Overview

High Hopes Ice Cream is a gem tucked away in Kansas City on Troost Avenue. From the outside, its walk-up window and casual sidewalk picnic tables suggest simplicity, but stepping up to the counter reveals a world of thoughtfully crafted ice cream flavors that balance creativity with comfort. The shop excels in offering a rich variety, from adventurous combinations like Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake and French Silk Pie Sesame Seed to crowd-pleasers such as Cinnamon and Honey or classic Vanilla.

The menu strikes a well-tuned harmony, catering to all palates. For those seeking something unique, options like the Local Breakfast ice cream—blending maple, bacon, and pancake flavors—expand the boundaries of traditional dessert. Vegan and dairy-free visitors are not left behind, with flavors like Oh My Gourd! (a vegan pumpkin spice) and the Joy of Almonds, a textured blend of chocolate, coconut, and almonds. These demonstrate High Hopes’ commitment to inclusivity without compromising taste or texture.

Beyond the ice cream itself, High Hopes enhances the experience with thoughtfully paired carriers. The Banana Haze Waffle Cone and Double Scoop Cookies and Cream Waffle Bowl elevate the act of tasting into something memorable. Their floats and shakes further diversify the offerings, giving visitors more ways to indulge.

Patrons remark on the attentive and friendly service, which complements the welcoming atmosphere. Though the shop’s location may require a second glance or a quick circle around the block, the journey is worthwhile. It’s a space that draws a loyal local following, as well as adventurous visitors eager to explore a sophisticated scoop or two. Whether you are a traditionalist or a flavor explorer, High Hopes Ice Cream promises an experience that goes beyond the usual, inviting you to savor every spoonful.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

What Customers Say

Victoria Randall
Dec 11,2025
5/5
It’s not visible as you drive by and Google seems to think it’s on the corner of the block, but it’s well worth the second drive around the block to find it. It’s a walk up window with picnic tables on the sidewalk. But there is nothing unsophisticated about the flavors! What a variety of sweet and savory ice cream flavors yet still some basic flavors for the not-so-adventurous types. Not to be missed!
Billie Mozee
Dec 11,2025
5/5
I tried High Hopes for the first time last night. Service was great! We sampled a number of flavors and everything was really good. The 24 Carrot Magic was hands down the best ice cream flavor I've had in Kansas City in a very long time! And the waffle cone was fantastic. Highly recommend this place
Peg Allgeier
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Ended up here after reading other reviews and it did not disappoint. Some of the very best ice cream I’ve ever had. They made a turtle sundae for my husband as a special request and he loved it! Reasonably priced to the quality. Outstanding!
Michael Jay
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We happened to be across the street visiting The Littlest Bake Shop and noticed this colorful little ice cream shop with window service. We got the Joy of Almonds vegan ice cream. Chocolate, crunchy coconut, and toasted almond slices mixed in. It was good, with a fairly strong chocolate flavor, a creamy texture, no strong overtones from the base, pretty sweet but not crazily so. The portion was pretty good and the price was fairly reasonable for things these days. They also have floats available! Plus some shakes and other items. Service was friendly. If you are strictly vegetarian AKA vegan, they only had one option when we stopped in, but it was clearly marked and good. Not just a boring sorbet like a lot of non-vegan-friendly places might have. Their focus is dairy based ice creams, but it sounds like sometimes they have a few flavors to pick from. They apparently even had a vegan waffle cone, it was a little on the chewy side, but tasty. Definitely worth a try if you are nearby.
Richard Bly
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We enjoyed the Brown butter cookie dough, but the Blueberry lemon cheesecake is amazing. We would drive across Missouri to have it again!
Tiffany M
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We've tried a lot of ice cream places, both locally and out of town, and this has to be in the top 3, at least. Friendly window service, good prices (especially for the amazing quality), and rich, creamy ice cream in a variety of unique and decadent flavors. We were offered samples and every one was delicious. We had double scoops, but should have stuck with singles because the portions were very generous. Purchased brown butter cookie dough swirl, cake smash, and blueberry lemon cheesecake on waffle cones, which were also delicious with a nice crisp texture. In my opinion, much better than that "other place" and would absolutely get my vote for best in KC!
Dustin Ebaugh
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Run! Do not walk to High Hopes Ice Cream. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Just. GO! Hands down the best ice cream in town and it’s not even close. Walk up window. Eat outside. I don’t even care. I’m here for the mystical alchemy they create with milk and cream. They also have vegan stuff. Never tried it. The ice cream flavors are so creative and fun. Great staff and ownership. They support the KC Current! As a STM, I appreciate that. This place is amazing!!
Jill Beck
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Jesus. Mary. Joseph. Blown. Away. High Hopes doesn't just serve ice cream--they serve magic in a cone. I sampled several flavors (because how could I not?), and finally landed on a trio: S'mores, Cookie Dough, and Local Breakfast. Each one was delicious in its own right, but the S'mores? Game changer. It was like someone roasted a marshmallow over a real campfire, swirled it into rich chocolate, and folded in graham cracker dreams. The subtle smokiness in the scoop? Unreal. It tasted like summer nights and nostalgia. Cookie Dough was classic and packed with chunks (none of that skimpy dough nonsense), and Local Breakfast was a wild, wonderful ride--think maple, buttery vibes, and a cozy, early-morning sweetness. High Hopes, you absolutely nailed it. Thank you for existing in this city. I'm already planning my next trip back.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Thursday 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 01:00 PM - 08:00 PM
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