For goodness shakes!

Eleven City Diner

Photograph by Donna Rickles

WINNER - Scooter’s Frozen Custard 1658 W Belmont Ave, 773-244-6415; reopens March 2
You can try to find a shake that’s denser, thicker, richer or more over the top than the vanilla Boston Shake, made with sumptuous frozen custard, then topped with even more custard, hot fudge and whipped cream. But seeing as how this is more prayer-that’s-been-answered than actual milk shake, we’re convinced this is the one. Just stop searching already and give in. $5.34.

#2 - Eleven City Diner 1112 S Wabash Ave, 312-212-1112
Don’t let the tall glass intimidate you: Sure, this chocolate shake  towers over you like the Washington Monument. And yes, this stuff is so thick it takes all the air in your lungs to suck it through the straw. But bring a friend to share it with you and victory will be yours. $5.65.

#3 - Perry’s 174 N Franklin Ave, 312-372-7557
You might think you can’t  have a chocolate shake after eating one of Perry’s signature “sandwiches as big as your head.” But if you grab the glass with both hands and bring the sweet stuff to your lips, you’ll see: It was all in your head. And now it’s in your stomach. $3.25.

#4 - Salt and Pepper Diner 3537 N Clark St, 773-883-9800
What’s a diner without a good milk shake? Nothing, that’s what. So thank the milk-shake gods that these simple, old-school vanilla shakes are keeping this 42-year-old classic popular. $2.95

#5 - Potbelly Locations throughout the city
Don’t act like you don’t know what we’re talking about. $2.69