Moved back to Wicker Park and I'll have to plead the fifth on how much Vaca Creamery had to do with my choice. What can I say, a dairy and gluten free girl only has so many dessert choices in the world! You can bring any dairy enjoyer with you and they will w joy themselves just as much. Often you are grading these kinds of products on their own curve, but Vaca creamery stands tall amongst dairy filled competition, but without the bubble guts as a result! The lines are gonna be getting longer the same it's getting out, but know it's worth it. And if you're a real one you know winter is the time to go! No lines! Yes we love ice cream in the winter :) Staff have always been kind when we stop by. My ONLY complaint and it's not a real one is that they're randomly closed on Tuesday and Wednesday so beware! Had a few heartbreaks in the past when needing some Vaca on a weekday Thank you Vaca Creamery for giving us dairy and gluten free folk our dessert dignity back! Love ya mean it read more

This is just what I was craving! Yummm! A little pricey, but well worth it for an occasional treat! read more

A fun little mental experiment I do when enjoying vegan food: "If they didn't tell me, would I know?" When it comes to Vaca's, I'd have noticed that the texture is slightly different than usual, but wouldn't have anything resembling an "aha!" moment. It did melt a little faster than I would expect, but that might be my nature of running hot as a furnace! I ordered a Candy Bar Sundae, with the seasonal, Apple Pie flavor. The Apple Pie soft-serve was flavorful, with noticeable and distinct sweet and savory apple pie flavors. The sundae additions of salted caramel sauce, a chocolate shell, and peanuts worked well together and gave it the essence of a candy bar. However, I cannot say the sundae blew me away, simply a solid product that I wouldn't be against recommending to a vegan friend, but also wouldn't shout from the rooftops. Then there is the matter of cost: if I had gotten only the soft-serve, it would run me $6.25. However, adding some peanuts and a little sauce bumps the price up to $10? This seems like a substantial jump in price for not a very substantial change in product. This location is window service only, without any indoor or outdoor benches. Even trash requires finding a nearby can or dumpster. The service was polite and friendly, though it took just a smidge longer than I would have expected for ice cream that comes out of a machine. Final verdict: While Vaca's is decidedly "good," as someone who isn't vegan, was a little less than impressed, and questions the value proposition, I don't think a return visit is in the cards. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Was craving something sweet during our trip in Chicago. I found this yummy vegan and all gluten free creamery and certainly was not disappointed. The service was excellent the person who we ordered from gave us a few minutes to make up our mind. It was so hard! I wanted it all. I ordered a strawberry shortcake sundae with vanilla. It was scrumptious. The shortbread crumble made my gluten free heart so happy paired with the strawberry sauce and yummy vanilla cream. My husband got the candy bar sundae which he really loved as well. The ambiance is chill here you order at the window. Definitely recommend this spot! They have something for everyone and you wouldn't even be able to tell it was vegan or gluten free. It was stupendous! read more

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Named vaca but serves zero dairy ? Call yourself "oats creamery " instead. $21 for two tasteless soft serve. I'll stick to the brown cow in forest park that actually serves dairy ice cream lol similar price waayyy better ice cream read more

Vaca's Creamery is such a great vegan ice creamery! The flavor leans into oat, but in a very tasty way, I tried their classic vanilla cone and it was absolutely delicious simple. The concept is great, though I think they could showcase it even more. Right now, the place is mostly for pickup, and the flavors are just listed in the window. I noticed they also offer coupons for current clients, which is a nice touch. With how good the ice cream is, it would be amazing if they made the experience a little more engaging. read more

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Vegan cream is not a thing! Just call it ice cream! You're all lying to yourselves to make yourself feel better about eating ice cream. Also stop double parking on Blackhawk. read more

This unassuming creamery could easily be missed, if not for the line of customers waiting to place their orders. Once you reach the front, you place your order at the walk-up window. The staff are helpful and willing to answer any questions. I ordered the swirl cone, and it was interesting, to say the least. You can certainly tell it is vegan, which isn't a bad thing, but the flavors don't really taste like chocolate or vanilla. Their prices are also exorbitant for a walk-up window. Be ready to spend some moo-la for these non-dairy treats. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Swirl Cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Vegan, 100%. It's great, a little watery, even for vegan ice cream but overall good. I got the dipped vanilla soft serve with sprinkles. My child got a Cookie Monster sundae, it was not blue although it is not advertised to be. It took like 10 minutes to get my order and there was no one in front of me. But it was around 4pm on a Tuesday. There was a line after we left. This is a window store, there is no seating or inside to order. Definitely recommend if you want to try something new. It's good. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Chocolate dipped - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

-Cute neighborhood ice cream spot -Pros it's vegan ice cream but it did not taste anywhere near other vegan ice creams I've had. Maybe we order for their strengths (got the strawberry shortcake and a chocolate vanilla twist cone) -Expensive, service was slow, and no where to sit inside read more

Vaca's Creamery - Strawberry shortcake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Dairy free milkshakes? Yes please! I got the cookies and cream milkshake. Not the best option if you don't want to eventually finish your shake with a spoon. But that's on me. The flavor of this was incredible! Would gladly return. This is a walk-up window, so keep that in mind if you decide you want ice cream when it's below freezing outside. read more

We finally made it here to try their ice cream! We're in the area for the apple fest, we got the apple cider donut cake sundae! It's absolutely delicious, not too sweet!! And the cake pieces were a plus!! They have good selection to choose from!! Too many options, can't decide which one to try!! You can also just get the soft serve by itself! They are all vegan, don't need to worry about lactose intolerance!! Definitely go try their ice cream next time when you're in Lincoln square! read more

Vaca's Creamery - Menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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You definitely can't tell it's vegan, though this wasn't as good as I feel like it's hyped to be. The soft serve flavors were chocolate, vanilla, swirl, or sweet corn. Neither was that great - I decided to build my own sundae with a swirl base, peanut butter sauce, not m&ms, and cookie dough. The cookie dough was the best part but even in a large size it didn't come with many pieces. My mom's molten chocolate sundae was tastier with the warm cake at the bottom. Everything was really pricey too - for 2 sundaes and 1 kids cup, it came out to a little over $30. Glad I tried but would venture elsewhere for my next sweet treat. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Swirl with peanut butter butter sauce, cookie dough, and not m&ms - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I mean, for one, these sundaes are beautiful - the Sundaes here are so delicious and have such fun flavors. I got the Cookie Monster Sundae and knowing that they HOMEMADE all of the "Oreos" and cookie dough is incredible. there is so much care and attention that goes into this product! - although it is absolutely delicious I would say you can tell soemthing is off... not enough to guess it is vegan and gluten-free.... but by something being off I mean, you noticed that the ice cream is a little bit icier than normal ice cream or that the cookie dough is grainer than normal cookie dough. - my dining companion got the Affogato, which they slurp down in about three bites. I only told them it was vegan after they ate it and they had no idea! - I know I acknowledged how much attention and care goes into crafting all of these products but the prices are a little bit of a jump scare. it was like $30 for our three ice creams. however, after reading online that they only source fair grade chocolate, and verify all their ingredients and pay their workers a living wage ... I get it. there was only one worker in the window and she seemed pretty stressed out despite there not being that much of a line. maybe she's new though. there is no seating sadly read more

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This is a cute little ice cream shop serving up vegan soft serve from a takeout window in a residential neighborhood. This is a good option if you are looking for a vegan creamery but just keep in mind that the taste of the soft serve is a little different than traditional soft serve/ice cream. This is a take out window and there is no indoor or outdoor seating so most people were either eating in their cars, outside on the sidewalk, or taking the desserts back to their homes. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ambiance - cannot physically go in, can only order and pickup through their window, need to wait outside so dress warm (in winter) Service - Kevin took our order and he was pretty funny, got my order within 10 min Food - cookies and cream milkshake was super yummy (cookies were super crunchy) read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So delicious! I visited two days in a row! I had the same order. Vanilla soft serve in a cone with chocolate dip and cake pieces. The cakes pieces are a must! The portions are hefty. I sampled the blueberry lavender on my second visit; amazing read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is amazingly good. No wonder there is usually a line! Now I love my regular ice cream, don't need any Vegas or non dairy stuff, but this you can't even tell, it's just as good! And the portions are huge. A kids cup is all I get cuz they load it with the biggest and best toppings, I mean full sized brownie bites and I usually get the chocolate shell! So good!!!!!!! read more

My favorite spot for Vegan ice cream in the whole Chicago area! They have interesting rotating flavors but I usually go with the classes twist of Chocolate and vanilla with toasted marshmallows! Words don't do justice to this place, you have to experience it yourself! During the summer we find ourselves here every other weekend (if not every weekend). Love the service and the pup cups :) read more

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I return again and again and again. Never thought dairy-free ice cream could be so addicting read more

Vaca's Creamery - Orange flavor - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Adore Vaca's, and truly a creamy ice cream for being vegan! I prefer it to many non vegan options! I am usually drawn in by the craving for a hard chocolate shell, so candy bar is my favorite choice! The chocolate and miso caramel are remarkable! I enjoy following for their specials, though, too! Highly recommend to satisfy a soft serve craving! read more

Vaca's Creamery - Candy bar with swirl soft serve - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yum! I was skeptical on how good vegan soft serve could be, but was pleasantly surprised! Creamy and delicious but you can still tell it's vegan haha. Solid flavors and fun topping options. There is only a take out window and no indoor or outdoor seating so be prepared for that. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's definitely vegan ice cream...not sure how else to describe it. Feels like the closest you can get to ice cream using oat milk and and not actual ice cream. It's a bit of a denser texture I think is how I'd describe it and the oat milk stats with a lot of sugar. The toppings really help and make it a lot better. We got the regular size and it was more than enough for my wife and I to split it and still have leftovers, which I'd hop so given the whopping price of $10. I'd rather stick with ice cream, but if you can't, this was still good. read more

Vaca's Creamery - choco lover - toppings made the oat milk ice cream better - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Would probably give a 3.5 realistically but we'll round up. Walk up window with fairly quick service even on a busy weekend. It's sort of dropped in the middle of a lot of houses/apartments, so would love a place to sit with the icecream but understand the constraints of the space / a walk up! Taste is definitely different from usual icecream (more tart than sweet almost and not as flavorful in my opinion) and the texture is a bit watery. A bit pricey, though I appreciate they compensate their workers fairly and recognize that also likely impacts pricing. A good option if you're looking for dairy free / vegan options specifically, but otherwise, I'd probably pick another place personally. read more

I was afraid to try this place based on some reviews. My recommendation, go see for yourself! 10/10! I took my non-vegan niece here in the freezing cold & they did not disappoint. It's a very straight forward walk up window. You can also look inside and watch them make your ice cream which, may have looked creepy but I appreciated. Now let's get to the good stuff... The ice cream was ice cream. Idk what these other reviewers are used to but finding vegan soft serve is not easy. Especially not with so many options to add personality! I got a basic vanilla waffle cone with the "chocolate shell". I've been vegan more than 10 years and never seen this option !!! For the people calling it overpriced...all vegan restaurants are overpriced. To me, WORTH IT! I'd go again for sure. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Waffle cone, vanilla, chocolate shell - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing! We got the strawberry shortcake sundae and the death by chocolate sundae. Both were incredibly delicious! The death by chocolate's chocolate shell on the ice cream was so good that it brought tears to my eyes. Other vegan soft serve just does not compete with Vaca's Creamery! We have been coming here for a few years and have always had great experiences. Kind staff, fast service, and amazing vegan ice cream. What more could you ask for? A+ read more

Vaca's Creamery - Strawberry Shortcake Sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I don't think you understand, I'm obsessed. Vaca's Creamery is exactly what I think about when I crave ice cream. Known for their all vegan menu, and delicious soft serve, Vaca's is, in my opinion, the very best vegan ice cream in Chicago. They have a few different locations but I especially like this one because it's a walk up, order and go, and saves you the time of ordering and waiting in line. Because their ice cream is so good, you will probably end up waiting just a few minutes to order, but the warm weather cancels it out when you visit in the Spring/Summer. My favorite are their custom soft serve flavors. I've tried the s'mores which is vanilla soft serve topped with chocolate and roasted marshmallows which is delicioussss. My new favorite is the one I tried today: peanut butter cookie dough. The name tells you all you need to know. I truly don't think I can be disappointed by this place. I can't wait to keep coming back in the Summer!! read more

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Great spot for vegan desserts. Loved the options for toppings. We went late so they ran out of vegan pastries, but I do need to visit the larger store where they said they have more pastries available. I mentioned I was intolerant to oat milk so they carefully double checked the ingredients for my choice of pina colada sorbet and also the waffle. Oh yea, this is really the best vegan waffle cone I ever had !! I do wish they had a non oat milk version of the soft serves (but that's just me, I am probably an exception); I noticed the texture was amazing and my family liked what they got :) read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this place! I've always seen friends make stops here for dessert and I finally got the chance to give it a try. They serve vegan ice cream and it tastes sooo good - it reminds me of frozen yogurt! I got vanilla with sprinkles in the regular size. I think next time i'll get the kids size because that one is also huge! Service was friendly and quick - they've been doing window walk-up only. There is also street parking around the area. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a little pricey but it's DAIRY FREE so it's a win in my book. Great location right in the heart of the neighborhood, and it's well worth the line. There's usually always a wait when the weather is nice, but I haven't had to wait too long once my order is placed. Highly recommend the peanut butter cup with cookie dough topping. It literally can't be beat! read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've heard so many things about Vaca and I was so excited to try it. I'm sad I missed some seasonal items, so definitely check their seasonal sundaes! We started eating it immediately even though it was 30F out. It was so rich and creamy that I forgot it was even vegan. (But not overwhelmingly sweet!) I love the different textures they have in the sundae and it really adds to the experience of the ice cream. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Strawberry - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Finally made it to Vaca's Creamery! I've been wanting to go for years and I can honestly say, it exceeded all of my (already high) expectations. I got the Apple Cider Donut special in a waffle cone (with vanilla soft-serve) & my mom got the cheezecake soft serve with strawberry topping. The tiny little window had a big long line, though service was exceptional and wait time was still relatively short. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Cheezecake softserve with strawberry topping & apple cider donut special with vanilla soft serve in a waffle cone - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was very impressed by Vaca's. It's a rare treat for someone who is allergic to milk can have a treat like this. Mine was the Inner Child, on the right. It contained vanilla and chocolate swirl soft serve covered with strawberry sauce, confetti cookie dough (gluten-free) and sprinkles. This is the closest approximation of an ice cream sundae I've ever had. I also had the chance to started the swirl with a peanut butter coating. It was also delicious! I must have driven the server crazy asking what was and wasn't gluten-free. It's amazing what some bakers can do without wheat flower. read more

Vaca's Creamery - The "Inner Child" on the right and a swirl with peanut butter coating on the left. It's both vegan and gluten-free. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

10/10 the best vegan ice cream that I have ever had! It didn't taste weird or fake. It was soooo creamy and delicious. Wicker Park has a walk up window and Lincoln Square has an indoor shop. They have monthly specials so I went with the September Apple Cider Donut which did not disappoint. They have pup cups too so don't forget to bring your furry friends. We will be back asap. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Apple cider donut with vanilla soft serve - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I got the brazil special sundae and I would come again. I didn't do much research before coming and didn't realize it was 2-3 flavors but it was definitely worth it. They knew what they were doing. Not that this place does not have seating and is more of a walk by window. Service is pretty quick and they are super friendly. Would come back again! read more

Vaca's Creamery - brazil special - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You can't even tell it's vegan. This is some of the best ice cream I've ever had. They are literally my next-door neighbor, and they can have all my money! I love coming outside and seeing a line wrap around the building because this place deserves it. read more

This is a super cute walk up vegan ice cream window. The line can sometimes get long on hot summer nights, but it usually moves fast. There is no outdoor seating available. The menu is expansive, ranging from soft serve to milkshakes to handshakes to sundaes to drinks and pastries. I got a Large Candy Bar Sundae ($11.95)--which contains miso caramel, peanuts, and a chocolate shell--to share amongst 3 people. Sharing a large amongst 2-3 people would be sufficient. It's noticeably less creamy, lighter, and slightly less sweet than regular ice cream, but really solid and among the best for a vegan / dairy-free option. I liked the chocolate shell, but it was a little too soft and broke too easily. The peanuts added a nice crunch to it. The main drawback for me is the price-- $10.45 for a regular and $11.95 for a large (all pre-taxes) is pretty steep. Nonetheless, I'm curious to try the other flavors, toppings, and offerings here in the future. -- Price (relative to peers): 4/5 Food: 4/5 Ambience: N/A Service: 5/5 Overall Value: 4/5 read more

Vaca's Creamery - candy bar sundae - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love vaca, I go every month to try their new flavors. The ice cream is rich and creamy, and is not just enjoyed by vegans .The April flavor, cherry blossom matcha was not only seasonal but delicious as well. The staff that work there are sooo nice, they give big samples, and are always kind, even if there was the grumpiest meanest person there, they would still have to excellent service. Vaca's Creamery is one of the best ice cream places in the world, the universe even. I would give it a million stars if I could. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Vaca's Cherry Blossom Matcha ice cream. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is fully vegan and gluten free so that is a wonderful niche! However in terms of quality and price I found it to be lacking. I got the handshake which is described as a blizzard but it is just a small amount of topping on the bottom and then topping on top but it is not mixed throughout as a blizzard would be. I was also super disappointed because I asked about the biscow topping and it was described as their homemade Bischoff cookie crumble but it is nothing like that at all. If I was going to describe it I would say it is hard and flavorless and then sometimes very intense with cinnamon flavor. Closer to a coffee cake crumble done poorly in terms of texture and inconsistency in the flavor. The soft serve also melts incredibly fast. While I think it is great they have higher prices so staff are paid fairly and don't rely on tips I can't justify spending over $10 after tax for a "blizzard" that I am incredibly dissatisfied with. There is also no indoor seating at this location but they have a second location up north where there is seating and more space. read more

Vaca's Creamery - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Their employees weren't too friendly and they weren't real willing to help you decide they had no recommendations for their products