Vaca's Creamery: Chicago's Go-To Spot for Delicious Vegan Soft Serve and Unique Ice Cream Flavors

Vaca’s Creamery Introduce

Welcome to the sweet side of Chicago! For those of us living in and around the Windy City, finding a truly exceptional dessert spot is a treat in itself. We're talking about a place that not only satisfies a craving for something cold and sweet but also offers a unique experience, whether you're a local resident or just passing through. That's precisely what you'll find at Vaca's Creamery, a beloved fixture in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. This article is your comprehensive guide to everything that makes this ice cream shop a local gem, from its incredible flavors to its welcoming atmosphere. We'll delve into what makes their soft serve so special, their commitment to providing options for various dietary needs, and why it has become a go-to destination for so many Illinois residents seeking a delicious escape.

Vaca's Creamery isn't just another ice cream shop; it's a culinary destination that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. The team here has perfected the art of the frozen treat, offering a menu that balances nostalgic favorites with innovative, rotating flavors. This dedication to variety ensures that every visit feels like a new adventure. One of the most significant aspects of Vaca's Creamery's appeal is its celebrated vegan soft serve. For those of us who follow a plant-based diet or have lactose sensitivities, finding a high-quality, genuinely delicious dairy-free option can be a challenge. Vaca's Creamery rises to this occasion with a soft serve that is so creamy and flavorful, it's often hailed as the best vegan soft serve in all of Chicago. This commitment to inclusivity and quality is evident in every scoop, making it a perfect spot for friends and families with diverse dietary preferences to enjoy a treat together without compromise.

The shop's commitment to quality extends beyond its vegan options. They feature a carefully curated list of flavors, ranging from timeless classics that comfort the soul to unique and exciting combinations that intrigue the palate. The menu is dynamic, with seasonal rotations that keep things fresh and exciting, encouraging repeat visits just to see what new creation has been added. This constant evolution is a hallmark of their passion for their craft. Furthermore, Vaca's Creamery provides a variety of ways to enjoy their creations, catering to all preferences. Whether you prefer your ice cream in a classic cone, a cup, as a decadent sundae piled high with toppings, or as a nostalgic float, they have you covered. This thoughtful approach to their offerings ensures that everyone can find their perfect frozen treat.

The experience at Vaca's Creamery is as much about the environment as it is about the food. Located in the charming and bustling Lincoln Square neighborhood, the shop fits right into the local community's friendly and welcoming vibe. The address, 2324 W Giddings St, Chicago, IL 60625, is easy to find and the area is a pleasure to explore. For those of us who drive, street parking can be found nearby, making a quick trip for a treat a feasible option. If you prefer to use public transit, the location is conveniently accessible, situated not far from key CTA routes. The shop's presence in this walkable, family-friendly part of the city makes it an ideal stop after a day of shopping, a stroll in the park, or a meal at one of the many other excellent local establishments. The neighborhood's general atmosphere of community and connection perfectly complements the warm and inviting feeling of the creamery itself.

One of the most notable features that customers appreciate is the availability of seating. Vaca's Creamery understands that enjoying a cold treat is often a leisurely activity. They provide ample seating both indoors and outdoors. On a beautiful summer day, sitting outside with a cone and watching the world go by is a simple yet perfect pleasure. During the colder months, the indoor seating offers a cozy retreat where you can enjoy your dessert in comfort. This dual-seating arrangement ensures that the shop is a year-round destination, a welcoming spot no matter the weather.

Services Offered:

Specialty soft serve ice cream, including highly-praised vegan options.
A rotating selection of classic and unique ice cream flavors.
Various serving options, such as cones, cups, sundaes, and floats.
Customizable toppings to create your perfect dessert.
Take-home options for enjoying their treats at home.
Indoor and outdoor seating for a comfortable dining experience.

Features / Highlights:

Recognized as having some of the best vegan soft serve in Chicago, a standout feature for dairy-free customers.
A dynamic menu with frequently rotated flavors, encouraging repeat visits and new discoveries.
Inclusive menu that caters to various dietary needs, including vegan and dairy-free options.
A wide variety of dessert formats, from traditional cones to elaborate sundaes.
Located in the vibrant and easily accessible Lincoln Square neighborhood.
Friendly and professional staff dedicated to providing an excellent customer experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 2324 W Giddings St, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

Phone: Please note that a public phone number is not listed, but you can find more information about their hours and current flavors by visiting them in person or checking their social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

In conclusion, Vaca's Creamery stands out as a true neighborhood treasure and an essential stop for anyone in the Illinois region with a sweet tooth. Its commitment to quality, its diverse and inclusive menu, and its welcoming atmosphere make it more than just a place to get ice cream—it's a community hub. The fact that they offer what many consider to be the best vegan soft serve in the city makes it a must-visit for a wide range of customers. For local residents, Vaca's Creamery is the perfect spot for a post-dinner treat, a special occasion celebration, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up. The ever-changing menu of unique flavors ensures that you'll never get bored, and the comfortable indoor and outdoor seating makes it a great place to meet up with friends or family. Its location in the charming Lincoln Square area only adds to its appeal, making a trip here a delightful outing in itself. This is a place that understands the power of a good scoop of ice cream to bring people together, and it's this understanding that makes Vaca's Creamery the ideal choice for locals looking for a consistently excellent and friendly dessert experience right here in Chicago.

Vaca’s Creamery Menu

Merch
Vaca's Creamery Bandana US$12.00
Vaca's Tote US$15.00
A classic tote with Vaca's cow print!
Hat US$30.00
Forest green baseball cap, Vaca's logo on the front, back reads "Vaca's Creamery, Chicago IL"
All Tomorrow's Pastries Cakebook US$40.00
Limited first edition printing, only 350 copies available! All Tomorrow's Pastries is a vegan cookbook full of desserts from Mariana C. B. Marinho, the Founder and Creative Director of Vaca's Creamery. The recipes are primarily focused on sweet dishes from Mariana's life in Brazil, but also features many techniques adapted from Italian, French, and American pastry. The book is structured to teach you the basics of vegan pastry with instructions on how to customize each recipe with your desired flavors. Recipes include: cream puffs, tiramisu, chocoflan, brigadeiro, macarons, and many more!

Shakes & Handshakes
Death By Handshake US$13.25
A handshake with our signature sundae toppings: chocolate shell, chocolate sauce and brownie pieces
Handshake (8oz) US$10.00
Choose your base of ice cream and topping(s), the first topping is free! Then we mix it together like a blizzard so you have swirls of sauces and toppings.
Shake US$10.50
Available in a variety of classic flavors and customizable with all of our house made toppings. A perfect treat!
Cookie Dough Handshake US$10.00
Your choice of ice cream mixed with our housemade chocolate chip cookie dough
Cookies & Cream Handshake US$10.00
A handshake with your favorite flavor and our housemade n'oreo crumble mixed together.
Candy Bar Handshake US$13.25
A handshake with our signature sundae toppings: chocolate shell, salted caramel and peanuts
S'mores Handshake US$13.25
A handshake with our signature sundae toppings: chocolate sauce, shortbread crumble and toasted marshmallows

Pints & Pies
Funfetti Cake Batter Pint US$15.00
Vanilla cake batter flavored ice cream with crunchy rainbow sprinkles. Guaranteed to pleasantly surprise Oat milk based
Almond Cookie Pint US$15.00
Chewy chunks of our signature almond cookie mixed into an almond ice cream base. It’s nuts! Almond Milk Based Gluten-Free
Pig P.O.G. Pint US$15.00
Proceeds go to Chicagoland Pig Rescue! Tropical fruity pog (passionfruit, orange, guava) ice cream. Coconut milk based
Fudge Brownie Pint US$15.00
Chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce swirls and fudgy brownie chunks. Give it to someone who thinks they don’t like chocolate. Oat Milk Base
Candy Bar Ice Cream Pie US$37.00
Salted chocolate crust, vanilla ice cream with freckles of peanut butter and chocolate, vanilla ice cream mounds, caramel, and peanuts. 8 inches, serves 6-8 people Oat Milk Base Gluten-Free
Cookies & Cream Pint US$15.00
Housemade N'Oreo cookies mixed into vanilla ice cream. Oat Milk Based Gluten-Free
Millionaire's Shortbread Pint US$15.00
Vanilla ice cream with swirls of miso caramel, chocolate shell and buttery cookie crumbles. Oat Milk Based Gluten-Free
Brigadeiro Pint US$15.00
Brazil’s national dessert! Chocolate ice cream with ribbons of fudgy brigadeiro studded with chocolate sprinkles. Oat milk based
S'mores Pint US$15.00
A twist on the camping treat. Chocolate ice cream with chocolate flecks, toasted Dandies marshmallows and our Biscow cookie crumble. Oat Milk Base
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Pie US$37.00
Housemade N'Oreo crust, cookies & cream ice cream, topped with vanilla mounds and N'Oreo crumbles. 8 inches, serves 6-8 people Oat Milk Base Gluten-Free
Sweet Corn Pint US$15.00
One of our most popular soft serve flavors ever, turned into a super satisfying scoopable ice cream. Soy milk Base Gluten-free
Vanilla Bean Pint US$15.00
Extra vanilla-y and super creamy. Will go with any dessert in the world or stand on its own. Not boring. Oat Milk Based
Dalgona Coffee Pint US$15.00
Creamy vanilla ice cream with swirls of bold Dalgona coffee foam. Like the perfect latte cup. Oat Milk Base
5 Pop Pack: Matcha US$20.00
Creamy matcha popsicles with dark and white chocolate drizzle. Oat Milk Based Gluten-Free
Cinnamon Toast Cereal Mylk Pint US$15.00
Tastes just like the milk leftover after eating a bowl of a certain crunchy cereal flavored like cinnamon toast. Oat Milk Base Gluten-free
Candy Bar Pint US$15.00
Our most popular sundae in pint form! Vanilla ice cream with swirls of miso caramel and flecks of chocolate and peanut butter. Oat milk base.
Strawberry Olive Oil Pint US$15.00
Nostalgic strawberry ice cream, but with hints of olive oil for a rich, grown-up twist. Oat Milk Base
Film Series: The Parent Trap Pint US$15.00
Peanut butter ice cream with our N'Oreo cookies. Peanut butter base. Gluten-free.
Thick Mint Pint US$15.00
Mint ice cream dyed with spirulina with fudgy brownies and chocolate flecks. Oat Milk Base
Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie US$37.00
Like a giant peanut butter cup! Salted chocolate crust, creamy peanut butter ice cream, a layer of chocolate, vanilla mounds and a drizzle of peanut butter shell. Oat Milk Base Gluten-Free
Cow Tracks Pint US$15.00
Vanilla ice cream with swirls of peanut butter, peanuts and fudgy brownie chunks for an interesting textural and tasty experience. Oat Milk Based Gluten-Free
Blueberry Lavender Pint US$15.00
Floral but not too floral, blueberry and lavender flavored ice cream. Oat milk base.

Grocery
Candy Kittens - Loves Rainbows US$7.00
Made by Candy Kittens Taste this rainbow. CK LOVES is a fruity explosion of blueberry, cherry, orange and strawberry.
Candy Kittens - Wild Strawberry US$7.00
Unleash your wild side with our fruity explosion of Wild Strawberry gourmet sweets! Made with no nasties, these vegan sweets contain fruit juice and are packed with big flavour. Candy Kittens make sweets the New Fashioned® way - Plant Powered and packed with flavour. No gelatine, just gourmet sweets made with plants.
Nam Prik Pao Chili Jam US$14.00
Vegan Nam Prik Pao Thai Roasted Chili Jam from Pink Salt Kitchens boasts the same caramelized shallot and garlicky goodness as their favorite Nam Prik Pao, but this time made Vegan. Spicy, smoky, umami, and bright, this jam is guaranteed to make your tastebuds sing with delight. Use as a ready to eat condiment or cooking additive for your favorite Thai dishes. Try it in your stir fry, finish pasta, drizzle on a bagel with cream cheese, top your pizza, or incorporate it into your fave sandwich combo.
Red Ape Ceylon Cinnamon US$9.99
Certified Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka. Red Ape sources the best organic cinnamon, ginger and turmeric on this planet! 5% of profits go to saving orangutans and their natural habitat.
Carolyn's Krisps - Blueberry Pancake Snack Bark US$11.00
Welcome to the Cozy Breakfast Collection where we are taking our favorite brunch classics and sprinkling them with our own snack magic. We’re bringing nostalgia in a better-for-you bite. Our Blueberry Pancake Snack Bark is a breakfast dream come true. Carolyn's Krisps coconut sugar-sweetened Maple Krisps and savory Cheddar Krisps mixing and mingling between blueberries and all hugged up with velvety vegan white chocolate. It’s a snack sensory experience that brings you back to waking up to the smell of blueberry pancakes on the griddle. Always vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. Contains: coconut and pecans.
Carolyn's Krisps - Everything Bagel Snack Bark US$11.00
Welcome to the Cozy Breakfast Collection where we are taking our favorite brunch classics and sprinkling them with our own snack magic. We’re bringing nostalgia in a better-for-you bite. Our Everything Bagel Snack Bark is both mind-bending and ridiculously delicious all at once. The combo of Cheddar Krisps with garlic, onion, and sea salt, doused in vegan white chocolate is literally everything you didn’t know you needed. It’s a snack sensory experience that’s taking what you know of your favorite breakfast bagel and turning it on it’s head. Always vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. Contains: coconut and sesame.
Candy Kittens - Eton Mess US$7.00
A classic British combo of strawberries & cream reimagined into Eton Mess gourmet sweets. Made with no nasties, these vegan sweets contain fruit juice and are packed with big flavour. They make gourmet sweets with big flavour, honest ingredients - and no nasties. No gelatine. No palm oil. No fake flavours.
Carolyn’s Krisps - Cheddar US$11.00
Described as “a Goldfish in cookie form, with a little kick,” and we couldn’t think of a better description. These are ridiculously cheezy and have a little spice, but just a tiny kick that even the “I don’t like spicy” people still enjoy. 100% plant-based. Vegan, gluten free, soy free, peanut free
Candy Kittens - Sour Watermelon US$7.00
Sour Watermelon vegan sweets certainly are one-in-a-melon! This sweet & sour number will leave those taste buds tingling! Made with no nasties, these vegan sweets contain fruit juice and are packed with big flavour. Candy Kittens make gourmet sweets with big flavour, honest ingredients - and no nasties. No gelatine. No palm oil. No fake flavours. Instead, they’ve made a commitment to do good - for people and our planet. They make our irresistible sweets with plants
Earth Gems US$3.00
Made by Trupo Treats Earth Gems are our vegan milk chocolate gems—think of them as a better, more ethical alternative to M&Ms! 🌱🍫 They are in little pouch bags that stand up! They’re completely dairy-free, made with smooth and creamy oat milk chocolate, and crafted with Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa for a more sustainable and ethical treat. Plus, they’re gluten-free and free from artificial colors. Perfect for snacking, baking, ice cream toppings, or just satisfying your chocolate cravings—Earth Gems bring all the nostalgia, without the cruelty.
Raaka - Raspberry Waffle Crunch Bar US$10.00
We fold tart, jammy raspberries and crispy bits of homemade gluten-free waffle cone cookies into our creamy, rich dark chocolate. It’s love at first bite.
Red Ape Cinnamon Sugar US$7.50
This fragrant cinnamon sugar shake is made with organic cinnamon and organic evaporated cane juice. It’s delightful in coffee, oatmeal and on toast.
Dandies Marshmallow Fluff US$7.00
Say hello to Dandies new marshmallow cream, the plant-based creamy spread you didn't know you needed.

Vaca Grandes
S'mores Vaca Grande Sundae US$14.50
Your choice of ice cream with chocolate sauce, shortbread crumble, and toasted marshmallows in our Vaca Grande size that's perfect for delivery!
DIY Vaca Grande Sundae US$11.05
Build your own Vaca Grande sundae with your choice of ice cream and toppings! Our Vaca Grande size is perfect for delivery and sharing!
Death By Chocolate Vaca Grande Sundae US$14.50
Your choice of ice cream with chocolate shell, chocolate sauce, and brownies in our Vaca Grande size that's perfect for delivery!
Cookie Monster Vaca Grande Sundae US$14.50
Your choice of ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, chocolate chip cookie dough and n'oreo crumble in our Vaca Grande size that's perfect for delivery!
Candy Bar Vaca Grande Sundae US$14.50
Your choice of ice cream topped with chocolate shell, salted caramel sauce, and peanuts in our Vaca Grande size that's perfect for delivery!

Vaca’s Creamery Details

Service options
In-store pick-up
In-store shopping
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery

Popular for
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Vaca’s Creamery Photos

Vaca’s Creamery Location

Vaca’s Creamery

Illinois Cook County Chicago Lincoln Square West Giddings Street

2324 W Giddings St, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

Vaca’s Creamery Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 282 user reviews.

vegansundaegluten freevanilladairy freebrowniepastriescompostablemarshmallowslactose intolerant

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Dare I say, the best vegan soft serve in Chicago. They also rotate flavors often so there's always something new in. I like coming back to try whatever is new. Seating both indoors and outdoors which is nice as well.
June 01 · Chloe Thonus
Very tasty with a good little list of flavors that include classics and unique choices (which I assume are seasonal). Also, a good variety of ways to enjoy your ice cream (cone, cup sundae, float etc.). Good amount of seating inside and out.
July 05 · Chelsie Lakeman
I haven't had a milkshake in ages because of the dairy in them, so I was both excited and overwhelmed with the options at Vaca's. The woman working was super helpful and the space is really cute. Will definitely go back!
June 01 · Abbey Charles
The best soft serve I have ever had. If I lived in Chicago, I could not resist a daily dose. I had the raspberry pistachio swirl soft serve with toasted marshmallows, shortbread crumbles, and caramel sauce. My partner had one of the specials with vanilla soft serve & mini croissants with almond cookie crumbles. Both were ridiculously delicious. Not to be missed is the crème brûlée Rice Krispie which was unbelievable. Beyond heavenly !
February 13 · Michelle Mastrangelo
Came here on a whim at night to get some dairy free ice cream. The inside is cute and has a decent amount of seating, and there is also outdoor spots to eat your ice cream. I got the Death By special with chocolate ice cream. This is a chocolate lovers paradise - The ice cream is pleasantly creamy, the chocolate shell adds a light crunch and the brownies add some density to the combination. I really enjoyed it and the regular size was plenty. My girlfriend got the Corn on the Cob (corn soft serve) and she enjoyed it but wished the corn soft serve had a bit more corn flavor to it. They have a good amount of unique combinations that are relatively allergen friendly, and they clearly list the things on their menu that have common allergens.
September 01 · Rye