Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

- 400 N Michigan Ave Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611

For anyone in Illinois with a serious sweet tooth, a visit to the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop in Chicago is a quintessential experience. While Ghirardelli chocolates are a well-known brand you can find in stores, the Chicago location offers a special and unique experience that you won’t get anywhere else in the Midwest. This iconic shop combines the rich history of the Ghirardelli brand with a vibrant, modern atmosphere, creating a destination that is part chocolate store, part ice cream parlor, and part historical tribute. The moment you step inside, you're enveloped in the rich aroma of pure chocolate and fresh waffle cones, a scent that is a prelude to the indulgent treats to come. The shop is a haven for those who love decadent desserts, with a menu featuring classic favorites like their "World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae" made with fresh, handmade hot fudge. Beyond the sundaes, they offer a variety of other delights, including shakes, floats, malts, and rich hot chocolate. For those just looking for chocolate, the shop has a full retail section with an extensive selection of Ghirardelli's famous chocolate squares, bars, and beautifully arranged gifts. The entire experience feels like a celebration of chocolate, from the high-quality ingredients to the expertly crafted sundaes. Whether you're looking for a quick treat or a leisurely indulgence, the Ghirardelli shop provides a fantastic dessert experience for locals and visitors alike, solidifying its status as a top destination in Chicago.

The Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop is perfectly situated at 400 N Michigan Ave, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611, placing it right on the city's famous Magnificent Mile. Its prime location next to the Wrigley Building provides not only an easy-to-find landmark but also a historic and visually stunning backdrop. A major highlight of this location is the amazing view it offers. The shop is located on the river, providing guests with breathtaking views of the Chicago River from its second-floor seating area. This scenic setting adds a memorable layer to the dining experience, making it a popular spot for both a treat and a photo opportunity. For accessibility, the shop features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the treats and amenities comfortably. The multi-level layout of the shop is also a unique feature, with the main chocolate retail area on the lower level and the ice cream and fountain treats available upstairs. This setup helps manage the flow of customers and creates a distinct experience on each floor. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for anyone shopping on Michigan Avenue, sightseeing, or just exploring the downtown area. The accessibility and stunning views combine to make the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop not just a place to eat but a true Chicago experience.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop offers a variety of services to enhance your experience, whether you want to dine in or grab a quick treat to go. The key services available are:

• Onsite services: You can enjoy your dessert right in the shop, either at a table inside or on the outdoor patio, with stunning views of the river. This is the best way to experience a classic Ghirardelli sundae.
• Dine-in: The shop provides seating, allowing you to relax and enjoy your dessert in the vibrant atmosphere.
• Takeout: For those on the go, takeout is a convenient option. You can order any of their fountain treats and take them with you as you continue to explore the city.
• In-store pickup: This is a great option for customers who want to place an order ahead of time for a box of chocolates or gifts and quickly pick it up at their convenience.
• Accepts various payment methods: To ensure a smooth transaction, the shop accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing flexibility at checkout.

These services demonstrate the business’s dedication to a customer-friendly experience. The combination of easy in-person dining with the convenience of takeout and modern payment methods ensures that every visit is hassle-free and enjoyable, regardless of how you prefer to indulge in your treats.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a premier destination for dessert lovers in Illinois. Among these are:

• High-Quality Desserts: The shop is renowned for its "great dessert" options. The ice cream is consistently praised as "high quality" and the hot fudge is described as being "handmade fresh daily," a key component that makes their sundaes exceptional.
• Unique Hot Fudge Sundaes: A major highlight is the classic "old fashioned Sunday," with customers raving that you "really can’t go wrong with anything here." The sundaes, with their fresh toppings and rich Ghirardelli chocolate, are a unique and delicious treat.
• Iconic Location and Views: The shop's location on the Chicago River with "amazing views" is a significant draw. It offers a memorable backdrop for enjoying your dessert and is a perfect spot for photos.
• Wide Variety of Products: In addition to ice cream, the shop offers a full retail section with Ghirardelli chocolates, mugs, and other souvenirs, making it a great place to pick up gifts.
• Clean and Accessible Amenities: The presence of a clean, wheelchair accessible restroom is a convenient and important feature for customers.

These features, from the top-notch product quality to the stunning location, are what make the Ghirardelli shop more than just a place to get dessert; it's a destination. The unique combination of high-quality ice cream and chocolate, along with the beautiful scenery, creates an experience that is both indulgent and memorable.

You can find Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at their physical location and contact them by phone. The details are as follows:

Address: 400 N Michigan Ave Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Phone: (312) 923-0168

The clear address makes it easy for GPS navigation, and the phone number is a direct line for any inquiries. The shop's location on the Magnificent Mile is well-known and easy to find, and the provided contact information ensures that both locals and visitors can easily connect with the business for any questions about hours, services, or products.

For Illinois residents, choosing to visit the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop in Chicago is an excellent decision for several compelling reasons. While the brand is nationally recognized, this particular location offers a unique, elevated experience that you can't get anywhere else in the Midwest. The quality of the products is consistently praised; the ice cream is noted as "high quality" and the hot fudge is made fresh, ensuring that every sundae is a decadent and truly satisfying treat. The combination of their exceptional chocolate ice cream with fresh toppings creates a "real old fashioned Sunday" that is hard to beat. Beyond the food, the shop’s location is a huge draw. Being situated on the Chicago River with "amazing views" elevates a simple dessert into a memorable outing, perfect for a special date or a family trip. The convenient services, including takeout and dine-in options, along with a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom, make the experience hassle-free and comfortable for all. It's a place where you can grab a quick treat or sit down and relax while taking in the beautiful scenery. The shop also sells souvenirs and gifts, allowing you to bring a piece of the Chicago experience home with you. By choosing Ghirardelli, you are not just buying a chocolate bar or a scoop of ice cream; you are indulging in a high-quality dessert and a unique Chicago landmark experience that celebrates a legacy of delicious chocolate making.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

400 N Michigan Ave Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611, USA