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The Original Rainbow Cone
$ · Donuts, Ice Cream

1750 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Donuts in Wicker Park & West Town Best Ice Cream in Wicker Park & West Town

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

The Original Rainbow Cone 7.9
Wicker Park
Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Family Friendly Favorites Sweet Treats Escapes Instagram Worthy Wonders
The Wicker Park outpost of Chicago’s 1920s-born Rainbow Cone layers its signature sliced cones with sundaes and hot, made-to-order mini donuts. It’s where dessert runs turn into full-on sweet sessions built around cones, shakes, and donut-topped creations.
Must-Try Dishes: Fresh Mini Donuts, Cookies & Cream Crunch Sundae, Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Sundae
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.1 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A neighborhood outpost of Chicago’s nearly century-old ice cream brand that pairs its famous sliced cones with fresh mini donuts and sundae-style donut desserts.
Who should go: Families and friends planning a dessert-focused outing.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings before peak summer lines.
What to order: Fresh Mini Donuts, Cookies & Cream Crunch, an Original Rainbow Cone slice.
Insider tip: Use sundaes as your move if you really want mini donuts—their signature creations layer hot donuts directly into the ice cream build.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; it can be competitive during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — anything from jeans to summer wear is totally appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat and busy, but you can still chat without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during peak dessert hours, longer in summer.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many ice cream and donut options are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — selection may vary seasonally.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some ice cream options are naturally gluten-free, but donuts are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s playful, low-pressure, and works great as a casual dessert stop after dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first come, first served. Seating may be limited at busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequent it, and the colorful cones and mini donuts are especially popular with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Nostalgic ice cream experiences, colorful treats, and donut-stacked sundaes in a family-friendly setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for artisan or chef-driven donuts, or a quiet café-style environment.