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The Big Chill
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
367 Manning AveToronto, ON M6G 2V6
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Palmerston, Bickford Park
(416) 960-2455
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for The Big Chill
Review Highlights
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"So worth getting the waffle cone." In 11 reviews -
"and my favourite chocolate-peanut butter mixture so far." In 3 reviews -
"...with real whipped cream and a mini Oreo and I'd be happy." In 5 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Robbie G.
Toronto, ON
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is dangerously located around the corner from me in Little Italy. Both the exterior and interior exude "ice cream / dessert place". You can't walk within 30ft of The Big Chill without smelling their home-made waffle cones. SO good, it lures you in!
Once inside (be warned, there are sometimes line-ups!), I almost always order the Chocolate Peanut-butter ice cream in a waffle cone. It's my "go-to" selection. Probably the best C PB I've ever had to be honest, and I've tried this variation at several different ice cream shops.
They also offer a wide variety of different gelatos, sherberts and desserts, all look delicious. If you've got a sweet tooth get yourself in there and enjoy a treat! -
Review from Maheen M.
5/23/2012
Craving ice cream with awesome service? The Big Chill is where is it at! Located in the heart of Little Italy, you can do no wrong by stopping in for a sweet treat. They have big selection of ice cream and sorbets for your liking (ie. Blood Orange Sorbet!).
A freshly made waffle cone is a must which they add whipped cream and mini oreo cookie to top it off!
I love the retro ice parlour vibe it has. Make the Big Chill you dessert spot and stop!
PS. It is cash only! -
Review from Vivek S.
11/19/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Talk about a missed opportunity. Why The Big Chill doesn't offer flavours like:
Tom Berry-nger
Meg Chan-tilly
Gle(mo)nn Close
Jeff Coldblum
Kevin K-lime
is beyond me. This should be obvious, no? Am I talking crazy pills? Am I taking 1980 pills? Anyway, that matter at hand is ice cream and these folks do it well. The Big Chill is like an old fashioned ice cream shop with checked floors, pink and avocado walls and bright red bar stools. They staff is always in good spirits (and why wouldn't they be), and in the summer the lineup snakes right out to College street. Its a happening place.
They offer over thirty flavours of ice cream, frozen yogurt, floats, smoothies and milk shakes. I went in for a cone and sprung the extra dollar for a fresh waffle cone. 'Twas definitely worth it. I've never been disappointed by any the options I've tried, though I would single out the Pralines and Cream as a winner.
It's definitely a bit on the pricy side, but a kiddie scoop is good enough for me and costs $2.50. You can also douse your cone or sundae with a wide array of toppings. I recommend.
Obligatory Title Pun: Hold me, CHILL me, kiss me, CONE me.
Menu Readability: It's nearly impossible to read the liquid crayon on the glass, so I just point at the best looking flavour. Oh, but that chalk board is mighty neat.
Need to mention: They have a park bench outside for the purest summer chilling.
What this place teaches me about myself: "But Vivek, you forgot JoBeth Williams!" No, I didn't. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
With Toronto Hot Hot Summer, I need a cold cold ice cream... I need to go to The BIG CHILL!!
Even before dinner at Frank's Kitchen, I walked by The Big Chill, I know what I want for dessert! I told my new Yelp friend I need to go there... tonight.. right after dinner and nothing going to stop me!! I saw the fear in her eyes... it maybe the first and last outing ever with her!
We were stuffed after dinner.. Yelp friend kept telling she is full.. I told her just watch me eat my ice cream and be a good girl... Line up was short..and I got my ice cream...............
Pomegranate Sherbet/Ginger
- I love pomegranate for the reason that I kind of naive to believe in all the health benefit that it provides.. and it tasted good too... win win for me...
- Ginger though a little disappointing.. as it is more sweet and vanilla and lacking that gingery taste.. there were some ginger bits inside but did nothing to enhanced the flavour..
I love the decoration of The Big Chill..as it feels like a retro ice cream parlour but a nicer, cleaner version... (I still getting over my Dutch Dreams experience) oh and that awesome sweetness of fresh waffles in the air.. just smelling that for an extensive period of time might put 1 lb or 2 on me!!
I will definitely be back to try out other flavours.. and no one is going to stop me!! :) -
Review from Jarvis E.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2011 9 photos
You don't usually see anyone walking around with an ice cream at midnight...except in Little Italy at College and Manning. First I want to thank you for being open late when an Ice Cream is exactly what I am Craving.
The Old School Colorful Parlour is a treat itself to be in and the staff are wonderful too. who wouldn't be in a good mood or be happy to work in a place that brought smiles to every body who walked in. Definitely get the Fresh Waffle Cone and the Whip Cream. I look forward to trying the milk Shakes next time :) -
Review from Erin B.
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was underwhelmed. Between the two of us we had two single scoops: the dark chocolate peanut butter and the Turtles caramel-y flavour. The ice cream was fine, not great. Halfway through my dish I knew I wouldn't be back for more. It's pricey ($9.05 for a waffle cone and a dish) and there are better options nearby.
To their credit, though it was very busy when we visited the fellow behind the counter was patient with me while I tried to find a flavour that did not contain brownies or other gluten-infested chunks. He didn't even roll his eyes, which was very sweet. -
Review from Saumaya S.
5/23/2011
The biggest selling point is their waffle cones that they make themselves. The ice cream obviously never disappoints and I am not gonna lie .. many a times I have been tempted to sit in the pink car outside on their patio.
Anyhow, only grievance is that they accept cash only, they have a BMO machine right across the street but cmonnnn it's the 21st century. -
Review from Erin K.
Toronto, ON
9/13/2010 1 photo
The Big Chill is one of the newest ice cream additions to the downtown core. It's colourful and fun, and was great for many late night and lunchtime ice cream breaks! Located just west of College & Bathurst, it's been challenging my addiction to Dolce Gelato. They have the freshest waffle cones that I've tried (sorry Summers, you've been bumped!) and my favourite chocolate-peanut butter mixture so far.
The best part of the dark chocolate peanut butter is that there were generous slabs of peanut butter embedded throughout. With the fresh waffle cone, I say that this is my preferred choice over Coldstone and Marbleslab's Peanut butter chocolate concoctions.
Their Nutella ice cream is weak - if you want a chocolate-hazelnut treat I recommend going to Dolce Gelato instead. They also have "Caribou Tracks" which is the same as Kawartha's ever-popular moose tracks. I've also tried their Brownie Toffee Crunch and Espresso Robusto - both yummy! -
Review from Christine E.
Toronto, ON
5/27/2011
Grraaaaaghl... Absolutely delicious ice cream served in yummy, fragrant homemade waffle cones. If the pastel and neon 50s decor mixes unpleasantly with your sugar rush, they have some little tables outside.
A friendly employee recommended the blood orange sorbet when my friend asked for regular orange sorbet, and it proved irresistible when we had a taste-test. Highly recommended if you're into sorbet, or if you've opted to have dessert at the Big Chill after a dinner in the area and need something refreshing and light but still delicious.
My friend got her ice cream in a cup and the two scoops teetered crazily out of the cup, a good 6.5 inches tall. It had to be eaten like a cone. Initially I balked at the thought of paying $5.90 for two scoops of ice cream, but this was more like four or five scoops.
My only complaint is the layout. A line that stretches out the door means that you can't see what's available until you're standing in front of it, and the people who are waiting for their orders to be filled block the cases further up the room. It's impossible to see the contents of those freezers unless you push past the waiting customers and cause minor chaos. A blackboard with available flavours to read while you wait (both indoors and outdoors) would really help. I imagine that many people end up ordering stuff in the first freezer they see, just to avoid pushing through the line.
The display aside, it's a great place. Will return again and again this summer to sample their other offerings! -
Review from Tammy Y.
7/5/2010
Reasons to go here:
- Usually serving till after 11pm, they're open later than any other ice cream joint I know of (except for say... Cold Stone Creamery)
- Lots of flavours to choose from
- Servings are ginormous. Is that how you spell ginormous?
- Fairly priced
- Mini Oreo topper is a nice option
- Plenty of outdoor seating and people-watching friendly
Reasons to maybe not go here:
- Ice cream melts fast
- Servings are maybe toooo ginormous.
- You're a hop and a skip away from a slew of gelato joints. -
Review from Amy L.
6/16/2011
Summer is here, and what's better than having some cold, delish ice cream to cool yourself down on a sunny day in Little Italy? The Big Chill is a cute ice cream parlour with a whimsical-like presence that draws a crowd from every walk of life. Unique flavours with funky names such as polar paws, rollover, pomegranate sorbet and tropical coconut are bound to get your taste buds' attention and provide you with a refreshing sensation. Their use of child-like colours for their chalkboard menu, cartoon drawings, and booths are major contributors to a comfortable and fun atmosphere. There was a line-up at the front door and everyone was anticipating their scoop of heavenly ice cream, sundae, milk shake, or waffle.
The pomegranate sorbet was an explosion of rich, bold, pomegranate flavour that leaves a tang in the end. The ginger ice cream with bits of ginger candy was extremely creamy and had a strong ginger taste. The sweetness coming from the candied ginger was actually to my liking, as I have a major sweet tooth :D When it comes to ice cream, all that we ask are that it reflects the name it represents, in addition to a creamy texture. This ginger ice cream we ordered satisfied both criteria and left us (or me) smiling like a kid again :) Let's not forget the little oreo cookie on top which was a great, tasty garnish and a textural contrast. Oh yeah, nothing beats the seductive smell of fresh waffles as well! Even if you didn't order it, you'll still get the luxury of sniffing it all up like a buffet. With a little imagination on your side, you could be having ice cream in a waffle cone without the actual cone going down your stomach ;) But of course, you always have the option of ordering your ice cream in a waffle cone, making this experience more effortless :)Listed in: Dessert Places
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Review from Marie F.
8/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
MMMMMMMM Banana Chocolate Fudge ice cream with toasted coconut toppings! Ice cream here is good and the space is nice but it's not amazing.
I got a regular cone and it tasted a bit stale, like it had been sitting out too long and collected too much air. The potions are massive as everyone has mentioned and with 40 flavours of ice cream to choose from it's hard to get bored with options.
Given the location of this place I am surprised they don't have any gelato.
CASH ONLYListed in: CASH ONLY!!!
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Review from Jason E.
9/8/2011
A 50's ice cream parlour in the .... what do we call this decade.... the elevensies? A little retro place to grab your frozen yoghurt in Little Italy, great for kids as they have little sit on cars and motorcycles on the terrace.
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Review from Kent P.
6/27/2010
Homemade icecream /= good ice cream
Some flavors are good (I say stick with the classics)
Some are not (why did I order creamsicle?)
Milkshakes are small given their 6$ price tag....
The best feature of this spot is the giant patio with mini park benches for children.
Makes you feel like you're a giant (or a creep). -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
me like big chill.
ice cream make me face hole happy.
you should make your face hole happy by going to big chill, too. -
Review from Matt F.
Toronto, ON
5/28/2009
I had passed by the colorful exterior of The Big Chill a couple of times on my way home from work, and always liked the cut of it's jib. It's very inviting, there are benches and children's furniture outside, a giant colorful mural, and a luminous blinky sign out front. Even Cadillacs for toddlers! Any establishment that allows toddlers to live out their not-yet-developed Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre fantasies (http://bit.ly/snpdre) is a-okay in my books. So, when it was suggested we (not the royal "we", I had company) go for Ice Cream on a warm but breezy evening in May, The Big Chill was the first place I thought of.
At first the selection was a little daunting, they had everything from standards (Chocolate, Vanilla) to a little more custom (Nutella), to a section they called "Exotic Flavors" (which I of course, first misread as "Erotic Flavors"). Thankfully, like any Ice Creamery worth it's big bag of rock salt (http://bit.ly/ZdnRW), the clerks were keen to offer free bite-sized tastes. All in all, the clerks there were very jovial (in the standard sense of the word, meaning joyous, or in good spirits, not my traditional use of the word, meaning the act of referencing or otherwise bringing Bon Jovi into a conversation) and helpful, which added to the warm, friendly atmosphere.
After a sample taste, I opted for their "Chocolate Peanut Butter" (http://bit.ly/pbmf) flavor. It was rich and smooth and just the right consistency - Soft but not too melty. Some of the best Ice Cream I've had in recent memory. They even topped it off with a mini-Oreo on top, and offered whipped cream, which I declined. Nice little touches like these go a long way.
We stepped out into the warm patio, and reclined in a couple of muskoka chairs. Bathed in the light of the bank across the street, and as the soundtrack continued on with selections from The first Strokes album & Gorillaz, we ate our cones and pretended to be at some cottage getaway of an imaginary rich friend we didn't much care for. There was magic in the air.
At around 10pm the workers started to clear away all of the children's furniture from the front patio, which made me briefly imagine that from 10-12pm, The Big Chill becomes an Adult's Only Ice Creamery. The workers would roll out polls and the soundtrack would change from New York hipster to dirty south crunk. I have to say, if they HAD gone that route, and become the Princesses (http://bit.ly/9MwwQ) of Toronto Ice Creameries, I would have at least stayed for another cone. -
Review from Cisi Z.
Toronto, ON
7/31/2010
Me: "How much for one scoop? two? ...three? With the waffle, please."
Server: "Well, one is $5.10. Two $6.20. Three, uh, three is just outrageous."
Hahah, no kidding. The servings are large! The waffle is fresh (When you walk by you'll be lured in by its scent... as their window is strategically opened...)! The flavour is great and it's not excessively sugary. AND, it's opened LATE (11pm), which is just fantastic when you're craving ice-cream at night... hehe, :).
Definitely coming back for more.
(I tried the Raspberry Cheesecake, I believe. :) -
Review from Alex K.
Toronto, ON
6/4/2011
A bit pricey, but with that selection and such good cones? It's well worth it. If it's a sunny day and you're on College, you'd be out of your mind not to stop in - even just for a baby cone. Add on the friendly staff and the great familiar ambience of this corner shop and you've got a real winner.
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Review from Wendy H.
Toronto, ON
5/31/2009
It's hard for me to think about this place without thinking about Arnold Schwartzenegger in Terminator 2 saying, "cheell out, deeckwahd." Thankfully The Big Chill gives you no robot attitude - only pure summertime spectacularism.
The place is tiny, and if there's a line (that's a joke - there's always a line) you'll have to peer around people's bellies to see the flavours. But the scooper workers are cuties, the flavour selection is top-notch by my books and I'm pretty sure that waffle cone JUST came off the iron. So worth getting the waffle cone. Why are you getting it in a bowl?! Are you crazy?! FRESH WAFFLE!
Also, how can you unleash haterade on a place that puts a mini cookie on top of your ice cream? Answer: you can't. -
Review from Joy S.
Woodbridge, ON
8/2/2010 4 photos
I swear the leave their front doors open because if they didnt people would walk right into them!
The smell is so distracting you drift away into another world..
Sweet waffles being made fresh infront of your eyes!
$3.50 delicious icecream always served with free whipped cream/mini oreo and of course a cute TINY spoon- if you get it in a cup.
Very cute icecream parlor inside AND out!Listed in: HIDDEN HIDEAWAYS
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Review from Angela L.
North York, ON
6/24/2011
Ice cream. Who doesn't like ice cream? My friend and I decided to go get ice cream to satisfy our sweet tooth, and the fact that I have always wanted to try it. Being that Taste of Little Italy was going on, the place was crowded, but the staff were very nice and patient. I got to sample Mickey's Birthday Cake (I didn't like it, but for those of you who like Betty Crocker's icing, you may like it), and went with the Brownie Toffee Crunch ($5.75). The waffle cone was fresh as it came right off the waffle iron, and the ice cream was delicious! They even gave me a mini Oreo cookie to top off the cone :) The only downfall was that I didn't taste any toffee. Although the number of cow pictures, figurines, and stuffed animals kind of freaked me out, I would totally go back again.
Listed in: Sweet tooth cravings
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Review from Andrea W.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2008 1 photo
Situation: want ice cream from The Big Chill after lunch
Dilemma: lunch break ends at 2pm, The Big Chill opens at 2pm
Solution: convince manager that she wants ice cream, too
You can't miss The Big Chill. Just look for the green and pink acid trip mural on Manning Street.
The Big Chill's popularity isn't due to amazing, top quality ice cream, it's more that this is the only ice cream parlour in a sea of neighbourghood gelateria. Single scoop cups or cones are $3.40. Waffle cones, sundaes, smoothies, floats and shakes are also listed on the chalk board menu. I'm very fond of a scoop of the peanut butter chocolate. Caribou Tracks or Polar Paws are my next choices (how Canadian). The Dutch Apple Pie ice cream seems to be well-liked, too. Lactose avoiders can choose from sorbets and several exotic non-dairy ices.
The best thing about The Big Chill is the scent of fresh waffle cones wafting up College Street on a summer evening.
Open seasonally, from early May until Thanksgiving. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
11/19/2008
I love love love the Big Chill.
As much as I love the ice without the cream, sometimes gelato just doesn't cut it. I mean it is just flavoured ice, and it doesn't have that extra oompf that ice cream offers. Not to mention you can't get gelato with chunks of cookie dough in it.
The Big Chill is the GREAT local ice cream joint. I think the ice cream there is delicious, and their waffle cones are the perfect combination of soft and crunchy. Personal favourites: Cookie Dough (obviously), Bordeaux Cherry, and bubblegum. Beware when getting bubblegum or any other kiddie-type flavour -- they tend to stop tasting so good when you get a large cone and your entire mouth turns blue.
This place gets packed on weekends, cause kids love it and they can eat their ice cream while playing on all the sticky toys outside. Parents like it because they can sit. And everyone else loves it because they love cheap, delicious ice cream. -
Review from Michelle V.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2009
Sometimes, it's not all about the ice cream but the experience. Any chance to sit on children's patio furniture while eating ice cream as you people-watch, I call dibs!
On the otherhand, it IS about the ice cream and it's fucking amazing!
Lots of flavours to choose from, plus many toppings to indulge, summer just isn't summer without this kind of love. Speaking of love, the staff is super friendly and uber fast - which is important because if I'm not standing with a goofy grin on my face and a waffle cone of ice cream in my hand in under a minute, I start throwing tantrums... and rocks. -
Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
5/27/2009
I love coming here on a hot summer afternoon. The fresh waffle cones are amazingly delicious. The ice cream is okay, nothing out of this world. It's simply ice cream.
I gave an extra star for having a pink Cadillac Escalade power wheels truck outside to sit in. I don't care if it was for the children, I sat there first! I'm almost certain that more adults sit on the children's patio set than children. It's just one of the things to do here.
Overall, the ice cream cone is where it's at, super fresh and delicious. The prices are reasonable and servings are large. -
Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2009
College and Manning is only a short walk for me, and I pass by the corner frequently. I always enjoy the delicious sugary smell wafting right on to the College street sidewalk. HOW do they do that, and make it so strong? Do they pump it out there? If so, well played. Its hard for me to ignore the impulse to go every couple of / few weeks or so.
As mentioned in previous reviews:
1. They have a spacious patio with furniture for the kids and a nice variety of seating for adults (benches, muskoka chairs)
2. The decor is colourful and playful like an ice cream store should be
3. The service is cheerful and samples are often offered without asking (up til recently I wouldn't have thought service and a cheerful disposition would matter that much on such a brief transaction... but... I'm looking at YOU, Riviera Bakery)
For me, the ice cream is OK. I do like the banana fudge ripple (Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey anyone) and the Pralines and Cream is fine. The couple other flavours were forgettable enough that I can't even recall their names. The offer whipped cream as an option but plunk a mini-Oreo on each cone without even asking... I'm not sure how a mini-Oreo cookie is supposed to complement or improve my premium(?) ice cream-eating experience.
While the one scoop regular/sugar cone is $3.40, the two scoop waffle cone tops out at just shy at $5.90 or $5.95.
One issue is if its crowded (often) you can really only see the flavours available when you are right at the counter and they are ready to make your order (there is no board that lists out the flavours). This is because the people who are having their order made are pressed right up against the freezer rendering the names of the ice cream unviewable - inefficient. When I (gently, I'm sure) pointed out how it would be great to have a list of the flavours to see out to the server he made some comment about it "ruining the experience". Well, I don't mind "ruining" the "lengthening of time before I can eat my ice cream cone".
As a roll over the stars to decide what ranking to provide, my intended selection of 3 stars is encaptioned "A-OK"... Well, I'll give it three stars but it would be more accurate to say "OK".Listed in: College Street kinda from…
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Review from Emma B.
Toronto, ON
5/17/2009
An essential part of my summer in Toronto. Once the good weather hits, there isn't a week that goes by without a trip to The Big Chill...it's just a part of the ritual.
I didn't even know the place was there, since it's tucked away just off of College on Manning. But once you know about it, it's hard to imagine ever walking by without seeing the brightly coloured murals or smelling the mouth-watering fresh waffles.
They have a good selection of flavours (of ice cream and frozen yogurt) but sadly, they don't have either of my favourite flavours...but that ends up being a good thing because I try something new almost every time I go.
The service is fabulous - really friendly - and there's lots of seats to chill at whether you're by yourself or with your family or a giant group of people. They have nice benches but also a bunch of cute, kid-like seats that although generally reserved for the tiny tykes, are often occupied by adults chilling on the mini cars and chairs :)
It doesn't get any better then a waffle cone, tasty ice cream and a warm summer night out on the patio. Trust me...go...you won't regret it. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/9/2008
An excellent option for ice cream on those hot summer days, The Big Chill is a big winner. While its has some tough competition from many of the gelato places that can be found throughout Little Italy, The Big Chill is ice cream in the classic sense.
It's not super soft the way gelato is and again comparing it to gelato, the flavour is not as thorough. Let's move on from the point that these guys are the only ice cream parlour in the area.
It's also important to point out that when comparing them to other ice cream parlours, The Big Chill is great, but not the best. They do provide a wide array of flavours, and have several cone and topping options, but as far as their ice cream itself goes, I've had better. That said, when I'm in the mood for ice cream, BC is always a good option. -
Review from Tara A.
5/27/2010
When it gets warm out, there is nothing more satisfying than ice cream... well a beer would be nice too but I'll settle for a cone. The Big Chill is so wonderful. There are so many flavour options, it's overwhelming. The staff are helpful and incredibly efficient. When we went there, the line up was long but they were moving people at a rapid rate.
The only complaint I have is that the flavours only seemed to be written on the glass freezers which isn't helpful when there's a line up and everyone is standing in front of it. (perhaps I missed an alternate sign?)
I highly recommend taking the pink Cadillac for a spin while enjoying your Big Chill. -
Review from alfred i.
North York, ON
8/5/2011
Great ice cream. I also love the vast space they have both inside and outside. In the heart of lil Italy, this is definitely a great summer spot. It's rather pricey for ice cream... but if you want good stuff, this is a good place to get it.
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Review from mondayjane s.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2010
Nice new space. Cute outdoor area. But, that's really all The Big Chill has going for it, in my opinion.
Living in the neighbourhood, I have given the place several chances - and it has never satisfied. The ice cream is hard and unforgiving, lacking creaminess. The prices too expensive for what you get. With ice cream being such a lovely experience overall, who wants to be disappointed by it?
I recommend walking south to Queen to The White Squirrel and getting a Greg's instead, or any of the gelato places along College west of Grace Street. Negroni at College and Palmerston makes their own ice cream - don't know if you can get it to go, but it is heavenly.
To me, The Big Chill is a Big Nope. -
Review from vivian v.
Aurora, ON
5/27/2009
Have you ever read my reviews? My life revolves around my two dogs, so to have an ice cream parlour in my old neighbourhood that I could bring my boys along to was even better. They always have a bowl of water for the dogs to cool down while you do, and if you're lucky and the boss is in the area and finds your dogs irresistible, he'll even give a kid cone to your pups.
I wish there was more of a selection, but the flavours they do have will never disappoint, especially if you get with one of their home-made waffle cones that are always freshly made. Stick around and eat your cone in the kid play area, even if you're alone, you'll easily find conversation as both employees and customers alike are all very chatty and friendly. But can you really expect any less in Little Italy? Just beware the Portuguese rapper, he can be a buzzkill if you're not in the mood. -
Review from Christina C.
5/30/2011 1 photo
Ain't nothing wrong with this place as far as ice cream goes. I haven't met a flavor I didn't like here yet, although you could top almost anything with real whipped cream and a mini Oreo and I'd be happy. Freshly-made waffle cones, a bright, colorful, retro interior, and friendly service make The Big Chill a place I go back to again and again and again (albeit at the expense of my waistline and my wallet, I'm afraid!)
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Review from Isabel R.
Toronto, ON
6/22/2010
Everyone is all in a big Hoopla about Greg's...but in my opinion, the best place to get ice cream on this side of town is The Big Chill. A great variety of flavours....not too sugary. I love the old standbys of mint chocolate chip or cookie dough...they do both well. You can really taste the flavors and arent overwhelmed by sugar.
Also, great indoor and outdoor seating. A bit overwhelmed by small children, but I suppose thats the nature of ice cream shops, so I'll let it slide -
Review from Adam P.
Toronto, ON
8/23/2009
I can appreciate the fact that The Big Chill tries hard to cater to children. Outside the shop there are little kiddie tables, benches, tables, and even a couple of kids' vehicles to mess around in. This is probably the first place that makes an effort to let kids have fun.
I think the reason why the place is so small is because they are renovating the front building and this is only a temporary site. Maybe someone has confirmed this already, but I don't want to read the rest of the reviews (too lazy right now).
I can't say that I really care too much for the ice cream. My wife had the banana fuge/chocolate brownie mix, and I had some mickey mouse/mint chocolate chip combo. My all time favourite ice cream is still Baskin Robbins' mint chocolate chip and it hasn't changed yet. I found the ice cream to be grainy. Now grainy is not the best word, but the best way to explain it is that it isn't as creamy as BR and seems to fall apart. That is still a terrible explanation.
They earn an extra star because they make their own waffle cones, and they are pretty fresh. Although mine wasn't freshly made, I did see a guy making a waffle cone after I ordered mine, so mine couldn't have been too old. -
Review from Andre G.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2009
I LOVE the Big Chill. The ice cream selection is on the small side but still has good variety. The trick to getting the most out of the BC is indulging on a waffle cone that is made fresh in house while you wait.
Beyond the ice cream the big outdoor patio is great for a hot summer evening of people watching. The place is always busy and it's easy to waste away an hour or two in the evening just relaxing.
Big Chill is my choice for west end ice cream all season! -
Review from bryon B.
Toronto, ON
9/20/2009
Good ice cream with freshly made waffle cones. Love the polar paws and moose tracks Yum!
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Review from Lestet John F.
Toronto, ON
6/21/2009
Perfect for hot summer days and cool nights
