This place really is as good as it gets. Even better if possible. 5-stars easy. I'd heard about Ollie's over the years from friends who attended NIU, and finally tried it when family moved out to the area in recent years. We've been going ever since whenever we're in town. Just wish it wasn't seasonal since most of our trips to DeKalb/Sycamore are in the winter during the holidays! Stopped by this past weekend after a year, and this last visit was no exception. It's still awesome. The custard is always perfect. Rich and creamy with great taste (no matter what flavor), and smooth/thick consistency. I usually go for the flavor of the day but opted for my favorite Black Forest Sundae. I'd recommend everything and anything here. We arrived just in time, right before the line started wrapping around the building (that alone speaks volumes about this place!). We were also able to grab a spot at one of the two picnic tables in the front, though there's plenty of seating behind Ollie's as well. Staff is always friendly and they work fast, so even if there is a line, it goes quick. Regardless, it's definitely worth the wait. I saw this visit that they've added an Express line for certain items like cones and dishes. It's a family favorite for us. We might just have to make a special trip back out to DeKalb once more this summer just for Ollie's!
(5)
Mahesh K.
Its really as good as it gets!!! Truly deserves all 5 stars. I lived in DeKalb for almost 6 years and this is one place where I had the best of times. Standing in long lines in cold gushing winds for an ice cream or a shake never felt so good. Every minute of it is worth it. This place is packed during the evenings any given day of the week. That should definitely mean something.... The best custard and shakes in the area. In fact, seems like everything they have is awesome. I really wish they were open all year round. I have a lot of good memories of this place. Will probably just drive to DeKalb for 7 hours to have their custards...:-)
(5)
Karen C.
Ollie's has what dreams are made of. When I visit my lovely alma mater, NIU, I generally go to do two things. Drink and eat. No matter how stuffed I am, I never leave DeKalb without a trip to Ollie's. You shouldn't, either.
(5)
Pat E.
First off, get there on a warm night, you'll be waiting in line for a while. This custard was awesome. I had an Irish Cream Cake cone, which was Awesome! I was with two other people, who got an ICC waffle cone and an arctic blast with nestle crunch pieces. Their menu is HUGE, and I cannot wait to get back and try it. This truly is AMAZING! They have a flavor of the day, and every Saturday they have Black Raspberry, which sounds amazing!
(5)
Sam C.
This is the best place for a cold treat! They don't skip on toppings like most places and there is a huge variety. I went around 1:00pm on a hot Tuesday and there was no line. Will be visiting more often!
(5)
Lin T.
Long lines, but amazing custard.
(5)
Kathleen M.
I'm not sure I need to write this review, since they already have a five-star rating with a million reviews. I'll just throw mine on the pile here. They're delicious. If I don't like the flavor of the day (which happens only every once in a while, and is always due to my own preferences and not their custard), they've always got good old vanilla and chocolate on standby. They don't skimp on toppings and price is very reasonable. Sometimes in the summer the lines are really long, but they move pretty quickly and it's nice to be amongst a bunch of people who are equally excited to have some delicious treats.
(5)
Felice C.
I REALLY wanted to like Ollie's. Everyone raves about it. Maybe ice cream or custard are just not my cup of tea... I got a kid sized Truffle, which was vanilla custard with raspberries and hot fudge. Kid sized was perfect for me! It wasn't anything terribly special, but the menu is so large, I'm sure I'll find something spectacular. My friends seemed to enjoy their treats though!
(3)
Charlie J.
You stole my heart! I keep going back to get it and leave with nothing but an Arctic Blast and huge smile on my face (and probably custard on my chin). There is usually a line but even if its to the back of the parking lot it moves really fast. Never mind waiting!
(5)
Catherine S.
Great stop on the way to the NIU Taft Field Campus. Any concoction you can think of using a custard base, they have it. Creamy. Fresh fruit ingredients. Inexpensive. Hometown-y. Outdoor seating (look toward the back of the lot for additional tables and shade). We've marked it on our GPS.
(4)
Megan P.
I don't really understand the cultish hype about this place, it is decent but the service was terrible every time I have been. The girls that work the front aren't exceptionally friendly, and there is a lot of pressure to rush and decide on your order. Going there as a first timer it is very confusing because their menu is unorganized hand scribble. I think it would make a world of a difference if this place jumped into the 21st century and if they taught their staff about customer service.
(3)
Jordan T.
I had a single cookies and cream waffle cone and it was so good that I ate the paper with the cone.
(5)
Lauren M.
Once you've had Ollie's, you never go back. Not only is their custard absolutely delicious, it comes with a heaping selection of fresh toppings. Other places give you toppings like its the depression. Not here. You have to try and keep your cup from running over with divine wonder. I will never stop recommending this star of cold treats.
(5)
Tom S.
The best custard on the planet. Our whole store goes at least once a month for blast. Oreo and raspberry are the two favorites. A DeKalb county tradition
(5)
Shug A.
Ice Cream is awesome. Love it, service right before they close until Feb sucks! It's great to go a couple of days before they shut the place down that way you'll get the flavors u want & by then there are less lines!!!!
(3)
Gwen L.
Have lived in the Dekalb area for 11 years and it is my go to place for out of town guests. Hell, it's my go to place for meeting in towners. I love the red velvet days with chic chunks, but the chocolate peanut butter Sundae is pretty spectacular too. Can't go wrong with anything really. Ask for a sample of the flavor of the day!
(5)
Beth M.
As an NIU grad, I always make a trip to Ollie's when we're in the area! It's one of the places that you have to go to when you're in DeKalb/Sycamore. My favorite is Butter Pecan. It's available only on Sunday's. They make the best Turtle Sundaes and Blasts.
(5)
Breana R.
Lived in dekalb my whole 22 years and have gone to Ollies since I was a little girl! This a must stop multiple times during the summer, FRESH delicious custard. I get something different every time and never leave disappointed. I have not a single bad thing to say about this place
(5)
Leah O.
I once read that life is like an ice cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time. In the event you're having custard from Ollies, you can choose to spoon it in slowly, or eat it bit by waffle-y cone bit. Today marks the first of many trips to this place for the season. We can all breathe a little lighter knowing Ollies is open, which also means subsequently, summer is on the horizon. And for us who live in Sycamore, we embrace both with open arms. My favorite thing to get here is so simple. I love a two scoop sundae with Heath toffee. They have flavors of the day which is kinda fun to look forward to. Amaretto chocolate chunk and the simple mint chip are highlights in my summer calendar. Sure, when it's a hot night, they have a line wrapping around the building. And when you're impatient for their creamy goodness, it can feel like an eternity. But to me that is part of the experience. I'll be in the long line waiting for my custard.
(5)
Jessica A.
If you are not from the area and find yourself in this area, you have to go to Ollie's. Best local frozen custard place. Don't event think about going somewhere else..... they don't even compare. They always have chocolate, vanilla, and then a flavor of the day. They have a very large menu of frozen treats you can try and I encourage you to get creative and come up with your own creation. ( Sometimes they even have competitions or surveys that you can fill out with ideas of new flavors or Sundaes and such to feature). Tip- their regular and larger serving sizes are quite generous. It is not on the menu but you can ask for a Jr size of most items for a dollar or two cheaper and its usually about the size of a small or medium. Just right size for me usually. If I get a regular I end up sharing with someone. Enjoy your frozen treat outside and don't line up in front of the window, line up around the side. And as the picture shows, the lines are long but well worth the wait. =)
(5)
Tom H.
This place already has an overall 5 star rating. Stop reading this and just go there already!!! Basically you can choose between chocolate, vanilla, flavor of the day custard. From there do as you wish. Literally anything you want on it or in it. You can get like a blizzard from DQ or a Sundae, or a Shake, or Malt, there's a Boston Shake, A Float, wait there's more, you can get it in Cone, a serving dish and probably right on your hand, you savage! Honestly though, it's great! I love it! People who have ever tried it, love it. There's almost always a line but it moves pretty quick! So really it's a... Must Try.
(5)
Matthew K.
It's like going to Dairy Queen, but you get to stand outside in a long line for a half hour before you get served. Brilliant! The ice cream is fine: no better or worse than any other ice cream parlor. What irritates me, however, is that even though this place has had solid business for DECADES, they have not expanded their building. Could we please have more machines and more places to order so I don't have to stand in line for thirty minutes next to annoying college kids? No, of course not. People in this town are happy to stand in line for a half hour or more just to get a scoop of ice cream.
(3)
Karyn S.
I no longer live in Dekalb, and this is the place that I miss the most. They carry chocolate and vanilla every day, with a special flavor of the day that changes. It was convenient, because they would have a calender forecasting the flavors, and you could even buy the pints to take home and enjoy later. One of my favorite things about Ollie's, aside from "OMG ITS SO AMAZING SOMETIMES THERE'S A LINE AROUND THE STORE!!!!" (still so worth it), is that they let you customize what you order, and you only pay for what you want. If, like me, you're a vanilla custard with oreos and whipped cream kind of girl, you pay way less than my friend, a vanilla, with oreos, raspberries, nuts, whipped cream, and the odd kitchen appliance. Which I appreciate - I pay for what I get, and it's always amazing! They have fun, custom flavor combos (I can't remember what the combos were, but I remember one of them was the blackbird, one was the huskie... and it was always fun to see the new ones. Sometimes they would run contests for customers to suggest a new combo. I miss Ollie's. :-/
(5)
Bo Y.
Amazing frozen treat! Loved it. Missing it.
(5)
Joe E.
As an NIU grad, this would be one of the only reasons I would head back to DeKalb. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. You can't go wrong with anything you order. My 2 favorite things are the arctic blasts (think DQ blizzard but fantastic) and the waffle cones. You can't go wrong with either of those. They always have Choco, Vanilla, and a flavor of the day. My favorites were Irish cream cake, cake batter, and PB choco nut. I'm getting upset thinking about not being able to go here right now. Ollie's closes on Halloween and Opens near the end of February. If it's warm out, it's going to be packed, no matter what. Hell, sometimes it's freezing and there's stilla line. My only regret is that I discovered this place during my Junior year. I missed out on two years of great custard!!!
(5)
Dave Y.
Can't imagine anyone giving this a poor review, so anythin I write here may be redundant. There are usually lines here, however the place is more than adequatley staff and the lines move very quickly. As the ads say, if you ask for ice cream, they may answer "It's custard, darn it!"
(5)
R I C K Y B O B B Y.
I don't live anywhere near this place. But if I ever find myself within 20 miles of it, I am always looking up what the flavor of the day is, because it is THAT good! Look no furthur than the reviews already posted. It is the real deal!
(5)
Kyle U.
By far one of the best Frozen Custard places I have been to in awhile! Since this is around school, I tend to be frequent here during the warmer months. Try it out!
(5)
Samantha K.
Daughter had a tournament in the area and my husband (NIU Alum) suggested visiting. I am sure glad we did. I am not a huge custard fan, but it was delicious. The main difference is that this place is generous on their toppings and they are all good. Line was long, but staff moved it quickly and got the order done quickly.
(5)
Ryan T.
Best ice cream for miles. They have excellent service and are very reasonable priced. Highly recommended!
(5)
Amanda B.
The multiple other five star reviews only further what I'll write, which is nothing new. I also must admit that I grew up in this town and Ollie's was a staple growing up and still is today. Ok...another confession...I may have worked there for 2 years in high school. Could I be any more Susie High School? Who works at a frozen custard shop in a small town in high school? Well, before you ask...I did (and so did my mother-in-law actually). Ok actually she worked at an ice cream place. So therefore, completely incomparable. Anyway...on to the custard! The product speaks for itself. The taste is phenomenal: creamy and smooth. And the variety of mix-ins and toppings is extreme. What I love most, however, is that while some offerings change, allowing even a lifetime customer like me to try new things, they still keep the tried and true classics. If you haven't been here, do yourself a favor and stand in line on a hot summer night and go. If you have been, then go again. You know you'll feel better later.
(5)
Madeline G.
Consistently really good custard. Every flavor that I've tried has been great! The line of people usually waiting is proof that it's delicious. They have 3 flavors each day...usually 2 "regulars" like chocolate and vanilla and one specialty flavor. Can't go wrong with any of them!
(5)
Jeffrey R.
In my perspective, it is more of a townie gem more than it is college town hot spot, but after the first visit regardless who you are, it will definitely become a place that you will want to visit whenever you get the chance. If you want mediocre chain ice cream, Dairy Queen is down the road. If you want authentically delicious frozen custard this is the place to be. It is a walk up business, but still gives off a cool atmosphere. There is an endless amount of options and combinations that a person can make including sundaes, shakes, or you can just simply order the flavor of the day & still leave completely content. Sometimes there will be a line wrapped around the building, but it is definitely worth the wait. If you have no idea what you want, as the employees for a suggestion, it definitely helps. My go-to choice was an employee's suggestion-- cookies & cream/banana shake. YUM.
(5)
Josh D.
Even if the line is around the building and into the parking lot(which it probably will be) get out of you car and get in line. It's worth the wait.
(5)
PA S.
The custard is thick and creamy. It's made fresh in-house. Even the most simple hot fudge sundae is flavorful and wonderfully satisfying. The line can get somewhat long on evenings during the weekend, but nothing extreme and well worth the wait. Staff is always friendly, even when swamped.
(5)
Dawn M.
Went back - a few times. Best thing to order (IMHO) is plain vanilla in a waffle cone. This is the best thing I ordered, and let me appreciate rich goodness of the custard. Chocolate was not chocolatey enough. Just about anything else you can put on top covers up the quality of the custard. Watch for the wonderful little surprise in the bottom of the waffle cone. (Nope! Not a marshmallow.) I'll stop by when I'm in the area...
(4)
Betsy T.
Butter pecan is the best I've ever had. It's very rich so a little goes a long way.
(5)
Randi A.
This place is legendary in DeKalb and Sycamore! It's enough to make you give up ice cream all together, soft serve ain't got shit on frozen custard. I don't even care about how many more calories are packed into this stuff and that it'll go straight to my thighs. When I'm eating frozen custard from Ollie's I'm in a happy place and it's effects last longer than the custard does. If you need to brighten anyone's day all you have to do is bring them Ollie's. Just hope that it's between late February and some time in October. Sucks that this place is seasonal. If I was Ollie, I would have this stuff in local supermarkets like Duck Soup Coop and Inboden's all year round.
(5)
Mundo M.
I don't want to say this place is really good..that would be understating it. The custard is euphoric. I have no idea how they make this stuff but they are most certainly doing it right. If you are anywhere around here between March and November it would be a shame if you didn't stop by. Even if you aren't that big of a custard fan it is so worth trying. I can't imagine anyone not liking this stuff.
(5)
Megan O.
A little walk up shop in the middle of nowhere with the best frozen custard! They had SO MANY choices, it was so hard to decide. I decided to choose between their limited edition pumpkin FC or the original custard with crushed Oreos, strawberries, and some awesome chocolate sauce. and the winner was.... the original with all the toppings! SO good, and it definitely tasted homemade, rather than Culver's custard (considering that's a well known frozen custard maker) They close up shop after Halloween and don't open up until March, so get your fix as much as your body can handle to last you through the winter months :)
(5)
Guillermo P.
Everyone loves this place! It's considered a classic and serves as the place to be for pretty much all of Dekalb high school! I'll admit that they have tons of options and almost anyone can find what they are looking for, but I am not really crazy about Ollie's. every time I eat here I leave with a stomach ache. That is just me though, I can definitely see why this place is so successful. Give it a try.
(3)
Joey F.
not 90% fat free. People get frozen custard and frozen yogurt confused. 10 g of fat per 4 oz of vanilla custard... olliessycamore.com/nutri…
(4)
Pierre D.
When I was a freshman in College I loved this place When I was a senior in College I loved this place Now I am in the real world, out of College not living in DeKalb it is a place I make sure I visit because it is that good. My one quam is that it is not open year round. I also wish it stayed open a bit later. Kids going to NIU, enjoy this gem while you can because when you leave this will be one of the spots your going to miss.
(4)
Kevin R.
I have talked a big custard game before. So here it is: the best custard I have ever had. Please challenge me, and I will try your spot. Until then, Ollie's is the best. I grew up on this stuff, first taste was back in like, oh, say...1996. That's right people! Here's what I can promise you. The best custard you have ever had. It's 90% fat free. If you get a waffle cone (no longer home made, that changed back in like 1999) there will be a malted milk ball at the bottom. Don't freak out, just eat it. It helps prevent your cone from leaking on your pants. It's creamy, delicious, relatively cheap, perfect. You can get just about any flavor frozen to take home, but there are always three flavors on 'tap' on any given day. Vanilla, Chocolate, and whatever they feel like making. Plan your trip accordingly. You can check their custard schedule online. It's pretty cheap, ample parking. Beware, if its a beautiful summer evening, there will be a huge line. No indoor seating. Not open year round. You'll really start to miss it in the winter months.
(5)
Josh H.
Really, 4.5 stars. This is a really good custard shop, though i really go for simple reasons: single scoop, in a cone. There are three flavors daily, vanilla, chocolate, and a daily flavor which are usually somewhat regular. Black Raspberry every Saturday, most others rotate every two weeks. Seasonal flavors rotate as well, Key Lime Pie in the early summer, Pumpkin late-summer into early/mid-autumn when the shop typically closes. For me, anything but the single scoop is too much. Too rich, too much, unenjoyable halfway through. That's really a testament to the potency of the custard. But not all flavors are to my tastes (probably some sort of weird conspiracy to suit as many tastes as possible, and make a profit). Personal favorites: Pumpkin (tastes like Pumpkin Pie) Amaretto Chocolate Chip Key Lime Pie Black Raspberry Vanilla I avoid many of the more popular flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie dough, where even a single scoop is overkill. The more delicate flavors are great, but refreshing at the same time. Totally worth taking out-of-town guests to show off DeKalb. They only do one thing really, but they do it very well.
(5)
Alexandra C.
Fantastic! I have searched the nation up and down, and I have never found anything better than Ollie's, luckily it's in my hometown. Ollies is wonderful, and most people around town will tell you their staple. If you ever come to the Dekalb/Sycamore area, or have friends who are passing through you need to take them for a visit to Ollies. Ollies is open from late October to late February as I recall. It gets very busy Friday nights and Saturday nights, and can possibly have a line wrapping around to the back of the building. It's ok though, because when you hang out in the line most likely you'll run into someone or meet someone new!The staff is great, most of them are local high school/college kids, who know what to do and get your order out quick. Absolutely fantastic, one of the best things about going home!
(5)
Ev S.
Oh MY GOSH...I have been an ice cream fiend for years, but this one takes it. I have brought Ollies, via cold pak, to work. My co-workers were blown away by their ice cream. The creaminess and the consistancy is something from Heaven. They have vanilla and chocolate every day of the week, but have a special flavor of the day. In addition to that, they will make up any combination you want. I love that that have a Husky Sundae! Go NIU! Ollies has been around for years and I hope they are here for many more!
(5)
Alanna K.
This place is amazing...!! BEWARE FIRST TIMERS....you may get a stomach ache just because you are not used to this creamy goodness. But it's SO WORTH IT... Ollie's is the kind of place where you'll search your couches and car for change just so you can get a single scoop in a dish/cone! I'm SERIOUS! Everyday they have a different flavor. Most of them repeat on the same day throughout the month...trust me, you'll start to memorize the ice cream calendar it's so good!!! P.S. They used to be cash only...now they ACCEPT CREDIT!!!
(5)
Curt B.
Best place to get frozen custard.
(5)
Chad G.
I thought they made their own custard! This year I saw a dairy truck out back that read "Custard" in big letters, and the driver was unloading large containers off the back. Does this mean that they receive shipments of plain custard and flavor it there? Ok ok... it IS good. They have a very loyal following. We take our dog there and get him a doggie custard . They even top it with a dog biscuit!!! Just like many local residents, we peek at the Ollie's calendar every so often, as though our errand schedule revolves around Ollie's flavor of the day. Even though they have a large complicated menu of shakes, malts, sundaes, we always order a scoop of custard in a cone.
(3)
Claire C.
The best frozen custard I've had. It's perfect. No complaints. Get the black raspberry in a waffle cone and you will die of happy.
(5)
Scott S.
Great frozen custard for cheap! I didn't know about this place when I first started going to school at NIU because it isn't near campus. I'm done with school now, but I try to stop by whenever I'm in the area (yes, it's THAT GOOD). Be prepared for a big line.
(5)
Ryan W.
Delicious. Some of the best if not THE best Frozen Custard I've ever had. I could get really fat on this. Really, really fat. We're talking enormous here. That's how good this stuff is.
(5)
Katie H.
Why the HELL is this place not open year round? I guaruntee that the Fatties of DeKalb County would keep this place open even when it's sub-zero. Everytime I go home to see my parents I have to go here. Not only is it insanely delicious but it's cheap as hell too. I've been coming here since I was a kid even before they changed locations. In high school we would occaisionally come here during lunch hour and make a meal out of their sundaes. Also, this was the place to be seen back in the day when you're waiting in the line that bends all the way around the building. Memories. If Ollie's ever closes, I'll hurl myself off the Sycamore water tower.
(5)
Lauren S.
Tasty custard- especially the black raspberry. Not a huge sweets fan but it is worth the wait. Great place and miss it since I moved away from Dekalb.
(4)
Cindy H.
Ollies now takes debit/credit cards - which means I'm there several times a week getting the BEST frozen custard around. My personal faves are the raspberry fudge truffle (also as an arctic blast) and the thin mint cookie. Cake batter is so-so, but the pumpkin is divine! Really nothing horrible on the menu. Be prepared to stand in line (especially on hot days and in February on the opening day of business). This is a local landmark - be sure not to miss it! PS- Ollies offers take-home pints, quarts, and gallons. We haven't had great luck with those being great after 2+weeks. The flavors tend to become blander as time goes on in the freezer (if they even last that long! LOL)
(5)
Jennifer L.
I made many an Ollie's run back in my NIU days. I love their turtle sundae. Their raspberry fudge sundae is good, too. So are their chocolate malts. Oh hell, it's all good. If I a) lived closer and b) still had my college metabolism, I'd be eating Ollie's like there was no tomorrow!
(5)
Jessica M.
The best frozen treat in Illinois! It is better than any frozen custard, yogurt or ice cream anywhere. There's no way I could pick my favorite flavor, but my fail safe has always been the turtle sunday; it is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Also, the malt balls at the bottom of the waffle cones are the best treat ever! I've been eating Ollie's since I was 7 yrs old and I'll go back any chance I get.
(5)
Justin W.
One of the best frozen custard places in the state! It's a damn shame I only discovered it during my last year at NIU! :(
(5)
Amanda D.
Stopped here on our way back from Moline, Il. It was suggested by my cousin who went to NIU a few years back. When we arrived, it was clear that this was a popular place to go! The line wrapped around the building. Although it did not take too long to get to the window to order. The flavors that they were serving were vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan. I ordered one scoop of each. My husband ordered a peanut butter shake. Everything was delicious! Really smooth in texture and great flavor! If i were local i would visit again
(4)
Frank D.
Best frozen custard in the area, hands down. If you get a waffle cone, they put a malted milk ball at the bottom! They always have chocolate, vanilla, and a flavor of the day.
(5)
Jeremy F.
Wow. I had heard stories of Ollie's but wasn't sure what to believe. It's definitely worth the drive out after dinner to wait in line for the most amazing desert. Everything has been good so far.
(5)
Laura B.
Having grown up in DeKalb, this place has a lot of nostalgia for me. It was one of my favorite places to go as a kid, and I always make it a point to go back whenever I'm home. It's a real old-fashioned custard and soda stand, featuring some pretty old-fashioned prices, too. It is well worth waiting in the line (which often wraps around the side of the building and into the parking lot, particularly on hot Summer nights) to get your $2 giant waffle cone, or $5-6 giant sundae. It's rich, creamy, and incomparably delicious. I can't tell you how many Summer nights I've spent with friends sitting at the wooden benches in the back, chatting, laughing, and eating Ollies. Whenever I bring people to DeKalb, I always take them here. My personal favorite? Strawberry and pecan sundae on chocolate custard!
(5)
Mary H.
I grew up in DeKalb. We were very lucky, because the original Ollie's "shack" was close enough that on certain summer nights, my family would trek over there, wait in the wraparound line, and then get our custard. It was good to trek, because I don't remember the original joint having any parking, really. I didn't want to like the new place--it wasn't in my neighborhood anymore, it was shinier and bigger.... but it turns out you just can't spoil ambrosia, and it's still as fantastically delicious as ever. Keep up the good work, Ollie's!!! It's always worth the wait.
(5)
Tiffany B.
Being from New York the only custard I've had has been from Shake Shack, where I thought it couldn't get any more delicious -- but indeed, it has. Ollie's Frozen Custard will earn you a spot in dessert heaven. Each of the many flavors offered are dreamily creamy yet light. After having its custard, I find myself utterly disappointed by that of any other than Ollie's.
(5)
Scott K.
Ice cream is the greatest food in all of God's creation, but finding a good ice cream place in these parts (DeKalb, Sycamore and booming Cortland), good luck!! But if you want to find a good place for frozen custard (a good enough substitute for ice cream) look no further then Ollie's. I give it a "Good As it Gets" rating but that is qualified by saying frozen custard and ice cream are only cousins they are not siblings and ice cream is the superior of the two But that being qualified Ollie's is as good as it gets. It is very yum yum for the tum tum. Not much one an brag on ice cream/frozen custard because if you don't like either especially the former then it's likely your a... ehh to keep Yelp family friendly, I'll just say seek help and do so by not passing 'Go'
(5)
Derek G.
If you were visiting Dekalb County and only had time to stop at one place it would be Ollies. Suffering through dessert anywhere else just ain't fair when Ollies is open. If you are dining locally, skip dessert and come here. Hopefully digestion will move fast enough for you to be able to afford room for a double scoop. What do I recommend? ANYTHING.
(5)
Lydia Z.
Amazing love this place! Best Frozen Custard around. The people there are so nice and the Custard is delicious!
(5)
Kori O.
I am not an ice cream fan but Ollies serves frozen custard, which is unbelievably good in comparasion! The custard is so rich and yummy... I usually finish a sundae in 2 sittings! My favorite is the peanut butter sundae... peanut butter and chocolate, you just cant go wrong with that! Be prepared to wait a few minutes in line though. This place is always jumpin!
(5)
Kayci S.
I prefer ice cream or frozen yogurt to custard, but when I want something frozen and delicious, this custard will definitely suffice. It was really rich and tasty, so much so that I wasn't able to finish it all in one sitting. I also like all the mix-in options, and I love that they have a rotating flavor. However, when I ordered nuts and some fruit to go with my vanilla custard, they sort of just stuck it on top, leaving me to attempt to mix it in to a pretty deep cup of custard, which did not really work. The only really negative aspect of Ollie's was that the girl who took our order was pretty rude. I always try to be polite to customer service workers, because I've been there and dealt with frustrating customers, so I'd like to say it wasn't me, and the friends I was with agreed. For the customer service experience I'd give it 1 star, but obviously that could have been an off-day for that individual, and even if it wasn't, she's only one person, so I don't want to let that affect my review too much.
(4)
Susanne C.
Wonderful frozen custard, sundaes, etc. Even features a special flavor each day. Glad it's an hour away!
(5)
M A.
I first tried Ollie's custard in the 80's while I was in grad school at NIU. Almost 30 years went by and I still believe is one of the best, if not the best I had in my life....If you have a chance tried it. It's a shame I live so many miles away....
(5)
Jessica D.
The ultimate frozen custard. If I will miss anything from my NIU days will be the in-between escapades my mom and I made to Ollies for some frosty refreshment.
(5)
Sean H.
Great little place hidden in the Dekalb/Sycamore area. If we are in a mood for a little trip and something sweet, we drive about 40 min just to get to Ollies. They have great frozen custard that definitely rivals any ice cream out there. I highly recommend going on Saturdays when they have their Black Raspberry!
(4)
Kat W.
So much better than ice cream... Ollie's is the best reason to visit home. If they were open in the winter, I'd still get me some. They have the best turtle sundae. And you can grab a pint to go, for those late night cravings.
(5)
Jen T.
Ollie's is that place that is only open a certain length of time each year and once it is about to open, word travels like wildwifre letting everyone in surrounding areas know that the grand opening is coming soon! There is good reason for the hype too.....their custard is superb. Summer would not be complete without many trips to Ollie's!
(5)
Allison K.
Absolutely the best frozen custard I have ever had. Ollie's Frozen Custard is so creamy and rich. Every day they offer soft serve custard in chocolate and vanilla and of there flavor of the day. They have calenders available so that you know when they are serving your favorite flavors. You can also get many different pre-package quarts of the custard too, but I recommend getting the custard fresh. They have shakes and sundae's available but honestly the custard is so rich in flavor I highly recommend just getting a couple of scoops in a waffle cone, (they even put a whopper candy at the bottom of the waffle cones) Ollie's is very low in cost, but be prepared to wait in lines because it is a very popular place for the DeKalb/ Sycamore citizens.
(5)
Lin T.
Long lines, but amazing custard.
(5)
Megan P.
I don't really understand the cultish hype about this place, it is decent but the service was terrible every time I have been. The girls that work the front aren't exceptionally friendly, and there is a lot of pressure to rush and decide on your order. Going there as a first timer it is very confusing because their menu is unorganized hand scribble. I think it would make a world of a difference if this place jumped into the 21st century and if they taught their staff about customer service.
(3)
Jeremy F.
Wow. I had heard stories of Ollie's but wasn't sure what to believe. It's definitely worth the drive out after dinner to wait in line for the most amazing desert. Everything has been good so far.
(5)
Susanne C.
Wonderful frozen custard, sundaes, etc. Even features a special flavor each day. Glad it's an hour away!
(5)
M A.
I first tried Ollie's custard in the 80's while I was in grad school at NIU. Almost 30 years went by and I still believe is one of the best, if not the best I had in my life....If you have a chance tried it. It's a shame I live so many miles away....
(5)
Jessica D.
The ultimate frozen custard. If I will miss anything from my NIU days will be the in-between escapades my mom and I made to Ollies for some frosty refreshment.
(5)
Sean H.
Great little place hidden in the Dekalb/Sycamore area. If we are in a mood for a little trip and something sweet, we drive about 40 min just to get to Ollies. They have great frozen custard that definitely rivals any ice cream out there. I highly recommend going on Saturdays when they have their Black Raspberry!
(4)
Kat W.
So much better than ice cream... Ollie's is the best reason to visit home. If they were open in the winter, I'd still get me some. They have the best turtle sundae. And you can grab a pint to go, for those late night cravings.
(5)
Jen T.
Ollie's is that place that is only open a certain length of time each year and once it is about to open, word travels like wildwifre letting everyone in surrounding areas know that the grand opening is coming soon! There is good reason for the hype too.....their custard is superb. Summer would not be complete without many trips to Ollie's!
(5)
Laura B.
Having grown up in DeKalb, this place has a lot of nostalgia for me. It was one of my favorite places to go as a kid, and I always make it a point to go back whenever I'm home. It's a real old-fashioned custard and soda stand, featuring some pretty old-fashioned prices, too. It is well worth waiting in the line (which often wraps around the side of the building and into the parking lot, particularly on hot Summer nights) to get your $2 giant waffle cone, or $5-6 giant sundae. It's rich, creamy, and incomparably delicious. I can't tell you how many Summer nights I've spent with friends sitting at the wooden benches in the back, chatting, laughing, and eating Ollies. Whenever I bring people to DeKalb, I always take them here. My personal favorite? Strawberry and pecan sundae on chocolate custard!
(5)
Chad G.
I thought they made their own custard! This year I saw a dairy truck out back that read "Custard" in big letters, and the driver was unloading large containers off the back. Does this mean that they receive shipments of plain custard and flavor it there? Ok ok... it IS good. They have a very loyal following. We take our dog there and get him a doggie custard . They even top it with a dog biscuit!!! Just like many local residents, we peek at the Ollie's calendar every so often, as though our errand schedule revolves around Ollie's flavor of the day. Even though they have a large complicated menu of shakes, malts, sundaes, we always order a scoop of custard in a cone.
(3)
Claire C.
The best frozen custard I've had. It's perfect. No complaints. Get the black raspberry in a waffle cone and you will die of happy.
(5)
Scott S.
Great frozen custard for cheap! I didn't know about this place when I first started going to school at NIU because it isn't near campus. I'm done with school now, but I try to stop by whenever I'm in the area (yes, it's THAT GOOD). Be prepared for a big line.
(5)
Ryan W.
Delicious. Some of the best if not THE best Frozen Custard I've ever had. I could get really fat on this. Really, really fat. We're talking enormous here. That's how good this stuff is.
(5)
Katie H.
Why the HELL is this place not open year round? I guaruntee that the Fatties of DeKalb County would keep this place open even when it's sub-zero. Everytime I go home to see my parents I have to go here. Not only is it insanely delicious but it's cheap as hell too. I've been coming here since I was a kid even before they changed locations. In high school we would occaisionally come here during lunch hour and make a meal out of their sundaes. Also, this was the place to be seen back in the day when you're waiting in the line that bends all the way around the building. Memories. If Ollie's ever closes, I'll hurl myself off the Sycamore water tower.
(5)
Lauren S.
Tasty custard- especially the black raspberry. Not a huge sweets fan but it is worth the wait. Great place and miss it since I moved away from Dekalb.
(4)
Cindy H.
Ollies now takes debit/credit cards - which means I'm there several times a week getting the BEST frozen custard around. My personal faves are the raspberry fudge truffle (also as an arctic blast) and the thin mint cookie. Cake batter is so-so, but the pumpkin is divine! Really nothing horrible on the menu. Be prepared to stand in line (especially on hot days and in February on the opening day of business). This is a local landmark - be sure not to miss it! PS- Ollies offers take-home pints, quarts, and gallons. We haven't had great luck with those being great after 2+weeks. The flavors tend to become blander as time goes on in the freezer (if they even last that long! LOL)
(5)
Jennifer L.
I made many an Ollie's run back in my NIU days. I love their turtle sundae. Their raspberry fudge sundae is good, too. So are their chocolate malts. Oh hell, it's all good. If I a) lived closer and b) still had my college metabolism, I'd be eating Ollie's like there was no tomorrow!
(5)
Jessica M.
The best frozen treat in Illinois! It is better than any frozen custard, yogurt or ice cream anywhere. There's no way I could pick my favorite flavor, but my fail safe has always been the turtle sunday; it is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Also, the malt balls at the bottom of the waffle cones are the best treat ever! I've been eating Ollie's since I was 7 yrs old and I'll go back any chance I get.
(5)
Justin W.
One of the best frozen custard places in the state! It's a damn shame I only discovered it during my last year at NIU! :(
(5)
Allison K.
Absolutely the best frozen custard I have ever had. Ollie's Frozen Custard is so creamy and rich. Every day they offer soft serve custard in chocolate and vanilla and of there flavor of the day. They have calenders available so that you know when they are serving your favorite flavors. You can also get many different pre-package quarts of the custard too, but I recommend getting the custard fresh. They have shakes and sundae's available but honestly the custard is so rich in flavor I highly recommend just getting a couple of scoops in a waffle cone, (they even put a whopper candy at the bottom of the waffle cones) Ollie's is very low in cost, but be prepared to wait in lines because it is a very popular place for the DeKalb/ Sycamore citizens.
(5)
Tom S.
The best custard on the planet. Our whole store goes at least once a month for blast. Oreo and raspberry are the two favorites. A DeKalb county tradition
(5)
Shug A.
Ice Cream is awesome. Love it, service right before they close until Feb sucks! It's great to go a couple of days before they shut the place down that way you'll get the flavors u want & by then there are less lines!!!!
(3)
Gwen L.
Have lived in the Dekalb area for 11 years and it is my go to place for out of town guests. Hell, it's my go to place for meeting in towners. I love the red velvet days with chic chunks, but the chocolate peanut butter Sundae is pretty spectacular too. Can't go wrong with anything really. Ask for a sample of the flavor of the day!
(5)
Beth M.
As an NIU grad, I always make a trip to Ollie's when we're in the area! It's one of the places that you have to go to when you're in DeKalb/Sycamore. My favorite is Butter Pecan. It's available only on Sunday's. They make the best Turtle Sundaes and Blasts.
(5)
Breana R.
Lived in dekalb my whole 22 years and have gone to Ollies since I was a little girl! This a must stop multiple times during the summer, FRESH delicious custard. I get something different every time and never leave disappointed. I have not a single bad thing to say about this place
(5)
Leah O.
I once read that life is like an ice cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time. In the event you're having custard from Ollies, you can choose to spoon it in slowly, or eat it bit by waffle-y cone bit. Today marks the first of many trips to this place for the season. We can all breathe a little lighter knowing Ollies is open, which also means subsequently, summer is on the horizon. And for us who live in Sycamore, we embrace both with open arms. My favorite thing to get here is so simple. I love a two scoop sundae with Heath toffee. They have flavors of the day which is kinda fun to look forward to. Amaretto chocolate chunk and the simple mint chip are highlights in my summer calendar. Sure, when it's a hot night, they have a line wrapping around the building. And when you're impatient for their creamy goodness, it can feel like an eternity. But to me that is part of the experience. I'll be in the long line waiting for my custard.
(5)
Kathleen M.
I'm not sure I need to write this review, since they already have a five-star rating with a million reviews. I'll just throw mine on the pile here. They're delicious. If I don't like the flavor of the day (which happens only every once in a while, and is always due to my own preferences and not their custard), they've always got good old vanilla and chocolate on standby. They don't skimp on toppings and price is very reasonable. Sometimes in the summer the lines are really long, but they move pretty quickly and it's nice to be amongst a bunch of people who are equally excited to have some delicious treats.
(5)
Felice C.
I REALLY wanted to like Ollie's. Everyone raves about it. Maybe ice cream or custard are just not my cup of tea... I got a kid sized Truffle, which was vanilla custard with raspberries and hot fudge. Kid sized was perfect for me! It wasn't anything terribly special, but the menu is so large, I'm sure I'll find something spectacular. My friends seemed to enjoy their treats though!
(3)
Charlie J.
You stole my heart! I keep going back to get it and leave with nothing but an Arctic Blast and huge smile on my face (and probably custard on my chin). There is usually a line but even if its to the back of the parking lot it moves really fast. Never mind waiting!
(5)
Catherine S.
Great stop on the way to the NIU Taft Field Campus. Any concoction you can think of using a custard base, they have it. Creamy. Fresh fruit ingredients. Inexpensive. Hometown-y. Outdoor seating (look toward the back of the lot for additional tables and shade). We've marked it on our GPS.
(4)
Lauren M.
Once you've had Ollie's, you never go back. Not only is their custard absolutely delicious, it comes with a heaping selection of fresh toppings. Other places give you toppings like its the depression. Not here. You have to try and keep your cup from running over with divine wonder. I will never stop recommending this star of cold treats.
(5)
Jordan T.
I had a single cookies and cream waffle cone and it was so good that I ate the paper with the cone.
(5)
Jessica A.
If you are not from the area and find yourself in this area, you have to go to Ollie's. Best local frozen custard place. Don't event think about going somewhere else..... they don't even compare. They always have chocolate, vanilla, and then a flavor of the day. They have a very large menu of frozen treats you can try and I encourage you to get creative and come up with your own creation. ( Sometimes they even have competitions or surveys that you can fill out with ideas of new flavors or Sundaes and such to feature). Tip- their regular and larger serving sizes are quite generous. It is not on the menu but you can ask for a Jr size of most items for a dollar or two cheaper and its usually about the size of a small or medium. Just right size for me usually. If I get a regular I end up sharing with someone. Enjoy your frozen treat outside and don't line up in front of the window, line up around the side. And as the picture shows, the lines are long but well worth the wait. =)
(5)
Tom H.
This place already has an overall 5 star rating. Stop reading this and just go there already!!! Basically you can choose between chocolate, vanilla, flavor of the day custard. From there do as you wish. Literally anything you want on it or in it. You can get like a blizzard from DQ or a Sundae, or a Shake, or Malt, there's a Boston Shake, A Float, wait there's more, you can get it in Cone, a serving dish and probably right on your hand, you savage! Honestly though, it's great! I love it! People who have ever tried it, love it. There's almost always a line but it moves pretty quick! So really it's a... Must Try.
(5)
Matthew K.
It's like going to Dairy Queen, but you get to stand outside in a long line for a half hour before you get served. Brilliant! The ice cream is fine: no better or worse than any other ice cream parlor. What irritates me, however, is that even though this place has had solid business for DECADES, they have not expanded their building. Could we please have more machines and more places to order so I don't have to stand in line for thirty minutes next to annoying college kids? No, of course not. People in this town are happy to stand in line for a half hour or more just to get a scoop of ice cream.
(3)
Karyn S.
I no longer live in Dekalb, and this is the place that I miss the most. They carry chocolate and vanilla every day, with a special flavor of the day that changes. It was convenient, because they would have a calender forecasting the flavors, and you could even buy the pints to take home and enjoy later. One of my favorite things about Ollie's, aside from "OMG ITS SO AMAZING SOMETIMES THERE'S A LINE AROUND THE STORE!!!!" (still so worth it), is that they let you customize what you order, and you only pay for what you want. If, like me, you're a vanilla custard with oreos and whipped cream kind of girl, you pay way less than my friend, a vanilla, with oreos, raspberries, nuts, whipped cream, and the odd kitchen appliance. Which I appreciate - I pay for what I get, and it's always amazing! They have fun, custom flavor combos (I can't remember what the combos were, but I remember one of them was the blackbird, one was the huskie... and it was always fun to see the new ones. Sometimes they would run contests for customers to suggest a new combo. I miss Ollie's. :-/
(5)
Bo Y.
Amazing frozen treat! Loved it. Missing it.
(5)
Joe E.
As an NIU grad, this would be one of the only reasons I would head back to DeKalb. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. You can't go wrong with anything you order. My 2 favorite things are the arctic blasts (think DQ blizzard but fantastic) and the waffle cones. You can't go wrong with either of those. They always have Choco, Vanilla, and a flavor of the day. My favorites were Irish cream cake, cake batter, and PB choco nut. I'm getting upset thinking about not being able to go here right now. Ollie's closes on Halloween and Opens near the end of February. If it's warm out, it's going to be packed, no matter what. Hell, sometimes it's freezing and there's stilla line. My only regret is that I discovered this place during my Junior year. I missed out on two years of great custard!!!
(5)
Dave Y.
Can't imagine anyone giving this a poor review, so anythin I write here may be redundant. There are usually lines here, however the place is more than adequatley staff and the lines move very quickly. As the ads say, if you ask for ice cream, they may answer "It's custard, darn it!"
(5)
R I C K Y B O B B Y.
I don't live anywhere near this place. But if I ever find myself within 20 miles of it, I am always looking up what the flavor of the day is, because it is THAT good! Look no furthur than the reviews already posted. It is the real deal!
(5)
Kyle U.
By far one of the best Frozen Custard places I have been to in awhile! Since this is around school, I tend to be frequent here during the warmer months. Try it out!
(5)
Samantha K.
Daughter had a tournament in the area and my husband (NIU Alum) suggested visiting. I am sure glad we did. I am not a huge custard fan, but it was delicious. The main difference is that this place is generous on their toppings and they are all good. Line was long, but staff moved it quickly and got the order done quickly.
(5)
Ryan T.
Best ice cream for miles. They have excellent service and are very reasonable priced. Highly recommended!
(5)
Amanda B.
The multiple other five star reviews only further what I'll write, which is nothing new. I also must admit that I grew up in this town and Ollie's was a staple growing up and still is today. Ok...another confession...I may have worked there for 2 years in high school. Could I be any more Susie High School? Who works at a frozen custard shop in a small town in high school? Well, before you ask...I did (and so did my mother-in-law actually). Ok actually she worked at an ice cream place. So therefore, completely incomparable. Anyway...on to the custard! The product speaks for itself. The taste is phenomenal: creamy and smooth. And the variety of mix-ins and toppings is extreme. What I love most, however, is that while some offerings change, allowing even a lifetime customer like me to try new things, they still keep the tried and true classics. If you haven't been here, do yourself a favor and stand in line on a hot summer night and go. If you have been, then go again. You know you'll feel better later.
(5)
Madeline G.
Consistently really good custard. Every flavor that I've tried has been great! The line of people usually waiting is proof that it's delicious. They have 3 flavors each day...usually 2 "regulars" like chocolate and vanilla and one specialty flavor. Can't go wrong with any of them!
(5)
Irene Z.
This place really is as good as it gets. Even better if possible. 5-stars easy. I'd heard about Ollie's over the years from friends who attended NIU, and finally tried it when family moved out to the area in recent years. We've been going ever since whenever we're in town. Just wish it wasn't seasonal since most of our trips to DeKalb/Sycamore are in the winter during the holidays! Stopped by this past weekend after a year, and this last visit was no exception. It's still awesome. The custard is always perfect. Rich and creamy with great taste (no matter what flavor), and smooth/thick consistency. I usually go for the flavor of the day but opted for my favorite Black Forest Sundae. I'd recommend everything and anything here. We arrived just in time, right before the line started wrapping around the building (that alone speaks volumes about this place!). We were also able to grab a spot at one of the two picnic tables in the front, though there's plenty of seating behind Ollie's as well. Staff is always friendly and they work fast, so even if there is a line, it goes quick. Regardless, it's definitely worth the wait. I saw this visit that they've added an Express line for certain items like cones and dishes. It's a family favorite for us. We might just have to make a special trip back out to DeKalb once more this summer just for Ollie's!
(5)
Mahesh K.
Its really as good as it gets!!! Truly deserves all 5 stars. I lived in DeKalb for almost 6 years and this is one place where I had the best of times. Standing in long lines in cold gushing winds for an ice cream or a shake never felt so good. Every minute of it is worth it. This place is packed during the evenings any given day of the week. That should definitely mean something.... The best custard and shakes in the area. In fact, seems like everything they have is awesome. I really wish they were open all year round. I have a lot of good memories of this place. Will probably just drive to DeKalb for 7 hours to have their custards...:-)
(5)
Karen C.
Ollie's has what dreams are made of. When I visit my lovely alma mater, NIU, I generally go to do two things. Drink and eat. No matter how stuffed I am, I never leave DeKalb without a trip to Ollie's. You shouldn't, either.
(5)
Pat E.
First off, get there on a warm night, you'll be waiting in line for a while. This custard was awesome. I had an Irish Cream Cake cone, which was Awesome! I was with two other people, who got an ICC waffle cone and an arctic blast with nestle crunch pieces. Their menu is HUGE, and I cannot wait to get back and try it. This truly is AMAZING! They have a flavor of the day, and every Saturday they have Black Raspberry, which sounds amazing!
(5)
Sam C.
This is the best place for a cold treat! They don't skip on toppings like most places and there is a huge variety. I went around 1:00pm on a hot Tuesday and there was no line. Will be visiting more often!
(5)
Betsy T.
Butter pecan is the best I've ever had. It's very rich so a little goes a long way.
(5)
Randi A.
This place is legendary in DeKalb and Sycamore! It's enough to make you give up ice cream all together, soft serve ain't got shit on frozen custard. I don't even care about how many more calories are packed into this stuff and that it'll go straight to my thighs. When I'm eating frozen custard from Ollie's I'm in a happy place and it's effects last longer than the custard does. If you need to brighten anyone's day all you have to do is bring them Ollie's. Just hope that it's between late February and some time in October. Sucks that this place is seasonal. If I was Ollie, I would have this stuff in local supermarkets like Duck Soup Coop and Inboden's all year round.
(5)
Mundo M.
I don't want to say this place is really good..that would be understating it. The custard is euphoric. I have no idea how they make this stuff but they are most certainly doing it right. If you are anywhere around here between March and November it would be a shame if you didn't stop by. Even if you aren't that big of a custard fan it is so worth trying. I can't imagine anyone not liking this stuff.
(5)
Megan O.
A little walk up shop in the middle of nowhere with the best frozen custard! They had SO MANY choices, it was so hard to decide. I decided to choose between their limited edition pumpkin FC or the original custard with crushed Oreos, strawberries, and some awesome chocolate sauce. and the winner was.... the original with all the toppings! SO good, and it definitely tasted homemade, rather than Culver's custard (considering that's a well known frozen custard maker) They close up shop after Halloween and don't open up until March, so get your fix as much as your body can handle to last you through the winter months :)
(5)
Tiffany B.
Being from New York the only custard I've had has been from Shake Shack, where I thought it couldn't get any more delicious -- but indeed, it has. Ollie's Frozen Custard will earn you a spot in dessert heaven. Each of the many flavors offered are dreamily creamy yet light. After having its custard, I find myself utterly disappointed by that of any other than Ollie's.
(5)
Scott K.
Ice cream is the greatest food in all of God's creation, but finding a good ice cream place in these parts (DeKalb, Sycamore and booming Cortland), good luck!! But if you want to find a good place for frozen custard (a good enough substitute for ice cream) look no further then Ollie's. I give it a "Good As it Gets" rating but that is qualified by saying frozen custard and ice cream are only cousins they are not siblings and ice cream is the superior of the two But that being qualified Ollie's is as good as it gets. It is very yum yum for the tum tum. Not much one an brag on ice cream/frozen custard because if you don't like either especially the former then it's likely your a... ehh to keep Yelp family friendly, I'll just say seek help and do so by not passing 'Go'
(5)
Kori O.
I am not an ice cream fan but Ollies serves frozen custard, which is unbelievably good in comparasion! The custard is so rich and yummy... I usually finish a sundae in 2 sittings! My favorite is the peanut butter sundae... peanut butter and chocolate, you just cant go wrong with that! Be prepared to wait a few minutes in line though. This place is always jumpin!
(5)
Guillermo P.
Everyone loves this place! It's considered a classic and serves as the place to be for pretty much all of Dekalb high school! I'll admit that they have tons of options and almost anyone can find what they are looking for, but I am not really crazy about Ollie's. every time I eat here I leave with a stomach ache. That is just me though, I can definitely see why this place is so successful. Give it a try.
(3)
Joey F.
not 90% fat free. People get frozen custard and frozen yogurt confused. 10 g of fat per 4 oz of vanilla custard... olliessycamore.com/nutri…
(4)
Pierre D.
When I was a freshman in College I loved this place When I was a senior in College I loved this place Now I am in the real world, out of College not living in DeKalb it is a place I make sure I visit because it is that good. My one quam is that it is not open year round. I also wish it stayed open a bit later. Kids going to NIU, enjoy this gem while you can because when you leave this will be one of the spots your going to miss.
(4)
Kevin R.
I have talked a big custard game before. So here it is: the best custard I have ever had. Please challenge me, and I will try your spot. Until then, Ollie's is the best. I grew up on this stuff, first taste was back in like, oh, say...1996. That's right people! Here's what I can promise you. The best custard you have ever had. It's 90% fat free. If you get a waffle cone (no longer home made, that changed back in like 1999) there will be a malted milk ball at the bottom. Don't freak out, just eat it. It helps prevent your cone from leaking on your pants. It's creamy, delicious, relatively cheap, perfect. You can get just about any flavor frozen to take home, but there are always three flavors on 'tap' on any given day. Vanilla, Chocolate, and whatever they feel like making. Plan your trip accordingly. You can check their custard schedule online. It's pretty cheap, ample parking. Beware, if its a beautiful summer evening, there will be a huge line. No indoor seating. Not open year round. You'll really start to miss it in the winter months.
(5)
Jeffrey R.
In my perspective, it is more of a townie gem more than it is college town hot spot, but after the first visit regardless who you are, it will definitely become a place that you will want to visit whenever you get the chance. If you want mediocre chain ice cream, Dairy Queen is down the road. If you want authentically delicious frozen custard this is the place to be. It is a walk up business, but still gives off a cool atmosphere. There is an endless amount of options and combinations that a person can make including sundaes, shakes, or you can just simply order the flavor of the day & still leave completely content. Sometimes there will be a line wrapped around the building, but it is definitely worth the wait. If you have no idea what you want, as the employees for a suggestion, it definitely helps. My go-to choice was an employee's suggestion-- cookies & cream/banana shake. YUM.
(5)
Josh D.
Even if the line is around the building and into the parking lot(which it probably will be) get out of you car and get in line. It's worth the wait.
(5)
PA S.
The custard is thick and creamy. It's made fresh in-house. Even the most simple hot fudge sundae is flavorful and wonderfully satisfying. The line can get somewhat long on evenings during the weekend, but nothing extreme and well worth the wait. Staff is always friendly, even when swamped.
(5)
Dawn M.
Went back - a few times. Best thing to order (IMHO) is plain vanilla in a waffle cone. This is the best thing I ordered, and let me appreciate rich goodness of the custard. Chocolate was not chocolatey enough. Just about anything else you can put on top covers up the quality of the custard. Watch for the wonderful little surprise in the bottom of the waffle cone. (Nope! Not a marshmallow.) I'll stop by when I'm in the area...
(4)
Josh H.
Really, 4.5 stars. This is a really good custard shop, though i really go for simple reasons: single scoop, in a cone. There are three flavors daily, vanilla, chocolate, and a daily flavor which are usually somewhat regular. Black Raspberry every Saturday, most others rotate every two weeks. Seasonal flavors rotate as well, Key Lime Pie in the early summer, Pumpkin late-summer into early/mid-autumn when the shop typically closes. For me, anything but the single scoop is too much. Too rich, too much, unenjoyable halfway through. That's really a testament to the potency of the custard. But not all flavors are to my tastes (probably some sort of weird conspiracy to suit as many tastes as possible, and make a profit). Personal favorites: Pumpkin (tastes like Pumpkin Pie) Amaretto Chocolate Chip Key Lime Pie Black Raspberry Vanilla I avoid many of the more popular flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie dough, where even a single scoop is overkill. The more delicate flavors are great, but refreshing at the same time. Totally worth taking out-of-town guests to show off DeKalb. They only do one thing really, but they do it very well.
(5)
Derek G.
If you were visiting Dekalb County and only had time to stop at one place it would be Ollies. Suffering through dessert anywhere else just ain't fair when Ollies is open. If you are dining locally, skip dessert and come here. Hopefully digestion will move fast enough for you to be able to afford room for a double scoop. What do I recommend? ANYTHING.
(5)
Megan D.
Ollie's doesn't NEED another review but I need to write one. I'm a huge ice cream/frozen treats fan and this frozen custard is bangin. It nearly makes it worth living in dekalb. I had the seasonal flavor cinnamon recently and thought I died and went to heaven. Everyone goes for the blasts but try the custard on its own sometime. Absolutely incredible.
(5)
Ev S.
Oh MY GOSH...I have been an ice cream fiend for years, but this one takes it. I have brought Ollies, via cold pak, to work. My co-workers were blown away by their ice cream. The creaminess and the consistancy is something from Heaven. They have vanilla and chocolate every day of the week, but have a special flavor of the day. In addition to that, they will make up any combination you want. I love that that have a Husky Sundae! Go NIU! Ollies has been around for years and I hope they are here for many more!
(5)
Alexandra C.
Fantastic! I have searched the nation up and down, and I have never found anything better than Ollie's, luckily it's in my hometown. Ollies is wonderful, and most people around town will tell you their staple. If you ever come to the Dekalb/Sycamore area, or have friends who are passing through you need to take them for a visit to Ollies. Ollies is open from late October to late February as I recall. It gets very busy Friday nights and Saturday nights, and can possibly have a line wrapping around to the back of the building. It's ok though, because when you hang out in the line most likely you'll run into someone or meet someone new!The staff is great, most of them are local high school/college kids, who know what to do and get your order out quick. Absolutely fantastic, one of the best things about going home!
(5)
Kayci S.
I prefer ice cream or frozen yogurt to custard, but when I want something frozen and delicious, this custard will definitely suffice. It was really rich and tasty, so much so that I wasn't able to finish it all in one sitting. I also like all the mix-in options, and I love that they have a rotating flavor. However, when I ordered nuts and some fruit to go with my vanilla custard, they sort of just stuck it on top, leaving me to attempt to mix it in to a pretty deep cup of custard, which did not really work. The only really negative aspect of Ollie's was that the girl who took our order was pretty rude. I always try to be polite to customer service workers, because I've been there and dealt with frustrating customers, so I'd like to say it wasn't me, and the friends I was with agreed. For the customer service experience I'd give it 1 star, but obviously that could have been an off-day for that individual, and even if it wasn't, she's only one person, so I don't want to let that affect my review too much.
(4)
Mary H.
I grew up in DeKalb. We were very lucky, because the original Ollie's "shack" was close enough that on certain summer nights, my family would trek over there, wait in the wraparound line, and then get our custard. It was good to trek, because I don't remember the original joint having any parking, really. I didn't want to like the new place--it wasn't in my neighborhood anymore, it was shinier and bigger.... but it turns out you just can't spoil ambrosia, and it's still as fantastically delicious as ever. Keep up the good work, Ollie's!!! It's always worth the wait.
(5)
Lydia Z.
Amazing love this place! Best Frozen Custard around. The people there are so nice and the Custard is delicious!
(5)
Alanna K.
This place is amazing...!! BEWARE FIRST TIMERS....you may get a stomach ache just because you are not used to this creamy goodness. But it's SO WORTH IT... Ollie's is the kind of place where you'll search your couches and car for change just so you can get a single scoop in a dish/cone! I'm SERIOUS! Everyday they have a different flavor. Most of them repeat on the same day throughout the month...trust me, you'll start to memorize the ice cream calendar it's so good!!! P.S. They used to be cash only...now they ACCEPT CREDIT!!!
(5)
Curt B.
Best place to get frozen custard.
(5)
Amanda D.
Stopped here on our way back from Moline, Il. It was suggested by my cousin who went to NIU a few years back. When we arrived, it was clear that this was a popular place to go! The line wrapped around the building. Although it did not take too long to get to the window to order. The flavors that they were serving were vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan. I ordered one scoop of each. My husband ordered a peanut butter shake. Everything was delicious! Really smooth in texture and great flavor! If i were local i would visit again
(4)
Frank D.
Best frozen custard in the area, hands down. If you get a waffle cone, they put a malted milk ball at the bottom! They always have chocolate, vanilla, and a flavor of the day.
(5)
Megan D.
Ollie's doesn't NEED another review but I need to write one. I'm a huge ice cream/frozen treats fan and this frozen custard is bangin. It nearly makes it worth living in dekalb. I had the seasonal flavor cinnamon recently and thought I died and went to heaven. Everyone goes for the blasts but try the custard on its own sometime. Absolutely incredible.
Irene Z.
This place really is as good as it gets. Even better if possible. 5-stars easy. I'd heard about Ollie's over the years from friends who attended NIU, and finally tried it when family moved out to the area in recent years. We've been going ever since whenever we're in town. Just wish it wasn't seasonal since most of our trips to DeKalb/Sycamore are in the winter during the holidays! Stopped by this past weekend after a year, and this last visit was no exception. It's still awesome. The custard is always perfect. Rich and creamy with great taste (no matter what flavor), and smooth/thick consistency. I usually go for the flavor of the day but opted for my favorite Black Forest Sundae. I'd recommend everything and anything here. We arrived just in time, right before the line started wrapping around the building (that alone speaks volumes about this place!). We were also able to grab a spot at one of the two picnic tables in the front, though there's plenty of seating behind Ollie's as well. Staff is always friendly and they work fast, so even if there is a line, it goes quick. Regardless, it's definitely worth the wait. I saw this visit that they've added an Express line for certain items like cones and dishes. It's a family favorite for us. We might just have to make a special trip back out to DeKalb once more this summer just for Ollie's!
(5)Mahesh K.
Its really as good as it gets!!! Truly deserves all 5 stars. I lived in DeKalb for almost 6 years and this is one place where I had the best of times. Standing in long lines in cold gushing winds for an ice cream or a shake never felt so good. Every minute of it is worth it. This place is packed during the evenings any given day of the week. That should definitely mean something.... The best custard and shakes in the area. In fact, seems like everything they have is awesome. I really wish they were open all year round. I have a lot of good memories of this place. Will probably just drive to DeKalb for 7 hours to have their custards...:-)
(5)Karen C.
Ollie's has what dreams are made of. When I visit my lovely alma mater, NIU, I generally go to do two things. Drink and eat. No matter how stuffed I am, I never leave DeKalb without a trip to Ollie's. You shouldn't, either.
(5)Pat E.
First off, get there on a warm night, you'll be waiting in line for a while. This custard was awesome. I had an Irish Cream Cake cone, which was Awesome! I was with two other people, who got an ICC waffle cone and an arctic blast with nestle crunch pieces. Their menu is HUGE, and I cannot wait to get back and try it. This truly is AMAZING! They have a flavor of the day, and every Saturday they have Black Raspberry, which sounds amazing!
(5)Sam C.
This is the best place for a cold treat! They don't skip on toppings like most places and there is a huge variety. I went around 1:00pm on a hot Tuesday and there was no line. Will be visiting more often!
(5)Lin T.
Long lines, but amazing custard.
(5)Kathleen M.
I'm not sure I need to write this review, since they already have a five-star rating with a million reviews. I'll just throw mine on the pile here. They're delicious. If I don't like the flavor of the day (which happens only every once in a while, and is always due to my own preferences and not their custard), they've always got good old vanilla and chocolate on standby. They don't skimp on toppings and price is very reasonable. Sometimes in the summer the lines are really long, but they move pretty quickly and it's nice to be amongst a bunch of people who are equally excited to have some delicious treats.
(5)Felice C.
I REALLY wanted to like Ollie's. Everyone raves about it. Maybe ice cream or custard are just not my cup of tea... I got a kid sized Truffle, which was vanilla custard with raspberries and hot fudge. Kid sized was perfect for me! It wasn't anything terribly special, but the menu is so large, I'm sure I'll find something spectacular. My friends seemed to enjoy their treats though!
(3)Charlie J.
You stole my heart! I keep going back to get it and leave with nothing but an Arctic Blast and huge smile on my face (and probably custard on my chin). There is usually a line but even if its to the back of the parking lot it moves really fast. Never mind waiting!
(5)Catherine S.
Great stop on the way to the NIU Taft Field Campus. Any concoction you can think of using a custard base, they have it. Creamy. Fresh fruit ingredients. Inexpensive. Hometown-y. Outdoor seating (look toward the back of the lot for additional tables and shade). We've marked it on our GPS.
(4)Megan P.
I don't really understand the cultish hype about this place, it is decent but the service was terrible every time I have been. The girls that work the front aren't exceptionally friendly, and there is a lot of pressure to rush and decide on your order. Going there as a first timer it is very confusing because their menu is unorganized hand scribble. I think it would make a world of a difference if this place jumped into the 21st century and if they taught their staff about customer service.
(3)Jordan T.
I had a single cookies and cream waffle cone and it was so good that I ate the paper with the cone.
(5)Lauren M.
Once you've had Ollie's, you never go back. Not only is their custard absolutely delicious, it comes with a heaping selection of fresh toppings. Other places give you toppings like its the depression. Not here. You have to try and keep your cup from running over with divine wonder. I will never stop recommending this star of cold treats.
(5)Tom S.
The best custard on the planet. Our whole store goes at least once a month for blast. Oreo and raspberry are the two favorites. A DeKalb county tradition
(5)Shug A.
Ice Cream is awesome. Love it, service right before they close until Feb sucks! It's great to go a couple of days before they shut the place down that way you'll get the flavors u want & by then there are less lines!!!!
(3)Gwen L.
Have lived in the Dekalb area for 11 years and it is my go to place for out of town guests. Hell, it's my go to place for meeting in towners. I love the red velvet days with chic chunks, but the chocolate peanut butter Sundae is pretty spectacular too. Can't go wrong with anything really. Ask for a sample of the flavor of the day!
(5)Beth M.
As an NIU grad, I always make a trip to Ollie's when we're in the area! It's one of the places that you have to go to when you're in DeKalb/Sycamore. My favorite is Butter Pecan. It's available only on Sunday's. They make the best Turtle Sundaes and Blasts.
(5)Breana R.
Lived in dekalb my whole 22 years and have gone to Ollies since I was a little girl! This a must stop multiple times during the summer, FRESH delicious custard. I get something different every time and never leave disappointed. I have not a single bad thing to say about this place
(5)Leah O.
I once read that life is like an ice cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time. In the event you're having custard from Ollies, you can choose to spoon it in slowly, or eat it bit by waffle-y cone bit. Today marks the first of many trips to this place for the season. We can all breathe a little lighter knowing Ollies is open, which also means subsequently, summer is on the horizon. And for us who live in Sycamore, we embrace both with open arms. My favorite thing to get here is so simple. I love a two scoop sundae with Heath toffee. They have flavors of the day which is kinda fun to look forward to. Amaretto chocolate chunk and the simple mint chip are highlights in my summer calendar. Sure, when it's a hot night, they have a line wrapping around the building. And when you're impatient for their creamy goodness, it can feel like an eternity. But to me that is part of the experience. I'll be in the long line waiting for my custard.
(5)Jessica A.
If you are not from the area and find yourself in this area, you have to go to Ollie's. Best local frozen custard place. Don't event think about going somewhere else..... they don't even compare. They always have chocolate, vanilla, and then a flavor of the day. They have a very large menu of frozen treats you can try and I encourage you to get creative and come up with your own creation. ( Sometimes they even have competitions or surveys that you can fill out with ideas of new flavors or Sundaes and such to feature). Tip- their regular and larger serving sizes are quite generous. It is not on the menu but you can ask for a Jr size of most items for a dollar or two cheaper and its usually about the size of a small or medium. Just right size for me usually. If I get a regular I end up sharing with someone. Enjoy your frozen treat outside and don't line up in front of the window, line up around the side. And as the picture shows, the lines are long but well worth the wait. =)
(5)Tom H.
This place already has an overall 5 star rating. Stop reading this and just go there already!!! Basically you can choose between chocolate, vanilla, flavor of the day custard. From there do as you wish. Literally anything you want on it or in it. You can get like a blizzard from DQ or a Sundae, or a Shake, or Malt, there's a Boston Shake, A Float, wait there's more, you can get it in Cone, a serving dish and probably right on your hand, you savage! Honestly though, it's great! I love it! People who have ever tried it, love it. There's almost always a line but it moves pretty quick! So really it's a... Must Try.
(5)Matthew K.
It's like going to Dairy Queen, but you get to stand outside in a long line for a half hour before you get served. Brilliant! The ice cream is fine: no better or worse than any other ice cream parlor. What irritates me, however, is that even though this place has had solid business for DECADES, they have not expanded their building. Could we please have more machines and more places to order so I don't have to stand in line for thirty minutes next to annoying college kids? No, of course not. People in this town are happy to stand in line for a half hour or more just to get a scoop of ice cream.
(3)Karyn S.
I no longer live in Dekalb, and this is the place that I miss the most. They carry chocolate and vanilla every day, with a special flavor of the day that changes. It was convenient, because they would have a calender forecasting the flavors, and you could even buy the pints to take home and enjoy later. One of my favorite things about Ollie's, aside from "OMG ITS SO AMAZING SOMETIMES THERE'S A LINE AROUND THE STORE!!!!" (still so worth it), is that they let you customize what you order, and you only pay for what you want. If, like me, you're a vanilla custard with oreos and whipped cream kind of girl, you pay way less than my friend, a vanilla, with oreos, raspberries, nuts, whipped cream, and the odd kitchen appliance. Which I appreciate - I pay for what I get, and it's always amazing! They have fun, custom flavor combos (I can't remember what the combos were, but I remember one of them was the blackbird, one was the huskie... and it was always fun to see the new ones. Sometimes they would run contests for customers to suggest a new combo. I miss Ollie's. :-/
(5)Bo Y.
Amazing frozen treat! Loved it. Missing it.
(5)Joe E.
As an NIU grad, this would be one of the only reasons I would head back to DeKalb. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. You can't go wrong with anything you order. My 2 favorite things are the arctic blasts (think DQ blizzard but fantastic) and the waffle cones. You can't go wrong with either of those. They always have Choco, Vanilla, and a flavor of the day. My favorites were Irish cream cake, cake batter, and PB choco nut. I'm getting upset thinking about not being able to go here right now. Ollie's closes on Halloween and Opens near the end of February. If it's warm out, it's going to be packed, no matter what. Hell, sometimes it's freezing and there's stilla line. My only regret is that I discovered this place during my Junior year. I missed out on two years of great custard!!!
(5)Dave Y.
Can't imagine anyone giving this a poor review, so anythin I write here may be redundant. There are usually lines here, however the place is more than adequatley staff and the lines move very quickly. As the ads say, if you ask for ice cream, they may answer "It's custard, darn it!"
(5)R I C K Y B O B B Y.
I don't live anywhere near this place. But if I ever find myself within 20 miles of it, I am always looking up what the flavor of the day is, because it is THAT good! Look no furthur than the reviews already posted. It is the real deal!
(5)Kyle U.
By far one of the best Frozen Custard places I have been to in awhile! Since this is around school, I tend to be frequent here during the warmer months. Try it out!
(5)Samantha K.
Daughter had a tournament in the area and my husband (NIU Alum) suggested visiting. I am sure glad we did. I am not a huge custard fan, but it was delicious. The main difference is that this place is generous on their toppings and they are all good. Line was long, but staff moved it quickly and got the order done quickly.
(5)Ryan T.
Best ice cream for miles. They have excellent service and are very reasonable priced. Highly recommended!
(5)Amanda B.
The multiple other five star reviews only further what I'll write, which is nothing new. I also must admit that I grew up in this town and Ollie's was a staple growing up and still is today. Ok...another confession...I may have worked there for 2 years in high school. Could I be any more Susie High School? Who works at a frozen custard shop in a small town in high school? Well, before you ask...I did (and so did my mother-in-law actually). Ok actually she worked at an ice cream place. So therefore, completely incomparable. Anyway...on to the custard! The product speaks for itself. The taste is phenomenal: creamy and smooth. And the variety of mix-ins and toppings is extreme. What I love most, however, is that while some offerings change, allowing even a lifetime customer like me to try new things, they still keep the tried and true classics. If you haven't been here, do yourself a favor and stand in line on a hot summer night and go. If you have been, then go again. You know you'll feel better later.
(5)Madeline G.
Consistently really good custard. Every flavor that I've tried has been great! The line of people usually waiting is proof that it's delicious. They have 3 flavors each day...usually 2 "regulars" like chocolate and vanilla and one specialty flavor. Can't go wrong with any of them!
(5)Jeffrey R.
In my perspective, it is more of a townie gem more than it is college town hot spot, but after the first visit regardless who you are, it will definitely become a place that you will want to visit whenever you get the chance. If you want mediocre chain ice cream, Dairy Queen is down the road. If you want authentically delicious frozen custard this is the place to be. It is a walk up business, but still gives off a cool atmosphere. There is an endless amount of options and combinations that a person can make including sundaes, shakes, or you can just simply order the flavor of the day & still leave completely content. Sometimes there will be a line wrapped around the building, but it is definitely worth the wait. If you have no idea what you want, as the employees for a suggestion, it definitely helps. My go-to choice was an employee's suggestion-- cookies & cream/banana shake. YUM.
(5)Josh D.
Even if the line is around the building and into the parking lot(which it probably will be) get out of you car and get in line. It's worth the wait.
(5)PA S.
The custard is thick and creamy. It's made fresh in-house. Even the most simple hot fudge sundae is flavorful and wonderfully satisfying. The line can get somewhat long on evenings during the weekend, but nothing extreme and well worth the wait. Staff is always friendly, even when swamped.
(5)Dawn M.
Went back - a few times. Best thing to order (IMHO) is plain vanilla in a waffle cone. This is the best thing I ordered, and let me appreciate rich goodness of the custard. Chocolate was not chocolatey enough. Just about anything else you can put on top covers up the quality of the custard. Watch for the wonderful little surprise in the bottom of the waffle cone. (Nope! Not a marshmallow.) I'll stop by when I'm in the area...
(4)Betsy T.
Butter pecan is the best I've ever had. It's very rich so a little goes a long way.
(5)Randi A.
This place is legendary in DeKalb and Sycamore! It's enough to make you give up ice cream all together, soft serve ain't got shit on frozen custard. I don't even care about how many more calories are packed into this stuff and that it'll go straight to my thighs. When I'm eating frozen custard from Ollie's I'm in a happy place and it's effects last longer than the custard does. If you need to brighten anyone's day all you have to do is bring them Ollie's. Just hope that it's between late February and some time in October. Sucks that this place is seasonal. If I was Ollie, I would have this stuff in local supermarkets like Duck Soup Coop and Inboden's all year round.
(5)Mundo M.
I don't want to say this place is really good..that would be understating it. The custard is euphoric. I have no idea how they make this stuff but they are most certainly doing it right. If you are anywhere around here between March and November it would be a shame if you didn't stop by. Even if you aren't that big of a custard fan it is so worth trying. I can't imagine anyone not liking this stuff.
(5)Megan O.
A little walk up shop in the middle of nowhere with the best frozen custard! They had SO MANY choices, it was so hard to decide. I decided to choose between their limited edition pumpkin FC or the original custard with crushed Oreos, strawberries, and some awesome chocolate sauce. and the winner was.... the original with all the toppings! SO good, and it definitely tasted homemade, rather than Culver's custard (considering that's a well known frozen custard maker) They close up shop after Halloween and don't open up until March, so get your fix as much as your body can handle to last you through the winter months :)
(5)Guillermo P.
Everyone loves this place! It's considered a classic and serves as the place to be for pretty much all of Dekalb high school! I'll admit that they have tons of options and almost anyone can find what they are looking for, but I am not really crazy about Ollie's. every time I eat here I leave with a stomach ache. That is just me though, I can definitely see why this place is so successful. Give it a try.
(3)Joey F.
not 90% fat free. People get frozen custard and frozen yogurt confused. 10 g of fat per 4 oz of vanilla custard... olliessycamore.com/nutri…
(4)Pierre D.
When I was a freshman in College I loved this place When I was a senior in College I loved this place Now I am in the real world, out of College not living in DeKalb it is a place I make sure I visit because it is that good. My one quam is that it is not open year round. I also wish it stayed open a bit later. Kids going to NIU, enjoy this gem while you can because when you leave this will be one of the spots your going to miss.
(4)Kevin R.
I have talked a big custard game before. So here it is: the best custard I have ever had. Please challenge me, and I will try your spot. Until then, Ollie's is the best. I grew up on this stuff, first taste was back in like, oh, say...1996. That's right people! Here's what I can promise you. The best custard you have ever had. It's 90% fat free. If you get a waffle cone (no longer home made, that changed back in like 1999) there will be a malted milk ball at the bottom. Don't freak out, just eat it. It helps prevent your cone from leaking on your pants. It's creamy, delicious, relatively cheap, perfect. You can get just about any flavor frozen to take home, but there are always three flavors on 'tap' on any given day. Vanilla, Chocolate, and whatever they feel like making. Plan your trip accordingly. You can check their custard schedule online. It's pretty cheap, ample parking. Beware, if its a beautiful summer evening, there will be a huge line. No indoor seating. Not open year round. You'll really start to miss it in the winter months.
(5)Josh H.
Really, 4.5 stars. This is a really good custard shop, though i really go for simple reasons: single scoop, in a cone. There are three flavors daily, vanilla, chocolate, and a daily flavor which are usually somewhat regular. Black Raspberry every Saturday, most others rotate every two weeks. Seasonal flavors rotate as well, Key Lime Pie in the early summer, Pumpkin late-summer into early/mid-autumn when the shop typically closes. For me, anything but the single scoop is too much. Too rich, too much, unenjoyable halfway through. That's really a testament to the potency of the custard. But not all flavors are to my tastes (probably some sort of weird conspiracy to suit as many tastes as possible, and make a profit). Personal favorites: Pumpkin (tastes like Pumpkin Pie) Amaretto Chocolate Chip Key Lime Pie Black Raspberry Vanilla I avoid many of the more popular flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie dough, where even a single scoop is overkill. The more delicate flavors are great, but refreshing at the same time. Totally worth taking out-of-town guests to show off DeKalb. They only do one thing really, but they do it very well.
(5)Alexandra C.
Fantastic! I have searched the nation up and down, and I have never found anything better than Ollie's, luckily it's in my hometown. Ollies is wonderful, and most people around town will tell you their staple. If you ever come to the Dekalb/Sycamore area, or have friends who are passing through you need to take them for a visit to Ollies. Ollies is open from late October to late February as I recall. It gets very busy Friday nights and Saturday nights, and can possibly have a line wrapping around to the back of the building. It's ok though, because when you hang out in the line most likely you'll run into someone or meet someone new!The staff is great, most of them are local high school/college kids, who know what to do and get your order out quick. Absolutely fantastic, one of the best things about going home!
(5)Ev S.
Oh MY GOSH...I have been an ice cream fiend for years, but this one takes it. I have brought Ollies, via cold pak, to work. My co-workers were blown away by their ice cream. The creaminess and the consistancy is something from Heaven. They have vanilla and chocolate every day of the week, but have a special flavor of the day. In addition to that, they will make up any combination you want. I love that that have a Husky Sundae! Go NIU! Ollies has been around for years and I hope they are here for many more!
(5)Alanna K.
This place is amazing...!! BEWARE FIRST TIMERS....you may get a stomach ache just because you are not used to this creamy goodness. But it's SO WORTH IT... Ollie's is the kind of place where you'll search your couches and car for change just so you can get a single scoop in a dish/cone! I'm SERIOUS! Everyday they have a different flavor. Most of them repeat on the same day throughout the month...trust me, you'll start to memorize the ice cream calendar it's so good!!! P.S. They used to be cash only...now they ACCEPT CREDIT!!!
(5)Curt B.
Best place to get frozen custard.
(5)Chad G.
I thought they made their own custard! This year I saw a dairy truck out back that read "Custard" in big letters, and the driver was unloading large containers off the back. Does this mean that they receive shipments of plain custard and flavor it there? Ok ok... it IS good. They have a very loyal following. We take our dog there and get him a doggie custard . They even top it with a dog biscuit!!! Just like many local residents, we peek at the Ollie's calendar every so often, as though our errand schedule revolves around Ollie's flavor of the day. Even though they have a large complicated menu of shakes, malts, sundaes, we always order a scoop of custard in a cone.
(3)Claire C.
The best frozen custard I've had. It's perfect. No complaints. Get the black raspberry in a waffle cone and you will die of happy.
(5)Scott S.
Great frozen custard for cheap! I didn't know about this place when I first started going to school at NIU because it isn't near campus. I'm done with school now, but I try to stop by whenever I'm in the area (yes, it's THAT GOOD). Be prepared for a big line.
(5)Ryan W.
Delicious. Some of the best if not THE best Frozen Custard I've ever had. I could get really fat on this. Really, really fat. We're talking enormous here. That's how good this stuff is.
(5)Katie H.
Why the HELL is this place not open year round? I guaruntee that the Fatties of DeKalb County would keep this place open even when it's sub-zero. Everytime I go home to see my parents I have to go here. Not only is it insanely delicious but it's cheap as hell too. I've been coming here since I was a kid even before they changed locations. In high school we would occaisionally come here during lunch hour and make a meal out of their sundaes. Also, this was the place to be seen back in the day when you're waiting in the line that bends all the way around the building. Memories. If Ollie's ever closes, I'll hurl myself off the Sycamore water tower.
(5)Lauren S.
Tasty custard- especially the black raspberry. Not a huge sweets fan but it is worth the wait. Great place and miss it since I moved away from Dekalb.
(4)Cindy H.
Ollies now takes debit/credit cards - which means I'm there several times a week getting the BEST frozen custard around. My personal faves are the raspberry fudge truffle (also as an arctic blast) and the thin mint cookie. Cake batter is so-so, but the pumpkin is divine! Really nothing horrible on the menu. Be prepared to stand in line (especially on hot days and in February on the opening day of business). This is a local landmark - be sure not to miss it! PS- Ollies offers take-home pints, quarts, and gallons. We haven't had great luck with those being great after 2+weeks. The flavors tend to become blander as time goes on in the freezer (if they even last that long! LOL)
(5)Jennifer L.
I made many an Ollie's run back in my NIU days. I love their turtle sundae. Their raspberry fudge sundae is good, too. So are their chocolate malts. Oh hell, it's all good. If I a) lived closer and b) still had my college metabolism, I'd be eating Ollie's like there was no tomorrow!
(5)Jessica M.
The best frozen treat in Illinois! It is better than any frozen custard, yogurt or ice cream anywhere. There's no way I could pick my favorite flavor, but my fail safe has always been the turtle sunday; it is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Also, the malt balls at the bottom of the waffle cones are the best treat ever! I've been eating Ollie's since I was 7 yrs old and I'll go back any chance I get.
(5)Justin W.
One of the best frozen custard places in the state! It's a damn shame I only discovered it during my last year at NIU! :(
(5)Amanda D.
Stopped here on our way back from Moline, Il. It was suggested by my cousin who went to NIU a few years back. When we arrived, it was clear that this was a popular place to go! The line wrapped around the building. Although it did not take too long to get to the window to order. The flavors that they were serving were vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan. I ordered one scoop of each. My husband ordered a peanut butter shake. Everything was delicious! Really smooth in texture and great flavor! If i were local i would visit again
(4)Frank D.
Best frozen custard in the area, hands down. If you get a waffle cone, they put a malted milk ball at the bottom! They always have chocolate, vanilla, and a flavor of the day.
(5)Jeremy F.
Wow. I had heard stories of Ollie's but wasn't sure what to believe. It's definitely worth the drive out after dinner to wait in line for the most amazing desert. Everything has been good so far.
(5)Laura B.
Having grown up in DeKalb, this place has a lot of nostalgia for me. It was one of my favorite places to go as a kid, and I always make it a point to go back whenever I'm home. It's a real old-fashioned custard and soda stand, featuring some pretty old-fashioned prices, too. It is well worth waiting in the line (which often wraps around the side of the building and into the parking lot, particularly on hot Summer nights) to get your $2 giant waffle cone, or $5-6 giant sundae. It's rich, creamy, and incomparably delicious. I can't tell you how many Summer nights I've spent with friends sitting at the wooden benches in the back, chatting, laughing, and eating Ollies. Whenever I bring people to DeKalb, I always take them here. My personal favorite? Strawberry and pecan sundae on chocolate custard!
(5)Mary H.
I grew up in DeKalb. We were very lucky, because the original Ollie's "shack" was close enough that on certain summer nights, my family would trek over there, wait in the wraparound line, and then get our custard. It was good to trek, because I don't remember the original joint having any parking, really. I didn't want to like the new place--it wasn't in my neighborhood anymore, it was shinier and bigger.... but it turns out you just can't spoil ambrosia, and it's still as fantastically delicious as ever. Keep up the good work, Ollie's!!! It's always worth the wait.
(5)Tiffany B.
Being from New York the only custard I've had has been from Shake Shack, where I thought it couldn't get any more delicious -- but indeed, it has. Ollie's Frozen Custard will earn you a spot in dessert heaven. Each of the many flavors offered are dreamily creamy yet light. After having its custard, I find myself utterly disappointed by that of any other than Ollie's.
(5)Scott K.
Ice cream is the greatest food in all of God's creation, but finding a good ice cream place in these parts (DeKalb, Sycamore and booming Cortland), good luck!! But if you want to find a good place for frozen custard (a good enough substitute for ice cream) look no further then Ollie's. I give it a "Good As it Gets" rating but that is qualified by saying frozen custard and ice cream are only cousins they are not siblings and ice cream is the superior of the two But that being qualified Ollie's is as good as it gets. It is very yum yum for the tum tum. Not much one an brag on ice cream/frozen custard because if you don't like either especially the former then it's likely your a... ehh to keep Yelp family friendly, I'll just say seek help and do so by not passing 'Go'
(5)Derek G.
If you were visiting Dekalb County and only had time to stop at one place it would be Ollies. Suffering through dessert anywhere else just ain't fair when Ollies is open. If you are dining locally, skip dessert and come here. Hopefully digestion will move fast enough for you to be able to afford room for a double scoop. What do I recommend? ANYTHING.
(5)Lydia Z.
Amazing love this place! Best Frozen Custard around. The people there are so nice and the Custard is delicious!
(5)Kori O.
I am not an ice cream fan but Ollies serves frozen custard, which is unbelievably good in comparasion! The custard is so rich and yummy... I usually finish a sundae in 2 sittings! My favorite is the peanut butter sundae... peanut butter and chocolate, you just cant go wrong with that! Be prepared to wait a few minutes in line though. This place is always jumpin!
(5)Kayci S.
I prefer ice cream or frozen yogurt to custard, but when I want something frozen and delicious, this custard will definitely suffice. It was really rich and tasty, so much so that I wasn't able to finish it all in one sitting. I also like all the mix-in options, and I love that they have a rotating flavor. However, when I ordered nuts and some fruit to go with my vanilla custard, they sort of just stuck it on top, leaving me to attempt to mix it in to a pretty deep cup of custard, which did not really work. The only really negative aspect of Ollie's was that the girl who took our order was pretty rude. I always try to be polite to customer service workers, because I've been there and dealt with frustrating customers, so I'd like to say it wasn't me, and the friends I was with agreed. For the customer service experience I'd give it 1 star, but obviously that could have been an off-day for that individual, and even if it wasn't, she's only one person, so I don't want to let that affect my review too much.
(4)Susanne C.
Wonderful frozen custard, sundaes, etc. Even features a special flavor each day. Glad it's an hour away!
(5)M A.
I first tried Ollie's custard in the 80's while I was in grad school at NIU. Almost 30 years went by and I still believe is one of the best, if not the best I had in my life....If you have a chance tried it. It's a shame I live so many miles away....
(5)Jessica D.
The ultimate frozen custard. If I will miss anything from my NIU days will be the in-between escapades my mom and I made to Ollies for some frosty refreshment.
(5)Sean H.
Great little place hidden in the Dekalb/Sycamore area. If we are in a mood for a little trip and something sweet, we drive about 40 min just to get to Ollies. They have great frozen custard that definitely rivals any ice cream out there. I highly recommend going on Saturdays when they have their Black Raspberry!
(4)Kat W.
So much better than ice cream... Ollie's is the best reason to visit home. If they were open in the winter, I'd still get me some. They have the best turtle sundae. And you can grab a pint to go, for those late night cravings.
(5)Jen T.
Ollie's is that place that is only open a certain length of time each year and once it is about to open, word travels like wildwifre letting everyone in surrounding areas know that the grand opening is coming soon! There is good reason for the hype too.....their custard is superb. Summer would not be complete without many trips to Ollie's!
(5)Allison K.
Absolutely the best frozen custard I have ever had. Ollie's Frozen Custard is so creamy and rich. Every day they offer soft serve custard in chocolate and vanilla and of there flavor of the day. They have calenders available so that you know when they are serving your favorite flavors. You can also get many different pre-package quarts of the custard too, but I recommend getting the custard fresh. They have shakes and sundae's available but honestly the custard is so rich in flavor I highly recommend just getting a couple of scoops in a waffle cone, (they even put a whopper candy at the bottom of the waffle cones) Ollie's is very low in cost, but be prepared to wait in lines because it is a very popular place for the DeKalb/ Sycamore citizens.
(5)Lin T.
Long lines, but amazing custard.
(5)Megan P.
I don't really understand the cultish hype about this place, it is decent but the service was terrible every time I have been. The girls that work the front aren't exceptionally friendly, and there is a lot of pressure to rush and decide on your order. Going there as a first timer it is very confusing because their menu is unorganized hand scribble. I think it would make a world of a difference if this place jumped into the 21st century and if they taught their staff about customer service.
(3)Jeremy F.
Wow. I had heard stories of Ollie's but wasn't sure what to believe. It's definitely worth the drive out after dinner to wait in line for the most amazing desert. Everything has been good so far.
(5)Susanne C.
Wonderful frozen custard, sundaes, etc. Even features a special flavor each day. Glad it's an hour away!
(5)M A.
I first tried Ollie's custard in the 80's while I was in grad school at NIU. Almost 30 years went by and I still believe is one of the best, if not the best I had in my life....If you have a chance tried it. It's a shame I live so many miles away....
(5)Jessica D.
The ultimate frozen custard. If I will miss anything from my NIU days will be the in-between escapades my mom and I made to Ollies for some frosty refreshment.
(5)Sean H.
Great little place hidden in the Dekalb/Sycamore area. If we are in a mood for a little trip and something sweet, we drive about 40 min just to get to Ollies. They have great frozen custard that definitely rivals any ice cream out there. I highly recommend going on Saturdays when they have their Black Raspberry!
(4)Kat W.
So much better than ice cream... Ollie's is the best reason to visit home. If they were open in the winter, I'd still get me some. They have the best turtle sundae. And you can grab a pint to go, for those late night cravings.
(5)Jen T.
Ollie's is that place that is only open a certain length of time each year and once it is about to open, word travels like wildwifre letting everyone in surrounding areas know that the grand opening is coming soon! There is good reason for the hype too.....their custard is superb. Summer would not be complete without many trips to Ollie's!
(5)Laura B.
Having grown up in DeKalb, this place has a lot of nostalgia for me. It was one of my favorite places to go as a kid, and I always make it a point to go back whenever I'm home. It's a real old-fashioned custard and soda stand, featuring some pretty old-fashioned prices, too. It is well worth waiting in the line (which often wraps around the side of the building and into the parking lot, particularly on hot Summer nights) to get your $2 giant waffle cone, or $5-6 giant sundae. It's rich, creamy, and incomparably delicious. I can't tell you how many Summer nights I've spent with friends sitting at the wooden benches in the back, chatting, laughing, and eating Ollies. Whenever I bring people to DeKalb, I always take them here. My personal favorite? Strawberry and pecan sundae on chocolate custard!
(5)Chad G.
I thought they made their own custard! This year I saw a dairy truck out back that read "Custard" in big letters, and the driver was unloading large containers off the back. Does this mean that they receive shipments of plain custard and flavor it there? Ok ok... it IS good. They have a very loyal following. We take our dog there and get him a doggie custard . They even top it with a dog biscuit!!! Just like many local residents, we peek at the Ollie's calendar every so often, as though our errand schedule revolves around Ollie's flavor of the day. Even though they have a large complicated menu of shakes, malts, sundaes, we always order a scoop of custard in a cone.
(3)Claire C.
The best frozen custard I've had. It's perfect. No complaints. Get the black raspberry in a waffle cone and you will die of happy.
(5)Scott S.
Great frozen custard for cheap! I didn't know about this place when I first started going to school at NIU because it isn't near campus. I'm done with school now, but I try to stop by whenever I'm in the area (yes, it's THAT GOOD). Be prepared for a big line.
(5)Ryan W.
Delicious. Some of the best if not THE best Frozen Custard I've ever had. I could get really fat on this. Really, really fat. We're talking enormous here. That's how good this stuff is.
(5)Katie H.
Why the HELL is this place not open year round? I guaruntee that the Fatties of DeKalb County would keep this place open even when it's sub-zero. Everytime I go home to see my parents I have to go here. Not only is it insanely delicious but it's cheap as hell too. I've been coming here since I was a kid even before they changed locations. In high school we would occaisionally come here during lunch hour and make a meal out of their sundaes. Also, this was the place to be seen back in the day when you're waiting in the line that bends all the way around the building. Memories. If Ollie's ever closes, I'll hurl myself off the Sycamore water tower.
(5)Lauren S.
Tasty custard- especially the black raspberry. Not a huge sweets fan but it is worth the wait. Great place and miss it since I moved away from Dekalb.
(4)Cindy H.
Ollies now takes debit/credit cards - which means I'm there several times a week getting the BEST frozen custard around. My personal faves are the raspberry fudge truffle (also as an arctic blast) and the thin mint cookie. Cake batter is so-so, but the pumpkin is divine! Really nothing horrible on the menu. Be prepared to stand in line (especially on hot days and in February on the opening day of business). This is a local landmark - be sure not to miss it! PS- Ollies offers take-home pints, quarts, and gallons. We haven't had great luck with those being great after 2+weeks. The flavors tend to become blander as time goes on in the freezer (if they even last that long! LOL)
(5)Jennifer L.
I made many an Ollie's run back in my NIU days. I love their turtle sundae. Their raspberry fudge sundae is good, too. So are their chocolate malts. Oh hell, it's all good. If I a) lived closer and b) still had my college metabolism, I'd be eating Ollie's like there was no tomorrow!
(5)Jessica M.
The best frozen treat in Illinois! It is better than any frozen custard, yogurt or ice cream anywhere. There's no way I could pick my favorite flavor, but my fail safe has always been the turtle sunday; it is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Also, the malt balls at the bottom of the waffle cones are the best treat ever! I've been eating Ollie's since I was 7 yrs old and I'll go back any chance I get.
(5)Justin W.
One of the best frozen custard places in the state! It's a damn shame I only discovered it during my last year at NIU! :(
(5)Allison K.
Absolutely the best frozen custard I have ever had. Ollie's Frozen Custard is so creamy and rich. Every day they offer soft serve custard in chocolate and vanilla and of there flavor of the day. They have calenders available so that you know when they are serving your favorite flavors. You can also get many different pre-package quarts of the custard too, but I recommend getting the custard fresh. They have shakes and sundae's available but honestly the custard is so rich in flavor I highly recommend just getting a couple of scoops in a waffle cone, (they even put a whopper candy at the bottom of the waffle cones) Ollie's is very low in cost, but be prepared to wait in lines because it is a very popular place for the DeKalb/ Sycamore citizens.
(5)Tom S.
The best custard on the planet. Our whole store goes at least once a month for blast. Oreo and raspberry are the two favorites. A DeKalb county tradition
(5)Shug A.
Ice Cream is awesome. Love it, service right before they close until Feb sucks! It's great to go a couple of days before they shut the place down that way you'll get the flavors u want & by then there are less lines!!!!
(3)Gwen L.
Have lived in the Dekalb area for 11 years and it is my go to place for out of town guests. Hell, it's my go to place for meeting in towners. I love the red velvet days with chic chunks, but the chocolate peanut butter Sundae is pretty spectacular too. Can't go wrong with anything really. Ask for a sample of the flavor of the day!
(5)Beth M.
As an NIU grad, I always make a trip to Ollie's when we're in the area! It's one of the places that you have to go to when you're in DeKalb/Sycamore. My favorite is Butter Pecan. It's available only on Sunday's. They make the best Turtle Sundaes and Blasts.
(5)Breana R.
Lived in dekalb my whole 22 years and have gone to Ollies since I was a little girl! This a must stop multiple times during the summer, FRESH delicious custard. I get something different every time and never leave disappointed. I have not a single bad thing to say about this place
(5)Leah O.
I once read that life is like an ice cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time. In the event you're having custard from Ollies, you can choose to spoon it in slowly, or eat it bit by waffle-y cone bit. Today marks the first of many trips to this place for the season. We can all breathe a little lighter knowing Ollies is open, which also means subsequently, summer is on the horizon. And for us who live in Sycamore, we embrace both with open arms. My favorite thing to get here is so simple. I love a two scoop sundae with Heath toffee. They have flavors of the day which is kinda fun to look forward to. Amaretto chocolate chunk and the simple mint chip are highlights in my summer calendar. Sure, when it's a hot night, they have a line wrapping around the building. And when you're impatient for their creamy goodness, it can feel like an eternity. But to me that is part of the experience. I'll be in the long line waiting for my custard.
(5)Kathleen M.
I'm not sure I need to write this review, since they already have a five-star rating with a million reviews. I'll just throw mine on the pile here. They're delicious. If I don't like the flavor of the day (which happens only every once in a while, and is always due to my own preferences and not their custard), they've always got good old vanilla and chocolate on standby. They don't skimp on toppings and price is very reasonable. Sometimes in the summer the lines are really long, but they move pretty quickly and it's nice to be amongst a bunch of people who are equally excited to have some delicious treats.
(5)Felice C.
I REALLY wanted to like Ollie's. Everyone raves about it. Maybe ice cream or custard are just not my cup of tea... I got a kid sized Truffle, which was vanilla custard with raspberries and hot fudge. Kid sized was perfect for me! It wasn't anything terribly special, but the menu is so large, I'm sure I'll find something spectacular. My friends seemed to enjoy their treats though!
(3)Charlie J.
You stole my heart! I keep going back to get it and leave with nothing but an Arctic Blast and huge smile on my face (and probably custard on my chin). There is usually a line but even if its to the back of the parking lot it moves really fast. Never mind waiting!
(5)Catherine S.
Great stop on the way to the NIU Taft Field Campus. Any concoction you can think of using a custard base, they have it. Creamy. Fresh fruit ingredients. Inexpensive. Hometown-y. Outdoor seating (look toward the back of the lot for additional tables and shade). We've marked it on our GPS.
(4)Lauren M.
Once you've had Ollie's, you never go back. Not only is their custard absolutely delicious, it comes with a heaping selection of fresh toppings. Other places give you toppings like its the depression. Not here. You have to try and keep your cup from running over with divine wonder. I will never stop recommending this star of cold treats.
(5)Jordan T.
I had a single cookies and cream waffle cone and it was so good that I ate the paper with the cone.
(5)Jessica A.
If you are not from the area and find yourself in this area, you have to go to Ollie's. Best local frozen custard place. Don't event think about going somewhere else..... they don't even compare. They always have chocolate, vanilla, and then a flavor of the day. They have a very large menu of frozen treats you can try and I encourage you to get creative and come up with your own creation. ( Sometimes they even have competitions or surveys that you can fill out with ideas of new flavors or Sundaes and such to feature). Tip- their regular and larger serving sizes are quite generous. It is not on the menu but you can ask for a Jr size of most items for a dollar or two cheaper and its usually about the size of a small or medium. Just right size for me usually. If I get a regular I end up sharing with someone. Enjoy your frozen treat outside and don't line up in front of the window, line up around the side. And as the picture shows, the lines are long but well worth the wait. =)
(5)Tom H.
This place already has an overall 5 star rating. Stop reading this and just go there already!!! Basically you can choose between chocolate, vanilla, flavor of the day custard. From there do as you wish. Literally anything you want on it or in it. You can get like a blizzard from DQ or a Sundae, or a Shake, or Malt, there's a Boston Shake, A Float, wait there's more, you can get it in Cone, a serving dish and probably right on your hand, you savage! Honestly though, it's great! I love it! People who have ever tried it, love it. There's almost always a line but it moves pretty quick! So really it's a... Must Try.
(5)Matthew K.
It's like going to Dairy Queen, but you get to stand outside in a long line for a half hour before you get served. Brilliant! The ice cream is fine: no better or worse than any other ice cream parlor. What irritates me, however, is that even though this place has had solid business for DECADES, they have not expanded their building. Could we please have more machines and more places to order so I don't have to stand in line for thirty minutes next to annoying college kids? No, of course not. People in this town are happy to stand in line for a half hour or more just to get a scoop of ice cream.
(3)Karyn S.
I no longer live in Dekalb, and this is the place that I miss the most. They carry chocolate and vanilla every day, with a special flavor of the day that changes. It was convenient, because they would have a calender forecasting the flavors, and you could even buy the pints to take home and enjoy later. One of my favorite things about Ollie's, aside from "OMG ITS SO AMAZING SOMETIMES THERE'S A LINE AROUND THE STORE!!!!" (still so worth it), is that they let you customize what you order, and you only pay for what you want. If, like me, you're a vanilla custard with oreos and whipped cream kind of girl, you pay way less than my friend, a vanilla, with oreos, raspberries, nuts, whipped cream, and the odd kitchen appliance. Which I appreciate - I pay for what I get, and it's always amazing! They have fun, custom flavor combos (I can't remember what the combos were, but I remember one of them was the blackbird, one was the huskie... and it was always fun to see the new ones. Sometimes they would run contests for customers to suggest a new combo. I miss Ollie's. :-/
(5)Bo Y.
Amazing frozen treat! Loved it. Missing it.
(5)Joe E.
As an NIU grad, this would be one of the only reasons I would head back to DeKalb. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. You can't go wrong with anything you order. My 2 favorite things are the arctic blasts (think DQ blizzard but fantastic) and the waffle cones. You can't go wrong with either of those. They always have Choco, Vanilla, and a flavor of the day. My favorites were Irish cream cake, cake batter, and PB choco nut. I'm getting upset thinking about not being able to go here right now. Ollie's closes on Halloween and Opens near the end of February. If it's warm out, it's going to be packed, no matter what. Hell, sometimes it's freezing and there's stilla line. My only regret is that I discovered this place during my Junior year. I missed out on two years of great custard!!!
(5)Dave Y.
Can't imagine anyone giving this a poor review, so anythin I write here may be redundant. There are usually lines here, however the place is more than adequatley staff and the lines move very quickly. As the ads say, if you ask for ice cream, they may answer "It's custard, darn it!"
(5)R I C K Y B O B B Y.
I don't live anywhere near this place. But if I ever find myself within 20 miles of it, I am always looking up what the flavor of the day is, because it is THAT good! Look no furthur than the reviews already posted. It is the real deal!
(5)Kyle U.
By far one of the best Frozen Custard places I have been to in awhile! Since this is around school, I tend to be frequent here during the warmer months. Try it out!
(5)Samantha K.
Daughter had a tournament in the area and my husband (NIU Alum) suggested visiting. I am sure glad we did. I am not a huge custard fan, but it was delicious. The main difference is that this place is generous on their toppings and they are all good. Line was long, but staff moved it quickly and got the order done quickly.
(5)Ryan T.
Best ice cream for miles. They have excellent service and are very reasonable priced. Highly recommended!
(5)Amanda B.
The multiple other five star reviews only further what I'll write, which is nothing new. I also must admit that I grew up in this town and Ollie's was a staple growing up and still is today. Ok...another confession...I may have worked there for 2 years in high school. Could I be any more Susie High School? Who works at a frozen custard shop in a small town in high school? Well, before you ask...I did (and so did my mother-in-law actually). Ok actually she worked at an ice cream place. So therefore, completely incomparable. Anyway...on to the custard! The product speaks for itself. The taste is phenomenal: creamy and smooth. And the variety of mix-ins and toppings is extreme. What I love most, however, is that while some offerings change, allowing even a lifetime customer like me to try new things, they still keep the tried and true classics. If you haven't been here, do yourself a favor and stand in line on a hot summer night and go. If you have been, then go again. You know you'll feel better later.
(5)Madeline G.
Consistently really good custard. Every flavor that I've tried has been great! The line of people usually waiting is proof that it's delicious. They have 3 flavors each day...usually 2 "regulars" like chocolate and vanilla and one specialty flavor. Can't go wrong with any of them!
(5)Irene Z.
This place really is as good as it gets. Even better if possible. 5-stars easy. I'd heard about Ollie's over the years from friends who attended NIU, and finally tried it when family moved out to the area in recent years. We've been going ever since whenever we're in town. Just wish it wasn't seasonal since most of our trips to DeKalb/Sycamore are in the winter during the holidays! Stopped by this past weekend after a year, and this last visit was no exception. It's still awesome. The custard is always perfect. Rich and creamy with great taste (no matter what flavor), and smooth/thick consistency. I usually go for the flavor of the day but opted for my favorite Black Forest Sundae. I'd recommend everything and anything here. We arrived just in time, right before the line started wrapping around the building (that alone speaks volumes about this place!). We were also able to grab a spot at one of the two picnic tables in the front, though there's plenty of seating behind Ollie's as well. Staff is always friendly and they work fast, so even if there is a line, it goes quick. Regardless, it's definitely worth the wait. I saw this visit that they've added an Express line for certain items like cones and dishes. It's a family favorite for us. We might just have to make a special trip back out to DeKalb once more this summer just for Ollie's!
(5)Mahesh K.
Its really as good as it gets!!! Truly deserves all 5 stars. I lived in DeKalb for almost 6 years and this is one place where I had the best of times. Standing in long lines in cold gushing winds for an ice cream or a shake never felt so good. Every minute of it is worth it. This place is packed during the evenings any given day of the week. That should definitely mean something.... The best custard and shakes in the area. In fact, seems like everything they have is awesome. I really wish they were open all year round. I have a lot of good memories of this place. Will probably just drive to DeKalb for 7 hours to have their custards...:-)
(5)Karen C.
Ollie's has what dreams are made of. When I visit my lovely alma mater, NIU, I generally go to do two things. Drink and eat. No matter how stuffed I am, I never leave DeKalb without a trip to Ollie's. You shouldn't, either.
(5)Pat E.
First off, get there on a warm night, you'll be waiting in line for a while. This custard was awesome. I had an Irish Cream Cake cone, which was Awesome! I was with two other people, who got an ICC waffle cone and an arctic blast with nestle crunch pieces. Their menu is HUGE, and I cannot wait to get back and try it. This truly is AMAZING! They have a flavor of the day, and every Saturday they have Black Raspberry, which sounds amazing!
(5)Sam C.
This is the best place for a cold treat! They don't skip on toppings like most places and there is a huge variety. I went around 1:00pm on a hot Tuesday and there was no line. Will be visiting more often!
(5)Betsy T.
Butter pecan is the best I've ever had. It's very rich so a little goes a long way.
(5)Randi A.
This place is legendary in DeKalb and Sycamore! It's enough to make you give up ice cream all together, soft serve ain't got shit on frozen custard. I don't even care about how many more calories are packed into this stuff and that it'll go straight to my thighs. When I'm eating frozen custard from Ollie's I'm in a happy place and it's effects last longer than the custard does. If you need to brighten anyone's day all you have to do is bring them Ollie's. Just hope that it's between late February and some time in October. Sucks that this place is seasonal. If I was Ollie, I would have this stuff in local supermarkets like Duck Soup Coop and Inboden's all year round.
(5)Mundo M.
I don't want to say this place is really good..that would be understating it. The custard is euphoric. I have no idea how they make this stuff but they are most certainly doing it right. If you are anywhere around here between March and November it would be a shame if you didn't stop by. Even if you aren't that big of a custard fan it is so worth trying. I can't imagine anyone not liking this stuff.
(5)Megan O.
A little walk up shop in the middle of nowhere with the best frozen custard! They had SO MANY choices, it was so hard to decide. I decided to choose between their limited edition pumpkin FC or the original custard with crushed Oreos, strawberries, and some awesome chocolate sauce. and the winner was.... the original with all the toppings! SO good, and it definitely tasted homemade, rather than Culver's custard (considering that's a well known frozen custard maker) They close up shop after Halloween and don't open up until March, so get your fix as much as your body can handle to last you through the winter months :)
(5)Tiffany B.
Being from New York the only custard I've had has been from Shake Shack, where I thought it couldn't get any more delicious -- but indeed, it has. Ollie's Frozen Custard will earn you a spot in dessert heaven. Each of the many flavors offered are dreamily creamy yet light. After having its custard, I find myself utterly disappointed by that of any other than Ollie's.
(5)Scott K.
Ice cream is the greatest food in all of God's creation, but finding a good ice cream place in these parts (DeKalb, Sycamore and booming Cortland), good luck!! But if you want to find a good place for frozen custard (a good enough substitute for ice cream) look no further then Ollie's. I give it a "Good As it Gets" rating but that is qualified by saying frozen custard and ice cream are only cousins they are not siblings and ice cream is the superior of the two But that being qualified Ollie's is as good as it gets. It is very yum yum for the tum tum. Not much one an brag on ice cream/frozen custard because if you don't like either especially the former then it's likely your a... ehh to keep Yelp family friendly, I'll just say seek help and do so by not passing 'Go'
(5)Kori O.
I am not an ice cream fan but Ollies serves frozen custard, which is unbelievably good in comparasion! The custard is so rich and yummy... I usually finish a sundae in 2 sittings! My favorite is the peanut butter sundae... peanut butter and chocolate, you just cant go wrong with that! Be prepared to wait a few minutes in line though. This place is always jumpin!
(5)Guillermo P.
Everyone loves this place! It's considered a classic and serves as the place to be for pretty much all of Dekalb high school! I'll admit that they have tons of options and almost anyone can find what they are looking for, but I am not really crazy about Ollie's. every time I eat here I leave with a stomach ache. That is just me though, I can definitely see why this place is so successful. Give it a try.
(3)Joey F.
not 90% fat free. People get frozen custard and frozen yogurt confused. 10 g of fat per 4 oz of vanilla custard... olliessycamore.com/nutri…
(4)Pierre D.
When I was a freshman in College I loved this place When I was a senior in College I loved this place Now I am in the real world, out of College not living in DeKalb it is a place I make sure I visit because it is that good. My one quam is that it is not open year round. I also wish it stayed open a bit later. Kids going to NIU, enjoy this gem while you can because when you leave this will be one of the spots your going to miss.
(4)Kevin R.
I have talked a big custard game before. So here it is: the best custard I have ever had. Please challenge me, and I will try your spot. Until then, Ollie's is the best. I grew up on this stuff, first taste was back in like, oh, say...1996. That's right people! Here's what I can promise you. The best custard you have ever had. It's 90% fat free. If you get a waffle cone (no longer home made, that changed back in like 1999) there will be a malted milk ball at the bottom. Don't freak out, just eat it. It helps prevent your cone from leaking on your pants. It's creamy, delicious, relatively cheap, perfect. You can get just about any flavor frozen to take home, but there are always three flavors on 'tap' on any given day. Vanilla, Chocolate, and whatever they feel like making. Plan your trip accordingly. You can check their custard schedule online. It's pretty cheap, ample parking. Beware, if its a beautiful summer evening, there will be a huge line. No indoor seating. Not open year round. You'll really start to miss it in the winter months.
(5)Jeffrey R.
In my perspective, it is more of a townie gem more than it is college town hot spot, but after the first visit regardless who you are, it will definitely become a place that you will want to visit whenever you get the chance. If you want mediocre chain ice cream, Dairy Queen is down the road. If you want authentically delicious frozen custard this is the place to be. It is a walk up business, but still gives off a cool atmosphere. There is an endless amount of options and combinations that a person can make including sundaes, shakes, or you can just simply order the flavor of the day & still leave completely content. Sometimes there will be a line wrapped around the building, but it is definitely worth the wait. If you have no idea what you want, as the employees for a suggestion, it definitely helps. My go-to choice was an employee's suggestion-- cookies & cream/banana shake. YUM.
(5)Josh D.
Even if the line is around the building and into the parking lot(which it probably will be) get out of you car and get in line. It's worth the wait.
(5)PA S.
The custard is thick and creamy. It's made fresh in-house. Even the most simple hot fudge sundae is flavorful and wonderfully satisfying. The line can get somewhat long on evenings during the weekend, but nothing extreme and well worth the wait. Staff is always friendly, even when swamped.
(5)Dawn M.
Went back - a few times. Best thing to order (IMHO) is plain vanilla in a waffle cone. This is the best thing I ordered, and let me appreciate rich goodness of the custard. Chocolate was not chocolatey enough. Just about anything else you can put on top covers up the quality of the custard. Watch for the wonderful little surprise in the bottom of the waffle cone. (Nope! Not a marshmallow.) I'll stop by when I'm in the area...
(4)Josh H.
Really, 4.5 stars. This is a really good custard shop, though i really go for simple reasons: single scoop, in a cone. There are three flavors daily, vanilla, chocolate, and a daily flavor which are usually somewhat regular. Black Raspberry every Saturday, most others rotate every two weeks. Seasonal flavors rotate as well, Key Lime Pie in the early summer, Pumpkin late-summer into early/mid-autumn when the shop typically closes. For me, anything but the single scoop is too much. Too rich, too much, unenjoyable halfway through. That's really a testament to the potency of the custard. But not all flavors are to my tastes (probably some sort of weird conspiracy to suit as many tastes as possible, and make a profit). Personal favorites: Pumpkin (tastes like Pumpkin Pie) Amaretto Chocolate Chip Key Lime Pie Black Raspberry Vanilla I avoid many of the more popular flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie dough, where even a single scoop is overkill. The more delicate flavors are great, but refreshing at the same time. Totally worth taking out-of-town guests to show off DeKalb. They only do one thing really, but they do it very well.
(5)Derek G.
If you were visiting Dekalb County and only had time to stop at one place it would be Ollies. Suffering through dessert anywhere else just ain't fair when Ollies is open. If you are dining locally, skip dessert and come here. Hopefully digestion will move fast enough for you to be able to afford room for a double scoop. What do I recommend? ANYTHING.
(5)Megan D.
Ollie's doesn't NEED another review but I need to write one. I'm a huge ice cream/frozen treats fan and this frozen custard is bangin. It nearly makes it worth living in dekalb. I had the seasonal flavor cinnamon recently and thought I died and went to heaven. Everyone goes for the blasts but try the custard on its own sometime. Absolutely incredible.
(5)Ev S.
Oh MY GOSH...I have been an ice cream fiend for years, but this one takes it. I have brought Ollies, via cold pak, to work. My co-workers were blown away by their ice cream. The creaminess and the consistancy is something from Heaven. They have vanilla and chocolate every day of the week, but have a special flavor of the day. In addition to that, they will make up any combination you want. I love that that have a Husky Sundae! Go NIU! Ollies has been around for years and I hope they are here for many more!
(5)Alexandra C.
Fantastic! I have searched the nation up and down, and I have never found anything better than Ollie's, luckily it's in my hometown. Ollies is wonderful, and most people around town will tell you their staple. If you ever come to the Dekalb/Sycamore area, or have friends who are passing through you need to take them for a visit to Ollies. Ollies is open from late October to late February as I recall. It gets very busy Friday nights and Saturday nights, and can possibly have a line wrapping around to the back of the building. It's ok though, because when you hang out in the line most likely you'll run into someone or meet someone new!The staff is great, most of them are local high school/college kids, who know what to do and get your order out quick. Absolutely fantastic, one of the best things about going home!
(5)Kayci S.
I prefer ice cream or frozen yogurt to custard, but when I want something frozen and delicious, this custard will definitely suffice. It was really rich and tasty, so much so that I wasn't able to finish it all in one sitting. I also like all the mix-in options, and I love that they have a rotating flavor. However, when I ordered nuts and some fruit to go with my vanilla custard, they sort of just stuck it on top, leaving me to attempt to mix it in to a pretty deep cup of custard, which did not really work. The only really negative aspect of Ollie's was that the girl who took our order was pretty rude. I always try to be polite to customer service workers, because I've been there and dealt with frustrating customers, so I'd like to say it wasn't me, and the friends I was with agreed. For the customer service experience I'd give it 1 star, but obviously that could have been an off-day for that individual, and even if it wasn't, she's only one person, so I don't want to let that affect my review too much.
(4)Mary H.
I grew up in DeKalb. We were very lucky, because the original Ollie's "shack" was close enough that on certain summer nights, my family would trek over there, wait in the wraparound line, and then get our custard. It was good to trek, because I don't remember the original joint having any parking, really. I didn't want to like the new place--it wasn't in my neighborhood anymore, it was shinier and bigger.... but it turns out you just can't spoil ambrosia, and it's still as fantastically delicious as ever. Keep up the good work, Ollie's!!! It's always worth the wait.
(5)Lydia Z.
Amazing love this place! Best Frozen Custard around. The people there are so nice and the Custard is delicious!
(5)Alanna K.
This place is amazing...!! BEWARE FIRST TIMERS....you may get a stomach ache just because you are not used to this creamy goodness. But it's SO WORTH IT... Ollie's is the kind of place where you'll search your couches and car for change just so you can get a single scoop in a dish/cone! I'm SERIOUS! Everyday they have a different flavor. Most of them repeat on the same day throughout the month...trust me, you'll start to memorize the ice cream calendar it's so good!!! P.S. They used to be cash only...now they ACCEPT CREDIT!!!
(5)Curt B.
Best place to get frozen custard.
(5)Amanda D.
Stopped here on our way back from Moline, Il. It was suggested by my cousin who went to NIU a few years back. When we arrived, it was clear that this was a popular place to go! The line wrapped around the building. Although it did not take too long to get to the window to order. The flavors that they were serving were vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan. I ordered one scoop of each. My husband ordered a peanut butter shake. Everything was delicious! Really smooth in texture and great flavor! If i were local i would visit again
(4)Frank D.
Best frozen custard in the area, hands down. If you get a waffle cone, they put a malted milk ball at the bottom! They always have chocolate, vanilla, and a flavor of the day.
(5)Megan D.
Ollie's doesn't NEED another review but I need to write one. I'm a huge ice cream/frozen treats fan and this frozen custard is bangin. It nearly makes it worth living in dekalb. I had the seasonal flavor cinnamon recently and thought I died and went to heaven. Everyone goes for the blasts but try the custard on its own sometime. Absolutely incredible.
(5)