Even though I live in a suburb near the city, more often than not I find myself exploring Chicago. However, my recent adventure out to the northern suburb of Niles reminded me how many incredible businesses there are outside of city limits. Dr. Juice is one such business that is well deserving of a trip from the city, especially if you’re a health enthusiast like me! Or even not. Dr. Juice’s menu has something for just about everyone, from tons of gelato flavors to nutritious fresh juices.
Dr. Juice boasts an impressive menu including fresh-squeezed juices, fruit smoothies, fruit cocktails, popsicles, and 18 different flavors of gelato. Wow, right? My recent trip to Dr. Juice definitely lived up to my hopes and expectations based on the solid menu choices. Dr. Juice is locally owned and operated by owner Khal Nemra, who has made fresh fruit his top priority in offering the healthiest options to help improve health and extend longevity. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of juices and smoothies are often not actually made out of fresh fruit. Say what? I’ve been shocked in my experience with how many smoothie places use powders, mixes, and pre-packaged fruit purees instead of actual whole produce. I’m personally really picky about this because I hate the idea of putting any processed junk into my body, especially when I’m trying to make healthy choices by drinking a smoothie or juice. In fact, I’ve made it a habit to ask whether or not smoothies are made with fresh fruit before ordering because it’s such an important factor. (If you’re curious if a smoothie place uses fresh fruit, then just ask!) Dr. Juice prides itself in using whole, fresh fruits and vegetables with none of the added processed powders that so many other “healthy” places choose to use. It’s the real deal! People who are in-the-know travel from all over the city and suburbs to get their juices and smoothies from Dr. Juice because they understand the value of fresh, whole produce.
My visit to Dr. Juice just so happened to coincide with Fourth of July, so I took advantage of that opportunity to try a patriotic red (raspberry), white (lemon), and blue (blueberry) flavor combination of gelato. Isn’t that little flag the cutest? There are several size options for the gelato from one mini scoop ($1.99) to double large scoops ($5.99). Dr. Juice also gives you plenty of serving options either in a dish, a cake cone, a waffle cone, or four different sizes of waffle bowls. There are also several different toppings and flavored syrups available for $0.50 per extra topping. Tip: Ask to sample the flavors if you’re having trouble deciding. I definitely took advantage of sampling a couple flavors, which is where I discovered the insanely delicious cheesecake flavor and the coconut flavor. The coconut flavor was so fresh and tasty with real coconut. It’s definitely the best I’ve had in the Chicago area!
Arguably one of the most unique menu items at Dr. Juice is called the fruit cocktail and the best word I can think of to describe it is EPIC. If you’re at all familiar with the massive milkshakes from Black Tap in New York City, then you’ll understand the comparison. You can build your own signature fruit cocktail drink by choosing up to four different fruits (banana, mixed berries, avocado, guava, mango, and strawberries). I highly recommend you add the fresh fruit chunks and a layer of gelato.
I decided to get a fruit cocktail with banana, mango, guava, and strawberries with added fruit chunks and stracciatella gelato. One of these babies can easily replace a meal, especially if you order one of the larger sizes (you can choose from 12 oz for $9.99 up to 32 oz for $15.99). I can also see a fruit cocktail as being the perfect sweet to share with your sweetie on a date (which is exactly what I did). Oh, and did I mention the obvious Instagram potential? The fruit cocktail is beautifully presented with chocolate syrup drizzle and artfully carved strawberries on a plate. What really makes this item stand out are the garnishes of fresh pear, peach, pineapple, whipped cream, cookies, and topped off with chocolate syrup. I’m obsessed. Since I ordered the fruit chunks, I ended up eating most of this with a spoon, but I slurped up the rest of it pretty quickly once the fruit was gone.
Dr. Juice also has a lot of options for the juice bar portion of the menu, where you can choose to build your own or select one of the signature juice blends. For build your own, you can choose up to four fruits or veggies (add-ons of a wheatgrass shot in either 1 oz or 2 oz and mint or coconut water are available for an extra fee) to create your favorite juice combination. Or, if you’re like me and you’re not completely sure what fruits and vegetables taste good together, then you’re safe leaving the work to Dr. Juice in their juice blends. I tried the Immune System (the orange-colored juice pictured below), which includes apple, carrots, ginger, lemon, orange, and peach. W-0-w did it knock my socks off! This is definitely one of the tastiest juices I’ve tried so far. Even Dave, my veggie juice-averse boyfriend, agreed it was exceptionally tasty. Juices are available in several sizes from 12 oz to 32 oz (ranging from $5.25-$11.25).
Coming Soon: I will definitely be on the lookout for future Dr. Juice menu items, such as the upcoming waffle on the stick, which will be available in different flavors and toppings. Isn’t that the best idea? As a huge fan of sweet options at brunch, I can see this being a fun way to enjoy this signature brunch item any time of the day in a reasonable portion so as not to ruin progress on, say, a juice cleanse. Definitely check in with Dr. Juice in the future for the waffles and other exciting new menu options that will be on the horizon (if you’re a fan of coffee, then you’re in for a treat)!
In the meantime, I definitely recommend Dr. Juice whether you’re interested in freshly juiced fruits/veggies or sweet and creamy gelato. Or, you can satisfy both of those criteria by ordering my personal FAVORITE menu item, the fruit cocktail. Regardless of what you select from the menu, the most important thing I love about Dr. Juice is that all ingredients are 100% fresh.
Cheers to healthy eating with Dr. Juice!
Location: 9109 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Niles, IL
Hours: Open Daily; Monday-Saturday 10 AM-7:30 PM, Sunday 10 AM-6 PM
Contact: Phone: 847-813-5926 or email
You can also connect with Dr. Juice on their website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
What fruits would you add to your fruit cocktail? Let me know in the comments!
While the food and drinks were complimentary, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of this writer.
Meghan McAllister says
Smoothies are my favorite! Especially when I’m trying to eat healthy. I’m at
CarolynRose says
Smoothies are my go-to when I’m on a health kick, too! I’m trying to make that more of a lifestyle change thing than a “kick” thing. 🙂
Katherine - Engineering In Style says
This looks so delicious!! I’ll have to stop by if I’m ever in that area!
– Katherine
Engineering In Style
CarolynRose says
I highly recommend it, Katherine! Tons of nutritious yet delicious options.
Johanna Grange says
It all looks so delicious and bonus that it’s healthy!
CarolynRose says
The fruit cocktail especially and all the items are so tasty. The health part is definitely a bonus because I would want to eat there regardless!
Lydia G says
Whoa this all looks so good. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to add a layer of gelato, to anything really!! I don’t get out to the burbs much, but I’ll have to check this place out!
CarolynRose says
It’s definitely a tasty and nutritious place! I highly recommend it. 🙂