Ice cream shop in Chicago: Freezing Point at 3127 N Ashland Ave
Overview of Freezing Point
Freezing Point is an ice cream shop located at 3127 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA. This small storefront specializes in hand rolled ice cream, bubble tea, and a wide variety of fruit and protein smoothies. The shop is ideal for families with children, couples looking for a casual treat, and anyone seeking freshly prepared, visually appealing desserts. For visitors searching for an ice cream shop in Chicago or the best ice cream in Chicago, Freezing Point stands out for its live preparation and generous portions.
What Freezing Point offers
Freezing Point centers its offer on made-to-order rolled ice cream prepared on a frozen steel surface in front of customers. Flavors mentioned frequently by visitors include Oreo Nutella, Krazy Coffee, Royal Blueberry, strawberry cake, and Chocolate Trio. In addition to rolled ice cream, the shop serves bubble tea, fruit smoothies, and protein smoothies, often made with real fruit and organic dairy. The menu suits those looking for a quick treat after errands, a family outing, or a special dessert experience.
For those who want to plan ahead, it is possible to book ice cream in Chicago in the sense of arranging a visit at a preferred time by checking typical slow hours; many customers find that weekday afternoons or early evenings are less crowded. Visitors curious about cost can look into prices for smoothies in Chicago and compare portion sizes—several reviews highlight generous servings and fair value. Shoppers seeking special offers may search for deals on ice cream in Chicago around seasonal promotions.
Menu and specialties
Freezing Point’s menu emphasizes freshly mixed, hand rolled ice cream with a choice of mix-ins and additional toppings. Typical visits involve selecting a base (cream or dairy-free options), choosing mix-ins like cookies, Nutella, fresh fruit, or espresso, and watching the staff spread, scrape, and roll the mixture into bite-sized cylinders. Popular specialties include:
- Oreo Nutella rolled ice cream — a mix of cookies and rich chocolate-hazelnut spread.
- Krazy Coffee — a coffee-forward rolled ice cream for lovers of bold flavors.
- Royal Blueberry — a fruit-forward option that reviewers called “royally delicious.”
- Strawberry cake and Chocolate Trio — frequently praised as signature favorites.
Beyond ice cream, Freezing Point offers bubble tea with tapioca pearls and a selection of fruit smoothies, including strawberry banana and real mango smoothies. The shop also lists protein smoothies as an option for those seeking a more substantial, post-workout treat.
Customer experience
Based on customer feedback, the in-store experience at Freezing Point is lively and engaging. Visitors consistently enjoy watching the hand rolling process; children and adults find the preparation entertaining and part of the attraction. The storefront is described as nicely decorated, clean, and cozy, with a few indoor tables and a couple of outdoor chairs—suitable for small groups or parents supervising kids.
Service is repeatedly highlighted as friendly and attentive. Multiple reviews mention a personable staff and an owner who engages with customers, occasionally going the extra mile to accommodate a request. Portions are often described as generous and the presentation impressive, which many customers feel justifies the price. Several visitors specifically note the use of organic dairy in the ice cream and the fresh fruit used in smoothies.
On the constructive side, a few customers found some bubble tea flavors too sweet or the tapioca texture less than ideal. One reviewer witnessed a negative interaction between other patrons and a young employee; while this does not reflect routine service, it indicates that peak times can be stressful for staff. Another customer arrived when the shop was closed on a Tuesday and later received kind service from the owner who prepared a smoothie despite the closure. Overall, positives greatly outweigh isolated negatives.
Practical tips for visitors
Freezing Point is a compact neighborhood destination, so planning can improve the visit. Because the shop can be decently busy on weekends and quiet afternoons still see steady traffic, families and groups may prefer weekday visits or earlier in the afternoon to avoid lines. Those drawn to the live preparation should allow a few extra minutes—hand rolling takes time and is part of the experience, but staff typically move orders along efficiently.
Visitors seeking specific flavors might find it helpful to ask what mix-ins are available on the day of the visit. Kids enjoy choosing flavors and watching the process, so the location is family-friendly. For people prioritizing seating or a larger group, bringing a small blanket or choosing outdoor seating is a practical choice since indoor space is limited. The shop’s offerings also make it a solid pick for post-workout smoothies or a casual dessert stop after a neighborhood stroll.
Summary of opinions
- Excellent quality: Many guests praise the hand rolled ice cream and presentation, calling it among the top ice cream shops in Chicago for flavor and freshness.
- Friendly service: Visitors regularly note attentive staff and an engaged owner who ensures a pleasant visit.
- Generous portions and fair prices: Several reviews highlight large servings and good value, especially for smoothies made with real fruit.
- Neutral — bubble tea variability: Some customers find the bubble tea too sweet or the tapioca texture lacking, suggesting mixed quality across bubble tea flavors.
- Neutral — small space and occasional lines: The shop’s compact size means seating is limited and there can be brief waits during busier times, though orders progress quickly.
Frequently asked questions and how to choose an ice cream shop in Chicago
What should visitors expect when looking for an ice cream shop in Chicago like Freezing Point? Visitors can expect hand rolled ice cream prepared in front of them, a selection of mix-ins and toppings, and additional options such as bubble tea and fruit smoothies. For those searching for the best ice cream in Chicago, Freezing Point often appears in recommendations for fresh, visually striking rolled ice cream.
How much do items typically cost and are there prices for smoothies in Chicago worth noting? Reviews point to reasonable pricing given the presentation and portion sizes; smoothies are described as generous and made with real fruit. Customers who want to compare value can look up local ice cream shop in Chicago menus or ask staff about portion sizes when ordering.
Is Freezing Point a good ice cream shop for families in Chicago? Yes; multiple reviews mention children enjoying the live preparation and the friendly staff. For family visits, consider off-peak times to secure seating and reduce wait times. If someone is searching for an ice cream shop near 3127 N Ashland Ave or a nearby dessert stop, Freezing Point is a practical neighborhood choice.
Are there alternatives for those seeking drinks like bubble tea or smoothies? Freezing Point offers bubble tea and fruit smoothies, and visitors sometimes compare it to other bubble tea in Chicago locations. While many find the smoothies outstanding and the bubble tea decent, some reviews note variability—if bubble tea quality is a priority, customers may look for the best bubble tea in Chicago reviews before deciding.
Do customers need to reserve or plan ahead? For a casual visit to an ice cream shop in Chicago, reservations are typically unnecessary; however, those who wish to avoid queues can choose off-peak hours or plan weekday visits. Shoppers looking for deals on ice cream in Chicago or special offers should check seasonal promotions or ask staff about current specials when they arrive.
How does Freezing Point compare for specialty offerings like protein or organic options? Reviews emphasize real fruit in smoothies and the use of organic dairy in some ice cream bases, making it a good choice for customers who value ingredient quality. For specific needs, guests may inquire in person about protein smoothies or dairy alternatives to ensure the desired option is available.