Time to vote for Kansas City’s favorite ice cream — and see all our reader nominations

Natalie Wallington

June 9, 2023 at 7:00 AM·5 min read

We asked, you answered: A whopping 113 readers responded to our calls for reader nominations in the newspaper and on social media for your favorite ice cream spot in Kansas City.

You nominated scoop shops and custard makers all around the metro — and five locations made our final showdown for the title of Kansas City’s favorite ice cream.

Here are the five finalists:

Pop’s Sweet Shop — Lenexa and Spring Hill

With an impressive 29 nominations, this local spot was our most-recommended ice cream shop of 2023. In addition to ice cream, Pop’s also makes homemade fudge, Italian cannolis, cotton candy and other sweet treats.

“It’s like you have gone back in time to an old cool ice cream parlor,” said reader Gommy Gray of Spring Hill.

“What really makes Pop’s the best is the staff. They are always friendly and welcoming,” added Paola resident Valerie Wright.

Readers recommended trying Pop’s blackberry cobbler ice cream, their strawberry milkshake or a scoop in one of their homemade waffle cones.

J.T. Daniels’ mural at Betty Rae’s Ice Cream in the River Market features colorful creatures and drips inspired by the shop’s creative flavors.

Betty Rae’s — Waldo and River Market

This local favorite got 22 shoutouts from our readers. Well-known by Kansas City residents, this shop offers creative flavors like lavender honey, matcha and creme brulee year-round. Its menu also features ice cream “flights,” fresh-made ice cream sandwiches and a handful of dairy-free flavors.

“I like the River Market location. It’s always busy, but the outdoor seating is lovely,” said reader Brandi Sahlfeld of the West Plaza neighborhood. “It’s a fun destination if you want to take a trip on the streetcar.”

Readers recommended trying adventurous flavors like brown butter toasted pecan, Joe’s burnt ends barbecue ice cream and goat cheese, apricot and walnut as well as favorites like the s’mores sundae.

Sylas & Maddy’s — Olathe

While its flagship scoop shop is located in Lawrence, this reader favorite has had a second location running in Olathe since 1999. The family-owned business got nominated 14 times by our readers, and offers scoops, sundaes, shakes and other drinks.

“It was one of the first places my son and I visited when we first moved here on a blazing hot July day,” said Lenexa reader Holly Heinzer. “(It) hit the spot, and eased us into Kansas life.” She added that she appreciates the shop’s “great flavor combos (and) generous sprinkle policy.”

Readers recommended trying its creatively named flavors like Da Bomb, Mahomes Magic, Gold Dust and Rock Choc(olate) Jayhawk.

High Hopes Ice Cream has a walk-up window.

High Hopes — UMKC area

Located just south of Rockhurst University and UMKC on Troost Avenue, this walk-up window got ten nominations from our readers. This local spot is known for its creative flavors like mango chamoy frozen yogurt and Mother Earth — a blue spirulina ice cream laced with crumbled matcha tiramisu.

“There’s a richness and flavor to this ice cream that’s unlike any other in this city,” said Brookside reader Mike Jeffries. “Plus, their variety of homemade toppings sets them apart (puff pastry, strawberry shortcake crumble and an Oreo/S’mores mix that’s legitimately addictive). It’s a small place, but grabbing a cone in the summer and walking along Troost feels authentically ‘Kansas City’.”

Readers suggested trying the bread pudding sundae as well as scoops of flavors like french silk pie, strawberry birthday cake, black sesame and campfire s’mores.

French Custard — Morningside

The newest scoop shop on our list, this Brookside spot garnered eight nominations from our readers. After spending two years as an online-order pop-up, owners Jessica and Alex Wood opened their retail location in late March. The minimalist shop offers a rotating selection of flavors.

“Nestled in the heart of Brookside, this ice cream shop is so inviting right along the trolly trail,” said Plaza resident Audrey Wood.

“It is a cute spot with delicious ice cream and welcoming employees!” added reader Abby Margolin of Prairie Village.

Readers recommended trying the salted caramel pretzel, cinnamon churro, Biscoff Blastoff and mint chip flavors.

Ice cream flavors at French Custard include cookies and cream, mocha mudslide, mint, butter pecan and French vanilla.

Time to pick the winner

Cast your vote below for your favorite ice cream spot in Kansas City. If you can’t see the poll below, click here. Voting closes on Wednesday, June 14 at 11:59 p.m.

What other Kansas City ice cream shops did readers recommend?

While these other local spots didn’t make it into the top five, readers still raved about their great flavors, staff and menu items. Here are all the other spots nominated.

One More Scoop — Belton and the Northland: This local shop was nominated by five readers, who recommended trying flavors like butter pecan, key lime and Mama’s Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake.

The Golden Scoop — Overland Park: Nominated by four readers, this shop employs those with developmental disabilities and features classic flavors like chocolate, cookie dough and strawberry.

Summer Salt Ice Cream Company — Prairie Village and Leawood: This local spot just celebrated its third anniversary, and got four nominations from our readers. Flavors include butter pecan, birthday cake and salted caramel.

These ice cream shops got two nominations each:

Sweet Thang Cafe in Olathe
Flying Cow Gelato in Shawnee and Westwood Hills
Custard’s Last Stand in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs
Fairway Creamery in Fairway
Dari-B Drive In in Excelsior Springs
Andy’s Frozen Custard, 13 locations in the metro

These ice cream shops got one nomination each:

Sweet Cups Rolled Ice Cream in the Northland
Paradise Ice Cream Parlor in Smithville
Ice Cream Bae in Leawood
Big Burger in the Northland
Belfonte Dairy, found in many local grocery stores

Readers also fondly remembered the permanently closed Murray’s Ice Cream in Westport and Glacé Artisan Ice Cream in South Plaza.

Do you have more questions about Kansas City’s local businesses? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.

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Time to pick the winner

What other Kansas City ice cream shops did readers recommend?

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