I always think their ices are too sweet, but maybe I am getting the wrong kinds? I have not tried peach and tutti (all) frutti (fruits) yet.

Hi,

I guess it depends on your expectations. I like Mario's as-is. Since all their offerings have a base in the lemonade, it is doubtful trying peach or tutti fruiti will please you.

There is another Italian ice on Armitage whose offerings I found too sour. I have a feeling you may like it far more than I did. I am old school, I finish what I buy. Their lemon was torture for me. I finished it, but I wasn't happy.

Tom & Wendee's Homemade Italian Ice
1136 W Armitage Ave
(between Clifton Ave & Seminary Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-2885

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

I guess it depends on your expectations. I like Mario's as-is. Since all their offerings have a base in the lemonade, it is doubtful trying peach or tutti fruiti will please you.

There is another Italian ice on Armitage whose offerings I found too sour. I have a feeling you may like it far more than I did. I am old school, I finish what I buy. Their lemon was torture for me. I finished it, but I wasn't happy.

Tom & Wendee's Homemade Italian Ice
1136 W Armitage Ave
(between Clifton Ave & Seminary Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-2885

Regards,

I still like Marios too, but a little more sour would be good! Ill try this place, its so much more convenient than Marios too! Thx for the rec.

The opening of Mario's for the season is always cause for excitement. I have already been there twice, for excellent orange and tutti frutti. I love the way the tutti frutti changes throughout the season as different fruits become ripe. At this time of year, it's mainly apples; later, you see more grapes and soft fruits.

(It's likely more work than any moderator wants to do, but most of the posts in the "Mario's has PEACH!" thread would seem to be more appropriate added to this one. Every time that "Mario's has PEACH!" thread pops up, I get all excited, but usually it isn't actually time yet.)

I've been to Mario's a few times, but somehow have never heard of Gina's. Hmm. I'm going to have to check it out. I'm from Philly, and I personally think we have some of the best Italian water ice so I'm very demanding of the Italian ice places that I try.

ASOChicago wrote:I've been to Mario's a few times, but somehow have never heard of Gina's. Hmm. I'm going to have to check it out. I'm from Philly, and I personally think we have some of the best Italian water ice so I'm very demanding of the Italian ice places that I try.

I'm not sure which flavors you have tried, but stick to the fresh fruit flavors hanging from the the ceiling on hand painted signs.

Mario's has a fair number of sno-cone-ish (yup, it's a word) flavors like cherry, lime, etc. Those are nothing special. If you find them too sweet, then I'd suspect you were having those.

My all time favorite flavor (other than the reclusive peach) is cantaloupe. I would never think of it as too sweet, since it is more or less hunks of cantaloupe with a pretty light lemonade flavor in the background.

DClose wrote:I'm not sure which flavors you have tried, but stick to the fresh fruit flavors hanging from the the ceiling on hand painted signs.

Mario's real-fruit flavors are:

Lemon
Tutti frutti
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Pineapple
Coconut
Pina colada
Orange (flavored with orange zest)

Add the rare and delicious mango to the list of Mario's fresh fruit flavors. I got some on Friday. I don't know if they have any left.

(Edited to remove photo due to new LTHForum Terms of Service.)

Mario's Italian Lemonade Opens for 2016 Season This Weekend

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2016042 ... is-weekend

In the neighborhood today, I swung by Mario's to check on peach availability.
Not yet.
Quality was superb, as usual, for the cantaloupe and cherry ices my son and I had.

In an off-kilter world, the dependability of Mario's is a great comfort.
Tutti-frutti and watermelon were on point today.
This place never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Hi,

I have to drive someone after a meeting tonight. I hope it is my excuse to get to Mario's for the first time this season.

Regards,
CAthy2

In case anyone was thinking about going Friday, the Facebook page for Mario's indicates that they won't be open on May 1, and hope to open closer to June 1.

https://www.facebook.com/MariosItalianL ... 2562066466

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edc

The Summer 2020 announcement at http://marioslemonade.com/ says that they are back. Included are pictures of markings on the sidewalk for distancing. Not sure about the current hours, as they recently updated on Facebook indicating 9a-5p, while the website says 11a-10p.

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edc

Yep they're open; I walked by yesterday to check.

Love,
John

They opened Saturday pm, but swore me to secrecy. Xtra lg Grapefruit/banana was spot on as per norm.

Last day for this season is Sunday, Sept. 19.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTnSCirFVfL/

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edc

Jazzfood wrote:They opened Saturday pm, but swore me to secrecy. Xtra lg Grapefruit/banana was spot on as per norm.

Nothing normal about grapefruit and banana.

I don't live in a world where grapefruit and banana aren't per norm. My condolences if you do.

Recently had the pleasure of trying, for the first time, green apple and grapefruit. Green apple was pretty good, grapefruit was over the top delicious. Now I'm craving it and planning a return visit before the end of the season.

Buddy

Best new additions this year were POG and passion fruit for me. I also adore the return from late summer 2020 of lychee.

Gotta go w/mango or grapefruit. Even over my usually preferred peach.

Last weekend of the season. Ruby red grapefruit very good. New flavor seen on the specials board is apple cider.

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edc

The story behind Mario’s Italian Lemonade as it closes for the season, marking the end of summer in Chicago

https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... story.html

Try the deep dive if you want the real story.https://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=159568

From their Instagram: Mario’s will be open through September 11. They may stay open an extra week and close on September 18, depending on the weather.
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edc

edc wrote:From their Instagram: Mario’s will be open through September 11. They may stay open an extra week and close on September 18, depending on the weather.
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edc

Good I can't recall if Mr. Pairs4life got his fix yet. And I am already like do I have to run over there tonight or tomorrow b/c I am tired.

From their Instagram bio, Mario's last day of the season is tomorrow, Sunday, September 17.

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edc