Miko’s Italian Ice
Strawberry Pineapple
Chocolate Coconut
Largely underwhelmed by my previous experiences with Italian Ice both in Boston and The City of Brotherly Love it was entirely an effect of the blazing sun and a long morning walk that led our group of three to Miko’s and although the items selected would prove refreshing enough to quell a thirst triggered by heat plus humidity that had rendered Nate’s T-shirt soaked both the flavor and texture of the products from the Logan Square window were pretty much par for the course. Obviously a no-frills sort of spot and notably cash-only with a single clerk sporting a no-nonsense attitude to pair with a face seemingly incapable of a smile it was just moments after 11:30am that we approached the small space and opting for two “baby” cups at $2.50 each the tariff was paid, a pair of flavors in each densely packed Styrofoam cup with only the Pineapple tasting the least bit natural while slushy crystals quickly melted on the tongue liberating flavors that dissipated nearly as quickly as they arrived, the strawberry particularly weak and the chocolate flavor somewhat akin to a tincture of Hershey’s Chocolate syrup dissolved at a 1-to-1 ratio with water. Clearly one of those places prone to rouse memories of childhood summers and thus no different than Water Ice spots elsewhere suffice it to say that for those raised on the stuff Miko’s may provide a pleasant bit of nostalgia but for those seeking more than an overpriced sno-cone or loosely packed popsicle this is a dollar best spent elsewhere – a single scoop of ice cream or gelato from the city’s best unlikely to set back more than a buck or so more while offering a far more satisfying and friendly experience.
RECOMMENDED: If you must, the pineapple tastes much like the juice from a can of Dole.
AVOID: Strawberry was weak and chocolate was simply artificial.
TIP: Cash only with nowhere to sit this is grab-n’-go at its most basic, the daily menu largely focused on classic flavors though occasional specials do make an appearance on the dry-erase board.
