Just Indulge
Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
Neighborhood: Wicker Park1755 W North Ave
(between Hermitage Ave & Wood St)
Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 486-6680
- Nearest Transit:
Damen (Blue)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
16 reviews
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
"I am constantly searching for new, comfy coffee shops, and I was pleasantly surprised with barista. I had 2 appointments to see apartments…" read more »
26 Reviews for Just Indulge
I'm just not a fan. Maybe it's because I live about two feet from Scooter's, I just can't help but compare. So I ordered the vanilla with oreo, pretty basic, but blah. I couldn't even finish it. The custard just wasn't very creamy, it was more runny/watery than anything.
I'm sticking with the other custard joint in the city, I'd rather spend the extra couple cents and enjoy my sweets.
Maybe I'll come back to try the popcorn and candy?
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I love custard and really wanted to love this place, but it was just average for me. I got the Indulge with peanut butter chunks and banana. The flavors were good, but my custard was melted when I got it and soupy before I finished it in the store. My husband tried a fruit smoothie and it was average as well. It had ice chunks in it, which could have been blended a little more. Not the best, but not the worst. I'd try it again if I were in the area.
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While eating pizza and Cleo's, my friend mentioned a new custard place she heard about. I, who have been craving Reeses Peanut Butter Cups crushed into some sort of frozen creamy dessert since I was born, latched onto the idea of walking up there.
The bad first [because it's hardly worth mentioning at all]: the temperature in the shop was actually higher than what it was outside, which could have been nice had it been winter and I wanted to eat ice cream while staying warm, but as it was the first borderline brutal day of the year, I wasn't really prepared. I mentioned it to the girl behind the counter, who assured me they'd turn the air on when the temperature rose just a bit more.
The custard was great, though -- much better than, say, Culver's [no shocker there]. It reminded me a bit of the old school Breezes at DQ, only better. Prices are reasonable for a shop like this. My friend got a sundae of some sort, and I think she liked it as much as I liked my mixer thing. I'm not sure, though -- I may have missed a complaint in between my moans of satisfaction over having those damn Reeses in vanilla.
today I was lured into this place with the promise of quality vegan ice cream. The espresso oreo ice cream awaited and in the form of a milk shake gave me more hope for the future then anything Obama could possibly say in the next few months. Seriously - why haven't you been here yet!?
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I came here with a friend one busy Sunday evening. The place was packed and there were only 2 people behind the counter. (I felt a little bad for them because it was so busy.) I got the indulge with peanut butter and bananas and chocolate custard. While it was good, I didn't think that it was the greatest custard I have ever had.
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I think maybe the girl was new, or she was confused, or young, or something. An extra star cause I feel I should give it a second visit (but I can't because I don't live in Chicago anymore).
I got a shake with soy ice cream. She used regular milk to make it.
Umm...
I guess it's a good thing I'm not actually vegan or lactose intolerant.
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The custard here is good but I wasn't completely over taken by the chocolate custard. I actually thought the vanilla custard was better.
I was expecting a larger variety of cupcakes, cookies, and chocolates there also. Maybe I'll try one of their concretes next time. But for $2.50/cone it wasn't too bad.
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[ Woman of indeterminate age is seen driving in a small, silver automobile. We see her exit the highway at Ashland, not her usual spot.]
Lindley [on phone]
Yeah...I'm really having a craving for custard. What? Yeah. I'm going to check it out now.
[cuts back to exterior view of car Vehicle passes by several main thoroughfares....Grand, Chicago, Augusta, Division...and finally turns west on North Ave]
Lindley [still on phone]
Yeah, I'm almost there. Parking isn't the easiest around here. Wish me luck. [hangs up phone]
[Lindley waits at stoplight in her car. She appears agitated and is mouthing obscenities. She finally manages to park car and walks quickly toward the entrance of a shop. There is a prominent sign in modern font: JUST INDULGE]
Just indulge Staffer #1
HI!
Just Indulge Staffer #2
Do you know what you want?
Lindley
[Looks at the menu. Squints a little] uh yeah. I'd like a DOUBLE chocolate custard with 'chocolate sprinkles' [she winces a little as she hates calling jimmies 'chocolate sprinkles' and wishes that everyone spoke Massachusetts-ese].
Just Indulge Staffer #1
OK! That's be $4.20.
[At that moment, Just Indulge Staffer #2 returns with the scoop plus a paltry amount of sprinkles].
Lindley
Uh, would you mind an extra scoop of sprinkles? There's not too much there.
Just Indulge Staffer #1
No Problem!!!
[After saying thank you, Lindley returns to her car with the custard. Turning the key, she listens to NPR as she digs into her custard].
Lindley
Good Gravy!
[She picks up phone and dials a number]
Lindley
Oh you are so coming here with me next time. Soooo good. The chocolate actually tasted like chocolate. And the texture? Man! I just saw the delivery truck dropping off their milk, too. They make it there. Dang. I can't wait until summer so that I have an excuse to eat this every day.
[She drives off into the sunset, making sure she has hung up the phone before putting her car into gear. Lindley doesn't want a ticket].
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Harry Carey once asked "would you eat the moon if it were made out of spareribs?". Instead I ask "would you eat the moon if it were made out of Just Indulge's custard?" Because then, my friends, the answer would be Awww, hell yeah!
Words are just impossible to describe how delicious this stuff is. Soft, silky, creamy, it's like liquid love down your throat (no, not THAT kind of liquid love, get your mind out of the gutter). The best part (or worst, depending on your dietary status), are the number of "Mix-ins" you can get, along with fresh, to-die-for popcorn and all kinds of coffee drinks. Intelligensia - they arent playing!
Just a warning, though, you will be addicted. Who needs spareribs when you have this stuff!
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We stopped in here for a little post brunch dessert after eating at Feast. First impression was that it was a cool, laid back, friendly place to stop in for a snack or some coffee. I was on a mission to find a good cupcake but instead decided to pass on their cupcakes (they didn't look too good) and go with what I had a sample of, the chocolate custard. My friend and I both ordered a single scoop, mine in a cone, hers in a cup. And it was delicious! Very creamy and silky! Can't complain about anything really. And the service was excellent, the girl who worked behind the counter was very friendly and I seriously think we became BFF! J/K!! HAHA But definitely give it a try if you are strolling through Wicker Park on a nice day for some custard, you won't regret it, well maybe your jeans will, but who cares! =]]
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Stopped in because I was starving and needed something to hold me over till we found real food, and boooy am I glad we did. I got caramel and cheese popcorn mixed, and it was absolutely fantastic. The custard was amazingly rich and creamy, and my friends peach smoothie was like a party in my mouth. The girls that were working were both extremely friendly and immediately offered us samples of the custard. Definitely going to stop back sometime soon.
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Came here after hearing recommendations from both a friend and an acquaintance, and I'm certainly glad I heeded their advice. In my mind, there are a number of reasons to like an independently owned establishment in the Chicago area:
1. The food, the food, the food
2. Service
3. Atmosphere
4. Location
5. Support of Community
The variety of treats offered here lives up to the store's namesake: custard, chocolates, gourmet popcorn, and even Intelligensia coffee. Not a bad bite in the bunch (no stale popcorn, either).
This is not food that requires a ton of prep time, so you can bet it'll come out fast (and if you're coming here after dinner, waiting is the last thing you want to do). The staffer that handled our order did her job well, and did it happily...what else do you need?
The decor is far nicer than you'd expect a custard shop to house, not to mention it's clean & spacious. Just the right spot to relax & take in the scenery.
...And did I mention it's on an active street corner in Wicker Park (but not so active you can't get in there)? Prime real estate, friends, and I hear some outdoor tables are on the way...just in time for summer.
Lastly, Chicago folks take care of their independently owned businesses. This is a place that will earn your trust and your business, will fit into the Wicker Park vibe, and is worth frequenting regularly.
Did I mention their sweet treats are delicious? Yes, it's worth mentioning twice...go find out for yourself.
I hate saying this but... It is no Scooter's.
The custard was just so so. Tasted a little old (which is possible, trust me.) Maybe re-run? And the popcorn smelled stale, I didn't even want to eat it. The guy behind the counter was friendly but wasn't the most knowledgable about what was going on and their flavor of the week. Or is it weekend? He didn't seem to know. The space itself feels really empty.
It is a good location and I like that they serve soy ice cream. They have potential, they just aren't living up to it yet.
ZOMG, this place is divine.
Points awarded for:
* superior customer service
* chocolate pretzels
* cute self-serve water tank with paper cups
* location
* decor
* AMAZING CUSTARD.
I will be returning very soon, as I have no willpower.
I predict long lines this summer.
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Just Indulge is finally open. I am a sucker for a new coffee place, so when I saw they were open this afternoon I had to stop in.
The coffee they serve is intelligencia, which is nice. My fiance got a mocha which she said was really good. We did get a few different chocolates to go also, they were ok but nothing awesome. The prices of the chocolates are listed by the pound, but you can just get a a few pieces if you wanted. I'm sure business is going to pick up in the summer because they do offer a nice selection of custard. I'll have to try the custard myself when it warms up.
I really think they need to open before 11 am and try and get some of the people on there way to work. I don't think they are going to hurt Gallery Cafe business at all since they are more of a dessert / ice cream shop and they don't have much other food.
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Frozen custard around the corner from my house? Yes please! Frozen custard aside, theres a myriad of other treats, and they serve Intelligentsia.
Support local businesses!
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I work at Berry Chill (www.berrychill.com) and we serve chilled yogurt there, and we had a customer the other day asking if we were planning on opening up a wicker park location. He also mentioned this new place called Just Indulge, and how good it was, so I had to stop when my friend and I stumbled across it randomly today.
I love the sort of loft feel with the exposed air vents, and lots of stainless steel. When we entered, we were greeted by two nice girls working, and when they found out it was our first time in, they immediately offered us samples of the custard. I'm not really sure what I expected it to be like, and it was good, but very rich. I'm not sure I could eat more than a spoonful at a time. There were many tempting items on the menu, but I decided to go with a Peach smoothie since we hadn't eaten yet and I didn't want to just eat chocolates or a sundae (as tasty as they probably are).
While I was waiting, I asked about some cookies they were selling that looked like the same smiley face cookies we use at Berry Chill as a topping, but the girl didn't know where they were from, other than it being "some bakery." I asked if they were from Leonard's Bakery in Northbrook (thats where ours are from) and she just sort of blankly stared back at me. I felt like she should have known the name of the bakery, but they are new, and they'll get it all down soon, I'm sure. Other than that, the two girls were very attentive and friendly and on top of everything.
My roommate ordered the caramel/cheese popcorn mix, and I'm not normally a fan of flavored popcorn, but it was pretty freaking good. My peach smoothie took a bit longer to be ready, but it was worth the wait. Probably hands down one of the best smoothies I have ever had. I will be back for another next time I am in the area.
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I found the custard better than Culver's (none close anyway) or Ted Drews (St Louis). My wife who is normally finicky was half way done with hers by the time mine was made and I paid. Its more of a true vanilla flavor than an eggy -nog type flavor. Have went the simple route twice, vanilla custard w/ M&M's mixed in, perfection! Nice friendly owner talked to us about making the popcorn. Naturally had to go with some Carmel/cheese mix. Popcorn is good (not quite garrets) so I'd say 4 stars. Looking forward to going back, a real plus is you can usually get a street spot since its away from the main intersection
What what?!? A custard place that also sells chocolate treats!?! I had to stop in after dinner last night to check out the scene. As a sweets/dessert connoisseur with a discerning taste I can honestly say this stuff is good. Really good. Way to go with the mix-ins available for the custard too.
I grew up in St. Louis and there's this famous custard place there called Ted Drewes -- the most unforgettable custard you'll ever have in your life. While Just Indulge isn't quite the same caliber, it's definitely a nice second
We had the chocolate concrete with fresh banana mixed in...whoa. So good. We also couldn't resist testing out a milk chocolate covered Bavarian pretzel and a couple white chocolate covered oreos. While they were nothing too out-of-this-world insane, they certainly sealed the deal on satisfying our sweet teeth.
My recommendation would be to give it a whirl and see for yourself. I know I'll definitely be back.
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Any time a store sells both popcorn and frozen custard...you know it's going to be worthwhile! Just Indulge is great...the employees are extremely friendly and offer sample after sample. The place is big with lots of tables, so you never feel crowded (as opposed to many of the Lincoln Park bakeries/ice cream spots, in which you are packed in like sardines). Try Just Indulge...you won't be disappointed!
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I stopped by for a quick dessert.
I loved the white chocolate pretzel which was awesome.
Might have to try the chocolate covered rice crispy next
They had popcorn but I wish I saw more of the custard which they make there.
I love the colors of brown and purple inside. The green juice I got was also yummy.
They had candy and will definately try popcorn next time.
The menu on the wall wasn't really clear what they had.
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I've only tried the popcorn here, so that's all I'm reviewing. The space is super cute, and it's right down the street from where I work, so I'll try the yogurt eventually. It's probably bad Yelp etiquette to write a review before you're fully-informed, but I just have to write about their popcorn. It's always stale. I've had it 3 different times, 3 different times of day, too. It's been stale every time. I'll stick to Garrett's! But I will try the yogurt sometime!
there are too many cutesy pastry/coffee/gelato/ice cream etc shops in the city that are all style no substance.
thankfully just indulge does not fall into that category.
my husband, who is from wisconsin (where infants suck custard out of their mother's teat) actually praised his vanilla custard concoction (forgot the name but it was a berry blend).
my dairy-free self enjoyed 1 of 3 soy ice cream flavors: this time it was this coffee oreo flavor i've never seen before. i'm usually not a big fan of coffee flavored ice cream but this was exceptional. in fact, it got better as it melted....... yum.
my only complaints are that some of the signs are hard to see (though somebody taller than 5' may not have that issue) and it's easy to miss the custard-alternative frozen treats (soy, sherbet, sugar-free) around the corner of the counter. that and it closes too early!!!!!!
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Coming back from Trader Joe's today, Kris and I passed by this place and pulled over as we are wont to do when we spy delicious look sweet sellers. I had the chocolate concrete made with creamy vanilla custard, bananas and pieces of peanut butter cups. There weren't enough bananas for my liking and I could only find a couple pieces, but it was tasty nonetheless. It was a bit costly though, over $5. The price per pound on the candy seemed pretty steep too, but it's probably pretty expensive rent there on North Avenue, so I guess I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Also, one thing that was a bit weird was that a cupcake was $1.60 and a cookie was $2.50? How does that make any sense at all that a cookie costs more than a cupcake? The guy working didn't know where the baked goods came from today either so the girl Whitney B. talked to was not alone in not knowing where they came from, though this guy did offer up that it was "some bakery in Oak Park." I like my sweets and I may go back here again but I prefer bakeries to custard shops. They do have a walk up window, which would be great for people with dogs or rollerbladers or whatnot.
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For vegans, Just Indulge offers a few flavors of soy ice cream and plenty of veg-friendly toppings (including chocolate sauce) to heap on top.
Great service, comfortable atmosphere, and high-sugar treats for everyone.
Fabulous addition to Wicker Park!
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So so good! Fresh popcorn, white chocolate covered oreos and intelligentsia. Plus, everyone that works there is really nice.
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