If choosing between cheddar and caramel at most popcorn shops puts you into a cold sweat, keep your distance from Madly Pop’n. A waffler’s nightmare, this Oak Park staple has been offering up no less than 26 gourmet flavors of fresh-popped popcorn since Jolly and Madeline Brown opened the shop in 1984. The couple worked closely with restaurateur Frank Pope, whose parents started the Antoinette Pope Cooking School in Chicago in the 1940s, to develop mind-boggling popcorn flavors like watermelon, smoky barbecue and lemon meringue.

Sure, you can duck in for a no-effort classic like butter, cheddar or caramel, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, test drive flavors like bubble gum, key lime pie, sour cream and onion or “Chicago-style pizza,” seasoned with tomato, onion, garlic and Romano cheese.

Madly Pop'n also sells mixed nuts and chocolate pretzels, along with hand-painted canisters for special occasions. Though Jolly and Madeline have since turned the place over to their nephew, a friendly, family atmosphere still permeates the small shop. Have a wacky request for color-specific corn? They’re happy to custom-blend popcorn to match your school colors or event color scheme.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Rockwood