Bronzeville just got a sweet new addition, and it’s more than just an ice cream shop—it’s an experience. Nitro Nostalgia, founded by father-daughter duo Kamillah and Garland Lucas, is redefining dessert culture on the South Side.
The name isn’t just catchy—it’s literal. The shop uses nitrous oxide tanks to flash-freeze their ice cream, creating a show that customers can watch right before their eyes. Clouds of cool mist roll across the counter as creamy flavors are chilled in seconds, adding a sense of science-lab magic to every scoop.
But Nitro Nostalgia is about more than ice cream. Inside, visitors will find a welcoming space designed for community and connection. Shelves of board games line the walls, inviting guests to linger, laugh, and play for hours with friends and family. Whether you’re strategizing in a round of Monopoly or battling it out in Uno, it’s as much about the time spent together as it is about the food.
The menu reflects that same playful spirit. Alongside handcrafted ice cream, Nitro Nostalgia serves milkshakes, espresso, and even alcohol-infused creations. Customers can add a buzz to their favorite dessert, blending childhood nostalgia with a grown-up twist.
For Kamillah and Garland, the vision was clear: they wanted to bring an elevated, fun-filled hangout spot to the South Side—a place where people didn’t have to travel downtown just to enjoy a unique experience. And they’ve done exactly that.
Nitro Nostalgia isn’t just about serving ice cream. It’s about giving Bronzeville—and the broader South Side—a place to gather, play, and savor the joy of community.
