Dairy Queen of Highland Park

There’s nothing better than rediscovering an old classic.
Tonight was the boys’ annual winter school concert, and we made our traditional stop with the boys after the show. At first when we showed up it was completely empty and we weren’t sure if it was open, but with hours until 10PM, I considered it to be lucky that we didn’t have to wait in a line (something this DQ is famous for). We stepped in, it was toasty warm in there, tables clean, and we were greeted by the super friendly staff. I got the salted caramel Blizzard. Kiddos ordered up chocolate dipped ice cream in a waffle cone.
First of all, I scored a major win with the Blizzard. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was worth every bite. Chunky caramel pieces mixed with smooth chocolate ice cream. I was impressed with the waffle cone holder contraption wrapped around the boys’ cones to help with drips. They also served the cones with a spoon… not something I’ve seen at other Dairy Queens. Yep, this place knows how to deal with messy kiddos.
Remember my mention of the lines? I kid you not, right after we sat down with our ice cream, being the only customers in the shop, families and teens started coming in and the lines began. Worried that the cold treat competition may have gotten to this place, I’m thrilled to know they are a-​ok and serving up lots of iced treats and proud smiles.
Note: Their sandwich items are baked in an oven. Also, they serve up Orange Julius drinks with recipes from the past.
Bonus: Stop by this time of year in the evening, and you can enjoy a great view of the lights wrapped around the trees in Port Clinton.

I stopped by here thinking they had the same stuff like all the other dairy queens. Nope! Chili dog or chicken sandwich. Those were my only options. I also don’t feel comfortable paying $ 4 – 5 for soft serve.

If you have never tried a pumpkin pie blizzard, you’re missing out. It’s delicious with bits of pumpkin pie, nutmeg and topped with whipped cream! Tastes just like a thanksgiving treat and is available beginning in September. It’s a little sweet, so stick with a mini.
Review of location:
The HP DQ is in a great location. They have ample outdoor seating in a court yard and there is some seating inside as well.
The staff is friendly and jovially flips your blizzard upside down once it has been made. Didn’t you guys know, blizzards are supposed to be blended thick enough to be served upside down? If it’s not, some places give you the blizzard for free.
This DQ also has Orange Julius which is pretend jersey shore orange creamsicle drink. The OJ brand also makes smoothies.
I thought the line moved very quickly on a hot summer day.
Try a pumpkin pie blizzard and thank me later. you’re welcome.

Yes Yes, Dairy Queen is a big chain of franchises that all serve the same things. Well maybe, but they are not all run by the same folks and staff. We love this Dairy Queen, and the other one is closer to us.
We are not a Froyo, B and R. Gelato, kind of couple. Not that we do not like all of those, but when it is time for a treat, we say Dairy Queen. This one is a stand out because it is spotless, has great outside seating, the counter is organized so when there is a line, it moves along, and they are never skimpy with the ice cream.

Came in there the other day and got about 7 shakes for everyone I work with. Service was amazing and couldn’t have been happier w our shakes! They were delicious!!! The girls behind the counter were very welcoming with a beautiful smile. Keep up the good work ladies! :)

The first thing anyone should know about the HP Dairy Queen is that is a town institution. Located in the the heart of HP, Port Clinton Square it is the gathering spot for families with children. Especially during the warm months the store is jam packed with people and locals can almost count on running into friends.
All that being said, I’m not a huge fan. We went the other night and I tried an oreo blizzard in a chocolate dipped waffle cone. Not good. The cone tasted stale and the chocolate had no flavor. Even the oreos in the blizzard tasted stale. I would skip the new fangled treats and stick with Dairy Queen traditions like a simple dipped cone!

Stopped in while walking and window shopping through Highland Park. Nice outdoor seating to do some people-​watching and solid old-​fashioned Dairy Queen ice cream.

ACTUALLY A PSYCHOTIC EPISODE
A 15 YEAR OLD MANAGER
WHO CAN’T TELL TIME
Got there at 5 of 10PM (which is their closing time) and people were ordering ice cream. We tried to order and they said NO. Other people who were ordering were acting important. I didn’t know HOW HARD it was to prepare ice cream. I didn’t know that it took a long time and that establishments needed to close early because according to their manager, «they really needed to get home.» It was also my mom’s birthday and my parents go here all the time.
BIG BUMMER
REAL ANNOYING
GO TO NORTHBROOK LOCATION INSTEAD?

This Dairy Queen is a summer time favorite. I usually come here in the after noon to grab my favorite Peanut Buster Parfait. Besides eating one of my favorite desserts what makes it even better is they have an outside seating area in the shade. It’s nice to just watch what’s going on in the downtown while you eat your dessert.
While all Dairy Queens tend to be the same & have some of the most delicious sundaes & desserts this one stands out for a reason. It isn’t just the desserts but it is also the location. Highland Park is a beautiful place & this Dairy Queen is located right in the middle of the downtown. For anyone who lives on the North Shore this is definitely worth the trip here.
Overall the desserts are good, the staff was nice & the location is excellent. The outside seating is just the cherry on top to make this place my favorite Dairy Queen to go to.

I went in late at night for an ice cream birthday cake and they offered to write on top. I challenged this girl to instead draw a cat and she did rise to the occasion! Awesome cake, awesome cat, awesome girl, awesome DQ branch.

cant beat the peanut buster parfaits!

The ice cream is cheap and it is conveniently located in downtown Highland Park. But I still prefer Love’s. This DQ is pretty small and rundown. Not exactly a place you want to hangout and enjoy your ice cream. Also, it was really cold inside which made the cold ice cream not as enjoyable. I had the peanut butter milk shake and it was good. Nothing special.

Needs a serious makeover… But a traditional go to place for families in the area.

Oh the famous Dairy Queen in downtown Highland Park! Personally, their ice cream is ok. The problem I have with this chain is a lot of their products are not mixed well. This shows particularly in their blizzards. One time I got the mint oreo blizzard and it was just mint ice cream with some oreo thrown on top of it. I thought it would be mixed in more. When I tried it, all i could taste was the mint ice cream. In addition, I noticed that the service at this particular location was extremely slow. When I was there, there was a line out of the doorway. If you are looking for good ice cream, I would say to try another place.

This DQ is the busiest DQ I’ve ever been to. It’s a mad house on warm nights. With that being said, their blizzards are prepared perfectly. You’re supposed to be able to hold your blizzard upside down with no issue/​drippage and DQ of Highland Park definitely lives up to that standard. In addition, even though the lines go out the door and I will pull my hair out if I was behind the counter, all of their servers still had smiling faces and were ready to take your order. Great job DQ!