal offerings are particularly impressive, introducing unexpected combinations that somehow always work perfectly.The attention to detail extends beyond just the ice cream. Whether you prefer your scoops nestled in one of their various cone options or presented in a classic cup, the presentation is always Instagram-worthy. While I think they've recently expanded their menu beyond ice cream, I remain loyal to their frozen creations, which have yet to disappoint.But what truly elevates this establishment is the exceptional customer service. The staff's genuine enthusiasm for their craft is evident in every interaction. They're always ready with a warm smile and eager to help you discover your next favorite flavor through their generous sampling policy. It's rare to find service this consistently outstanding, especially in an ice cream parlor.Pro tip: Don't forget to join their rewards program. Trust me, at the rate you'll want to return, those free scoops add up quickly. I might be their most frequent customer (averaging twice weekly visits – but please don't tell my doctor!).In a city with plenty of dessert options, Parlor on Central stands out as a must-visit destination. It's more than just an ice cream shop; it's a place where every visit feels special, and every scoop tells a story. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and experience what might just become your new favorite ice cream destination -- regardless of the weather! Yes, today with the temperature in the 20's and windchill in the teens, I had the mint chocolate. Burrr-Yumm!!!
December 11 · James Colquitt, PhDStopped by here with my husband and son. The ice cream was SO delicious! Super creamy and fresh! They even offered gluten free options, which is nice. The shop was clean and the server was polite and kind. While the space is not terribly large, it feels intimate and welcoming. There is a park right across the street, so if you need more room… there are plenty of beaches and fresh air to enjoy the ice cream. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for some quality ice cream.
May 26 · Milica PYay for 4 vegan flavor options (which rotate) - both sorbets and oat milk ice creams. My kid loved the Electric Watermelon 🍉 which tastes like sour candy!They also have clearly marked gluten free flavors.The shop is right across the street from Independence Park so it was such a special outing for our family to take our ice cream and eat it in the park. They also had some fun bean bag seats and bar stools inside the shop which we will be glad to try when the weather is less pleasant.
June 05 · Diana MWe had a fantastic experience at Parlor on Central! This charming ice cream shop is perfectly located right across from a playground, making it an ideal spot for a family outing. We enjoyed delicious, affordable ice cream and spent hours playing across the street. The service was exceptional, with friendly staff who answered all our questions and even offered my daughter a sample. We can't wait to come back!
May 19 · Shannon Valencia
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