Margie's Candies

Margie's Candies: Dive into a decadent sundae

Want the scoop on the best place to go for a fantastic and oh-so-decadent sundae? Hardly a secret: It’s Margie’s Candies in Chicago’s wonderfully textured Bucktown neighborhood. Margie's was established in 1921 as a homemade chocolates shop. Ice cream was added to the menu later, and thus began the legendary sundaes.

Named after the owner’s wife, Margie Poulos, who ran and worked at the shop until her death in 1995, this beloved Chicago landmark serves up homemade 18 per cent butterfat ice cream, homemade hot fudge, real butterscotch and caramel sauces.

Each ice cream specialty — there are more than 50 varieties of sundaes on the menu — is served in a large clam-shaped white dish, complete with wafers and a small gravy boat of topping on the side. Both the ice cream and candies are produced in their factory located next door.

With names such as The World’s Largest Sundae (made with a half-gallon of your choice of ice cream); the Atomic, ice cream dipped in Margie’s candy to the 25-scoop Royal George ($49.95), there’s something for everyone — even the Beatles, who rushed to Margie’s after their historic 1965 concert at Comiskey Park.  Al Capone was a patron, as well as indie-rock songstress, Liz Pfair.

Aside from the sweet goodies, much of Margie’s attraction is its décor. Very little has changed since the shop's founding. The accommodations are tight if not cozy, and original Tiffany lights hang from the ceiling.

Original booths, their seats upholstered in mustard yellow, line the walls. Each booth has its own old-fashioned jukebox. Stuffed animals, old news clippings, a wall of faded photographs of patrons throughout the years and assorted degrees of kitsch are all part of what makes customer’s fall in love with Margie’s.

Other original treasures include the old marble counter and soda fountain. Beatle memorabilia fills the display cases along with photos of Marge, old friends and Al Capone.

This Chicago institution is always busy. Peter Poulos, Margie’s son who now runs the shop estimates the staff serves 1,000 customers on a weekend night.  If the wait for seating is too long, they make sundaes to go. A few chairs suffice as outdoor seating and always expect a crowd — even outside of Margie’s.

Food is served and it is more along the lines of diner fare — hamburgers, club and egg salad sandwiches, soup and salads, all around the $5 price range.

Pay a visit to Margie’s and you’ll be hooked on this place where every day is sundae.