Whether enjoying the warmer months or in need of a tropical getaway, a collection of Kansas City shops serve scoops of ice cream, shaved ice, frozen custard and chilled drinks to keep you cool regardless of the time of year.
Here are some of the most popular local sweet treats in KC:
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Funky flavors, notable collaborations, house-made waffle cones and lines out the door define this local gem found in both Waldo and River Market.
Miami Ice
Much more than a clever name, this bright 39th Street shop serves scoops, shaved ice and other frozen drinks.
Clinton’s Soda Fountain
Treat yourself at this old-fashioned Independence soda and malt shop where President Harry S. Truman worked as a young boy.
Shatto Milk Company
Flavored milk (such as cotton candy or root beer), ice cream or ice cream sandwich, the products made by this local dairy purveyor, which are available in regional grocery stores, are your go-to sweet tooth fix.
Fairway Creamery
Chef-driven donuts, ice cream and coffee bearing the unmistakable signature of Christopher Elbow.
The Golden Scoop
Snag something sweet at this non-profit shop in Overland Park focused on creating jobs for individuals with developmental disabilities while serving ice cream, cookies, coffee and more.
Cookies and Creamery
Decadent ice cream sandwiches and creative cotton candy flavors—plus dazzling artwork by local artist Whitney Manney—offer a supremely satisfying way to take care of your sweet tooth.
Frozen Gold
Stop by for candy-coated cones and over-the-top creations of all kinds, open on weekends in Westport.
Other Favorites
- Foo’s Frozen Custard: Nestled in Brookside, this concrete-serving frozen custard joint has been a favorite since 1988.
- Winstead’s: Sundaes and banana splits are the usual at this old-school diner, but real ice cream champions buddy up to take down the Skyscraper Shake, a towering confectionary concoction.
- Sheridan’s Frozen Custard: Find this delicious shop in Crown Center—for fresh frozen custard, shakes, smoothies and more.
- KC Soda Co.: Craft soda meets kooky tastes and hard-to-find brands in this hometown soda shop located in The City Market.
- Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream: A plethora of fresh-made ice cream options adorn waffle cones (also freshly prepared) at this local favorite that calls Olathe and Lawrence home.
- Andy’s Frozen Custard: A regional icon with sizable portions and plenty of fun mix-in flavors.
