If I could tell you one little known fact, it would be about the amazing Kansas City ice cream shops we have out here in the midwest. Yeah, we love barbecue out here, but living in the midwest means we have access to killer produce and LOTS of delicious milk. Because I love ice cream more than is proper (and despite the fact that it is winter time), here’s the best local ice cream shops in Kansas City.
1. Glacé/Murray’s Ice Creams
Glacé is a classic in Kansas City ice cream. With some of the best and most unique flavors (like Sweet Potato & Marshmallow, Earl Grey Tea & Apricot, Goat Cheese and Cherry, and Gingerbread), Glacé is fun to visit every time. Created by the Willy Wonka of Kansas City, Christopher Elbow, Glacé is staunchly local, using local beers, coffee, produce, and most importantly, milk to create their seasonal and delicious flavors.
I find a new favorite every time I go (be sure to try the Earl Grey Tea if they have it!) and love trying the more unique creations like Goat Cheese and Cherry–the unique creations are always extremely loyal to their flavors, but absolutely perfect in ice cream form. And never leave without at least a spoonful (or a pint) of Elbow Dark Chocolate. Glace Artisan Ice Cream (4960 Main St. Kansas City, MO // 816.561.1117)
Murray’s Homemade Ice Creams and Cookies is tied for first with Glacé and for good reason. Their shop is reminiscent of the good ole’ days with traditional ice cream, floats, egg creams, malts, phosphates, and more. Operating in the same location for over 30 years, the shop most likely looks the same as the day it opened in 1984 with funny action figures filling any empty space.
Some of their favorite flavors being Chocolate Flake Fromage, The Ultimint Mint, and One Drunk Monk, they don’t only serve clever flavors. But, one of the best things about Murray’s is their cookies. Serving about 10 types of cookies daily, you’ll definitely want to give an ice cream sandwich a try. And the best thing about Murray’s? You can’t go wrong with anything. Be sure to run to get a cone when they open again in March–it’s busy when Murray’s opens again!
Update. Murray’s recently decided to close their doors for an early retirement, which is possibly the saddest thing in the world for the Kansas City ice cream world. RIP Murray’s. Murray’s Ice Creams & Cookies (4120 Pennsylvania Ave. Kansas City, MO // 816.931.5646)
2. Betty Rae’s
Betty Rae’s is the new kid on the block. Opening in March of last year, their store set the Kansas City foodie world aflame with their wonderful new flavors and DELICIOUS cones. Made by hand and pressed in a traditional Belgian-style waffle cone maker, not only are the cones beautiful, but deliciously soft and flavorful. There have been many times I’ve wanted to ask for just the cone to go. But, with everything made in house, including the ice cream, sauces, and toppings, it would be a crying shame to leave without the ice cream.
With flavors like Pumpkin Spice Latte (#PSL), Apple Crisp, Brown Butter and Toasted Pecans (my favorite), and Maple Donut, the ice cream can safely be something worth bucket-listing. And, with boozy shakes introduced this summer, their ice cream is worth getting any day (or night) of the week! Betty Rae’s Ice Cream (7140 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO // 816.237.1168)
3. Foo’s Frozen Custard
Frozen custard is one of my truest loves, and Foo’s Frozen Custard does NOT disappoint. Established in 1988, Foo’s is a true classic in Kansas City and now has two locations, one of which includes a lunch menu which I have yet to try. The custard, offered in vanilla, comes with the option of mixing in numerous different fruits, nuts, candies, chocolate, and more. With a huge blackboard of Foo’s favorite combinations though, choosing what to get won’t be the easiest task.
You can choose a sundae option or a concrete option, but either way you are in for a treat! With a creamy, cold and thick consistency, the custard is exactly what you expect custard to be. Get the BIGGEST size possible because trust me, you’ll be wanting more when you finish. Foo’s Frozen Custard (6235 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO // 816.523.2520)
4. Cirque du Sucre
Cirque du Sucre (Circus of Sugar) is definitely my favorite circus. With delicious ice cream flavors (sweet pea ice cream, strawberry ice cream with champagne macarons, and horchata), banana splits, and campfire smores (homemade marshmallows and chocolate graham crackers), this circus is ready to amaze you with flavors. But, the real hero of Cirque du Sucre are the amazing French macaron ice cream sandwiches.
Cirque du Sucre’s delicious ice cream is sandwiched between beautifully created macarons for the most amazing cold crunch you’ll ever experience. One of my favorite treats in Kansas City, this truck is worth tracking down. Follow them on Instagram for more information about the trucks whereabouts, or get a French macaron subscription (6 French macarons a month for a fixed price). Cirque du Sucre (@cirquedusucrekc // 913.216.4093)
5. Paleteria Tropicana
Paleteria Tropicana is one of the most unique ice cream shops in Kansas City. Located on Southwest Blvd., a street notorious for offering the best in Mexican food, Paleteria Tropicana adds its own spin on delectable tropical flavors. With everything from delicious popsicles (so many flavors to choose from!) and aguas frescas, to chocolate dipped bananas, homemade ice cream, and churros, this little shop has it all.
They also have lots of lunch items, like flautas, nachos, and homemade tamales, but also my personal favorite treat, elotes, also known as Mexican street corn. It’s a unique little store that has a couple of locations around the Kansas City area and is extremely popular. Though anything you get here is amazing (elote!), I would recommend any flavor of popsicle. And trust me–if you get one, you may want to get them all! Paleteria Tropicana (830 Southwest Blvd. Kansas City, MO // 816.221.0192)