Lickity Split

Comparisons are odious, but if I were to blind-taste-test the custard from my beloved Scooters versus Lickity Split on Broadway near Granville, Lickity Split would win. I had a concrete on my first visit there Sunday. The difference was that despite the interesting ingredients in the concrete, the flavor of the vanilla custard shone through. A plain vanilla custard at both places would have really highlighted the difference. I can't describe it beyond saying that LS's vanilla custard delivers more intensely everything you like vanilla custard for. That with the concrete they blended the other ingredients in just the right proportion not to overwhelm the custard was probably also a key factor in my preference.

I like the surprisingly convincing "old time apothecary" vibe of the place, too. We'll keep visiting and enjoying Scooters because it's walkable for us, but I have a new gold standard.

Lickity Split
6056 N. Broadway
Chicago IL 60660

I live right down the street from LS. It has been a big hit with the neighborhood since opening last summer. They differ from Scooters by only offering three custard options. Vanilla and chocolate are always available, with a rotating seasonal flavor. It was mint chocolate chip last Saturday, but appeared to run out of it on Sunday (yes, I went twice over the weekend). The pumpkin custard last fall was excellent.

However, there are many topping options, so the limited custard selection can get transformed fairly easily.

I agree that the custards have an intense flavor and stand up well to being eaten sans toppings.

I read this post first thing this morning and when the temps hit 80+ mid-day, I knew what I would be doing after picking up my five year-old from school. I am no frozen custard expert but I am a bit of a purist in that even when ordering ice cream, I tend to order either chocolate or vanilla or if it's seasonal, strawberry or say, peach.

We arrived at Lickety Split and first of all, it's an amazing space. I just told my husband -- it's as if the design guys from Scout and Roost in Andersonville decided to open a Custard Stand and Old Time Candy Counter. By that I mean it has a really good design aesthetic that is still welcoming. (With really amazing chairs sprinkled about.) They do have only three flavors, today it was Chocolate, Vanilla & Mint Chocolate Chip. I know it's fun to walk into an ice cream joint and choose from 51 flavors and all that, but it was super refreshing (and less taxing) for my little guy to just choose chocolate in a sugar cone.

Inspired by the OP I ordered a single serving of the Vanilla. I only tried mine (my son would not share) and it was rich and dense and all about the vanilla and happily, it didn't melt into a puddle as I savored it slowly. It was rich enough that I think I would have been happy with a "half of a" single serving, but that said, I did "manage" to finish it all.

I am so happy that I read this post this morning. I know where we will be riding our bikes to this summer (or perhaps, this freakishly hot Spring).

bjt

Pumpkin custard has been back for a few weeks now. My favorite of the seasonal flavors. Worth a stop by if you are in the area.

Over in the Sour cherries thread, Lickity Split was mentioned as having sour cherries as a topping or mix-in option. I am happy to report that a hot fudge sundae with vanilla custard and sour cherries was fantastic. Mr. X greatly enjoyed his OMG (chocolate custard blended with Celestial Kitchens' peanut butter fudge brownie pieces and a shot of hot fudge.) Lickity Split is wonderful respite in Edgewater. Expect a long line on a warm, summer night, but it moves quickly. I've always found the staff to be extremely pleasant and the custard most enjoyable.

http://www.lickitysplitchicago.com/site/

The GP wrote:Over in the Sour cherries thread, Lickity Split was mentioned as having sour cherries as a topping or mix-in option. I am happy to report that a hot fudge sundae with vanilla custard and sour cherries was fantastic.

This will be my next order from LS (probably tomorrow). I love the density of the custard. Even when it melts, it has the consistency of an extra-thick milkshake. I find that a little pre-planning pays off before going to the place. As somebody mentioned, the line is usually long, but it moves fast. There are only 3 flavors of custard, vanilla, chocolate and a seasonal flavor. It is the dozens of add-ins that make it complicated. Plus you can get the custard in shake, malt, sundae, float or concrete formats. I think a scoop of vanilla, a scoop of chocolate, a double scoop of sour cherries topped with hot fudge will be my next order. Or maybe I will try a Cheer Wine Float with vanilla custard and sour cherries and chocolate on top. It should also be noted that besides the toppings listed on the site, there are usually a handful of special seasonal toppings like berries and fruit. I think Mango is being featured this week.

d4v3 wrote:I think a scoop of vanilla, a scoop of chocolate, a double scoop of sour cherries topped with hot fudge will be my next order. Or maybe I will try a Cheer Wine Float with vanilla custard and sour cherries and chocolate on top.

Dave,

Since I just returned from North Carolina, I find it necessary to point out the Cheerwine is one word, not two http://www.cheerwine.com/. Having said that, I'll be heading to Lickity Split very soon faced with the same dilemma as you.

Still waiting for the Lickety Split at Western and Lunt to open. It's August already--we need frozen custard within walking distance!

Are they open year round. This place just moved to the top of my list of new (to me) places to try!

stevez wrote:

d4v3 wrote:I think a scoop of vanilla, a scoop of chocolate, a double scoop of sour cherries topped with hot fudge will be my next order. Or maybe I will try a Cheer Wine Float with vanilla custard and sour cherries and chocolate on top.

Dave,

Since I just returned from North Carolina, I find it necessary to point out the Cheerwine is one word, not two http://www.cheerwine.com/. Having said that, I'll be heading to Lickity Split very soon faced with the same dilemma as you.

You know, I knew Cheerwine was one word but for some reason I let the spell checker take over. Unfortunately, I stopped at LS this evening and they were fresh out of Cheerwine. It went a lot faster than they thought it would. They promised to order more ASAP. Instead I had a Bing Crosberry which is vanilla custard mixed with sour cherries and raspberries with crushed cone on top. It was pretty delicious and nice and tart.

pairs4life wrote:Are they open year round. This place just moved to the top of my list of new (to me) places to try!

Yes, it is open year-round. Satisfies the need for custard in the winter months.

I've had Lickity Split a couple of times, it's very good. I love the old school decor in there too. Nice to pair it with a meal down the street at Moody's Pub.

Ram4 wrote:I've had Lickity Split a couple of times, it's very good. I love the old school decor in there too. Nice to pair it with a meal down the street at Moody's Pub.

Or after a meal from Ethiopian Diamond

I made it to Lickity Split yesterday for a custard with hot fudge and sour cherries. I enjoyed this combo even more than Ted Drewes' Cardinal Sin.

I really liked everything about Lickity Split; from the decor to the great selection of vintage candies to the custard itself, which was rich without being overly sweet. I can see several return visits in my future. Next time with a camera.

Lickity Split
6056 N Broadway Street
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 274-0830

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa Street
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 481-2652

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
4224 South Grand Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63111
(314) 352-7376

We haven't been yet, so if this is obvious or was covered elsewhere, my apologies: is this place any relation to the Lickity Split up in Door County?

Gypsy Boy wrote:We haven't been yet, so if this is obvious or was covered elsewhere, my apologies: is this place any relation to the Lickity Split up in Door County?

I don't think there's any connection. The Chicago Lickity Split features frozen custard. It looks like the Door County one has ice cream.

I like the chocolate sauce better than the hot fudge. It is less sweet and more like dark chocolate. At any rate tart cherry and chocolate is the way to go. Two hours later and I can't get the flavor out of my head.

Lickity Split got a new shipment of Cheerwine a couple of weeks ago. Man I love that stuff. It has just the right amount of cane sugar to take the sour edge off the cherries but not make it so sweet that it detracts from the natural cherry flavor. I have been experimenting with Cheerwine float combos. The stuff makes great floats. So far, I think my favorite is a large chocolate custard and Cheerwine float with sour cherries on top. Vanilla with chocolate sauce was good, but maybe a little too chocolatey. One day they had raspberry custard. A scoop of raspberry and a scoop of chocolate topped with sour cherries was pretty good too. Anyhow, I highly recommend Cheerwine floats. They are delicious. The cherry flavor dominates the sweetness of the cane sugar. While LS was out of Cheerwine, I tried a few other cherry sodas, but they were all way too sweet for my taste. Even the deep burgundy color of the Cheerwine is appealing.

Anybody know when the new location at Western and Lunt is going to open?

pcharrig wrote:Anybody know when the new location at Western and Lunt is going to open?

According to Crain's, it should be very soon--early October:

In early October, the owners are planning to open a second storefront, in West Rogers Park. They are keeping the shop format, and their financial approach, the same.

I have a winner. A large apple custard and cheerwine float topped with sour cherries. Just incredible. They have apple custard for about a week.It even looks beautiful. I love LS. It is a little pricey,
but well worth it. Where else can you bring a dream to life? Speaking of dreams, Cheerwine now makes bbq sauce.

Stopped in today after lunch at Big & Little's. Had the Pumpkin Pie Concrete which was a special. Pumpkin custard, pumpkin pie (filling only-no crust), cinnamon and whipped cream. Damn, that was one good concrete!

"Of course we had to wait until the coldest day [of the season] to open," Anderson said sarcastically at his new Lickity Split Custard Shop location, 7000 N. Western Ave. "At least the sun's shining, so we'll take that." Despite the cold, the shop opens its doors noon Monday.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150105 ... zing-temps

Stopped by the Western Ave location last night just before closing. OMG Concrete with vanilla custard hit the spot on a freezing cold night. Good stuff indeed.

They were also featured in this article in the Trib a few days ago:

Why are ice cream stores open in the dead of winter?

Great space and an extra buttery-fat texture to the vanilla custard.