Discover Kansas City’s best retro-style ice cream spots — from classic soda fountains to 50s parlor fun. Treat yourself to shakes, sundaes, and more!
Clinton’s Soda Fountain, located in Independence Square, is a delightful place for a sweet treat. They have shakes, sundaes, ice cream nachos, phosphates, truffles and more — plus packaged candies, snacks, Polly’s Pop soda and gift items. While Clinton’s has only been there since 1988, the building has been around since the 1800s. Notably, former President Harry Truman worked his first job there at the age of 14. At the time, it was a pharmacy and soda fountain called Crown Drug Store. We have been to Clinton’s several times, and I always enjoy seeing the black-and-white checkered floors, 100-year-old marble countertops, ornate ceiling and historic photographs. And, of course, I love indulging my sweet tooth! If you need lunch or dinner while you’re out, make a beeline across the square to The Courthouse Exchange. They have been serving up delicious comfort food and beers one level below street level since 1899.
The most fun ice cream shop in town? That honor goes to Paradise Ice Cream Parlor in Paradise, Mo. (aka Smithville). Decked out in 50s decor with a splash of kitsch, this place is fun for all ages. They’re got cones, scoops, shakes, malts, floats, banana splits and sundaes — pretty much everything you can think of with ice cream. Plus, shakers full of sprinkles on each table for topping. I mean, who can resist that? Add in some friendly employees, and you’ve got yourself a must-stop ice cream shop. Before or after your sweet treat, grab a burger, footlong taco or whatever the ridiculous daily special is at Captain’s Corner across the street. This restaurant attract folks from all over the KC metro, and for good reason. Stop by and see for yourself — you’ll be glad you did.
Located in the basement of the Museum of Kansas City you’ll find Elixir, a soda fountain with a throwback vibe. They feature ice cream from Fairway Creamery, which you can enjoy in the form of scoops, milkshakes, sundaes and floats. Be sure to try the Corinthian Crunch ice cream, an Elixir exclusive. In addition to ice cream, Elixir offers house sodas, coffee, tea, alcohol and snacks. They even have a happy hour on Thursdays. If you visit, be sure to check out the museum too. The building, Corinthian Hall, is a four-story mansion previously inhabited by the Long family in the early 1900s. Don’t miss the amazing architecture on the first floor, the history of KC on the second floor and the billiards room in the basement.
