So, hip-hop artist Kelis thinks her milkshake’s better than ours? That’s a pretty bold statement, considering this town’s got more variety than you can shake a stick at. Here’s where you, too, can get a creamy mouthful. (Note: Like Kelis, these places have to charge.)
Zephyr Cafe
This art-deco ice cream shop and restaurant features 10 flavors, including the favorite 16-ounce Peanut Butter Strut ($3.99), made with peanut butter, milk, a squirt of vanilla syrup and high-butterfat French vanilla ice cream. Want a blend that’s not on the menu? Zephyr can do that too. 1777 W. Wilson Ave. 773-728-6070.
Half & Half
This snack shop under the Blue Line’s Damen stop can whip up endless shake-flavor combos–such as white chocolate and strawberry–thanks to more than a dozen bottles of Monin syrup. We think the 20-ounce S’more ($3.50) is the most tempting, with its blend of marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream. 1560 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-6220.
Irazu
At this Bucktown joint, they make their shakes the Costa Rican (and low-fat) way: no ice cream! Take your pick from 12 fruit flavors–like parcha (passion fruit) or mora (blackberry)–or try their famed oatmeal shake ($2.50), a secret blend of ground oatmeal, ice, milk, cinnamon and who knows what else? 1865 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-252-5687.
MK
Pastry chef Mindy Segal adds a bit of whimsy to the dessert menu at this tenaciously trendy restaurant with her cake and shake ($9). A triangular slice of layered chocolate cake (that’s chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, milk chocolate mousse and fudge buttercream) is accompanied by a tiny beer mug filled with malted milkshake and two straws. 868 N. Franklin St. 312-482-9179.
Deluxe Diner
No matter what the hour, when you need a fix, this all-night retro diner delivers. Standbys include strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ($2.99), but you can also get crunchier flavors such as Oreo and Butterfinger ($3.29).The biggest seller is strawberry-banana, a blend of frozen strawberries, fresh bananas, French vanilla ice cream and milk, served in a 15-ounce glass. Just the thing to go with your breakfast skillet, eh? 6349 N. Clark St. 773-743-9900.
Tierra Caliente
Overdid it on the hot sauce? A coconut shake ($1.75, $3.35) takes the caliente away at this Mexican spot. The frosty mixture of shredded coconut, milk, ice, sugar and vanilla syrup is topped with cinnamon. 4070 S. Archer Ave. 773-847-9755.
Thomas’ Restaurant
This spacious South Side diner serves up a trio of simple, inexpensive shakes made the old-fashioned way. The 12-ounce vanilla ($1.99) is the favorite, made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla extract and milk. Sometimes simple is best. 1657 E. 87th St. 773-731-8227.
