Parlor on Central — Restaurant in Evanston Township

★★★★★ A Hidden Gem That Will Sweeten Your Life Having 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....

My family and I were so excited to try this place, as it had recently opened up on Central Street. We were all SO disappointed by their portion sizes. Cost was insane for what you got! I ended up paying over $6 for what should have been a kid's sized cup (maybe a 1/4 cup of ice cream). This happened to everyone I was with (mom, dad, sister, and boyfriend), so we went back inside to complain. All the staff just replied, "That's just how much we were told to give" and refused to give us larger portions. We ended up going to Hartigan's to get a FULL CUP and it was much better priced there! Parlor is cute inside and ice cream tasted good, but either increase your portions or charge less; it's...

Honesty, sad. Raise your hand if you wanna pay $6 for a spoonful of mediocrity. I have lived in the area my entire life and was pretty disappointed. Their portions were like kiddie sizes but you're paying for a large.. just wouldn't return or recommend at all. Everyone gets ice cream because it makes them happy, this ice cream experience made me feel sad and broke.

Recommendations for better ice cream: Homers Frio Gelato Hardigan's Dairy Queen Ben and Jerry's Graeter's Culvers Coldstone Creamery Oberweis Haggen Daz Walker Bros Original Pancake House buying a pint of ANY brand of ice cream...