Given the summer heat, I’ve been on an ice cream kick lately. While munching on a scoop today, I decided to rank my favorite ice cream places in St. Louis.
Eligible for this list are places that focus on the ice cream itself. So, no milkshakes (sorry, Crown Candy and Bailey’s Range) and no other frozen treats (e.g., Poptimism). I did, however, include close variations of ice cream on the list, like frozen custard and gelato.
I’m sure there are ice cream places in St. Louis I haven’t tried, and there are also probably some places I’ve tried but have forgotten. I’d gladly enjoy a frozen treat from any of the following this summer.
6. Ice’s Plain and Fancy: The amazing novelty of ice’s is that they make their ice cream on the spot, right in front of you, using liquid nitrogen. It’s a sight to behold, and it’s great fun if you enjoy lots of chunky components mixed into your ice cream.
5. Ted Drewes: This is a St. Louis mainstay with a huge variety of options (including lots of fun seasonal choices–do you want an entire piece of pumpkin pie jammed into a cup with frozen custard?) I’ve never seen Ted Drewes without a long line, yet they move through the lines with incredible efficiency.
4. Jeni’s: This is a modest chain, but the branch in the Central West End feels local. I love the metal sampling spoons (though that may have changed during the pandemic), and Jeni’s ice cream is bursting with flavor. I highly recommend the Savannah Buttermint.
3. Gelato di Riso: I find it physically impossible to drive by the Italian neighborhood of St. Louis called The Hill and not stop for a few scoops of gelato. Anything with flaky chocolate bits is delicious, and I highly recommend their chocolate and blood orange (two separate flavors).
2. Sugarwitch: In terms of sheer creativity, I think Sugarwitch takes the prize, and it helps that their flavor combinations are so good. They’re most known for their ice cream sandwiches, but their dipped cones are also amazing, as are their pints. They change up the flavors quite often, so keep an eye on their Instagram. Anything they make with toffee or coffee is particularly delicious.
- Clementine’s Naughty and Nice: I didn’t fully comprehend until recently just how good Clementine’s ice cream is. It’s creamy and delicious, the flavor variety is amazing, and if you want a little extra zest, try one of their alcoholic flavors. My favorite combination right now is vegan coconut chocolate fudge and salted cracker caramel, and Megan loves the Spring Kunafa.
Those are my rankings, but I’d love to hear yours (adding in any favorites I’m missing), whether you’re in St. Louis or another area!
UPDATE: This list includes a few places I forgot (and that I need to try).
I need to try Clementines the next time I’m up there. A friend and I were walking through our old neighborhood ( Southampton) and saw that location. We had just finished dinner at Trattoria Marcella so was too stuffed 🤣
If you are ever in Champaign IL, Jarling’s Custard Cup is amazing! The lines tend to be long, but oh so worth it! I can’t wait to try one of your suggestions next time I’m in St. Louis!
Thanks for the recommendation!
They all sound amazing! It’s so hot here now that your ice cream review has me craving for some…
Some day, if we ever get a chance to go to St. Louis, it would be great to meet you and Megan for an ice cream! In return, we will take you for the best ramen in Tokyo! (controversial topic, but for me it is Ichiran! [which is actually from Fukuoka])
I love ramen! If you’re ever in Kyoto, I highly recommend Tonryuu and Ippudou.
Ippudou is great! They have restaurants in Tokyo now too. Tonryuu I don’t know but will definitely keep an eye out for it. I wonder if they have a shop in Tokyo…