Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream
21 S 9th St, Columbia, MO, 65201
Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream Menu
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Address :
21 S 9th St
Columbia, MO, 65201 - Phone (573) 443-7400
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 11
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
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Isabella B.
Lavender honey!!!!!
(4)Cassie D.
An absolute must stop if you're perusing downtown Columbia. Just a few blocks from MU's campus, Sparky's offers eclectic flavors as well as the classics. Everyone will find something they like at Sparky's as well as some awesome Columbia tradition and a whole lot of personality.
(5)Zach G.
I've heard great things from my wife, a Mizzou grad, about Sparky's over the years, but it was good to finally get here. The selection wasn't huge, and to be honest wasn't all that great...but eventually I found something I liked. Prices are fair for this quality of ice cream, and the staff was super friendly. I got the lavender honey, and it was really a great flavor - refreshing, slightly sweet, and fragrant. I also sampled one of the alcoholic varieties (I forget which), and didn't like it at all. The art on the wall is hilarious, and I really wanted to buy one (let's just say it involves Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and a Banana Stand). All in all, a solid place, but perhaps overhyped by my wife.
(3)Paul Y.
I had the apple cobbler ice cream and Claire got a mixture of pineapple upside down cake and raspberry. Both were the $4 one and half scoop size. Was really amazed at how good the ice creams were. Truly handmade flavor and texture, without the over churned, too much milk fat, mouthfeel you get in some super premium products. Mine had crisp, distinct pieces of what seemed like real apple pie in it. Claire honestly tasted like someone mixed fresh pineapple upside down cake into a batch of ice cream and put it on top of raspberries. Only downside is that they have very limited seating and generally a line of people waiting to order.
(4)Melissa G.
Want a treat that will knock your socks off? Try a wine infused ice cream! This place makes a variety of unique ice cream flavors (green tea, salted watermelon, honey lavender) along with plenty of "traditional" flavors. But hands down you gotta try the Les Bourgeois Riverboat Red wine ice cream with Ghirardelli chocolate pieces! Rich, creamy goodness! Got to be 21+ for this scoop of heaven on a cone. Since the alcohol isn't cooked out, you still have an alcohol content but don't worry...you are not gonna notice it. Small set up inside with just a few places to sit (couple outdoor chairs, too). Walls are lined with some pretty funky and eclectic paintings. Perfect pairing with the unique ice cream that you will find here.
(4)Kevin L.
If you're from columbia or go to mizzou sparky's is a classic choice for some ice cream. My favorite choice is always the coffee ice cream! It has a nice distinct coffee flavor and for me not too sweet which is a good thing. Me and my girlfriend also enjoy the brownie Sunday although I usually ask for more ice cream to brownie ratio because we got it before and it had way more brownies than ice cream which is great if that's your thing but I like more ice cream as a personal preference. All in all a solid choice for ice cream and the staff is always very friendly and they have good prices.
(4)Delilah M.
Great place for ice cream. I had the cherry berry lemonade and it was delicious. My whole family enjoyed it.
(4)Sarah J.
When you love what you do, you end up with a good product, and customers will flock. This is the secret to Sparky's success. Always a line when I'm here, but the homemade quality and unique flavors you won't find elsewhere make it worth the wait. Bravo.
(5)Patrick T.
This place is out of this world. If your into crazy art, yummy eats, and wonderfully creative and nice staff this is for you! The place is filled with old fun art you might find at a thrift store, or a High School art show! They even have a Daniel Johnston piece. They have a ton of different kinds of Ice Cream and Gelato! And they will let you sample anything you want! The staff is above and beyond awesome and were super kind and very welcoming! My band has played 2 shows here and they were so supportive of the band and even kept the Ice Cream shop open late to have the show! What a crew! Make this a stop if you are in Columbia!
(5)Kristin E.
Good range of unique flavors. Very nice green tea flavor and blueberry flavor actually have blueberries! Service was a little cold.
(4)Bryan A.
Good, but not great. The flavors are interesting, but after eating a small portion it doesn't taste as good as when you first started. The eating area is super cramped and the creepy paintings on the wall make for an interesting time. Ask for the specials whenever you arrive and you might save a couple of bucks. The prices are reasonable and the service is really good. But the whole reason that you are there is for the ice cream and I can take it or leave it.
(2)Sarah R.
ah, gee. i want to come here so many times. not just for the deliciously home made ice cream, but to just look around. this place made me SMILE. a truly magical place doing magical things. the gal behind the counter was cheerful, helpful, and patient as we tried to collect ourselves and decide on something. this was just that cool. i decided to try something new and got a small scoop of green tea, and another scoop of something i enjoy getting at other places-- the sweet cream. the green tea ice cream was the best green tea ice cream I've ever had. i can never eat a whole serving of it, though, so it was nice to cut it with the sweet cream. my husband got the cookies and cream as per a tip we saw on here. like their take on it. the ice cream actually tasted like Oreo flavored ice cream which was different, but yummy. my six-year-old didn't want ice cream (i know, right?), but he was so entranced by the photos on the wall. would love to find ourselves back here with the time take it all in. definitely a unique and unusual space to stop and enjoy a yummy treat for a bit.
(4)H G.
Delicious ice cream! Really nice unique flavors. Lavender flavor tastes like soap to me. The flavors I got were Mango and Nutella! It could use some better seating
(4)William T.
Interesting flavors, but nothing mind blowing.
(3)Jessica S.
We've gone here twice since we moved here and it is awesome. Very original flavors- we had doughnut and cake. The prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly. They also gave our dog a free scope of ice cream-so cute (of course not chocolate)
(5)Aaron B.
Sparky's has amazing ice cream. Enough said. It's your one-stop-shop for delicious ice cream and weird art. All of the ice cream is homemade and they have an amazing variety of flavors. They don't always have the same unique flavors (they rotate and test new ones) but they always have your basics. Oh yeah, they have weird art that might give you nightmares...You have to visit to understand this. One of my favorite unique flavors they have is Early Grey. I am a lover of Earl Grey tea so I had to try it and was pleasantly surprised. It tasted just like the tea! I highly recommend venturing out when you go here and trying something new. If you are 21+ they have plenty of adult shakes and even wine-flavored ice cream from a local winery. Sparky's is a solid five stars.
(5)Tawny S.
Different but delicious ice cream flavors. They let you sample anything you want. The staff is very friendly. The price of the ice cream is a little more expensive but I like to support independently owned places. The art on the wall is very interesting to look at. A great place for a late night snack.
(5)Lillian R.
Columbia classic right here. Great atmosphere and unique flavors.
(5)Dale P.
Sparky's sells ice cream, and ice cream is delicious, Sparky's ice cream is even extra delicious so, "Yay!" Hanging on the walls are many, many paintings to look at that range between "I don't want to hurt my friend's feeling by telling him he is a crappy painter" to "craft time at the mental hospital" and beyond. The problem with this is that it hurts when you laugh and ice cream comes out your nose. Still, it's worth it.
(4)Sage I.
I've been here so many times for treats with the kids or with friends... just fun, unique flavors with great service and local feel!
(5)Esther L.
This is probably the best ice cream in the whole world. I've traveled near and far places, and no place beats this place. I love the hard-to-find flavors, the vibe, the workers there, and the ice cream is a massively popular taste to my tastebuds. Wish there was a sparky's everywhere~!
(5)Lisa N.
Absolute MUST when in columbia!!! They have so many flavors. Some of them sound weird but even the weird ones are actually amazing!
(5)Matilda W.
She ate a raspberry sorbet The kind you only buy at this ice cream store She ate a raspberry sorbet If they'd given her it all then there'd be no more. (The lavender honey is amazing, too. Oh, and the avocado lime.)
(5)Lianne S.
What a gem in Columbia!! Cute decor; love the doggy! Girls behind the counter were friendly and funny. They talked me into a banana split which was DELICIOUS. $6 for three scoops, a banana and some hot fugde. Shared it with my husband and it was so good. We picked chocolate and vanilla (I know I'm boring) and my husband picked blackberry port. I thought it was interesting that there were a few 21+ flavors because they have alcohol in them. Those flavors were all good. I suggest stopping in and having a quick sample (just a tiny spoonful) so you can see for yourself. I will be back!
(5)Brian M.
Was very surprised with this place, the flavors of ice cream are very unique and traditional. Some of the more exotic flavors are 21+, while they also allow you to customize your flavors by mixing two or more together in a bowl, cone, or even a milkshake. Sparky's made national news in 2011 with their limited edition Cicada Ice Cream which sold out within hours of its debut. The bugs were boiled and covered brown sugar and milk chocolate before being added to the brown sugar and butter flavor ice cream. The Columbia County Department of Public Health advised Sparky's to stop serving the ice cream, so no additional batches were ever made.
(4)Lisa H.
We tried the red velvet cake batter, strawberry, butter pecan and cookies and cream. The consistency was smooth and creamy. My butter pecan didn't have a strong distinctive flavor. We agreed that we'd go back.
(4)David S.
My wife loves it, but I'm not as big of a fan, although I can't say I hate it. The I've cream is OK, but the variety of flavors is what makes this place fun to go to. They have talky gotten creative and a free of them have been very good. Definitely worth trying and you will probably want to go back.
(4)Grace T.
I think Sparky's is good, but I gave it a three star review because I felt like there's a lot of over-hype about this place. It tastes just as good as any other ice cream place. I do give it props for having interesting flavors at times, but I think people go there to be included in the hipster scene, rather than really enjoy good ice cream. Plus, there aren't a lot of seats in this place and it is a tiny bit pricey. However, when compared to places like Cold Stone Creamery, the prices are average. I would recommend the Cookies 'n' Cream flavor.
(3)Chelsea B.
When in Columbia, stop at Sparky's. They serve up delicious, unique, homemade flavors and even offer their milkshakes and floats with alcohol. Flavors like cake batter, carrot cake, lavendar honey, and pineapple upside down cake exist next to your standard chocolate, cookies and cream, and raspberry-type flavors. If you're not sure what you want, ask for a sample! Sparky's is pretty much always packed, and it's great to enjoy while walking around downtown Columbia in the summer. Once I saw the most wonderful old lady order a huge brownie sundae (the brownies are made at Uprise Bakery, what's better than that?) that looked truly magnificent, and she tackled it like a champ. This is a place where you can order something different each time and still want to come back and try something else. Plus, best bathroom in Columbia.
(4)Jackie S.
If you haven't been to Sparky's, you're missing out. Great homemade ice cream, a variety of flavors and it's right downtown. Definitely a Columbia staple.
(5)Lisa M.
Great unique flavors! They let you taste as many samples as you want, which is good since there are tons of odd flavors. I've gotten the Les Bourgeois blackberry port and the cake batter before. Depends on who's behind the counter, but some of the girls aren't too friendly. They'll give you samples, but not with a smile! It's not so good that I crave Sparky's, but its fun to go with friends and see what flavors they have. If you can't decide, get a half/half scoop!
(4)Cheryl W.
We wanted to love this place after reading the reviews and headed here during a trip to visit Mizzou. As soon as we walked in we were greeted with icy stares from the two ladies behind the freezer. They were unfriendly and we felt like we were bothering them when asking for a sample. The cookies and cream was decent until my daughter found a hair in it. One employee was sitting on the floor and helped herself to a sample in between serving other customers. I felt like I was in a Saturday nite live skit! It was so odd. $2 for a Dixie cup sized serving? Culvers is so much better, sorry.
(1)Kari M.
Imagine if a shooting star decided to hitch a ride on a unicorn and gently transcend into Columbia and transform into an ice cream flavor. That's what Lavender Honey tastes like, but better. The carrot cake is also excellent- it's just like Aunt Bertha's special recipe! Treat yourself.
(5)Teresa C.
Hmmm, I have to say that I had high hopes which were dashed. We were excited to try Sparky's because they opened so late. Find a parking space, put in a quarter and run inside for some good ol' sweet tooth feeding. First bummer was the employee- it's an ice cream shop, you have a ton of flavors. Not giving me a hesitant blank look when I ask for some sample tasting would go a long way in making me feel welcome. Don't worry, I won't lick your spoons and run without buying something. Two, the rum raisin was all watery when he scooped it into my cup. (He didn't ask if I wanted a cone, which I did.) He told me that because it has rum in it, it doesn't solidify well. I don't know...isn't your place selling ice cream and not overly sweet melted milkshake? Because of the way the rum raisin was, it mixed in completely with my Lavender Honey (which had been tasty and aromatic up until then) creating a sickly sweet composition. I did like the lavendar honey but my first experience here was not the best. Let's see if next time can be better.
(2)Quaker W.
Among the best gelato and sorbets I've had outside of Italy. Super intense favors. The kiddie size is enough, though you'll probably get more. It's sooo good. Intense chocolates, fruits, unusual favors. Go!
(5)Jessica E.
Right before a show at The Blue Note, we decided to swing by Sparky's for a treat. I tried their cake batter ice cream and it was just ok; kinda tasted like a creamier cookies and cream. I think their flavors were pretty standard, K had the raspberry and he raved about it. I give Sparky's props because it's local, original and they make most things in-house. Something just didn't sit right with me and it was the young ladies who were working the counter. They avoided most eye contact and didn't really say much. I had never been there and luckily there was a couple in front of us who had so we kind of just took their lead. We asked for samples but they didn't really say much after handing us the samples, no suggestions, nothing. Then they kind of just stared at you as you looked longingly at the other options. They just were not that welcoming. Because of that, it was just ok. It wasn't the cleanest place I've ever eaten ice cream, but I guess there could be worse. Since I'm not local, maybe my opinion doesn't hold as much weight but as a newcomer, the experience wasn't something to write home about.
(2)Catherine R.
It's okay - I got sorbet and it was really grainy, lots of seeds, and not sweet enough. Homemade is nice, but it's better when it doesn't taste like I could have made it with a $40 ice cream maker. I haven't personally had the ice cream, but I hear it's pretty good. They give you a free kid scoop with the purchase of a regular ice cream, and they honor that for dogs, too!
(2)Luke D.
Tried Carrot Cake ice cream, which was very very good. Rice krispie flavor is kind of boring.
(4)Evelyn T.
Oh what to say about Sparky's that doesn't equate to "OMG GIMME MORE CRACK?!" Let's try this again. Sparky's is a cute little shop in downtown COMO that serves up ice cream with some pretty unique flavors. As out of towners, we wanted to try a few different flavors and get the shop off of our "Things to Try" list. After that, no need to pop back - we have already conquered the local ice cream shop that is Sparky's. False. The Red Velvet Cake Batter, Butter Pecan, Lavender Honey, and Carrot Cake flavors were all to die for. Rich, smooth, and true to their namesakes, Sparky's ice cream is addictive. Meals are now planned based on whether or not the restaurant is in proximity of Sparky's. Too bad we don't have this back home. Guess we'll just have to keep coming back!
(5)Patty S.
Sparky's is an independently owned and operated ice cream parlor. They carry the most eccentric flavors and floats; like maple bacon and wine & chocolate. They also have the other great flavors that ice cream enthusiasts love. They change their flavors around quite often, so you can always try something new when you go. If you are skeptical of a flavor, ask for a sample first. You will have an experience you will never forget.
(5)Lee P.
Passing through Columbia I decided I needed something from the chocolate food group and we came upon Sparky's homemade ice cream. I, of course, got a regular scoop of chocolate. It was very rich and creamy and even had a few chocolate chunks in it for good measure. My girlfriend had a raspberry cone which was fruity without being too sweet and had a nice creamy texture. While not quite soft ice cream, Sparky's home made ice cream is significantly softer than traditional hard ice cream. You could taste the freshness as their wasn't a hint of preservatives. While not the best ice cream I've had Sparky's is none the less excellent and well worth the effort if you are passing through town on I-70.
(4)Z D.
Always amazing with good service and interesting flavors (pancake batter and balsamic blueberry, yum!). I love Sparky's!
(5)Heather Anne B.
All I have to say is this: Sparky's offers flavors for adults only. Pina colada ice cream with real coconut and actual alcohol is probably long overdue, but they made it happen here and I loved it. The people behind the counter were a bit impatient with us and I felt rushed, but that ice cream was so worth the extra minute it took me to decide.
(5)Ki M.
Different flavors every time. Not the typical ice cream parlor. :)
(5)Gregory C.
Great experience. The Les Bourgeois with Ghiradelli chocolate was excellent. I like that they make their own. Root beer float was good, too. My wife said she could tell the hot fudge was homemade, real deal.
(4)Damian P.
Love this place. Awesome, unique flavors and cool staff. And I'm not sure why, but the art on the walls is my favorite.
(5)Kathy D.
Every time I walk in, I'm faced with the difficult task of figuring out what flavors I want. I always ask for a couple samples of flavors that sounds intriguing, then end up getting half-and-half: one old favorite (honey lavender or ghirardelli and les bourgeois), one new flavor. Their ice cream is creamy, delicious, and actually tastes like what it's supposed to (try the carrot cake!). I've noticed that their ice cream has a slightly different texture from most. It's a bit softer/thicker. Adults can also get a number of alcoholic treats while they're there. I didn't think I would ever like Guinness, but 20 ounces with a scoop of ice cream is surprisingly refreshing/tasty. The shop also has a playful feel to it. There are a lot of colors and the walls are decked with somewhat bizarre paintings. It's a great place to catch up with friends or show out-of-town visitors!
(5)Mohan R.
Had their green tea ice cream, it was very creamy and not to sweet (which I like). Need to try other flavors next time.
(4)Erika F.
Sparky's is hands down the best ice cream in Columbia. My all time favorite flavor is their Lavander Honey, but I also love their fruit flavors, specifically blueberry and raspberry. They use real fruit and flavorings, nothing artificial, and you can tell. They also use Uprise Bakery cookies and brownies for some of their flavors, which I love because Uprise is another one of my favorite Columbia businesses. You can also get alcohol spiked milkshakes and floats, which I surprisingly have never tried (I can't believe it myself...). They now have a freezer with pre-packed pints and quarts, so you can just pop and pick up some to take home. Sparky's is a must-stop when ever I am back in Columbia.
(5)Eve C.
Sparky's is a new addition to "The District," as CoMo has named the downtown area. At least new since my last visit to my alma mater. And man, has Columbia been missing some homemade ice cream goodness! Shakey's is great, but there's something about getting actual ice cream flavors rather than mix-ins... Sparky's definitely delivers with the homemade ice cream. I opted for the "Slightly Granola Cookie" flavor, and it was awesome! My mouth is drooling as I reminisce - it was THAT good! Get drawn in by Sparky outside (the fake bulldog that looks incredibly real. And incredibly cute). Stay for the delicious homemade ice cream!
(4)Sara N.
Don't think I can add more than what others have said about this place. Great homemade ice cream and interesting flavors. The lavender honey and green tea ice creams are really good.
(5)Liz G.
When you've got an ice cream urge you need to fix, forget the others and go to Sparky's. There's always something different in the cooler and they offer as many taste samples as you'd like to make your decision on which flavor to choose. The fact that they use baked goods from nearby Uprise Bakery is a plus - gotta love supporting other local busineses. Their best flavor is the honey and lavender. I'll never forget when a roommate of mine during my Mizzou days bought a pint of it and let me try. It's light, sweet and the lavender isn't too overwhelming. The only stinker is when the sidewalk seating is full.
(4)Tender B.
This is the best ice cream place in downtown Columbia. It is delicious, and I believe it's local. Some of the flavors are a bit bold (re jalapeno chocolate) but others are more tame. Make sure you try a sample of something before you get a whole cone of it. I had the mango last night, and it was amazing. This place forms a line in the evening, be ready for that. Also the crappy portraits on the north wall are hilarious.
(5)Alisson H.
Hands down the most awesome "mom and pop" college student run ice cream shop in downtown Columbia where all the action is at. Prices are decent, has funky but funny decor...check out the bathroom as it's got old school stuff in it that is a trip to look at, homemade flavors that constantly change....you can also suggest a flavor you would want to see and they will make it, and last but not least they have an "adult menu" on a white board hanging on the wall where you can get liquor flavored anything (minus the fact you have to consume all and any liquor flavored items on the premises inside and not outside on the patio). Walked in here this afternoon for dessert after lunch down the block and go to talk to the owner about the funky decor on the walls and where he gets it from. Extremely nice staff and unlimited samples. Downside is they close for a month or two at the beginning of the year while it's snowy and cold out and come back to open in March, BUT if you happen to have awesome 70 degree weather while they are closed they will open their doors during the warm weather. Never came across such a place before in any other place I lived and thinks this place will be around forever in this college town. Love this place and definitely recommend this place as I will always be a repeat customer.
(5)Alison B.
Delicious! Try the lavender and honey flavor. Surprisingly good! :)
(5)Su I.
Treat your taste buds to something good. It's worth every calorie. I love their coconut ice cream with coconut flakes. So delicious.
(4)Joshua H.
I got a small sized carrot cake flavor just last night figuring that since I am a sucker for the real thing, the custard must be good was well. I was correct in my thoughts as the custard really was very good! It has that distinct carrot cake like tang to it that I thought might taste fake or artificial but they do a good job with this one. They even put small peices of walnuts and carrot shaving in the custard to really make it seem like carrot cake by taste and texture. Not bad for $2.50. Rivals anything I have had at Cold Stone and I love what they have as well.
(4)Larry M.
Some flavors are very mild. Mine had ice chips in it.
(3)Jennifer W.
Sorry. Wasn't impressed. Flavor was so-so and way too expensive. I'll stick to Buck's Ice Cream.
(1)Dee O.
Hmmmmm.....Sparky's is so good. The Green Tea is my favorite flavor. I spent a lot of time here in the Summer of 2010. I studied all day and took a Sparky's break in the evenings. I moved from Columbia last year and Sparky's is one of my best memories!
(4)Sarah H.
I love the non-typical flavors they have and the alcohol ice cream dishes. Its a staple of Columbia and must try for everyone. I definitely recommend getting out of your bubble and trying something different. I had one experience where there ice cream was kind of weird like it was freezer burned but they were great and gave me a something else.
(4)Jennifer T.
I loved this place so much that we came back twice over a 2-day conference. I wish I lived closer because this would be my new favorite ice cream place :)
(5)Weymar O.
I stop by here every year on my way to Colorado from Ohio. Some of the best ice cream I've ever had. I would definitely reccomend
(5)Nick A.
Man up, get the lavender honey.
(5)Becky L.
I agree with the comments that this place is good, but there is way too much hype regarding it. They do have some interesting flavors, I'll give them that, but the ice cream is WAAAAY overpriced for the quality of it. I feel like I could go Baskin Robbins (or even just buy some ice cream from the grocery store) for a LOT cheaper for almost the same quality. It's not even that cool of an interior and there isn't much seating inside. Overall, I would POSSIBLY recommend going here once, just to see the interesting flavors, but I would not have super high expectations for it.
(2)Justin M.
Bomb. Their ice cream is real. It tastes amazing, feels amazing, looks amazing... Really, it's the perfect dessert. They're also unafraid to do crazy stuff. Locust Ice Cream? Green Tea? It's all good. Don't pass it by.
(5)susan h.
I would come back again although I was comparing it to Glace (by Christopher Elbow) in KC, Mo and it isn't quite as good. In KC I would order the Lavender and the Venezuelan Spiced Chocolate. For comparison at Sparky's we got the Lavender Honey and the Jalapeno Chocolate, the Jalapeno Chocolate just wasn't that spicy/hot and I wished the Lavender Honey, while good, would have had a stronger flavor of Lavender, although the Honey is a nice addition! The texture is a little random too. In some places it's thin and icy like ice milk and in others is kind of hard, not as consistently creamy as it could be. Still, it's way better and more interesting than most ice cream places.
(4)Sue ann P.
I fell in love with this place while visiting my daughter and her family! The inside with all the objects of art is quirky. The best part is the ice cream. I had the red wine and ghirardeli chocolate. It was the best ice cream I have ever tasted.
(5)Sarah F.
I come here a lot. You don't have to do too much to convince me that it's time for Sparky's. It is *hands down* the BEST ice cream in Columbia. I don't get how any other place in town can stay open...maybe they have a drive through window? Otherwise, Sparky's is THE place to go for real, real, real ice cream. Anyone who names their place of business after their dog is great, in my book. my condolences to the family on Sparky-the-dog's passing
(4)Kelly L.
So good, it kind of makes me wish I went to Mizzou. The servers were very amiable and the place was clean. I had the honey lavender. They just made it perfectly-- it tasted like decadence. They don't strain out the lavender flowers so I was a little surprised that the lavender flavor wasn't overpowering/bitter. The flavors were well balanced. Also, I really appreciated the fact that Sparky's ice cream isn't overly heavy/rich. When I come back to Columbia, I'll be sure to hit up this spot again :).
(5)Annee T.
When it comes to ice cream downtown I'm aware of two options -- Sparky's and Coldstone's. Judging simply on taste, Sparky's wins because it's not too rich or heavy. The flavors are more creative, and your teeth won't disintegrate afterward. Plus: alcoholic beverage ice cream floats. The best of childhood paired with the best of adulthood. Any way you see it, Sparky's is divine. I had a scoop of peach ice cream last week and it was heavenly. Smooth, light, peachy-sweet and just right! The lavender and honey is also perfect. Go here now.
(5)Colin F.
Best ice cream in Columbia. Everything is really good, especially the green tea ice cream. The service is great and I love the inside and outside seating. They are staying open more days too which is awesome.
(5)Amanda P.
Delicious homemade ice cream, the best of many places in Columbia. Unique flavors and friendly employees. I like the chocolate and cookies and cream.
(5)Tracey S.
Delicious homemade ice cream. Great staff that doesn't mind dishing out a few spoonfuls to sample. The cake batter was my favorite!! Wish I could've tried the White Russian. Sounds amazing!
(5)Justin F.
Delicious every time...can't say much more because the entire world should know this by now!!!
(5)Joshua B.
I had a Guinness float with a scoop of hazelnut ice cream. It was really good. The ice cream had great flavor. The atmosphere is quirky. And, where else can you get good ice cream and booze??
(4)Kelly R.
Great ice cream! A little pricy but they have to be to make it homemade. It's delicious. I highly recommend both the cookies and cream and the salted carmel. They taste amazing seperate or together!
(5)Merce'de S.
Good ice cream. Good prices. Good deal!
(4)Christine N.
There's really no place, in MO, like it. Great ice cream that is original and made in-shop. Grab a scoop or pick up a pint. They always have something new and delicious.
(5)Lindsay B.
I live in California now, but still visit Sparky's at least twice every time I come back to visit family in CoMo. It's literally the best ice cream I've ever had. You must try the Pineapple Upsidedown Cake ice cream; it's out of this world! The Chocolate Cake Batter is pretty darn good too. In fact I don't think I've ever tried a bad flavor there!
(5)Melissa A.
Sparky's is the perfect ice cream shop. The ice cream is creamy, flavorful, not too rich, but rich enough. The staff is really laid back, friendly and all seem genuinely happy to work there. No matter how many flavors you ask to sample (I usually max out at 4 as to not be a complete pain) they never roll their eyes. The shop itself has a creative, unique feel to it, displaying local artists' work and always having at least a few yarn puppets on display (I've been told the owner collects them). From lavender honey to carrot cake, their flavors are anything but run of the mill. I could eat their blueberry ice cream everyday (sadly I'm living in New York now, so my Sparky's fix is seldom). Basically, a trip to Columbia is not complete until I've had my Sparky's fix.
(5)Eileen P.
What a fun funky place this is. We had dessert there last night after a crummy dinner at a fancy dinner place in the area. I had the sea salt dark chocolate and wish I lived closer to have it more often -- best ice cream I have ever had! The owner's collection of art is very unique and just makes you smile as you enjoy his wonderful ice cream. So glad it filled our bellies after the earlier experience.
(5)Lindsay A.
Fabulous ice cream... it's a bit lighter texture than you'll find at someplace like Cold Stone, but I prefer it, personally. The staff is extremely nice, and the decor is quirky and loveable. The creepy yarn dolls and terrible paintings keep you preoccupied while you stand in line. There is a bit of a wait in the evenings, but they keep their counter well-staffed, so it moves quickly. I've asked for several samplings at a time, and the staff never acts put-out by it. LOVE that they keep their flavors unique and locally-influenced.
(5)LT H.
I love ice cream. Especially home made ice cream. Definitely my favorite local shop I've visited in Downtown Columbia, MO. Sample all the flavors you like! I recommend the Les Bourgeons Red Wine and Ghirardelli (sounds strange, but is oh so good), Cinnamon, Pistachio, Carrot Cake, Pineapple Upside-down Cake, and Anonymous Mint Cookie. New concoctions made daily. They accept flavor requests and post them on a bulletin board in the shop. I like that someone suggested Doritos flavor. Awesome. I also like that they use ingredients from other local shops in their ice cream (LaKota Coffee ice cream, Uprise Bakery cookie dough ice cream). They also display art by local artists. When visiting Columbia, MO, definitely visit Sparky's!
(5)Heather S.
Love the lavender honey, and the sea salt & dark chocolate! I've never had an issue with them hesitating to give me a sample taste if I wasn't sure about a flavor, as another review said.
(5)Anna D.
I love that they partner with other local businesses to make their flavors. The Uprise cookie dough ice cream is AMAZING.
(5)Justin B.
Great creamy ice cream with several fantastic flavors. I would suggest the pineapple upside down cake ice cream. They also serve several choices of alcohol and ice cream. I had a Guinness float with vanilla ice cream that was pretty good.
(4)Andrea G.
My husband loves this place, but I am not a fan. The ice cream is oddly soft and melty, all the time. Like the freezer isn't cold enough or something. They have a few good flavors, like cookies-n-cream and some sort of peach pie flavor I had once with chunks of graham cracker crust in it. But, the ice cream is WAY overpriced. It is something like 3 or 4 bucks for a scoop (they recently raised the prices). And I think it is totally obnoxious that they put the "small" (1 scoop) in the same cup as the "medium" (2 scoops)--like, here you go with your half-filled cup of ice cream! I think this is the only homemade ice cream place in CoMo which seems to be an excuse for them to just be so-so. I would not recommend.
(2)Brant K.
they put booze into ice cream and magic comes out.
(5)Angie S.
There is a new flavor every time I go to Sparky's. I love the variety, the weird art on the wall, and the opportunity to try ice cream flavors you will not find anywhere else like chocolate Jalapeno.
(5)Andrea S.
The best ice cream! Try the lavender honey! Plus, they give you a "pup cup" for your four-legged friends.
(5)Drennen M.
This place is yummy. The ice cream is delicious, and I like buying from a local business rather than Cold Stone down the street. They've also got alcoholic ice cream drink things that I've heard are quite good although I'm one year short of being able to try them. Plus, what other ice cream place has a white resin bulldog tethered to the tree outside?
(5)erin s.
I moved out of Columbia a few years ago and I always, always miss Sparky's. Their chocolate cake batter ice cream is the best in the entire world. I recently visited my mother in Kansas City and took the long way (at least an hour longer) just so I could swing into Columbia and get some Sparky's.
(5)byron d.
Best Ice Cream in Columbia. Always has new and interesting flavors. I recommend the carrot cake.
(5)Alison M.
Perhaps my review is skewed, as I ate here on the first warm day of spring, that day when anything tastes good, especially foods reminiscent of summer. Regardless, the ice cream was really good and tasted like homemade. They had interesting flavors like Carrot Cake and Green Tea, along with the standards. My Mint Chocolate was so tasty with hot fudge on top. They also had lots of toppings, and if I wasn't getting ready to drive 250 miles I would have tried one of the "adult treats," ice cream with alcohol. Plus, who doesn't love an ice cream shop associated with an adorable bulldog?
(5)Brian E.
Probably my second favorite ice cream place ever.
(5)Zoe W.
I always mistake the white resin bulldog for a real bulldog. tasty ice cream
(4)Michael S.
best ice cream in Columbia, hands down. handmade and local. what else could you want?
(5)Paul D.
pretty darn good ice cream.
(4)Ian S.
Extremely good homemade ice cream. Strange decor (weird crocheted dolls on the walls, neon green and purple paint). My personal favorite ice cream here is Cookie Batter.
(5)