Restaurant Review: Sugar Junkie

This year, summer came and went without the typical warm-weather activities we’ve grown accustomed to thanks to the global pandemic this year. Practically any event associated with summertime, from concerts to vacation to merely going to the beach, was off-limits. But there is one thing that COVID-19 couldn’t stop in its tracks: ice cream.

Yes, that delicious treat forever linked to high temperatures and sunny days gave the current state of the world the cold shoulder. One way to celebrate this victory is by visiting the walk-up window at 1925 North Lincoln Avenue to check out the delicious treats at Sugar Junkie.

Created by award-winning Four Corner’s Corporate Pastry Chef Amy Arnold, Sugar Junkie provides the much-needed fix we all crave after what seems like a year lost to bad news. Known for her unique creative ability when it comes to desserts, Arnold has designed a divine menu at this hidden walk-up located behind Ranalli’s pizzeria. The items available at Sugar Junkie are sure to awaken your sweet tooth with delectable treats that instantly take your mind off the state of the world. 

So what’s on the menu? Sugar Junkie is big on gelato, and you can’t go wrong with any of the creations on their menu. We all love coffee and donuts, so why not combine them in a match made in dessert heaven? The coffee and donut option features chunks of chocolate-frosted donuts floating in a sea of coffee gelato. The banana fudge is highlighted by mouth-watering fudge and banana slices in a banana-based gelato creating a scrumptious pairing. The vegan option combines vanilla bean, oat, and coconut milk, and the key lime gelato is perfected with a graham cracker crust.

A single cup of the gelato offerings is $4, while a double cup will run you $7. Have it in a cone for $5 or double the pleasure for $8. Don’t forget to indulge your dog with a mini pup cone for $3.

If you want to take it to the next level, order up some of Sugar Junkie’s gelato-cookie sandwiches, all priced at $8. The sweet and salty sandwich features salted caramel gelato squished in between a chocolate chip cookie. Peanut butter lovers will delight in the PB&G with chocolate gelato encased in a peanut butter cookie. Other choices include the Rainbow Brite starring vanilla gelato in a rainbow cookie and The Birthday Party highlighted by a funfetti sugar cookie and vanilla gelato.

If you want to take the deliciousness home, grab a pint of the take-and-bake cookie dough for $11. With flavors ranging from classic chocolate chip and triple chocolate to peanut butter with caramelized peanuts and rainbow sugar cookie dough, your taste buds will be sending thank you cards in the mail to Sugar Cookie’s Lincoln Park address. Pair your pint of cookie dough with a pint of gelato, and you got yourself the perfect dessert (or dinner) to create at home. 

So as summer ends (did it ever really start?), take a stroll to the walk-up window at 1925 North Lincoln Avenue between noon and 10 pm, and treat yourself to the gelato-inspired creations at Sugar Junkie.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO