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Recommended Reviews - Mario's Italian Lemonade
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Best sweet treat for the family. We go every year & never disappoints. Does not matter what flavor you get they are all worth a try. The line is long, but goes by quick. Perfect snack for the summer heat.
If you're in Little Italy during the summer, you absolutely have to stop by Mario's Lemonade! I finally decided to see if this place was actually worth the hype, and honestly... it absolutely is. I went around 10 p.m. and, of course, there was a line, but the service is incredibly fast. As soon as you order, you get your drink almost immediately. They have so many flavors, including coconut, piña colada, lemon, strawberry, chocolate, grape, and watermelon. I tried the piña colada, and it was absolutely delicious. My friend got the watermelon, and it literally had real chunks of watermelon in it! What I loved most is that the flavors taste so natural and aren't overly sweet. Everything was refreshing and flavorful without being overwhelming. Honestly, grabbing a lemonade and walking around Little Italy at night is such a perfect summer activity. The hype is definitely real.
Refreshing! That was my first reaction after tasting Mario's for the first time. I got pomegranate on top and POG (passion fruit, orange, guava) on the bottom. The POG was excellent and tasted like a beach paradise! The pomegranate was lite and had pomegranate seeds in it. I liked the POG more. The line was long, but moved quickly. The staff knows what they're doing and move like a well-oiled machine. There's no place to sit, so get what you want and take a walk around the neighborhood. Of course, I highly recommend this one place!!
Such a cute spot! Small line waited about 30 seconds lol, they are soooo fast! Took a minute till my order was ready! I got the pina colada and blue raspberry! The pina colada is amazing! Had pineapple chunks in it, I'm obsessed! I will be back to try more!
A summer must. Always. I feel like it's always busy, but even if the line is down the block, the service is pretty quick. It's always hard for me to choose one or two flavors. I want them all. I usually get lychee coconut, but watermelon, lime, and strawberry are also great flavors. A refreshing treat after eating at one of the many places around!
The POG flavor is really good! I am not crazy about the classic lemonade (bit sour/bitter for me). I came just the perfect time, no line. After few mins, people are coming and long line. It's gonna be hard to find a parking spot and people cause traffic, too.
Have not had an Italian ice in many years. Went I. A walk this morning to Mario's when they first open. Needless to say there was no line I think I was the first person there. I had a Cherry, Blue-Raspberry Combo. Just the right thing on a warm summer morning.
Always a big line, but always worth it. I love this spot in the summer! My fave is the passion fruit orange guava (pog) with the piña colada. Perfect for a summer night!
Tried this for the first time and really loved it! We went on a Tuesday after work hours, and it was surprisingly not too crowded. Line moved really fast and the staff were all great! The menu is located on the side of the shop, but it is easily accessible right before you order. Very cute spot, and I like how the exterior has handwritten text, giving it a local flare. It is a classic grab and go place. They have a variety of flavors. The Lychee flavor was so good, with bits of lychee in the dessert. I will come back to try the other flavors!
Such a cute place for summer! My favorite flavors are watermelon and lychee (together or separate doesn't matter). There isn't a "best time" to go. The lines are inconsistent. Sometimes it's super long wrapping around the corners but sometimes there are only two people in line. But the line moves pretty fast!
My first time going here! Expect a long line when you arrive but don't worry it moves fast. Their menu is written on the side of the building. You can choose up to two flavors. They serve fresh homemade Italian ice. The prices for their Italian ice a reasonable. They do accept cash and card. We ordered two mediums $6 each. Mine was blue raspberry with watermelon and my boyfriend ordered cherry with lemon. The cherry was delicious. It's a balanced amount of sour and tart with sweetness. The lemon was also very good and fresh. You could never go wrong with that classic flavor. Blueberry raspberry was very good as well. Slightly sour and sweet. The watermelon was OK it is very light in taste. There were watermelon chunks in the mixture. Along with the lemon flavor there were chunks of lemon in there. The ambience was very fast-paced you must know exactly what you want when you get there and listen out for your name. Be sure to grab some napkins and enjoy. The icy does melt pretty fast after getting it but it's so wort it. Full of flavor and worth the hype. Can't wait to go back again!
I tried to come here last year and they had closed for the season. I was bound and determined not to miss it again. The place is small shack looking bulging off of Taylor in the Little Italy neighborhood. The service is quick and the staff members were pleasant. I got the lemon mixed with watermelon. I was surprised to see that the watermelon actually had watermelon chunks and so did the lemon. My wife for cherry and it tasted just like that classic cherry flavor you would find in popsicles. This is definitely a gem and we will be back before the season ends.
The line at Mario's is always long, but it moves pretty fast! They have tons of Italian ice flavors to choose from and everything is really affordable. It's the perfect spot to stop for a sweet treat, especially after grabbing food on Taylor Street. Definitely worth waiting in line!
Reviews are largely positive. People praise the refreshing Italian ice, wide flavor variety, and friendly, fast service. The classic atmosphere is also appreciated.
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Mario's IS summertime CHI!! Had to get there before they closed for the season. This is traditional homemade Italian Ice NOT that other machine frothy sugar. This place has the most authentic flavors with REAL fruit pieces and fresh lemon. This is a seasonal spot in Little Italy thats a must try. I have been going to Mario's since forever They do accept tap now, so get those cards and phones ready. Cheap prices. Don't let the line deter you from enjoying this treat it moves really fast! read more
2 months ago
Always the best Real Fruit Friendly staff Chicago must visit - Local fave Personal faves - piña colada or peach read more
If you're from Chicago, or have lived here for any length of time, you should know about Mario's Italian Ice. It's one of those summertime destinations that just feels like part of the city. Around since 1954, Mario's has been conveniently cooling down overheated Chicagoans for a very long time. The flavors are incredible, but part of the experience is the camaraderie that comes from standing around comparing what flavors and combinations everyone decided to get. Somehow, the conversation always turns into who made the better choice. As a born and bred Chicagoan, I'm glad I've had the chance to enjoy my fair share of combinations over the years. It's simple, refreshing, and one of those places that reminds you why Chicago summers are so special. If you've never had the pleasure, you're truly missing out on one of Chicago's hidden gems. I wish I could tell you which flavor is the best, but honestly, you'd probably have an easier time winning the lottery. read more
If you're in Little Italy during the summer, you absolutely have to stop by Mario's Lemonade! I finally decided to see if this place was actually worth the hype, and honestly... it absolutely is. I went around 10 p.m. and, of course, there was a line, but the service is incredibly fast. As soon as you order, you get your drink almost immediately. They have so many flavors, including coconut, piña colada, lemon, strawberry, chocolate, grape, and watermelon. I tried the piña colada, and it was absolutely delicious. My friend got the watermelon, and it literally had real chunks of watermelon in it! What I loved most is that the flavors taste so natural and aren't overly sweet. Everything was refreshing and flavorful without being overwhelming. Honestly, grabbing a lemonade and walking around Little Italy at night is such a perfect summer activity. The hype is definitely real. read more
Refreshing! That was my first reaction after tasting Mario's for the first time. I got pomegranate on top and POG (passion fruit, orange, guava) on the bottom. The POG was excellent and tasted like a beach paradise! The pomegranate was lite and had pomegranate seeds in it. I liked the POG more. The line was long, but moved quickly. The staff knows what they're doing and move like a well-oiled machine. There's no place to sit, so get what you want and take a walk around the neighborhood. Of course, I highly recommend this one place!! read more
Such a cute spot! Small line waited about 30 seconds lol, they are soooo fast! Took a minute till my order was ready! I got the pina colada and blue raspberry! The pina colada is amazing! Had pineapple chunks in it, I'm obsessed! I will be back to try more! read more
3 months ago
A summer must. Always. I feel like it's always busy, but even if the line is down the block, the service is pretty quick. It's always hard for me to choose one or two flavors. I want them all. I usually get lychee coconut, but watermelon, lime, and strawberry are also great flavors. A refreshing treat after eating at one of the many places around! read more
The POG flavor is really good! I am not crazy about the classic lemonade (bit sour/bitter for me). I came just the perfect time, no line. After few mins, people are coming and long line. It's gonna be hard to find a parking spot and people cause traffic, too. read more
Have not had an Italian ice in many years. Went I. A walk this morning to Mario's when they first open. Needless to say there was no line I think I was the first person there. I had a Cherry, Blue-Raspberry Combo. Just the right thing on a warm summer morning. read more
2 months ago
Always a big line, but always worth it. I love this spot in the summer! My fave is the passion fruit orange guava (pog) with the piña colada. Perfect for a summer night! read more
Tried this for the first time and really loved it! We went on a Tuesday after work hours, and it was surprisingly not too crowded. Line moved really fast and the staff were all great! The menu is located on the side of the shop, but it is easily accessible right before you order. Very cute spot, and I like how the exterior has handwritten text, giving it a local flare. It is a classic grab and go place. They have a variety of flavors. The Lychee flavor was so good, with bits of lychee in the dessert. I will come back to try the other flavors! read more
Such a cute place for summer! My favorite flavors are watermelon and lychee (together or separate doesn't matter). There isn't a "best time" to go. The lines are inconsistent. Sometimes it's super long wrapping around the corners but sometimes there are only two people in line. But the line moves pretty fast! read more
My first time going here! Expect a long line when you arrive but don't worry it moves fast. Their menu is written on the side of the building. You can choose up to two flavors. They serve fresh homemade Italian ice. The prices for their Italian ice a reasonable. They do accept cash and card. We ordered two mediums $6 each. Mine was blue raspberry with watermelon and my boyfriend ordered cherry with lemon. The cherry was delicious. It's a balanced amount of sour and tart with sweetness. The lemon was also very good and fresh. You could never go wrong with that classic flavor. Blueberry raspberry was very good as well. Slightly sour and sweet. The watermelon was OK it is very light in taste. There were watermelon chunks in the mixture. Along with the lemon flavor there were chunks of lemon in there. The ambience was very fast-paced you must know exactly what you want when you get there and listen out for your name. Be sure to grab some napkins and enjoy. The icy does melt pretty fast after getting it but it's so wort it. Full of flavor and worth the hype. Can't wait to go back again! read more
I tried to come here last year and they had closed for the season. I was bound and determined not to miss it again. The place is small shack looking bulging off of Taylor in the Little Italy neighborhood. The service is quick and the staff members were pleasant. I got the lemon mixed with watermelon. I was surprised to see that the watermelon actually had watermelon chunks and so did the lemon. My wife for cherry and it tasted just like that classic cherry flavor you would find in popsicles. This is definitely a gem and we will be back before the season ends. read more
3 months ago
The line at Mario's is always long, but it moves pretty fast! They have tons of Italian ice flavors to choose from and everything is really affordable. It's the perfect spot to stop for a sweet treat, especially after grabbing food on Taylor Street. Definitely worth waiting in line! read more
3 months ago
Everyday this summer there is a line here. Everyday. Countless flavors, whichever fruit flavor you choose, they add some of that fresh fruit combo to the Italian lemonade, staff is friendly and fast under pressure. And the pricing is reasonable! I love this spot! Beautiful lighting and setting during the evenings! read more
Mario's Italian Lemonade was a highlight of my recent trip to Chicago! It's a long-standing Italian ice/slushie stand in Chicago's Little Italy. I had 2 smalls. One was mango (with mango chunks) and the other was POG (??, orange, and grapefruit). POG is one of the most popular flavors, and it was good, but mango wins with me. Staff seemed genuinely happy to be working there. read more
Forever on the Summer bucket list of places to go! The prices have gone up but the flavors remain strong. We went on the 4th of July and was surprised that there was no line! Another bonus was they accept cards now, not just cash. read more
Was walking along the area and came by Mario's Italian Lemonade, great little spot to have a sweet treat with Italian ice. I had the cherry lemonade, which was pretty decent, overall great service and grab and go type of spot. read more
12 days ago
1 month ago
Really disappointing experience. While eating my Italian ice, we found a BEE INSIDE the middle of it. We immediately went to let the employees know, not because we wanted anything in return, but because we wanted to make them aware so they could check the situation and hopefully prevent it from happening to someone with a serious allergy. Instead, the employee responded, "So what did you get by telling us that?" We explained again that we were simply trying to make them aware. She then responded, "IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME." That response was honestly shocking. Finding a bee in food is already concerning, but being told that this happens "all the time" is even more concerning, especially when food allergies can be extremely serious. We weren't looking for a refund, replacement, or anything else. We were simply trying to be helpful and alert the staff to a potential food-safety issue. The way the situation was handled was rude and dismissive, and the comment that this happens all the time made the experience even worse. I hope management takes this seriously and makes sure the staff knows how to appropriately respond when customers report something like this. read more
5 months ago
Mario's Italian Lemonade in the Chicago area had the best Italian ice we've ever tried. They have lots of flavor options, but the POG (passionfruit orange guava) was our favorite! read more
2 months ago
I love coming here for a refresher, the Italian ice is amazing and prices are good too! Staff is always friendly and very quick with handing out orders. Always my summer favorite when in the area! read more
Came here to get some Italian ice at this classic in Little Italy. It certainly has been a favorite for a long time. Mario's is a good place in hot weather. Locally owned and operated by a family. The only bad thing is the long ass lines. Basically it's an Italian ice stand and you order at a window and take it to go. It's one of the city's oldest places for this cold item. This is pretty happening when it's hot out. It's got quite a few flavors beyond the classic lemonade. You can find many interesting ones. It's about $7 for a large cup. The last time here they had Chili Lime Cucumber, which was both spicy and sweet. For sure it's a place to cool off when it gets hot. It's open seasonally. They close temporarily for winter. read more
29 days ago
1 year ago
I absolutely love Mario's Italian Ice on a hot summer day! It's the perfect cool-down treat, and there are plenty of flavors to choose from. My go-to's are watermelon and lychee, but today we went with lychee and strawberry--both were delicious and refreshing! Customer service was average. The person who took our order seemed like they were kind of over it, but nothing terrible. Just be prepared to stand in line and fight off the bees--apparently they love Mario's as much as we do! If I had one suggestion, it would be to find a way to keep the bees away from the counter. It's a little hard to place an order when you're busy swatting bugs. Still, the Italian ice is worth it. I'll definitely be back--just maybe dressed in beekeeper gear next time! read more
3 months ago
It was a Saturday evening. It was HOT outside. I craved an Italian Ice to cool.me off from the Summer heat. Upon a Google search, Mario's Italian Lemonade was the closest from the location I was in at the time. As I drove up I knew their Italian Ice had to be really good, because the line was a half block long. I had to drive around a bit to find a parking space. By the time I found a parking spot, I was able to just walk up with no wait. However, a new long line quickly formed behind me. I ordered the large Cherry and Lemon Italian Ice. It was so worth it! It was totally delicious and refreshing! read more
The best Italian lemonade in Chicago - hands down! I just can't get enough of it! Honestly my pockets are lucky that I don't live nearby cause I'd be getting this daily. The prices aren't bad either - Small $4 Medium $6 Large $7 XL $8. We finally tried the XL and it was huuuggeee - it lasted me a very long time. I think I can stick to my mediums and if I'm really wanting a big one then large will do lol. read more
Been coming here for a while and absolutely love their Italian lemonade. Especially during a hot summer. The lines maybe long at times like during the evening but it goes by so quick. The people who take your orders are so nice. There different size options like small. Medium, large, or even extra large. For the price you can't beat. There so many flavors to choose from like lychee, blue raspberry, pina colada, cherry, strawberry. It tastes so good. There's also a little park nearby you can enjoy your lemonade and kind of see the city from there. read more
Mario's Italian Lemonade is the summer treat I look forward to every year! The lines can get long, but they move surprisingly fast. I love that you can mix multiple flavors in one cup, and the pricing is really fair for the quality and portion size. The POG flavor is my favorite, refreshing and tropical. The only downside is all the bees that circle around, so you'll want to find a spot far enough away to enjoy your lemonade in peace. Despite the bee situation, it's 100% worth it and a Chicago summer staple! read more
A nice spring/summer treat. They have a variety of flavors to choose from and you can mix and match any two flavors. I went with cherry and cantaloupe. It was a cold, refreshing treat. We ate it in the walk back home. It was a perfect spring afternoon. You line up, order at the window and they call your name when it's ready. Even if the line is long they move really fast, so consider waiting. It's all grab and go, as there's no where to sit so plan to walk and eat or maybe find a park nearby to chill at. read more
My partner and I came here on a Tuesday afternoon and there were so many people there , but the line moved quickly! They have many selections of flavors but we settled for lemon and strawberry (thinking they're the most natural ones). We got a medium ($6) and we had those two flavors combined. I was pleasantly surprised to find real lemon rinds in our Italian ice! It was refreshing and not too sweet, perfect for a humid day in the city. My favorite was definitely the lemon, it wasn't too sour either! The strawberry was yummy too, but I'm always a sucker for lemon. I can see why this place is so popular! I can't wait to come back to try their other flavors. read more
1 year ago
Popular Italian Ice walk up stand located on Taylor Street. When you see the long line of people standing in front, you have arrived. There are so many delicious flavors to choose from blue raspberry, banana, cherry, watermelon, pina colada, pineapple, green apple and list of flavors goes on. I was so undecided on which flavors and size to ordered. I ended up ordering the blue raspberry mixed with cherry. What a delicious cold treat with flavor and fresh cut up fruit. The young ladies behind the stand was patience and moving along the line with grace. Prices are reasonable and nice size portions. Mario's has been around for decades and still remains the top rated Italian stand in Chicago. read more
I'm always a fan of Italian ice. You get your thirst quenched with a cold refreshing ice purée with real fruit bits that's not too sweet. Having it in Taylor street Little Italy is just quintessential! So we had the passion fruit, orange, guava - that's a lot in one - I know. Because of that it has substance with the passionfruit, but it still doesn't feel heavy and the guava is there. We like it! read more
It's still October and I'm already missing them terribly. This is my all time favorite refreshing treat. I can't imagine you could really go wrong here but my favorite is the POG. Check their Instagram for limited time flavors as they often will make something based on what's in season. The peach was another standout this year. read more
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More info about Mario's Italian Lemonade
1068 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607
University Village
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http://www.marioslemonade.com
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Ask the Community - Mario's Italian Lemonade
When will you open for the 2020 season? Considering this whole Covid situation. I'm impatiently waiting LOL Need Italian lemonade now?
Jewel etc. Luigi's Italian Ice. No need to get all anxious!!
What time does it close for fall?
Hello! We actually closed September 15th and reopen May 1st 2020. :)
Review Highlights - Mario's Italian Lemonade
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