Alber Ice Cream/Union Dairy, Freeport, IL

My son and I happened upon this place while searching for somewhere for lunch on a recent camping trip. Apparently, they have a grill that prepares diner-style food, but we were there on Sunday and were told that the grill is closed on Sunday.

So...we had no choice but to eat ice cream sundaes for our lunch. Woe is us!

This place is definitely worth a side-trip if you're passing through the Rockford area. It's in Freeport, IL, which is about a half an hour due west from Rockford.

Fantastic old-school ice cream place with everything completely intact and in use. Amazing chrome and formica everywhere, and their entire soda fountain set up is pristine. You just don't see this stuff at all anymore, much less in perfect condition and in use!

The ice cream is fine...it's Cedar Crest and they have a large selection of flavors, but it's the place itself that's the draw. I wish I had a chance to try their food, my sense is that they'd do a pretty decent diner burger or patty melt.

It's also right next to "debate square", which is apparently the site of some famous debates between some guys named Douglas and Lincoln. So...if you need an excuse to get there...it's a history lesson for the kids. Whatever....ICE CREAM!

Alber Ice Cream Parlor
The Old Union Dairy Farms
126 E. Douglas St.
Freeport, IL 61032
815-232-7099
http://www.albericecreamparlor.com/home.aspx

Previous LTH Report of my side trip to Freeport, including more photos of that great little diner.

Oh, cool! So how were the burgers?

Decent, tasty but not uplifting (mind you it's been two years).
The ice cream and decor are more memorable.

My wife is from Freeport so I had the opportunity to visit oUnion Dairy over the weekend. It is a classic and felt like I went back in time. Great ice cream with all the traditional ice cream and creations. Here is a link to the menu

http://www.albericecreamparlor.com/menu.aspx