Excellent argentine-style ice cream. I recommend the Dulce de Leche flavor. The service is really good!! :)
(5)
Cora P.
This place is amazing! They make everything by hand, so the product is delicious and fresh. Highly recommended!
(5)
Kathy M.
Totally delicious. The dulce de leche was wonderful. This was the best "ice cream" I've ever had. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jackie G.
The best!! So glad they opened one on Dempster. I've always gotten their gelato at the farmers market or on Simpson. But this is an awesome location with more flavors. Definitely check it out.
(5)
Chris D.
Wonderful gelato. They were super patient with my kids (5 tastes before a decision!). The sambyon was amazing.
(5)
Caitlin B.
Frio Gelato is amazing! I'm so happy they opened a storefront closer to my house than their production facility in northwest Evanston. I frequently walk here with my husband on summer evenings, and regardless of the time, there's always a line out the door, and very happy customers hanging out, enjoying their treats. And for good reason- every flavor I've tried here has been delicious, and there are a lot to choose from. The service is consistently friendly, and they are happy to let you sample flavors before you commit. My favorite flavors so far are the chocolate chip with caramel and the coconut. My husband loves the strawberry. Note that they do not allow tree nuts to accommodate for allergies. This makes me a little sad, since hazelnut gelato is typically my fave, but I recognize that this policy is meant to be inclusive and there are lots of flavors to choose from!
(5)
Kimberly A.
Is this the best gelato I've ever had?...nope. But it tries. Good selection but nothing really noteworthy or stand out for me. I'm a sucker for anything coconut, and their coconut was top notch with little flecks of real coconut in it. The mango sorbet was ok. Too much sorbet, not enough mango flavor (if that makes any sense). I got a small cup and they can put two flavors in one cup of you ask. They guy working behind the counter was very nice. Allowed my friends and I to sample almost half of their selections before choosing. For any Filipinos out there, their Sambayón tastes just like the yellow custard part of Brazo de Mercedes...if you like that. Reasonably priced with enough bench seating to accommodate everyone.
(3)
Jessica C.
I want to give this a better rating, but I just can't. It's entirely possible that I just don't LIKE gelato compared to frozen yogurt or ice cream, but I also think I just don't like this place? Let me clarify: First of all, we went in and two teens were working there. I have no problem with that. But, the one kid was driving me nutsy. Here's the conversation (he's in quotes) "what size do you want". I don't know yet. "Ok, but what size." I don't know. I'm here with my friend (and I pointed) and I don't know what we want. "Fine, but you can sample after you pay. I need to know what size you want." FINE GIVE ME A SECOND (I didn't actually say that, I just turned on my heel and walked away). As I was walking off: "You can try the flavors later after you pay." Seriously!? Ok, so we got two cones (God forbid we try flavors first). I had the chocolate chip with a caramel swirl and plain chocolate. The chip has no "real" chips. They might as well have put shredded black plastic in it and call it chips. I also tasted no swirl. The chocolate was good - I'll even give it 4 stars. For gelato, that is...remember, gelato isn't ice cream, there are no eggs, so it's not as creamy and custardy. As a result, although the color and texture always looks cool, it just doesn't match up... My friend liked hers. I guess I'd go back and maybe try the ices, but I'm really not inclined to try it, and I'm sure as heck not getting sucked into "chips" again.
(2)
Angela S.
I knew the moment I tried the Dulce de Leche (milk caramel) gelato I would fall in love with this place. Sometimes it's the simple things in life, but in this case the flavors were deliciously rich and complex and the standout caramel bite took me back to a time of being a kid at Halloween making taffy apples. The pineapple sorbet really packed a light punch of flavor and was a lovely contrast to the rich gelato. This would be great way to cool down on a warm summer day. Portion sizes are generous here. They really fill the cups, and the truth is a medium was almost too large for me, but I loved it so much I would have been sad with a small - ha! My medium cup was $4.50 and worth every penny. Next time I hope to complement my order with some Caffee Sacco brand coffee. Note: They have a small case of tempting mini wrapped pies and gelato sandwich cookies. There are no tables in the shop and bench seating inside around the perimeter. I'm fine with this, and it gives the shop a nice clean airy feel. If you're a mom with a stroller, it's easy to get in and out. However, I think it's important to take note if you're planning to stop in and looking to catch a table in the window, you won't find it. Small, independent, Argentinian family-owned, and a great example of a business that has a great product and has grown from its farmers market days. Cheers on the second location in the Dempster/Chicago corridor! So cute and worth the stop.
(4)
Alison Y.
This place is so so so amazing! I love the variety of unique flavors as well as some traditional ones. I never knew Argentinians made gelato but I guess they do and it is as good as the Italian gelatos I've had! Definitely come in and try a couple flavors! I had the dulce de lece with chocolate chip and vanilla with caramel and chocolate chip. The gelato was light but really creamy and with great flavor. This is the best thing about eating gelato - it doesn't make you feel heavy and dense like after eating ice cream! Their small is $3.50 and you can choose two flavors or just have one good portion of your favorite!
(5)
Gillian C.
Oh man. I studied abroad in Argentina in college, and have never found gelato that good until moving here. And I can't believe it's in Evanston! The serving sizes are European, so you won't be getting a gigantic banana split concoction. It's the perfect amount of gelato to enjoy, and they serve it with a small spoon which makes it last longer. You can also order an "alfalato" which is an alfajor (traditional argentinian cookie sandwich with caramel in the middle) with gelato in the middle, like a twist on the ice cream sandwich. The dulce de leche granizado is the absolute best flavor (granizado just means there are tiny pieces of chocolate in it, but not chips; these are very small flakes that give the gelato texture and melt in your mouth.) Plain dulce de leche is equally amazing, and the raspberry and cream flavor is also excellent. I've had avocado, coffee, and sambayon (custard) as well. I love avocado in desserts, but that one wasn't my favorite. I probably won't order these flavors again because the others are so yummy.
(5)
Ashley H.
This is an amazing place for dessert! The owners are wonderful, and the hours are great! The flavored are true and fresh. They even have lactose free sorbets. Love, love, love!
(5)
Josh A.
This review is about the service, as I have to admit the gelato is excellent. I walked in and asked for two medium cups of gelato to go. The guy proceeded to tell me that they do not have lids for the cups, and will put the medium cup in a larger container "this time but will never do it for me again"...um, ok. He scooped a medium cup of gelato and then got the larger container to hold it. He took the medium cup, TURNED IT UPSIDE DOWN, and dropped it into the container and put a lid on. I stood in shock for a second and asked "Why did you do that?" He said "I figured it'd be easier for you to eat". I had to stick my hand into a container with upside down gelato all over the inside and turn it right side up. I actually looked around to see if I was on a hidden camera show because there was no way I figured this was really happening. As good as the gelato is, there is no way a place can survive who treat their customers with such distain, all because they are pissed off about being asked for something to go.
(1)
Angela C.
The Dulce de Leche and Cafe con Leche gelato were great, with strong caramel and coffee flavors, respectively. The peach sorbert was so-so; the fruit flavor was barely there. These three flavors were given to me in unequal amounts in my cup. The server loaded up on the first flavor, added less of the second, and even less of the third. Frio staff need to improve how they portion the gelato/sorberts. Coffee and tea are also sold here. The interior is nicely decorated, and in terms of seating there are long benches available, but no tables. Prices were reasonable, something like $3.50 for small, $4.50 for medium, $5.50 for large. Credit cards are accepted. There is street parking available.
(4)
Dana F.
Great, great gelato! The flavors are varied and it's quick and efficient. I love coconut, banana, and another flavor with wine and egg custard which name fails my mind right now. So good! Oh, and the best part is that you can put two flavors in the smallest cup! it's a perfect thing for someone like me, who likes variety!
(5)
Shahna R.
As we rolled out of our Sea Ranch AYCE Sushi lunch discussing how full we were, we spotted Frio Gelato. When did that place move in?!? And why haven't we been there yet? Four small cups later, we were really really full and quite happy. Collectively, the family tried 6 sorbets (chocolate/berry, pineapple/mango and limon/peach) and 2 gelatos (egg custard/banana). The gelatos were all fresh and delicious with pineapple and limon as the front runners. The chocolate/berry combo (ordered by my 7 year old lactose intolerant son) was surprisingly delicious and much more gelato-like than the other sorbets, almost savory. My husband loved his gelato combo and was happy not to share. Service was excellent - the young man behind the counter was polite, patient and knowledgeable about the product. The shop is immaculately clean and designed simplistically- as it should be. There are a few nice benches to sit and chat while you enjoy your treat. Frio Gelato is a welcome addition to the Dempster Street corridor.
(5)
Boris B.
This is the second location they opened and it's a thing of beauty. Subtle tones of their light blue walls, makes the place quite comfy. It's crucial to have a Gelato place in mind as the summer approaches. On those hot days that will be arriving soon , you need an emergency plan, a getaway from high temperatures. Frio gelato offers "shelter" to people in need of high quality gelato made from scratch. The first time I had their Sambayon gelato was last summer in the Farmers Market of Evanston. It's one of those memories that I keep, like a memory of the first time I heard The Beatles. A true gem stand with capabilities of transporting you for an instant to a gelato parlor in Buenos Aires. I have been a fan since. I have tried almost all of their flavors, and they have been so spot on that I need to define them with PERFECTION. I'm writing this with true honesty and with some seniority under my belt. I am proud to have visited almost all ice cream, and coffee places around Chicago. So I feel confident to say this is one of the best Gelato places around. And yes they do offer coffee, and serious Argentine pastries in the new location! 5 BRIGHT STARS!
(5)
James M.
My wife and I are fans of Frio's Simpson Street location, as we found it serendipitously on a walk around our neighborhood. Other than referral, that's the only way to find it--it's in the middle of nowhere, commercially, a hidden gem. But Frio has joined the big ice cream boys by opening a new storefront on Dempster, which has been in desperate need of a scoop shop ever since the venerable 31 Flavors up and died. The best gelato in town. In a primo location. With way more flavors than their Simpson Street outlet could manage. It can't miss. That's not enough for five stars, though. We interacted with three staff members, all of whom treated us warmly--not plasticky at all, but like a real mom-&-pop operation. Pro tip: before entering, get a flat white from the Starbucks across the street. Take a bite of gelato, then chase it with the coffee. BLISS!
(5)
David W.
Excellent gelato - who knew there was such a thing as Argentinean frosty. If they have it the banana split is great!
(5)
Andy C.
Yum!! the manager is so friendly! a hidden gem
(5)
Horace L.
Clean, great service, excellent selection. Not all of their flavors are a homerun, but taste a few and I'm sure you'll find something to get quickly.
(4)
John S.
I have mixed feelings about this place. The storefront is really very nice, the location is convenient, and the gelato is absolutely delicious, with original, fresh tasting flavors. The first time I went there was great; the people behind the counter were friendly, and everybody got a pretty large serving of gelato. However, yesterday I stopped by the store to pick up a 1/4 kilo container and the guy left the entire bottom half of the container empty; $9.50 for a quarter kilo is an OK deal, but for an eighth of a kilo I felt pretty dissatisfied.
(3)
Chrysa C.
The gelato is EXCELLENT and very fresh. You can't go wrong with any flavor, but their dulce de leche is unbelievable.
Victoria D.
Excellent argentine-style ice cream. I recommend the Dulce de Leche flavor. The service is really good!! :)
(5)Cora P.
This place is amazing! They make everything by hand, so the product is delicious and fresh. Highly recommended!
(5)Kathy M.
Totally delicious. The dulce de leche was wonderful. This was the best "ice cream" I've ever had. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Jackie G.
The best!! So glad they opened one on Dempster. I've always gotten their gelato at the farmers market or on Simpson. But this is an awesome location with more flavors. Definitely check it out.
(5)Chris D.
Wonderful gelato. They were super patient with my kids (5 tastes before a decision!). The sambyon was amazing.
(5)Caitlin B.
Frio Gelato is amazing! I'm so happy they opened a storefront closer to my house than their production facility in northwest Evanston. I frequently walk here with my husband on summer evenings, and regardless of the time, there's always a line out the door, and very happy customers hanging out, enjoying their treats. And for good reason- every flavor I've tried here has been delicious, and there are a lot to choose from. The service is consistently friendly, and they are happy to let you sample flavors before you commit. My favorite flavors so far are the chocolate chip with caramel and the coconut. My husband loves the strawberry. Note that they do not allow tree nuts to accommodate for allergies. This makes me a little sad, since hazelnut gelato is typically my fave, but I recognize that this policy is meant to be inclusive and there are lots of flavors to choose from!
(5)Kimberly A.
Is this the best gelato I've ever had?...nope. But it tries. Good selection but nothing really noteworthy or stand out for me. I'm a sucker for anything coconut, and their coconut was top notch with little flecks of real coconut in it. The mango sorbet was ok. Too much sorbet, not enough mango flavor (if that makes any sense). I got a small cup and they can put two flavors in one cup of you ask. They guy working behind the counter was very nice. Allowed my friends and I to sample almost half of their selections before choosing. For any Filipinos out there, their Sambayón tastes just like the yellow custard part of Brazo de Mercedes...if you like that. Reasonably priced with enough bench seating to accommodate everyone.
(3)Jessica C.
I want to give this a better rating, but I just can't. It's entirely possible that I just don't LIKE gelato compared to frozen yogurt or ice cream, but I also think I just don't like this place? Let me clarify: First of all, we went in and two teens were working there. I have no problem with that. But, the one kid was driving me nutsy. Here's the conversation (he's in quotes) "what size do you want". I don't know yet. "Ok, but what size." I don't know. I'm here with my friend (and I pointed) and I don't know what we want. "Fine, but you can sample after you pay. I need to know what size you want." FINE GIVE ME A SECOND (I didn't actually say that, I just turned on my heel and walked away). As I was walking off: "You can try the flavors later after you pay." Seriously!? Ok, so we got two cones (God forbid we try flavors first). I had the chocolate chip with a caramel swirl and plain chocolate. The chip has no "real" chips. They might as well have put shredded black plastic in it and call it chips. I also tasted no swirl. The chocolate was good - I'll even give it 4 stars. For gelato, that is...remember, gelato isn't ice cream, there are no eggs, so it's not as creamy and custardy. As a result, although the color and texture always looks cool, it just doesn't match up... My friend liked hers. I guess I'd go back and maybe try the ices, but I'm really not inclined to try it, and I'm sure as heck not getting sucked into "chips" again.
(2)Angela S.
I knew the moment I tried the Dulce de Leche (milk caramel) gelato I would fall in love with this place. Sometimes it's the simple things in life, but in this case the flavors were deliciously rich and complex and the standout caramel bite took me back to a time of being a kid at Halloween making taffy apples. The pineapple sorbet really packed a light punch of flavor and was a lovely contrast to the rich gelato. This would be great way to cool down on a warm summer day. Portion sizes are generous here. They really fill the cups, and the truth is a medium was almost too large for me, but I loved it so much I would have been sad with a small - ha! My medium cup was $4.50 and worth every penny. Next time I hope to complement my order with some Caffee Sacco brand coffee. Note: They have a small case of tempting mini wrapped pies and gelato sandwich cookies. There are no tables in the shop and bench seating inside around the perimeter. I'm fine with this, and it gives the shop a nice clean airy feel. If you're a mom with a stroller, it's easy to get in and out. However, I think it's important to take note if you're planning to stop in and looking to catch a table in the window, you won't find it. Small, independent, Argentinian family-owned, and a great example of a business that has a great product and has grown from its farmers market days. Cheers on the second location in the Dempster/Chicago corridor! So cute and worth the stop.
(4)Alison Y.
This place is so so so amazing! I love the variety of unique flavors as well as some traditional ones. I never knew Argentinians made gelato but I guess they do and it is as good as the Italian gelatos I've had! Definitely come in and try a couple flavors! I had the dulce de lece with chocolate chip and vanilla with caramel and chocolate chip. The gelato was light but really creamy and with great flavor. This is the best thing about eating gelato - it doesn't make you feel heavy and dense like after eating ice cream! Their small is $3.50 and you can choose two flavors or just have one good portion of your favorite!
(5)Gillian C.
Oh man. I studied abroad in Argentina in college, and have never found gelato that good until moving here. And I can't believe it's in Evanston! The serving sizes are European, so you won't be getting a gigantic banana split concoction. It's the perfect amount of gelato to enjoy, and they serve it with a small spoon which makes it last longer. You can also order an "alfalato" which is an alfajor (traditional argentinian cookie sandwich with caramel in the middle) with gelato in the middle, like a twist on the ice cream sandwich. The dulce de leche granizado is the absolute best flavor (granizado just means there are tiny pieces of chocolate in it, but not chips; these are very small flakes that give the gelato texture and melt in your mouth.) Plain dulce de leche is equally amazing, and the raspberry and cream flavor is also excellent. I've had avocado, coffee, and sambayon (custard) as well. I love avocado in desserts, but that one wasn't my favorite. I probably won't order these flavors again because the others are so yummy.
(5)Ashley H.
This is an amazing place for dessert! The owners are wonderful, and the hours are great! The flavored are true and fresh. They even have lactose free sorbets. Love, love, love!
(5)Josh A.
This review is about the service, as I have to admit the gelato is excellent. I walked in and asked for two medium cups of gelato to go. The guy proceeded to tell me that they do not have lids for the cups, and will put the medium cup in a larger container "this time but will never do it for me again"...um, ok. He scooped a medium cup of gelato and then got the larger container to hold it. He took the medium cup, TURNED IT UPSIDE DOWN, and dropped it into the container and put a lid on. I stood in shock for a second and asked "Why did you do that?" He said "I figured it'd be easier for you to eat". I had to stick my hand into a container with upside down gelato all over the inside and turn it right side up. I actually looked around to see if I was on a hidden camera show because there was no way I figured this was really happening. As good as the gelato is, there is no way a place can survive who treat their customers with such distain, all because they are pissed off about being asked for something to go.
(1)Angela C.
The Dulce de Leche and Cafe con Leche gelato were great, with strong caramel and coffee flavors, respectively. The peach sorbert was so-so; the fruit flavor was barely there. These three flavors were given to me in unequal amounts in my cup. The server loaded up on the first flavor, added less of the second, and even less of the third. Frio staff need to improve how they portion the gelato/sorberts. Coffee and tea are also sold here. The interior is nicely decorated, and in terms of seating there are long benches available, but no tables. Prices were reasonable, something like $3.50 for small, $4.50 for medium, $5.50 for large. Credit cards are accepted. There is street parking available.
(4)Dana F.
Great, great gelato! The flavors are varied and it's quick and efficient. I love coconut, banana, and another flavor with wine and egg custard which name fails my mind right now. So good! Oh, and the best part is that you can put two flavors in the smallest cup! it's a perfect thing for someone like me, who likes variety!
(5)Shahna R.
As we rolled out of our Sea Ranch AYCE Sushi lunch discussing how full we were, we spotted Frio Gelato. When did that place move in?!? And why haven't we been there yet? Four small cups later, we were really really full and quite happy. Collectively, the family tried 6 sorbets (chocolate/berry, pineapple/mango and limon/peach) and 2 gelatos (egg custard/banana). The gelatos were all fresh and delicious with pineapple and limon as the front runners. The chocolate/berry combo (ordered by my 7 year old lactose intolerant son) was surprisingly delicious and much more gelato-like than the other sorbets, almost savory. My husband loved his gelato combo and was happy not to share. Service was excellent - the young man behind the counter was polite, patient and knowledgeable about the product. The shop is immaculately clean and designed simplistically- as it should be. There are a few nice benches to sit and chat while you enjoy your treat. Frio Gelato is a welcome addition to the Dempster Street corridor.
(5)Boris B.
This is the second location they opened and it's a thing of beauty. Subtle tones of their light blue walls, makes the place quite comfy. It's crucial to have a Gelato place in mind as the summer approaches. On those hot days that will be arriving soon , you need an emergency plan, a getaway from high temperatures. Frio gelato offers "shelter" to people in need of high quality gelato made from scratch. The first time I had their Sambayon gelato was last summer in the Farmers Market of Evanston. It's one of those memories that I keep, like a memory of the first time I heard The Beatles. A true gem stand with capabilities of transporting you for an instant to a gelato parlor in Buenos Aires. I have been a fan since. I have tried almost all of their flavors, and they have been so spot on that I need to define them with PERFECTION. I'm writing this with true honesty and with some seniority under my belt. I am proud to have visited almost all ice cream, and coffee places around Chicago. So I feel confident to say this is one of the best Gelato places around. And yes they do offer coffee, and serious Argentine pastries in the new location! 5 BRIGHT STARS!
(5)James M.
My wife and I are fans of Frio's Simpson Street location, as we found it serendipitously on a walk around our neighborhood. Other than referral, that's the only way to find it--it's in the middle of nowhere, commercially, a hidden gem. But Frio has joined the big ice cream boys by opening a new storefront on Dempster, which has been in desperate need of a scoop shop ever since the venerable 31 Flavors up and died. The best gelato in town. In a primo location. With way more flavors than their Simpson Street outlet could manage. It can't miss. That's not enough for five stars, though. We interacted with three staff members, all of whom treated us warmly--not plasticky at all, but like a real mom-&-pop operation. Pro tip: before entering, get a flat white from the Starbucks across the street. Take a bite of gelato, then chase it with the coffee. BLISS!
(5)David W.
Excellent gelato - who knew there was such a thing as Argentinean frosty. If they have it the banana split is great!
(5)Andy C.
Yum!! the manager is so friendly! a hidden gem
(5)Horace L.
Clean, great service, excellent selection. Not all of their flavors are a homerun, but taste a few and I'm sure you'll find something to get quickly.
(4)John S.
I have mixed feelings about this place. The storefront is really very nice, the location is convenient, and the gelato is absolutely delicious, with original, fresh tasting flavors. The first time I went there was great; the people behind the counter were friendly, and everybody got a pretty large serving of gelato. However, yesterday I stopped by the store to pick up a 1/4 kilo container and the guy left the entire bottom half of the container empty; $9.50 for a quarter kilo is an OK deal, but for an eighth of a kilo I felt pretty dissatisfied.
(3)Chrysa C.
The gelato is EXCELLENT and very fresh. You can't go wrong with any flavor, but their dulce de leche is unbelievable.
(5)