This Valley Park destination is the embodiment of nostalgic summer: Two $8, all-you-can–play mini golf courses – one from the 1980s and a more recent, Hawaiian-themed addition – and some of the most traditional Hawaiian shave ice you will get without having to cross the Pacific. The frozen treats are served out of a vintage, silver train caboose which is set underneath trees and alongside a bubbling pond which creates a truly transportive experience. 13502 Big Bend, Valley Park.
St. Peters is home to the metro area’s sole location of the popular national shaved ice brand, known for its wide range of offerings that go beyond the syrup-covered snowball. Guests can create their own concoctions from a shockingly comprehensive list of flavors, or choose a signature snow cone, such as the Oreo-flecked Shadow or Cracklin’ Cotton Candy, made with popping candy. Red Bull, soda, and ice cream infusions are also available, as are frozen coffees and açai bowls. 6010 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., St. Peters.
This beloved Ballwin gathering spot takes the snow cone shack experience to the next level, thanks to its bar and grill, fire pits, and park-like atmosphere. You can make a whole meal out of your trip with items such as pulled pork and burgers; it even offers elevated boozy concoctions, such as Grand Marnier Vanilla Peach for the perfect nightcap. 151 Ries, Ballwin.
This DeMun area sweet shop may be known for its by-the-piece candy, but it’s also home to some of the best shaved ice in the area. Available during the warm-weather months, the quaint candy shop’s frosty treats come in a rainbow of flavors, which can be enhanced with mouth-puckering sour spray. 804 Demun, Clayton.
This Central West End sweets and tea shop features Taiwanese shaved ice, a milk and ice dessert characterized by its ribbonlike look and light-as-air, creamy mouthfeel. Flavors rotate seasonally and range from apple cider to mango to matcha. It’s one of the area’s more unique—and delicious—shaved ice experiences. 3 N. Euclid.
The sister concept to South City’s Bubba’s Deli, Ivanhoe Sno features fluffy shaved ice, which you can pair with a hot dog. But if it’s a cool dog you’re interested in, the spot has been known to offer pup-cup versions of its icy wares, made with au jus from the deli. 3249 Ivanhoe.
Kiraboos distinguishes itself with its fluffy, cloud-like shaved ice, the perfect sponge for its mouthwatering syrups. You can add ice cream, sprinkles, and other accouterments to make it an even more decadent treat. See website for more information.
Much more than a snow cone stand, Lilly’s Snow Cones is the realization of a dream for Lilly Eikermann, a young entrepreneur with Down Syndrome who began her business with a golf cart and, with the help of a St. Louis announcer, grew her endeavor into a brick-and-mortar in Lake Saint Louis. Lilly’s boasts all of the classic flavors, signature mixes, and fancy sodas. It serves as a community gathering place, where neighbors come together for bingo nights and other social events. 8621 State Rd. N, Lake Saint Louis.
By summer, this New Town spot is the place to cool off for a fluffy snow cone or snow-tini. By fall and winter, Molly O’s serves up some of the best chili in the area. Hot or cold, you can’t go wrong at this delightful gem. 3303-3 Rue Royal, St. Charles.
A classic snow cone stand that’s been around since the 1950s, Murray’s may have a new location, but it still exudes that classic charm that has been bringing in regulars for decades. A heavy hand with the syrup is one of its specialties. 3419 Watson.
A staple of summertime in Florissant, Pakka B’s specializes in New Orleans–style snowballs, a sub-genre of the snow-cone family that is more like a fine, fluffy shaved ice. The feathery ice melts on the tongue and is the perfect canvas for Pakka B’s wide range of flavors and toppings. 1101 N. Highway 67, Florissant.
If you don’t get filled up by its incredible burgers and onion rings, the only way to cap off a meal at this Webster Groves spot is with an outrageously delicious snowball—an even better choice when it’s spiked with an adult libation. But why wait for dessert? The Parkmoor welcomes shaved ice only customers from its walk-up window, too. 220 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves.
The West County outpost of the popular shaved ice brand, R&N Tropical Sno cools off Manchester with its quintessential snow cone shack experience. Look for classic flavors, as well as creative concoctions such as Mai Tai, Bananaberry, and Georgia Peach. 126 Old Meramec Station, Manchester.
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At this O’Fallon sweet spot, there’s always a fun theme of the day to get you out of your flavor rut. For those who crave a little jolt with their shaved ice, the Sno Blended Coffee will make you ask, “Frappuccino, who?” 231 O’Fallon Plaza, O’Fallon, Missouri.
Part ice cream, part shaved ice, the Korean sweet treat bingsu is the specialty at this Creve Coeur dessert spot. The cloudlike delicacy is customized with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruit, crushed cookies, matcha, or Fruity Pebbles. 12943 Olive.
This quaint South County shaved-ice shack is a no-frills, all-chills way to beat the St. Louis summer heat. The stand specializes in fluffy New Orleans–style snowballs, topped with a variety of flavors, including a large selection of sugar-free options, in the perfect juice-to-ice ratio. 4293 Reavis Barracks Rd.
Affectionately known as “Tro Mo” by its fans, this shaved ice mainstay is an essential part of summertime at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market. Now under the stewardship of Honey Bee’s Biscuits + Good Eats owners Mike and Meredith Shadwick, Tropical Moose remains an essential part of the Kirkwood community and continues its tradition of offering free Nerds and sprinkles on request. 150 East Argonne.
With five locations in the area, mostly in the south part of the county, Under the Sun garners a huge following for its fluffy, sweet, and tart treats. Try the Dreamsicle, topped with OMG cake topping, for a truly decadent treat. See website for more information.
As much a community gathering place as it is a spot to get snow cones, the Wood River location of the Tropical Sno brand gives guests the classic shaved ice shack experience, courtesy of high school teacher Kristine Zimmer and her husband, David Zimmer. The shop gets bonus points for its drive-thru, which makes it even easier to stay cool. 1368 Vaughn, Wood River, Illinois.
Looking for more delicious summer treats? Tune into the Arch Eats podcast.
