Beverly & Morgan Park have never been short on good food. But if you’ve only ever thought of Nicky’s of Beverly as your go-to for a Chicago dog or an Italian Beef, it’s time to make room in your rotation for something a little sweeter — because Nicky’s has quietly become one of the best places on the far South Side to grab ice cream.
Welcome to the Milk Bar.
Small-Batch, Locally Made, Genuinely Delicious
Every scoop at Nicky’s comes from Zarlengo’s, a gelato maker crafting small batches right here on Chicago’s far South Side. We’re proud to serve it — it’s some of the best ice cream we’ve ever tasted, & we think you’ll agree the moment you try it. Gelato’s richer & denser than typical ice cream, with a silkier texture & more concentrated flavor in every bite, & Zarlengo’s small-batch approach is exactly why it works so well.
More Flavors Than You Can Try in One Visit
This is where Nicky’s really sets itself apart from a typical soft-serve stand or grocery store freezer case: the variety. Our case rotates regularly, but on any given visit you can expect at least 16 flavors, from the classics to the “why haven’t I had this before?” combinations.
Craving something familiar? You’ll often find silky Vanilla Bean, swirled Strawberry, or rich Chocolate Chip in the case. Looking for something more indulgent? Flavors like Turtle (salted caramel, pecans, & chocolate drizzle), Bananas Foster (a longtime house favorite), Birthday Cake, Cookies & Cream, Mint Cookie, & Coconut Almond Joy show up regularly too. For something a little more sophisticated, keep an eye out for Pistachio Americana, Salted Caramel, Butter Pecan, Coffee Chip, & Blueberry Cheesecake.
Watching what you eat, or just want something lighter? We regularly carry dairy-free options like Blackberry Lemonade Italian Ice, along with plant-based gelato — because everyone deserves a sweet treat.
However you take it — in a cup, a cake cone, or a waffle cone, in small, medium, or large — every scoop is made the same careful way.
Always Something New in the Case
Because our gelato comes from a small-batch, local maker, the flavor lineup isn’t static — it changes with the seasons & with what’s fresh. Come fall, look for cozy, seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Cheesecake. Throughout the year we’ve also brought in specialties like Vanilla Brownie Chunk, Chai Tea Latte, & Plant-Based Peanut Butter, alongside plenty of other limited-time flavors that come & go.
That means there’s always a reason to swing by the Milk Bar again — you never quite know what’s going to be in the case, & that’s half the fun.
Beyond the Scoop
The Milk Bar menu doesn’t stop at cones. Nicky’s turns that same small-batch gelato into thick, hand-spun gelato shakes, generously portioned & topped with whipped cream. There’s a vegan shake option built on coconut-cream gelato or vegan Italian ice, blended with oat milk (add strawberries — trust us). And for the 21-and-up crowd, our boozy gelato shakes & vegan boozy smoothies turn dessert into a proper cocktail-milkshake hybrid.
Add whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or sprinkles to any scoop, & you’ve got a treat that’s every bit as customizable as it is delicious.
The Perfect Excuse to Stop By
Nicky’s of Beverly has always been about more than just the food — it’s a gathering place. Grab a scoop & take it out to the patio, catch some local live music, & soak in the murals & neighborhood energy that make this spot a true South Side hub. Whether you’re stopping in after a day at the Beverly Art Walk, cooling off on a summer evening, or just looking for the best ice cream in Beverly & Morgan Park, the Milk Bar at Nicky’s is worth the trip on its own.
