Ices Plain & Fancy — Restaurant in St. Louis

There’s something about Ices Plain & Fancy that feels like stepping into a little pocket of joy—like summer bottled into a scoop and served with a puff of science.

The first time I walked in, I wasn’t just ordering ice cream—I was chasing a feeling. The kind you had as a kid when the ice cream truck came down the street, or when you got to pick your own sundae toppings after a good report card. But here, it’s different… elevated. Magical. And still deeply nostalgic.

You don’t just get a cone—you get a show. Liquid nitrogen curls around the counter like smoke from a storybook, and for a moment, everyone—kids, adults, first dates, grandparents—watches in quiet awe as your ice cream is created before your eyes. It’s theatrical, but never gimmicky. It’s science, but it feels like love.

And the taste? Pure, creamy heaven. Whether you go classic or wild-card (hello, booze-infused specials), every flavor is rich, balanced, and made with care. This place doesn’t rush, and honestly, neither should you.

And if you brought your pup? You must get a Sticky Charlie—their doggie ice cream treat that will make tails wag and noses twitch with joy. It's the cherry on top of an already perfect visit.

Ices Plain & Fancy isn’t just a treat. It’s a reminder to slow down, savor, and let something small bring you...

I've been excited and terrified to try this place. I was excited because, duh, what a cool experience! I love making my own ice cream at home, but I've certainly never used liquid nitrogen! But my fear was that it would all be all about the their unique way of making ice cream and less about actually making good ice cream. I also worried that maybe the nitrogen would cause the ice cream to be more icey than creamy, which would just make me angry. However, this place took good care of me! It was very entertaining to watch the process and a very delicious experience to eat the product.

I chose the Cherry Cordial and was quite pleased with it! My friends loved their Berry & Nutella and Butter Pecan. My husband wasn't crazy about the Mint, but I thought it was fine.

We all ordered the size large, which is about 3 large scoops. I always worry that my dessert won't be big enough. If you're like me, you don't have to worry - these portions are great!

If I had one complaint it would be that I want more flavors - specifically ones...

Their ice cream is so good I LOVE it!!! I was visiting STL and since it was near the place I was staying at, I decided to give it a shot. Not only did I go once, but TWICE during my 43-hour trip! I got strawberry cheesecake on my first visit, and I love how they put all the ingredients together: digestive biscuit crumbs on the bottom with more crumbs on top of the ice cream as well as sweetened strawberries. I didn't know it could be so good. During my second visit, I decided to try out the vegan German chocolate, and it was amazing as well. Not as fancy as the strawberry cheesecake if we are comparing the toppings, but the flavour is just as good. The chocolate was very rich and the coconut cream did not take over the overall flavour and it was just surprisingly awesome. If I ever go back to STL, this ice cream shop would be the first place I want to revisit. Oh, and did I say they use nitro right in front of...