Cool Ice Cream Shops in St. Louis

Looking for the sweetest place to eat in the city? There's nothing quite like a scoop (or two!) of ice cream on a warm St. Louis afternoon. Whether you're looking to cool down after a day at Forest Park or craving a sweet treat during a stroll through one of STL's charming neighborhoods, the city's ice cream scene does not disappoint. From nostalgic frozen custard stands to artisanal creameries serving up inventive flavors, ice cream in St. Louis is a must-try for locals and visitors alike.

If you're planning your next ice cream adventure — or considering a move to this vibrant city — here are some of the best ice cream spots in St. Louis you won't want to miss.

Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery

Clementine's has made a name for itself as St. Louis's go-to destination for small-batch ice cream with a creative twist. Their "naughty" flavors feature boozy infusions (think bourbon with salted caramel), while the "nice" side offers kid-friendly classics and inventive combos like Gooey Butter Cake.

What makes Clementine's stand out isn't just their fun menu — it's their commitment to all-natural, locally sourced ingredients and their hand-crafted approach. With locations in Soulard, Lafayette Square, and other St. Louis neighborhoods, it's easy to find a scoop near your favorite hangout.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

No list of ice cream in St. Louis would be complete without mentioning Ted Drewes. This frozen custard stand has been delighting generations of St. Louisans since the 1920s. Known for their legendary "concretes" — so thick they're served upside-down — Ted Drewes is a true slice of STL history.

Stop by the iconic Chippewa location, where you can enjoy flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and seasonal specialties, or build your own custard creation with mix-ins like Oreos, cherries, and hot fudge. On a hot summer night, don't be surprised if you find a line — but trust us, it's worth the wait!

Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream

Located in nearby Webster Groves, Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream offers the charm of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with a modern twist. This beloved local spot prides itself on making ice cream in small batches, using high-quality ingredients to create rich, creamy flavors that change with the seasons.

Favorites include Butter Brickle, Mint Chip, and special creations like Gooey Butter Cake (because you can never have enough of that STL classic). The family-friendly atmosphere and cozy setting make it a perfect stop after a day of exploring the area.

The Fountain on Locust

Known for its Art Deco decor and old-school soda fountain vibes, The Fountain on Locust offers award-winning ice cream treats in the heart of the city. From decadent ice cream martinis (yes, really!) to classic sundaes and malts, it's a destination as much for its atmosphere as its desserts. The Fountain is a popular spot for couples, families, and solo ice cream enthusiasts looking to treat themselves.

Ice's Plain & Fancy

If you're craving something unique, Ice's Plain & Fancy in the Shaw neighborhood specializes in liquid nitrogen-churned ice cream. The quick freeze process creates an unbelievably smooth texture. Their small-batch menu includes inventive flavors like Cherry Cordial and Maple Bacon.

Variety is the Sugar and Spice of STL Ice Cream

What makes the ice cream in STL so unique? The city's rich diversity comes together to create truly original scoops, from old-school custard to modern boozy scoops and mind-boggling liquid nitrogen creations, artisanal food culture is part of the city's pulse. Every corner of STL offers a new way to beat the heat and satisfy your sweet tooth. But be warned -- the ice cream in STL is too good to stop at just one scoop.

Why Great Ice Cream Is Just One Perk of Living in St. Louis

One of the joys of living in St. Louis is how easy it is to support local businesses and discover hidden gems like these ice cream shops. From walkable neighborhoods filled with cafés and boutiques to lively community events, St. Louis offers a welcoming vibe that blends big-city amenities with small-town charm.

If you're looking to call this city home, The Villages at General Grant puts you in a prime spot to enjoy everything STL has to offer — including these sweet destinations! Located in Affton, this apartment community offers spacious floor plans, lush landscaping, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and, of course, fantastic ice cream. Explore available apartments and see why St. Louis living is so sweet.

Final Scoop

St. Louis is full of flavor — and not just when it comes to its famous BBQ or toasted ravioli. From boozy ice cream flights at Clementine's to classic concretes at Ted Drewes, you're never far from a memorable treat. Next time you're out and about, stop by one of these local spots. If you're looking for a new home base to continue sampling these tasty treats, don't forget to tour The Villages at General Grant.

Testimonials

The resident manager is excellent, efficient, knowledgeable and responds to requests. Thank you for being responsive and welcoming. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. I
- Google Review

I have been here 3 months and I absolutely love it. Spacious, safe, clean. Pet friendly and plenty of space to walk your dog. I’ve already had friends who want to move in here too!
- Google Review

I lived at the Villages at General Grant for the last two years in a one bedroom and loved it. The leasing office was always on top of everything, and was very polite. And the maintenance team never let the day go by without addressing one of my concerns, though I only had to reach out to them on a couple of occasions. On top of that, the unit I toured was very nice, but the one I was given seemed in even better shape.
- Yelp Review

I lived in two different units from 2002 to around 2008 maybe don't remember exactly maybe longer. I moved back recently after selling my house that's another story but being pet friendly and close to work were 2 huge draws for me. I've found I like to just come and go and not worry about what will need to be fixed next or lawn maintenance. Everyone seems friendly. I have no real complaints. I was happy to see that the units were more updated then when I last lived there.
- Google Review

The last 5 years have been all I expected and more!! The Managers have always gone above and beyond to accommodate my family and I. The grounds keeper is the best at keeping the property well maintained and beautified. You can always count on maintenance to respond quickly to requests even if they can’t resolve the issue at that moment. I love this location also because it’s close to everything! I can go on and on about this great community! I love it!
- Google Reivew

I lived in an apartment at the Villages at General Grant from 2020 to 2024, and it was an extremely positive experience for me. The location was perfect for work and it was easy to navigate to all the major highways. Any issues that I had were addressed quickly by the maintenance team and the staff. I felt like policies were clearly explained during my leasing and then move out processes.
- Google Review

I can't say enough good things about *The Villages of General Grant Apartments*! From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warmth and kindness by the entire office staff. Every single person I interacted with was so friendly and accommodating—it truly felt like I was part of a community before I even officially moved in.
- Google Review

Thank you for fixing my garbage disposal and blinds in a timely manner and a super sweet guy! Been living here for only a few months and every experience I’ve had with their staff has been awesome, great people and a really good environment.
- Google Review

I’ve lived here since 2014 and it’s a great place to live. Conveniently located. Just recently, one of the maintenance men replaced my kitchen faucet and he did it in a timely manner. Great job.
- Google Review

He was a very polite man. Very helpful and sweet. Thank you so much.
- Google Review