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 now found in locations across the metro. In addition to the original Waldo shop and the colorful River Market space, Betty Rae’s can also be found in nearly half a dozen additional KC-area communities.
French Custard
The cozy Brookside shop has a commitment to ice cream made the old-fashioned way: Just milk, cream, eggs and sugar. Flavors reach from classics like French Vanilla to alluring additions that include Biscoff Blastoff and Strawberry Stracciatella.
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.
High Hopes Ice Cream
Snag a scoop on the go at High Hopes‘ walk-up window or pay a visit to the shop’s gameday location inside the Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium.
Hey Sugar on Strawberry Hill
A cheerful pink facade houses and extensive lineup of ice cream flavors, candies, aguas frescas and more in KCK’s Strawberry Hill.
Ice Cream Bae
Looking for something totally adventurous? Ice Cream Bae prepares sky-high cones, colorful milkshakes and more eye-popping creations on the Country Club Plaza and in Leawood.
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.
