Visiting & Café Experience

​​

• Where does the name come from?

  • "Nitro" stands for our signature use of liquid nitrogen. "Nostalgia" comes from our love of homemade ice cream, classic family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing games and memories together in our space.
     

• What exactly is a "liquid nitrogen" ice cream café?

  • Unlike traditional ice cream that sits pre-frozen in tubs, we freeze every single order on the spot using liquid nitrogen! This rapid-freezing technique stops large ice crystals from forming, delivering the smoothest, creamiest scoop imaginable, plus a fun, fog-filled show while we craft it.
     

• Do I need a reservation to play board games, or can I just walk in?

  • Walk-ins are always welcome! Simply place your order, grab a table, and dive into our collection of classic board games anytime. If you are visiting with a group larger than 6 people, we strongly suggest calling ahead or booking a group pass so we can reserve a comfortable spot for you.
     

• What makes it different than ice cream from the store? And how long does it take to make?

  • Every order is handcrafted from scratch using the ingredients you choose. Liquid nitrogen freezes the mix so fast that it creates micro-ice crystals, resulting in a noticeably creamier treat than store-bought options. It takes about 8 minutes to craft each custom creation, and because liquid nitrogen is exceptionally cold, it can even freeze alcohol for our boozy offerings!
     

• Can I bring my own board games?

  • Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your favorite games from home to enjoy alongside your treats, even though we feature a massive library of nostalgic options on-site. Have extra games at home? If you have board games you would like to donate, please let us know!
     

• Is Nitro Nostalgia kid-friendly?

  • Absolutely! We are a community-focused hub built for family outings. Thanks to our partnership with a local literacy program, we feature a cozy reading lounge stocked with books for young readers to enjoy right along with our classic (non-alcoholic) ice cream flavors and milkshakes.

 

​

Menu & Ingredients

​​

• Do you offer vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free options?

  • Yes! Because every scoop is made to order, we can easily tailor your base. We proudly offer both standard dairy and creamy plant-based (vegan/dairy-free) bases, along with a selection of gluten-free toppings. Just inform our team of any allergies or dietary preferences when ordering.
     

• How do your "buzzed" (alcoholic) treats work?

  • For guests ages 21 and older, we can spike your handcrafted milkshakes or custom ice cream bowls with premium spirits! We require a valid physical ID at the time of purchase. Please enjoy responsibly!
     

• Is liquid nitrogen safe to eat?

  • Completely safe! Liquid nitrogen is simply nitrogen gas cooled to an extremely low temperature. When it hits our mixing bowls, it evaporates instantly into a harmless cloud of fog, leaving behind ultra-cold, perfectly safe-to-eat ice cream.
     

• Do you serve food other than ice cream?

  • Yes! If you are in the mood for something savory, we serve fresh, warm empanadas in four delicious options: Chicken Tinga, Buffalo Chicken, Spinach & Ricotta, and Seasonal Veggies.
     

• Can I order your ice cream and food for delivery?

  • Yes! You can place an order directly on our website or find us on delivery platforms like GrubHub, Uber Eats, and Postmates to have your favorite milkshakes and empanadas delivered straight to your door.

​
 

Experiences & Events

​​

• Can I rent out the Nitro Nostalgia space for private events?

  • Yes! Our Bronzeville lounge is available for private rentals, making it the ideal backdrop for birthday parties, networking mixers, corporate team-builders, or cozy gatherings. We offer customizable packages featuring unlimited board game access, curated ice cream bars, and tailored catering. Ready to plan your event? Head over to our Events and Catering page to request pricing and check availability!
     

• Do you offer off-site catering for weddings or corporate events?

  • Yes, we bring the show directly to you! Our professional team will set up a mobile liquid nitrogen bar at your venue, crafting made-to-order, ultra-creamy ice cream live for your guests. We offer dairy, vegan, and alcohol-infused options.
     

• What are "Nitro Nights," and can anyone sign up?

  • Nitro Nights are our signature community gatherings featuring open mics, comedians, and local artists. Admission is free with a two-item minimum purchase from our menu. Are you a local performer looking to take the stage? Sign-ups open at 6:00 PM on event nights.
     

• Do you offer a Loyalty or Rewards program?

  • Yes! We love showing love to our regulars. You can sign up for our rewards program online or in-store at the counter. Earn points on every order to unlock free scoops, custom shakes, and exclusive discounts.
     

• Do you sell gift cards?

  • We sure do! We offer both digital and physical gift cards, which make fantastic presents for birthdays, teachers, or fellow dessert lovers. Pick them up at the counter during your next visit or purchase them online anytime.
     

• Where can I buy Nitro Nostalgia merchandise?

  • You can take a piece of the nostalgia home with you! Browse our custom tees, branded mugs, and selected retro board games at our in-store merchandise display.
     

• Can we book a dedicated "Board Game Night" package for groups?

  • Absolutely! We offer a dedicated party package that includes up to 3 hours in our space, a curated selection of board games, and a dedicated game guide to help explain rules. Packages feature a minimum menu commitment based on guest count so everyone can enjoy handcrafted ice creams or milkshakes.
     

• Do you host financial literacy workshops or other educational events?

  • Yes, community enrichment is at the heart of everything we do. We regularly host financial literacy workshops, book clubs, and networking events. Check our Events tab to see upcoming dates, or reach out if you would like to partner with us to host your own event!
     

• How early do I need to book catering or a venue rental?

  • Because weekend slots fill up quickly, we recommend submitting a booking inquiry at least 1 week in advance for private lounge rentals and off-site catering.
     

• Is this a franchise?

  • No, we are an independent, local Chicago small business operating exclusively in historic Bronzeville.
     

• Are you hiring?

  • Yes, we bring on team members throughout the year! Interested applicants can apply in person inside the café or email a resume to info@nitronostalgia.com.
     

• Where are you located, and is there parking nearby?

  • We are located in the heart of Chicago's historic Bronzeville neighborhood at 4252 S Cottage Grove Ave. Street parking is widely available along Cottage Grove Ave and surrounding side streets.