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A Spoonful of Sugar: Reese’s Peanut Butter Heaven
Owner Elijah Jabari has a sweet spot for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and his love for the candy shines through in this chocolate-peanut butter masterpiece. A generous portion of the peanut butter cups are roughly chopped and folded into their sweet cream canvas for a truly decadent treat. 2800 McNair.
Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery: Decadent Coffee Ice Cream
The wildly popular Clementine’s serves up a Decadent Coffee ice cream made with rich, espresso roast blend-infused java. Its luxurious texture and bittersweet chocolate undertones make this the closest thing to an affogato that you’ll get without a plane ticket to Rome. See website for location information.
Crown Candy Kitchen: Butterscotch Malt
Andy “Candy” Karandzieff’s iconic Old North shop is an embarrassment of frosty riches, but there’s something about the nostalgic pull of a classic butterscotch malt that truly embraces the century-old store’s charm. 1401 St Louis Avenue.
The Fountain on Locust: Pineapple Inside-Out Cake in a Cup
Fans of pineapple upside-down cake will find the ultimate riff on the classic in the form of Fountain on Locust’s outrageous Pineapple Inside-Out Cake in a Cup. Homemade buttery yellow cake is baked into a mug and topped with warm buttered brown sugar pineapple sauce, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. Don’t forget to ask for a cherry on top. 3037 Locust.
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Half Pint at the Annex: Bourbon Walnut Ice Cream
Like a subtle, earthier version of butter pecan ice cream, this delicious concoction is a thrilling riff on a classic flavor profile. Bonus points if you order it atop a freshly baked brownie from the adjacent Annex’s pastry case. 8124 Big Bend, Webster Groves.
Ices Plain and Fancy: Pineapple Sorbet
Forget Dole Whip. The pineapple sorbet at this Shaw neighborhood institution is the ultimate frothy tropical treat, thanks to its sweet-tart flavor and luxurious mouthfeel. 2256 S. 39th.
Kiraboo’s Shaved Ice: Cherry Shaved Ice
In a ranking of the metro area’s sno-cone stands, Kiraboo’s is among the top thanks to its fluffy shaved ice, which somehow manages to stay frozen to the last bite. The staff always hits the perfect syrup-to-ice ratio, and for cherry fans, this means an outstanding balance of tangy sweet and cooling snow. Ask for sour spray to experience pure mouth-puckering reverie. 15957 Manchester.
Poptimism: Cucumber-Lime Popsicle
When a mojito isn’t in the cards, a cucumber-lime popsicle at Poptimism hits a similar spot. The cool treat takes the crown as perhaps City Foundry STL’s most refreshing frozen-dessert offering. 3730 Foundry Way.
Serendipity: Waffle Nachos
Like a deconstructed waffle cone sundae, Serendipity’s waffle nachos offer both whimsy and deliciousness in the form of house-made waffle wedges, three scoops of ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel, strawberries, and almonds. 4400 Manchester.
Silky’s: Frozen Custard
The various, multi-ingredient frozen concoctions at Silky’s are absolutely decadent. For purists, the vanilla version offers the most luxurious display of the form. It’s rich and almost butter-like. See website for location information.
Spoonful Desserts: Mango Tango Bingsu
Part shaved ice, part ice cream, Spoonful’s bingsu is 100 percent delectable. Fluffy yet creamy, the Korean dessert can be customized to your heart’s content, though the Mango Tango, topped with both mango sauce and fresh mangos (not to mention condensed milk and whipped cream) is a fan favorite for good reason. 12943 Olive.
Sugarwitch: The Elphaba
There’s no way to go wrong at this Carondelet frozen sweets shop, but there’s something about the cool minty ice cream in the center of Sugarwitchs’ Elphaba sandwich that is particularly refreshing. It’s basically a thin mint in ice cream sandwich form. 7726 Virginia.
Ted Drewes: Strawberry Concrete
The king of custard for good reason, Ted Drewes is a summertime must for any self-respecting St. Louisan. Although it’s difficult to choose from so many outstanding concoctions, the classic strawberry concrete—made with vanilla ice cream and actual strawberries—is that perfect balance of sweet and refreshing. See website for location information.
Tropical Moose: The Hawaiian Dream
This Kirkwood institution has some of the best shaved ice around, but when you add vanilla ice cream to it, it’s a Hawaiian Dream for sure. The legendary farmers’ market spot gets bonus points for giving out free sprinkles and Nerds. See website for location information.
