5 Best Frozen Treat Super-Values
A handful of super-tasting, super-affordable frozen goodies in 417-land.
You’ve tightened the purse strings, but your kids are still screaming for ice cream on hot August afternoons. Luckily, 417-land is packed with spots where you can hand over the sugar to your kiddos without breaking the bank. Trust us, those little smiles will be worth it.
1. Mochi Ice Cream
Where to get it: Mijuri Sushi & Rhythm (2710 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield, 417-889-9593) and Haruno (3044 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-887-0077) among other spots
Cost: $2.95–$4
Why it’s great: This is a fun little ice cream adventure, and it’ll be something new for the kids to try. It’s a little bit of ice cream, not much bigger than a ping-pong ball, that’s packed inside mochi (a soft, chewy, doughy rice cake). The rice cake has a mild flavor, so the real fun is in the texture. Pop a piece and chew it up, or take a bite and let the ice cream melt in your mouth while you savor the rice cake. Either way, these little guys are fun to eat. Hint: We recommend the mango and the green tea flavors.
... And 5 MoreWe are rich with treats in 417-land. Here are five more frozen hotspots to satisfy your sweet tooth: |
2. Andy’s Root Beer Float
Where to get it: Andy’s Frozen Custard. Find a list of all the 417-land locations at eatandys.com.
Cost: $2.99
Why it’s great: You can go all out at Andy’s with everything from the loaded James Brownie Funkie Jackhammer to a create-your-own treat. But at just $2.99 each, the root beer floats are the best value on the menu, and they are made with super-good brewed-in-Milwaukee Sprecher root beer. Plus, what kid can resist the ice cream/soda foam volcano?
3. Pineapple Whip
Where to get it: Pineapple Whip stands are open during the summer months at the Glenstone/Meadowmere and Fremont/Republic intersections.
Cost: $2 for a cup or cone, $5 for a quart
Why it’s great: The orange and grape factions can say what they will, but nothing beats the original pineapple-flavored Pineapple Whip. It’s fat-free (so Mom’ll like it), but it’s so incredibly sweet and fresh-tasting that everybody will want a bite. Added perk: You get to sit outside and eat it while you’re entertained by a gyrating hula girl on the stand’s roof.
4. Hannah Banana’s Banana Split
Where to get it: Hannah Banana’s, 303 E. Battlefield, Springfield, 417-823-3749
Cost: $5.99
Why it’s great: This may be the most expensive single item on this list, but we promise it’s worth the money; it could easily feed three or four ice-cream fanatics. For the banana split, you choose three ice cream flavors and three toppings before the whole thing is buried in whipped cream, nuts and cherries. We’ve tried the cheesecake, chocolate fudge and strawberry ice creams topped with raspberries, chocolate Teddy Grahams and roasted pecans. It lets you get creative before you dig in.
5. Sno Biz shaved ice
Where to get it: SnoBiz stands are located at the Fremont/Republic and the Sunset/Glenstone intersections.
Cost: $2–4, depending on size
Why it’s great: Variety, variety, variety. That’s the best thing about these shaved ice stands. There’s something for everybody in the family, plus you can mix flavors to create something of your own. We love the Pinango (pineapple and mango) and the Pink Flamingo (pink lemonade and raspberry). This is not a hard sno-cone but a light, soft shaved ice that’s packed into a tower and is doused in sweet syrups and toppings. To save money, get the small size. Your family will be satisfied. But the jumbo? Well… I dare you to eat it all.
