The Star’s readers voted this Brookside ice cream shop as their favorite in Kansas City
The votes have been cast, and after hundreds of readers weighed in, High Hopes Ice Cream has won The Star’s title of Kansas City’s favorite ice cream spot of 2023.
The beloved walk-up window on Troost Avenue in Brookside was among five reader-nominated finalists, also including French Custard in Brookside, Pop’s Sweet Shop in Lenexa and Spring Hill, Betty Rae’s in Waldo and the River Market and Sylas & Maddy’s in Olathe.
The Star informed each finalist of our poll on Monday, and voting closed Wednesday night.
High Hopes is known for its creative flavors, homemade toppings and super-creamy texture that keeps our readers coming back for more.
“More than half of the flavors at any one time are my favorite!” raved reader Sarah of the West Plaza. “Ask to try all the flavors — I haven’t found one I don’t like.”
Flavors our readers recommended include cinnamon honey, strawberry birthday cake, french silk pie, Mother Earth (blue spirulina with matcha-soaked ladyfinger crumbles), bourbon butter pecan, black sesame, the bacon-infused Local Breakfast and s’mores.
Recently added flavors include mixed berry lemon sorbet, mango chamoy frozen yogurt and the charcuterie-inspired Adult Lunchable.
Reader Mike Jeffries of Brookside also gave a shoutout to their homemade toppings, including puff pastry, strawberry shortcake crumble and an Oreo s’mores mix he called “legitimately addictive.”
But the tasty treats High Hopes offers are just part of what makes this spot a reader favorite. Others raved about the friendly staff, including owners Jamie Howard and Jonathon “Tex” Bush.
“Everything is made using as many local products as possible and the owners are the best!” reader Tiffany of Kansas City told the Star.
“The owners are incredible! So friendly and just hard working. Love their little spot!” added reader Alicia of Waldo.
“We really appreciate all the support from friends, family and the community, Howard wrote in an email to The Star. “There are so many great places to get good ice cream in Kansas City, and we’re very honored to be their favorite.”
You can view all 20 local ice cream shops nominated by our readers here.
Do you have more questions about Kansas City’s favorite local businesses? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
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