Some summer traditions never really change, and a trip to the custard stand is one of them. Across Illinois, families keep returning to the same walk-up windows and drive-thrus their parents and grandparents loved.
Frozen custard is thicker and richer than regular ice cream, and these stands have spent years perfecting it. From a 1949 burger-and-custard original in Decatur to a Sesser stand with a Lady Liberty cone out front, here are seven spots that deserve a place on your next family outing.
1. Jarling’s Custard Cup, Champaign, IL
Ask anyone who went to school in Champaign-Urbana where they celebrated a good grade, and Kirby Avenue comes up fast. Jarling’s Custard Cup has been scooping housemade frozen desserts here for decades.
The menu covers cups, cones, sundaes, shakes, and floats. The real fun is in the mix-ins and toppings, which come in a long lineup that makes building your own treat half the entertainment.
The retro look adds to the charm, and picnic tables give families a spot to settle in. Prefer to stay in the car?
A drive-thru keeps things easy.
Hours run from noon to 10 PM most days, with an extra hour on Friday and Saturday nights. Weekend evenings get busy, so a weeknight visit is the calmer choice.
I would save this one for a post-game treat with the kids.
2. Bobby’s Frozen Custard, Maryville, IL
Summer nights in Maryville come with a soundtrack. Bobby’s Frozen Custard is known for live music and car meets, which turns a simple cone run into a small community event.
This seasonal window-serve stand sticks to what it does well: frozen custard cones, sundaes, and shakes. Butter pecan is a favorite, and the Sandy’s Dandy is a signature worth trying at least once.
Service moves quickly, even when the line stretches out on weekend evenings. Outdoor tables and a drive-through give you options.
Dogs are welcome outside, so the family pup can tag along. Hours generally run from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, with later closings on Fridays and Saturdays during the season.
3. Krekel’s Custard, Decatur, IL
Back in 1949, Decatur got a burger-and-custard habit it never shook. Krekel’s has been part of local life ever since, and the East Wood Street location sits in the original Krekel’s building.
Custard shares the spotlight here with crispy-edged cheeseburgers, chili, fries, and handmade milkshakes. The double cheeseburger has a loyal following, and the cheese fries come out fresh and hot.
Prices stay friendly, typically between $1 and $10 per person. That makes it an easy lunch for a whole family without much planning.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, 10:30 AM to 8 PM, and the shop is closed Sundays. There are no restrooms on site, so plan accordingly with little ones.
4. Greg’s Frozen Custard, Mundelein, IL
A space-age look on Lake Street hints that Greg’s isn’t trying to be fancy. It is a straightforward walk-up stand, and that simplicity has made it a long-lasting Mundelein landmark.
The vanilla custard is the baseline everything else gets measured against. A daily special flavor keeps regulars checking back, and the sundae and shake list runs deep.
Two menu standouts are the Turtle Sundae and the classic Banana Split. Either one is a solid pick for a first visit.
Greg’s has earned national attention too, landing on a list of the top frozen custard stands in the country. Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM, with 10 PM closings on Friday and Saturday.
Note that there are no restrooms or indoor seating.
5. Ollie’s Frozen Custard, Sycamore, IL
Indecisive eaters, consider yourselves warned. Ollie’s offers hundreds of mix-in and topping combinations, so choosing might take longer than eating.
This hometown stand in Sycamore focuses on smooth, thick custard with a wide variety of sundaes and rotating daily flavors. Homemade waffle cones are a big part of the appeal.
Lines can form on Friday and Saturday evenings. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter if you want a faster visit.
Ollie’s is open every day from 1 to 9 PM, with a drive-through and free parking. Dogs are allowed outside, which makes it an easy add-on to an evening walk.
6. The Custard Stand, Sesser, IL
Look for Lady Liberty holding an ice cream cone. That landmark marks The Custard Stand in Sesser, a small southern Illinois town where this stop is part of the routine.
The stand is also horse friendly, which is not something you hear about many dessert shops. Dogs are welcome outside too.
Custard is the star, and the orange and vanilla swirl is a standout. The menu also includes steak burgers, milkshakes, and assorted desserts, with generous portions at reasonable prices.
Service is quick and friendly, and seating plus restrooms make it comfortable for families. Hours run daily from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, so it works for lunch or an evening treat.
7. Shivers Frozen Custard & Coffee, Godfrey, IL
Custard at 6 AM? Shivers opens early with coffee, which means you can technically start the day with a concrete if no one is watching.
This Godfrey shop serves fresh frozen custard, concretes, and coffee year round. A popular combination mixes pecans, caramel, and brownie bites, and the brownies alone have fans.
Portions are generous and toppings plentiful. During the holidays, the interior gets decorated for Christmas, giving winter visits their own appeal.
Indoor seating, free Wi-Fi, a drive-through, and delivery cover just about every situation. Dogs are allowed inside and out.
It stays open until 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on weekends.
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