Consistently the best ice cream in town! I love an ice cream shop with strange paintings.

The ice cream flavors were unique and sooo good! The vibe in the place was not at all what I was expected but I'd go back for the banana biscoff ice cream! read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

This ice cream shop tucked away is a fun escape. The fun and colorful artwork and vibe of the shop is an instant mood boost. The shop offers homemade classics with new twists. For example they had a cookies and cream flavor unlike the common recipe and uses chocolate ice base. I also tried the London Fog tea flavor which was unique and very bright on the tongue. There were a few dairy free and vegan options but not many. You can check their facebook or call ahead to see those selections if needed. The shop offers ice cream scoops in all sizes and even kids eat free with an adult purchase. There is seating in the shop and outside for good weather days. It is pretty accessible as the front door and bathroom doors were light to pull open. The view to see the ice cream selection was at a reasonable height for folks in wheelchairs and kids to see everything well. This shop is very LGBTQ friendly and offers as a great space to gather for everyone who wants to enjoy a sweet treat. read more

See all

I love sparky's! It is one of the best ice cream shops in Columbia in my opinion. There are always new flavors to try and they make their ice cream in house! The ice cream is creamy and smooth and not too sweet. There is always a flavor for everyone to try! The workers are also always super kind and attentive. There are a few tables and chairs inside to enjoy your ice cream while looking at all the fun paintings on the walls. I recommend checking this place out if you are in downtown Columbia! read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

See all

Sparky's was an amazing ice cream place when I visited a week ago! The staff were super friendly and the ice cream was absolutely *delicious*. The fudge I got was kept in a warmer and so it was truly "hot fudge", the icecream was super fresh and soft. It is tucked into a little area but the inside is very decorated! It's a great place to grab you a refreshing bit of ice cream when in Columbia, MO! read more

See all

Decent line to get a cone. Ice cream was super tasty. Price was decent but the credit card machine was down, Bathrooms were broken. Could have been much better with working bathrooms and cooler temps so the ice cream wasn't melting. Loved the eclectic painting. read more

Such unique flavors! I chose the green tea ice cream and lucky charms with Rice Krispies. I loved that I could choose two flavors even in the small size because I can't eat that much ice cream at a time lol I really enjoyed these flavors and there was space outside to sit and enjoy our treats. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Green Tea and Rice Krispies Treat/Lucky Charms - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

You've heard the saying, "I scream, You scream, We all scream for ice cream." After you've enjoyed a scoop or two from Sparky's you'll definitely will be screaming for more. It's a small shop that almost has a, "dive" type atmosphere. All the ice cream is made in house. You'll find lots of the traditional flavors and then you'll have some creative creations, as well. I was in town for a family wedding and Sparky's was on a list of recommended local businesses to try. It's a favorite of both the bride and groom. I tried the, Sweet Cream and it was way better than your typical vanilla. However, I decided to have a kiddie dish of Raspberry and it was so smooth. It was not overly sweet and had just the right amount of raspberry flavor. The staff is high school and college students, but they make you feel welcomed and they know how to sell you ice cream. In addition to delicious ice cream and a fun staff, you've got to check out the eclectic artwork that hangs on the walls. If your sweet tooth is acting up, Sparky's has the cure for it. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Raspberry - Kiddie Size - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

See all

Great service! Interesting atmosphere LOL. Their Oreo Speedwagon is unbelievable!! A must try!!

We always come here when we go to Columbia Missouri for swim meets. They have so many different flavors of handmade ice cream. The ice cream is so smooth and creamy and the flavors themselves are top notch! It helps that the service here Is also great! Each person behind the counter is helpful and friendly. This ice cream shop is pretty big. Ample space for at least 15 swimmers plus parents! The walls are decorated with some interesting paintings and makes this shop unique! read more

Mmmm creamy homemade ice cream in a whole bunch of yummy flavor options. Glad we stopped for some!

Sparky's is a Columbia classic! This quirky ice cream spot features an eclectic interior and lots of flavor options. The ice cream has a delicious creamy and airy texture, and most flavors taste true to their names. Know that Sparky's is always packed, with very little seating, so plan ahead! read more

See all

A fantastic local ice cream spot. Sparky's was bursting with pride during Pride Month, and had a great variety of ice cream as we rode our way through Columbia. We had to try their dill pickle flavor because they donate a dollar to a charity for anyone who does. It literally tastes just like pickles, so I wouldn't order it, but it's a fun novelty. They had a "Pride Cake" flavor that I opted for that was really good if not extremely heavy-handed on the sprinkles. I can handle some additional sugar, especially when I'm logging lots of miles, but damn I couldn't finish this one. The friendly server hooked us up with gigantic scoops as well. They also had outdoor seating which was a spot to take a break and gameplan what we wanted to see as first-time Columbia visitors. Highly recommend this spot, and would definitely make it a priority to get back here if I was in the area. read more

A fun and tasty part of the downtown Columbia food scene. We started going to Sparky's when the original pup was still around. With funky decor (where do they find all those paintings?) and helpful staff always willing to give you a taste of a new flavor, this is a fun place for a cool treat! Come in a try one of their original flavors or a classic. The cinnamon is amazing and not found many places. read more

See all

Stopped by for an ice cream treat after a long hot day. We couldn't find any parking so I jumped out of the car to get us some ice cream while hubby circled around the block. I was lucky there was no line up and was served quickly. The place is small with a few tables inside and out. I got one scoop strawberry in a waffle cone and ine scoop of the The King in a cup. We both agreed that the ice cream was really tasty. Nice and creamy and full of flavor. Great spot for homemade ice cream. read more

Homemade ice cream flavors you'd never think were good, but they are! They also have great customer service and prices. I love Andy's and I know they have custard but I'm telling you, this is better on the palate and pocket! My only con: it's hard to make a choice between which flavors. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Coffee ice cream, Lavender honey ice cream on top, Hot fudge between, Topped w/almonds, mallo cream, whipped cream, & choc chips - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Delicious ice cream! The service is hit or miss; sometimes it seems like the employees don't enjoy working there.

We found this gem (thanks to Yelp!) on a baseball weekend in Columbia. We went here 2 nights in a row. Expect a line out the door, but it's worth the wait!! Both my husband and son got the Oreo Speedwagon twice, and said it was better than a shall-not-be-named very famous ice cream shop in KC. What?!? The cinnamon flavor was to die for, and even the standard mint chip was so good, I almost got it twice. Seriously Heaven on earth. And while you're in line, check out the odd and funky art on the walls. This is now going to be a must-stop anytime we're driving from KC to ST Louis. read more

I'm not truly an ice cream person but I usually make exceptions for places that make flavors that I'm comfortable with and has nice smooth texture. I feel like Sparky's definitely hit that mark. I am an out of towner visiting and stopped by with a friend (note this is my second time) and I'm a big sucker for any flavors with honey in it and the honey lavender was spot on. It has a soft creamy consistency and the lavender was so subtle and doesn't overwhelm you. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Mango lime sorbet (I think) and honey lavender ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Ice cream was yummy. It would be helpful to update the list of flavors. The one by the front door was disappointingly outdated and thus the flavors we walked in wanting---- weren't available. The flow of the store would operate better if there was signage above to know what flavors are available. It does not. So when there is a line, such as when we were there- you had no idea what the options were until you were directly in front of the glass. Which obviously slows the line down as decisions can't be made until you are being served. read more

Sparky's is a small cute ice cream palor. The walls are decorated with various random pictures. They have various ice cream flavors. We were able to sample a few for free. I got the "sm'oreo", a mix of s'mores, orea and marshmallows which was delish. I also added the sweet scream. The flavors I selected were very good. read more

See all

I visited Sparky's with a few friends of mine, the sweet cream ice cream was delicious and I love the feel of a homemade ice cream shop it was very cute and cozy. It's also in a perfect location just a few blocks from campus. However while I waited in line, maybe 5ish mins the amount of ice cream the workers kept eating with their little spoons was off putting. I observed two out of the three people working take a bite of ice cream four or five times each. Just not something you want to see while ordering your own ice cream. read more

Traveling through Columbia as we move across the US & my husband's uncle suggested this place. The ice cream is SO good & my vegan husband had choices as well! As a Texan, I highly approve of their butter pecan flavor. All the workers were wonderful but Bailey stood out as an exceptional & sweet employee. She's a gem! Highly recommend this place. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Lots of funky artwork, tasty ice cream, & lovely workers. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

If you're looking for a local ice cream shop, then this is the place! I could already tell what I was getting into when I saw my favorite flavor, mint chip, wasn't green, meaning they actually make all of their ice cream in house without all the artificial colorings and flavors! To make it even better, I'm hoping to see non dairy options available soon to really enjoy the shop. Grab a cone or cup on a nice day, you won't regret it! read more

flavors were ok but all 3 people behind the counter were unfriendly and had no personality they seemed pissed off and made us feel unwelcome couldnt crack a friendly smile or show appreciation for our business place was dirty read more

I got a hankering for some ice cream, so instead of going to a popular chain creamery or buying a pint from a grocery store I figured I'd give this hole-in-the-wall a shot. I definitely got a warm greeting from one of the young ladies working behind the counter, which was pretty nice. Now I know this isn't Disneyland, but the young lady who serving me might not have been having the best day and it showed in her flat/semi-cold demeanor. I was told that I can try any flavor, so I tried the brown sugar pop tart. It tasted like cinnamon cereal ice cream, which is very yummy, but I opted for a cup of the blueberry muffin ice cream. If I had noticed that I was buying half melted ice cream then I probably would've chosen something else. I'm not a fan of melted ice cream, but the flavor was perfect! Whoever is doing the mixing and churning in the back really got this one right. Although this wasn't the greatest experience, it wasn't too deterring to keep me from returning in the near future. If you're in Columbia, this little shop is worth visiting. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Blueberry Muffin ice cream (served to me semi melted) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

Unfortunately, the ice cream itself did not live up to the hype. The consistency of the ice cream itself was way too soft and the flavors, though interesting, had really no depth of flavor you'd expect from a local spot. We had the Oreo/Coffee ice cream and butter pecan. The Oreo/Coffee wasn't sweet/rich enough the butter pecan had too much of a buttery taste. Customer service was great, the ambiance was cool with the eclectic art and the portion sizes were generous. read more

Right downtown Columbia, best homemade ice cream in the city. We came in on a rainy January day, and there was a steady flow of customers! I got a "big" two scoop - blueberry and coffee oreo. Both were absolutely incredible. My boyfriend got a kiddie sized, and he thought it was perfect for $2. They also have adult flavors, which are fun! Music was blaring a little too loud for a ice cream shop. They also have a lot of fun pictures up, but not too appropriate as they probably have a lot of kids come through. read more

This place is worth a visit! They always have a variety of different flavors that they change frequently. I am a fan of the animal cracker funfetti and the rose pistachio was pretty good as well. It is nice that they change the flavors so often. After all the saying goes, variety is the spice of life! read more

Great Oreo Speedwagon (coffee ice cream with Oreo). Kids size was a perfect amount for me. read more

Delicious and super affordable ice cream! Was the perfect day to come here after dinner. The selection is great and you can ask for samples. No line which was great. Will definitely be back! read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Delicious - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

This is some amazing stuff! They have a good selection of homemade ice creams; some regular flavors and some a little different. Staff is great, too! Give them a try. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Cake batter ice cream on top and a scoop of sweet cream ice cream on the bottom. Yum! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

I LOVE SPARKYS. We stopped on a 13 hr road trip and I picked this as a place for my family to stop and refuel. At first they weren't sure because they were very busy at the time but I assured them it was probably worth it, it absolutely was. They have a ton of flavors and are often swapping a lot out which makes it amazing to try new flavors. I got the Ube ice cream which had been something I've been dying to try and it was amazing. It was so good we stopped on our way back home. There is art covering all the walls and a bunch of crocheted animals and figures in the windows, make sure to keep the door closed;). read more

See all

First time here, but have to say it was very good. The ice cream is soft enough to be like soft serve or custard, but it's old fashioned homemade ice cream. A great place! read more

Very nice selection of standard and off-the/wall flavours. The Honey-Lavender is a special favourite, in a waffle cone no less.

Great place! I went with friends and it was awesome, plenty of unique flavors to enjoy!

My boyfriend and I love Sparky's! He likes the more traditional flavors and my favorite is Lavender Honey. I'm lactose intolerant, but you'll still see me suffering through a kid's size cup outside because it tastes so good. Just tried the London Fog last week-- it honestly rivals the Lavender Honey for me. It reminds me of visiting my childhood friends because they'd always want to go. Columbia seemed so amazing compared to Jefferson City then. Even the ice cream was better. I do want to add one more thing. When I've been later at night and there's just one worker, they seem overwhelmed. I really think scheduling two workers would be ideal so two customers can be handled at a time. One can look at flavors while another is cashed out. Moms with their five kids usually have no idea what they want when they get there, but you can't help that. Lol. And I really do appreciate the wearing of masks inside. read more

Expensive! I prefer Buck's homemade ice cream on MU campus. It's made by MU students & much cheaper. But just as good!

We went here looking for dairy free ice cream (they did had sorbet but no dairy free ice cream.) The sorbet flavors were about 4-5 names each and very confusing.. so we kindly asked the girl behind the counter what the flavors were and she replied "idk look" and pointed to the names and was incredibly rude Never coming back read more

I was impressed with Sparky's. The flavors were rich with an interesting variety to choose from. I especially enjoyed the consistency, which was smooth and slightly soft. I strongly recommend the white Russian. I also took advantage of their offer of a free children's scoop with the purchase of a regular and appreciated that. read more

Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

See all