Five Italian-ice shops beat the heat with sweet treats

Annette’s Homemade Italian Ice (924 W Armitage Ave, 773-868-9000)
With more than 20 flavors of homemade Italian ice (a simple corn syrup–free combo of fruit, sugar and ice), from strawberry and passion fruit to coconut-banana, boredom will never be a factor. Noon–11pm daily. Average cup: $3.

Gina’s Italian Ice (6737 W Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, 708-484-0944)
Right about where Oak Park meets Berwyn, you’ll find Gina Tremonte scooping fresh fruit–based ice in flavors including lemon, watermelon and cantaloupe. 1–10pm daily. Average cup: $2.75.

Mario’s Italian Lemonade (1068 W Taylor St, no phone)
Forget the rest and opt for the namesake goods at this no-frills stand that’s been churning it out since 1954: delicately shaved ice with pieces of lemon rinds and flecks of zest. 11am–midnight (open May–Sept). Average cup: $3.

Miko’s Italian Ice (2234 N Sacramento Ave, 773-645-9664)
It’s hard to resist the refreshing watermelon, the fresh strawberry (with seeds and pulp galore) and the sweet, creamy mango from this charming take-out window. Mon–Fri 2–8pm; Sat, Sun noon–9pm, weather permitting. Average cup: $3.

Tom and Wendee’s Homemade Italian Ice (1136 W Armitage Ave, 773-327-2885)
You’d swear something like the “chocolate toffee crunch” is bad for you—and let’s be honest, it probably is—but like the rest of the Lincoln Parkers who love this Italian-ice spot, we’ll continue to eat it in ignorant bliss. Noon–10pm daily. Average cup: $3.75.