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Such a yummy ice cream spot. Also they are able to make cute shape animals with your ice cream. Love that the ice cream isn't overly sweet.
Came in before closing and the staff was patient and very quick with our order. The interior was cute and clean. They have homemade specialty flavors with the cutest animals faces. Everything we tried was amazing. Prices were very reasonable too!
The ice cream was delicious, and the cute animals made it even better! The staff was friendly and helpful.
Guys this place is so adorbs!! This was one of my first saved dessert places in Chicago purely for the fact that I LOVE cute things. The cuter, the better!! Step aside clean modern aesthetics! I want my future house to have pastel furniture and pastel exteriors and cutesy tootsy everything. I had the mint chocolate stracciatella ice cream, and you have the option to make your scoop into an animal, ranging from koala, monkey, pig, and unicorn to capybara. I'm OBSESSED with capybaras, owing tribute to the song on tiktok "Capybaraaaaa! Capybara capybara capybara capybara. Capybaraaaaaa! Capybara capybara capybara." (You get it I'll stop now). The ice cream scoop was SO generous, and it was refreshing. The capybara design was so incredibly adorable, so aptly designed. We were one of the first customers at 1pm on a Saturday, so there was no wait time and the staff were very friendly! There is a bathroom in here, and they let you try flavors before buying!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The only thing I post on Instagram with any regularity is my cat. All those ice cream cones that look like various animals? Cute, no doubt, and same for the names of flavors. However, I eat for enjoyment of food, not likes on social media. After sampling the 'You Pecan Do It,' 'I got Ube,' and a "Miso Mon Cherie," The ube has mild ube flavors, and the Miso Mon Cherie was spectacularly chocolatey, seemingly having very dark chocolate. I opted for the pecan flavor, not because there was anything wrong with the others, simply that's where my mood was. I got the smallest size, with a cone on top, for 'ice cream hands' is only fun on TV. ' In a word, I found the ice cream underwhelming. The pecan pieces were too small to make a notable impact, and the ice cream itself lacked that creamy, luscious goodness that makes ice cream so great. Not that it was bad per se, but not very enjoyable. The same thing goes for the macaron. I asked to be surprised, and I think I was given a raspberry, but am unsure. What I can tell you is this once lacked the textures that makes macaron fantastic, without the necessary contrast of textures. In terms of value, I felt that ~$4 for the smaller size is reasonable. On that note, I want to point out that while their menu seems simple, it can bring some confusion. A single scoop can be done in the style of an animal without additional cost, but 'piggybacking' does cost extra? What is 'piggybacking' anyway? As I said, confusing. The vibe inside is clean and modern, however, I feel they have plenty of unused space that could be taken up by more tables (though, to be fair, it was not very busy that night). Final verdict: The product at Eli's Ark decidedly did not hit the spot. In a situation where I find myself preferring ice cream from the grocer's (store brand, to boot), a return visit is not in the cards.
Eli's ark is peak cuteness! This little gelato shop has lots of flavors to choose from. My favorites are "I got ube" and "mango tango". The ube flavor is probably my favorite ube desert in the city, they have to be using some high quality ube in their mix. The mango is also super fresh tasting. The service is always great with my gelato served up with a smile. The decor is simple yet inviting. A perfect spot for the family.
I love the cute animal gelato! You get to pick your size and then your animal. You have the option of a cup or cone and I like there are many different sizes to choose from. It's nice to have the option of a small size that actually is a small portion! Sometimes ice cream spots serve massive portions and I don't want that commitment if I'm already full from dinner. The price for the small portion was also really reasonable. They also let you sample their flavors and they have lots of unique options. The ones I tried were fruity and more subtle in flavor which was nice, so not too sweet. I ended up getting their mint chocolate ice cream in the form of a cute capybara! So cute and perfect small size in a cup.
Cute animal ice cream! The staff is very friendly. Nice place to chat and catch up with friends over a little sweet treat. Each cone has a good amount of ice cream. They have some fun ice cream flavors. Kids would love this place.
Some good tasting gelato! I love the variety of flavors, and the animals are cute too. I would definitely come back and recommend this place.
I've had this place bookmarked for so long now and finally made my way over which I am questioning why it took me so long. This is hands down the cutest ice cream spot in town. I love that no matter which flavor you get, you can pick your little animal. It's so tempting to stack so many flavors but I limited myself to 1. I got the Ube gelato which I personally think is the best Ube icecream/gelato that I've ever had. The flavor was so prominent and it was so creamy. You can also get your ice cream in a cup if you don't want a cone. I'm already thinking about which animal to get next!
Cutest dessert spot ever! I got the pig-shaped soft serve with the Pretty in Pink flavor (yakult + strawberry + rose) -- so refreshing and unique. My friend's koala soft serve was just as adorable. They also offer 4 non-dairy flavors and are super accommodating about it, which I really appreciated. Fun vibe, great service, and desserts that are as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy.
If, like me, you have been craving animal shaped gelato your whole life, boy do I have the place for you. Eli's Ark. This place is so stinking cute. A variety of unique flavors and designs. Well priced, nothing crazy. I got the ube, and my friend (vegan) got the vegan chocolate. Lots of vegan choices! They were very nice and did such a perfect job making our animal gelatos. I will be sure to come back and bring friends!
Capybara icecream was sooooo adorable! They have tons of animals to choose from and a lot of pretty unique icecream flavors as well. My go to is the ube for sure:)
6 years ago
The end of the night line takes a bit with covid, I But it's so worth it when you're holding these cuties ! They're delicious - great adorable animal faces gelatos! I got mint & strawberry- super smooth/ crisp & very flavorful taste - will definitely be back! read more
I found Eli's Ark on a TikTok post from a chicago page. I haven't spent almost any time out of the house or trying new things due to the pandemic, but was so excited to try Eli's that I planned a little date day for my boyfriend and I (first date since March!) There was a surprisingly long line outside but everyone was in masks. There were staff at the door keeping occupancy to 10 or less, with appropriate distancing in the indoor line, no indoor seating, and masks required. I was impressed and grateful. You can order from 5 different animals for your cone or cup, and the list of flavors was broad and unique! I got a unicorn cone with a white chocolate and berry gelato and my boyfriend got a bear cup with a rocky road type flavor. Both were beautiful and so tasty! I can't wait to come back here. read more
4 years ago
Super cute idea for ice cream cones. Definitely IG worthy and a great spot to take the kids! I'd say the only downfall is that they don't allow you to sample the ice cream before committing to a flavor. Was hesitant to try some flavors they had because I didn't want to get it and then hate it. Other than that super cute and fun spot! read more
6 years ago
5 years ago
Originally from the Chicagoland area, I had already moved to Colorado (I moved to CO in January of 2014) when I first heard of this place + we were constantly trying to come here when we were in the area. It is seasonal, so it wasn't always open when we were visiting. Finally though, we were in town for a long weekend and made it a point to visit. I was between 3 + 4 stars because the gelato really wasn't that good. Don't get me wrong- it is SO freakin cute.. but it is definitely more "for the gram" than anything. The flavors are also super creative, and the staff was kind and helpful. I am pretty into gelato though and I really just expected it to be like.. phenomenal.. especially seeing the unique flavors. I got fig + vanilla.. and my partner got birthday cake.. and something else.. hash tag mom brain The fig was overly sweet and tasted like they had used dried figs in it, instead of something that would have made more sense like fresh figs or maybe even a fig jam swirl.. and the vanilla was kind of fake tasting and pretty underwhelming, also. Maybe we had built it up too much over the years, but all I really got from this place was some super cute pictures. Not sure if we would ever go back again.. but I seriously LOVE the whole concept. Hopefully, if we do go back.. they will have up'ed their delicious gelato game. This place would be truly unstoppable if the gelato was better. read more
4 years ago
Absolutely love this place! Fantastic atmosphere with a super friendly staff that create works of art that not only look good but taste delicious! read more
4 years ago
These are simply the cutest ice cream cones! The draw is the unique flavors, but mostly the adorable animal faces they make. My teen had us make a stop after taking her crew out to dinner in the city. The girls all loved it! Great for us that many flavors and faces are gluten free. At $5.60 a cone it's not inexpensive, but on par I'd say with other shops. Note that seating is scarce so you may end up standing and no public bathrooms. read more
4 years ago
It appears people like this place, I don't know why they aren't giving out samples. That was a turn off and the flavors seemed limited. I passed on buying anything as a result, but my friend got the kids size panda in a cup, she liked it. I did get to "taste" it and it was okay. read more
4 years ago
This place was so cute. Fun and curious gelato flavors. There are standard and seasonal animals that the friendly staff can dress your scoops as using elements made from cookie, candy, and marshmallow. We will definitely be back! read more
6 years ago
It was such a cute little ice cream shop. The employees are definitely creative and so nice. There was no wait when I went during the weekday and no rush as well. This place is definitely soooo worth it! read more
4 years ago
Great smooth gelato. Some people might be disappointed with the ube expecting it to be sweeter, but it's spot on because ube isn't suppose to be that sweet. In fact, one of the compliments Asians give to dessert is "oh this is good, it's not too sweet". The animals are a delight. Very fun for kids and adults alike read more
Alright, I have to admit that I was baited by this place because of how cute the little ice cream animals were that kept popping up everywhere on social media. I dragged my friends to go with me and we each got different animal-shaped scoops of ice cream of which I took many photos furiously. My friends and I got a pig, koala, and panda. While they were adorable, the gelato flavors all tasted...a bit like what you would get at a grocery store. In the end, you really are visiting this place just to snap a cute picture of a very overpriced cone. While I'm glad I finally checked this place off of my list, I most definitely will not be back. Whenever I'm in the Wicker Park area, I will be heading straight to Jeni's for some bomb ice cream. read more
THE cutest gelato shop in all of chicago! Located in Wicker Park, Eli's serves up super tasty gelato, and you can select your very own gelato animals. Pictured you'll see a koala (vanilla sky), little piggy (razzmatazzy), puppy (mounds of joy), unicorn (you pecan do it). There's paid street parking, and a few spots to sit and enjoy your gelato. Other than that, it's a pretty come and go type place. read more
In today's edition of reviewing optical illusions, we look into the phenomenon of Instagram versus real life. Here is a place that is highly publicized for the cute pictures, but we're here to find out today is it really any damn good; and is it worth the price of admission, $7-$9 per cone? Eli's Ark is on a bustling strip of North Ave in Wicker Park, which is another sad sign of gentrification in where white people come and displace black and brown communities at a low cost and then drive the price of the area sky high, I digress. Here you will find very, very different gelato flavors. Some way to adventurous for my pallet but definitely worth a shot. There seem to be lots of Asian inspired flavors, and there are lots of vegan options. Because I am a black unicorn and unique in so many other ways, I did something different. Something I was told no one has done thus far. I ordered a Koala-Corn, yep a mix of a Koala and a Unicorn. My gelato flavor was Kookie Monster (panna cotta cream, Oreos, Italian chocolate, biscoff, and nhankatai cookies). The horn was white chocolate; I loved the little mascarpone dollop on top that was the hair. I didn't like that the cone was a standard prem-made sugar cone and not a real waffle cone. The ears for the koala bear tasted fresh but were a different consistency as far as thickness for what I'm used to from a waffle cone or bowl. Eli's Ark also sells macarons and other small fancy type desserts. I didn't try any of them, but they look nice; you'll have to try those on your own. The gelato was just OK; I've definitely had better. Personally, I wouldn't just make the trip here to get a scoop of this, coming here is merely for the cute factor. The hype factor is high (10), yet the actual goodness level, mediocre (5). read more
4 years ago
So cute!!! The staff were so sweet and lively. My friend and I got the strawberry and ube ice cream and it was so creamy and good. You can pick any flavor and then pick an animal for them to make! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
It's great ice cream that's almost too cute to eat. Key word being almost. It's a bit of a wait but I'd definitely say it's worth visiting at least once. read more
I had been seeing animal shaped ice creams pop up all over my Instagram feed and just had to come here to see what the hype is all about. This place is located in the Wicker Park area. It's small, but the perfect size for an ice cream shop. I came here on a Sunday with my boyfriend and the place was extremely crowded, however, the line was moving fast and the service was efficient and extremely friendly. They have tons of different and unique ice cream flavors and you have the option to get a single, double or triple scoop. Prices are moderate and if you want your ice cream cone in a shape of an adorable animal, I believe it's only an extra 0.50$. They also offer vegan and gluten free ice cream flavors. I had the green tea matcha flavored ice cream and had it shaped like a panda and my boyfriend had the Nutella ice cream and had it shaped like a koala. Both flavors were delicious and creamy. It was such an adorable and fun experience and the pictures were definitely Instagram worthy! A must visit! read more
5 years ago
This place is more about the experience than the gelato. They make real cute animal figures with gelato making it a fun experience. For the gelato taste in itself, I had the pistachio gelato and the fig gelato. The fig: Four stars. Tasted really good. Would have it again The pistachio: Zero stars. Don't know what that was, but it was not pistachio Over all, still worth the visit for the experience and the fig! read more
4 years ago
This place is adorable! There were a lot of flavors to choose from including many non-traditional flavors. They are very inclusive for people with allergies. The family in line ahead of us had a child with a severe sounding nut allergy, the staff changed gloves and scoops before serving her and were very knowledgeable on allergens period. When we ordered the first thing we were asked was if we had any allergies/intolerances and then again when I said to surprise me with whatever animal face they wanted to put on the ice cream to make sure I wasn't getting any problematic ingredients. I would highly recommend this place for anyone with a food allergy. read more
I love this place! Not only are the ice cream flavors delicious and unique, but they shape them into the cutest animals. I've come here twice, and if I lived any closer to Wicker Park, I'd probably be coming a lot more. You kind of have to time your visit for a less busy time, otherwise the line is out the door. Will definitely come here again next time I'm in the area! read more
An absolute delight this ice cream parlor is! Eli's Ark features a series of unique seasonal ice cream flavors such as cannoli, Thai coffee, and ménage à trois. The best part of it all is requesting to customize each scope into cute animals! Get the biblical reference? Noah's Ark and his animals he brings across the parting flood? Anyway, my personal favorite requests are the koala and panda. They have the cutest craftsmanship. read more
3 years ago
Really cute place. Perfect place for a cute lil date idea. You can grab a bus to the zoo to watch the animals, then catch a bus here to eat the animals you saw in the form of ice cream. All flavours had were great with the uber flavor (pig format) as the clear stand out. I could probably eat here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If I could I would order 55 pigs, 55 bears, 55 dogs, 100 unicorns. The macaroons are also tasty and interesting flavours (matcha, fruity pebs, birthday cake). Highly recommended. Would go, and am going, again! read more
7 years ago
Eli's Ark was the highlight of my trip to Chicago! Located in the heart of Wicker Park, you can enjoy many great locally owned retail shops of the clothing, skincare, and trinket varieties. Eat at some homey, foodie lovin restaurants, and then come to Eli's Ark for dessert. My little cousins brought this gelato shop to my attention as they knew I was visiting from out of town. It was my last stop before the airport and left a lasting impression on me. The various gelato flavors are playful and unique. I ordered a piggybacked double scoop ($7.50) with kookie monster as the first/bottom scoop in the shape of a koala. And then topped it off with pretty in pink and requested that be a unicorn. Came out looking so cute! They use edible ingredients to bring these characters to life and the execution is great. Not only did they look ready for Instagram, it also tasted amazing. If it wasn't across the country, I would go back tomorrow. read more
Eli's Ark gets 5-stars for taste, 5-stars for service, and 10-stars for cuteness!! This is the perfect spot to take your date, your kids, your third cousin, your future mother-in-law... it's guaranteed to impress. We went at around 1:30pm on Saturday after brunch at etta across the street and earlier, a 5 hour drive from Columbus. There was a small line but we didn't wait longer than 5 minutes to order. We took our time trying the gelato flavors but they never got impatient with us even as a queue started forming behind us. I tried the strawberry yakult one and the cotton candy - both were incredible but I chose the yakult just for the pink and the Korean zing. It literally tasted like frozen yakult. Incredible. The partner-in-crime ordered the tiramisu which was perfect for someone who wasn't looking for something as sweet as cotton candy as it had a very smooth espresso taste. The animal faces were , of course, the ultimate highlight of the entire trip to Chicago. We regretted not getting the pig because it was TOO ADORABLE, but were so happy with our panda and koala. I was grumpy and tired but it totally lifted my spirits. It was even better that the assembly barely took a minute since I was expecting a Starbucks-like wait. If you're wondering if it's worth the trip or a wait in line - it absolutely is. It's aesthetic. It's cute. It's yummy. It's local. It's worth it! read more
4 years ago
Lavender Doggie & Madagascar Pig!! Super delish and fun!! We were grabbing a lite bite down the street and saw some people walk past with animal ice cream. We had to go!! Loved it!! read more
For the price of $3.85 before tax for a kiddie cup ice cream, it is fairly reasonable. For $3.85 you can make your kids happy with the cute lil animal deco on the sweets! What can you ask more?! The parking is not as easy and definitely worth a try if you are around the area read more
4 years ago
So cute and so delicious, such a fun treat will be returning it's about 5$ for one scoop and $7 for two if you're thinking about going but definitely worth the experience. The worker was friendly and helped answer any questions we had. read more
7 years ago
It's sweet, simple, and scrumptious. What more can a girl ask for? It's cute, creative, and colorful who wouldn't smile seeing it? Is it a little pricey for an ice cream perhaps, but I guess experience comes with a price sometimes. read more
7 years ago
4 years ago
We found a little slice of heaven at Eli's Ark today. We tried the raspberry sorbet, pecan, & cotton candy gelato. The toppings were amazing and was so surprise to see the yummy macaroons...we couldn't resist. Perfect dessert to end the evening. We will definitely be back and can't wait to try the other flavors. read more
2 years ago
Honestly, the gelato was great. LOVED the kookie monster - it was one of the best gelatos I've had. The orange dark chocolate really hit the spot as well & all of the cute toppings made it really fun. Definitely not cheap but if you think about it, you would have paid extra for toppings at any other ice cream or gelato shops. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something unique & fun. read more
5 years ago
Cutest ice cream ive ever tasted!! It's fun and kids love it!! Well, adults love it too! I picked the bear on a waffle cone! The line was pretty long but it gave me time to decide! read more
We checked out this place after dinner and it was the perfect treat! The staff were incredibly helpful in helping us choose our flavors. I had the Mounds of Joy and went with the panda. My friend went with the Kookie Monster in the piggy style. I enjoyed the gluten free and dairy free options that were available! One thing I would recommend is extra seating as it does get busy. All in all, I would definitely recommend checking out this dessert shop for its unique turn on ice cream! read more
6 years ago
Really tasty + really cute! The service was friendly and helpful, and the ice cream tastes as great as it look :) A little pricer than a normal ice cream cone but when have you ever seen a cone like this?? Would recommend as a sweet treat for two read more
More info about Eli's Ark
1843 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Wicker Park, West Town
Directions
(773) 687-9072
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Just hope you're lucky! We actually just had someone stay in the car, parked somewhere that wasn't a spot while we ran in really quick because there was no close street parking
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