Chicago's Best Places to Eat and Drink, From Pretty Cool Ice Cream's Dana Cree

Lisa Futterman

November 2, 2026

Dana Cree next to a Chicago Chef Picks graphic

Dana Cree has partnered with restaurants and brands around Chicago to make special ice cream treats. Credit: Provided

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Every month, people from Chicago's hospitality industry share recommendations for food, drink, ingredients, and more as part of our Chef Picks series.

Dana Cree is an author, chef, and founder of the beloved Pretty Cool Ice Cream, where she has been wowing Chicago with her creative frozen creations since 2018. After serving as executive pastry chef at One Off Hospitality’s Blackbird, avec, and the Publican, she completed an ice cream course at Penn State and published Hello, My Name is Ice Cream, an award-winning book about the science and craft behind making ice cream at home.

Although it might not feel like ice cream season in Chicago, Cree’s Thanksgiving sides-inspired frozen treats are tempting enough to get folks motivated. Flavors include a green bean casserole pop with porcini mushroom ice cream and crispy shallots, a baked brie ice cream sandwich with cranberry compote inside, and a sweet potato casserole pop studded with toasted mini marshmallows.

We asked the longtime Chicago resident for her favorite spots around town.

Favorite restaurant

JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop

Favorite dish

Milk Tea bonbon from Sugoi Sweets (or any bon bon from there!)

Favorite place to drink

Bar Bambi

Favorite place to buy ingredients

Agora Market

Favorite local Chicago brand

Marz Brewing and all of Ed Marszewski's ventures

Favorite place to bring an out-of-town guest