The Best Ice Cream Shops in St. Louis
The Sweet Side of St. Louis
St. Louis is a city that takes its food seriously — and dessert is no exception. Known for its mix of classic Midwestern comfort and innovative local flavors, the Gateway City has no shortage of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth.
From nostalgic frozen custard stands to artisan creameries crafting one-of-a-kind flavors, St. Louis is an ice cream lover’s dream. Here are four of the best ice cream shops in and around St. Louis that are worth every scoop.
The Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109
No list of St. Louis ice cream shops would be complete without Ted Drewes, a true city icon. Serving frozen custard since 1929, Ted Drewes is a local tradition that continues to delight generations of families.
What sets their custard apart is its unbelievably creamy texture and the long list of mix-ins you can add. Whether you stick with a simple vanilla cone or order their famous Concrete, a thick, rich shake so dense it’s served upside down, you’ll understand why Ted Drewes has been a hometown favorite for nearly a century.
If you’re visiting St. Louis for the first time, Ted Drewes is a must-stop — especially on a warm summer evening when the line wraps around the block.
Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery
Multiple locations across St. Louis
If you’re craving small-batch, artisan ice cream with personality, Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery is your spot. Known for its “micro-creamery” process, Clementine’s creates rich, decadent flavors using all-natural, locally sourced ingredients.
Their “Nice” flavors include family favorites like chocolate, strawberry, and gooey butter cake, while their “Naughty” line features boozy options such as Maple Bourbon and Pink Champagne sorbet.
Clementine’s also offers vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free selections without sacrificing flavor. Each scoop is carefully crafted, beautifully presented, and full of character — a perfect reflection of St. Louis itself.
Mr. Wizard's Frozen Custard & Yogurt
2101 S Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63117
Since 1984, Mr. Wizard’s Frozen Custard & Yogurt has been serving up heaping portions of frozen happiness to locals and visitors alike. With its friendly service, generous sundaes, and old-school charm, it’s easy to see why this spot is beloved by St. Louis families.
The custard is made fresh daily, with a rotating lineup of flavors that range from classic chocolate and vanilla to seasonal specialties. Don’t miss the turtle sundae — a combination of vanilla custard, caramel, fudge, and pecans that’s worth every bite.
Mr. Wizard’s is the kind of neighborhood shop that feels timeless and is the perfect place to end a summer day.
Ices Plain & Fancy
2256 S 39th St, St. Louis, MO 63110
Looking for something a little different? Ices Plain & Fancy brings science and dessert together with its signature liquid-nitrogen ice cream. Each order is made fresh before your eyes, creating a rich and creamy texture that’s as fun to watch as it is to eat.
The menu features inventive flavor combinations such as Bourbon Maple Pecan, Bananas Foster, and my personal pick — Cookies and Cream. The smoky, dramatic presentation adds a touch of magic to your ice cream experience, making it one of the most unique dessert stops in the city.
The Scoop on St. Louis Ice Cream
In St. Louis, ice cream isn’t just dessert — it’s a local tradition. From the nostalgic charm of Ted Drewes to the inventive flavors at Clementine’s and the family-friendly atmosphere at Mr. Wizard’s, there’s something for every sweet tooth.
So the next time you’re in the Gateway City, skip the chain spots and go local. These top ice cream shops prove that when it comes to frozen treats, St. Louis really does have it all.
