Clinton's Soda Fountain

Clinton’s Soda Fountain is a great spot for classic ice cream and phosphates. The staff is friendly, and the old-fashioned atmosphere makes it a nice place to stop with family or friends.

Wanted to try the phosphates and they only had Polly’s Pop in bottles, so we got floats with them instead. It was just Belfonte ice cream you can get anywhere in KC that was super icy. It may be local, but it’s not like fresh made custard or unique flavors. Very basic and mid if the place was more inviting (was half empty cases and smelled musty).

This vintage-style soda bar accomplishes its goal of bringing you back to the old days with its decor, sundaes, and phosphates. It doesn't go over the top trying to bring that feeling, either - it seems like it's just survived all this time and is still around. We tried the jalapeno grilled cheese, and it was about what I expected: American cheese and canned jalapenos on white bread, grilled on a panini maker or something similar. Not bad, but certainly not fancy by any means (and probably not worth the $8 or $10). I'd like to see them upgrade the ice cream brand, as they currently use Belfonte. The malt was very good, and the ice cream nachos were pretty good and an interesting idea with waffle chips and candy. I would go back and try some of the other items, like the cake shake.

always a good time here. bar hops were a delight

This is a great place to visit while walking the Independence square! The ice cream was great & several different merchandise options ( including Polly's Pop )The prices were reasonable & the staff was great! A++

Good ice cream and a place to meet nice people. Plenty of indoor seating. A nostalgic wooden bar gives a feeling of walking back in time. I here that they also make homemade soda pop. The store also serves as a small gift shop selling items like shirts, postcards and candy. An Independence landmark you must see if visiting the town square.

A historical landmark of Independence, MO. The inside reminds me of an old-school diner and has some old-fashioned candy and other merch for sale. The phosphate reminds me of the cream soda when I was younger. However, the banana split tasted like it was store-bought.

A must stop when visiting Independence, ice cream was delicious and service was awesome

This little shop is so cute and has amazing homemade ice cream options! Perfect if you're looking for a local, old timey spot. I got the sampler and loved every flavor, especially the strawberry cheesecake! My boyfriend got the cup with pieces of cheesecake, strawberry syrup, etc. and this was AMAZING! Highly recommend--I would definitely come back here!

Cute little place. Kinda throwback atmosphere. Ice cream was pretty good. Service was slow - two people behind the counter, one polishing stuff, the other just talking. Didn't take my order for about 5 minutes. People behind me, called by name, got in and out quickly - maybe it was just me ..

Stopped in for an after lunch ice cream snack. Hubs and I shared a chocolate chip cup and it was very good. The service wasn't the greatest, a bunch of kids that probably could've used some adult supervision. It's a neat historic place.

A historical landmark of Independence, MO. The inside reminds me of an old-school diner and has some old-fashioned candy and other merch for sale. The phosphate reminds me of the cream soda when I was younger. However, the banana split tasted like it was store-bought.

While giving my out-of-town sister-in-law the tour of Independence, we stopped in Clinton's for a refreshment on a hot August afternoon. My wife and her sister each ordered a bottled Polly's Pops Root Beer which happens to be bottled just a block away. I splurged and had a Root Beer Float. The root beer was made the old fashioned way with flavoring syrup and seltzer water from the fountain head on the bar. A great treat. Clinton's besides being a soda fountain, they are also part gift shop with a lot of historical photos; harkening back to the days when Harry Truman worked in this space when it was a pharmacy and a soda fountain. My only complaint is that the young lady working would have been more engaging. When you work in a business that caters to tourists you should really try and give them a few tidbits of info about the history or menu. She just wanted to get back to her reading ASAP.

Stopped in for dessert after dinner. Fun little place where Harry Truman worked when he was younger. We got there close to closing but still were able to get a quick dessert. Had butter pecan sundae which was just great and hit the spot! Highly recommend for the desserts and the fun!

A blast from the past. Think "It's a Wonderful Life." Plenty of seating and an old time soda fountain with a plethora of ice cream choices. Candy choices from the past as well. Revisit your childhood and treat yourself to a treat. On the square in Independence.

This is where Harry Truman had his first job. Today, it's still a traditional soda fountain/ice cream joint and they serve a great chocolate phosphate (lots of chocolate flavor). The place is a real throw back to the old soda fountains of years ago. The menu is strictly ice cream and all the variations of what you can do with ice cream -- cones, dishes, sundaes, shakes, floats, banana splits, etc. If you love ice cream or chocolate phosphates -- this is the place for you.

Lovely historic vibe. Delicious ice cream. Clean and a great way to look around at experience a step back in time.

This is a place you can skip and not miss it. We ordered sundaes, and they were served in small plastic cups with skimpy plastic spoons. It was nearly impossible to eat the ice cream as the flimsy spoon kept bending, and it was a struggle the entire time. They looked like something you would get in a fast food joint. They called mine a sundae but it was ice cream with some crushed cookies on top, no sauce, and some canned whipped cream. The ice cream wasn't particularly good, it tasted like run of mill supermarket ice cream, the whipped cream was a joke, so frankly, not worth the calories. It was a waste of time.

How adorable is this place? I'm a history teacher and I actually teach my students about the old American Soda Fountain that 99.9% of them have never experienced. Well, I got to and it was super neat. I stumbled upon this place while driving around Independence. And as it turns out Harry Truman used to work here (History nerd score!). I wasn't really that hungry though the sundaes and floats looked awesome. So I just ordered a phosphate (homemade soda). It was super fun to watch them make it and it only cost $2. I loved my cherry soda and I loved my journey back to early 20th century America.

History awaits this rich walk down memory lane with Harry Truman. Where he worked and ate. The ice cream is legit and they make waffle cones fresh on the iron. Highly recommend for an afternoon treat when in town. There were about two other people when I visited.

It's like a trip back in time! Located in Independence, it has a small town feel. The staff here are friendly and will confide in you about their day, and answer any questions you have. It's hard to find a place with old fashioned phosphate soda. It's smooth and delicious. Their ice cream is great too! We shared a tux sundae and it was delicious. Favorite place to go in this area!

This place is a must if you are in the Independence square. Just going in to look around is super neat, it is like you walk into a time capsule and go back in time. The setup is super cute, and Harry S. Truman used to work there when it was a pharmacy! They have a ton of ice cream sundae amd soda options. Of course it being a soda/ice cream place, I had to try out a float. I ordered a cream soda float, and it was delicious! My husband ordered a grasshopper sundae and he also enjoyed that. My little brother got a root beer float, and he just enjoyed the place a ton. There was a little gift shop section and he picked out a mini coloring book and pencils.

Great experience if you are ever in Independence, Missouri! Working soda fountain that has a cute gift shop area too! Famed for being a former workplace of President Truman. Get a float! I asked for popular variations and the soda jerk (ha!) had some good suggestions. I got a black cherry float with vanilla ice cream. Very affordable and quick. You can walk around the square after as well. Enjoy!

Here's Your Scoop, you kind of bombed out on me today. I was looking forward to a scoop of Red Velvet Ice Cream, drove all the way out there, and you were closed, with a sign on the door. Probably my fault, I should've waited, and called, but hours are hours. Which bought me back to Independence. I'd driven by Clinton's thousands of times. This time, I decided to stop in. It is a nice little old time-y ice cream shop, that also sells trinkets, and candy. There is a full espresso menu, with hot chocolate, and coffee. It offers a choice of sandwiches, as well. For ice cream, it serves flavors of Well's Blue Bunny. It has a number of sundaes, and banana splits, waffle cones and regular cones. The bakery items were yummy. I found the brownie to be a bit dry. I also bought a 7 layer cookie bar. it was good, and much easier than making one myself. The ice cream sundae is served in a tall ice cream dish. I had a marshmallow sundae. It was really good. I want to try an ice cream soda, so I will, eventually. My mouth was watering, and I didn't frankly know which to try. On the walls are memorabilia from Independence, and President Truman. It's nice that Independence has this little piece of history to step into.

I would have loved to give this place an actual review. However, I was never even acknowledged. I went up to the counter to look at the menu. Two employees, one blonde and one brunette, were in deep discussion, about work relations, I'm assuming. There is a sign that says all orders must be placed at the register, so once I made my decision, I went to the register, where these employees were still talking. I stood there, waiting to be acknowledged. Nothing. I took out my wallet as a sign that I was definitely ready to order. Not even a pause in their conversation. The man sitting at the counter told me I would need to just speak up and tell them what I wanted, because that's what he had to do. I told him that really shouldn't be necessary. I stared at the two employees for 10 more seconds and they never stopped talking to each other. So I left. Oh well.

Hours show 11am-6pm, arrived at 4:45 pm and closed. 30 minute drive wasted. Whats the point of being in business at all? Will not return.

Such a fun place to visit. Clean and great atmosphere. Clinton's is like going back in time to the soda fountain in the early days of Independence. Our server was so nice and friendly. I had a chocolate cream soda! I also learned about Polly Pop and we bought some bottles to take with us! Fun flavors and more exciting than Coke or Pepsi products! They have a nice gift shop!

Clinton's is a prime example of how an establishment with fine food can turn into a horrid experience because of the customer service. Please let me introduce you to the most snobby barista I've come across in quite some time. I would provide her name, but she wasn't wearing a name tag nor did she give us a receipt. Upon entering, there was no one in line. The lady was making a sandwich, and we were not greeted. No "hello", no "I'll be with you in a minute," not even a head nod. Fine, you're really into your sandwich making, I can look past that. When she was finally done, she was all "What do you want?" with a blank stare. I politely said "I'm a bit overwhelmed by the menu. I have no idea what to get...Could you help me out, please?" She responded with "Uhhh...the menu is right behind you." Yes, thank you lady, that's the same menu I've been staring at for the past ten minutes as you made someone else's sandwich!!! My mom ordered a BLT and iced tea and I ordered a Tarimisu Latte. She kept looking at me like I was evil or something for only ordering coffee and kept insisting/demanding that I order something else. This is the first time that a restaurant employee has made me feel like a horrible person for being un decisive. I sat down and waited for my latte. When I came up to get it, I said a cheerful "thank you!" and she ignored me. I asked her if I should pay now or wait till we were done and she said "You can pay as you leave in case you decide to actually order ice cream." My latte was delicious. I'll give her that. My mom enjoyed her BLT but said it was too greasy. Apparently the bread was coated in butter or something. Loved the idea/ atmosphere of Clinton's but the barista lady made me feel like I fail at life for not knowing what I wanted to eat.

My 1st time here and I will be definitely be back. There are so many things I need to try. Service was the best! The place was the cutest soda shop I've seen in awhile. My friends kids were with me and they thoroughly enjoyed it. And that's saying alot trying to entertain a teenager, lol. The 5 yr old of course, loved picking out his own ice cream, toppings, etc. And getting it all over his face. I also let them pick their own flavor of Polly Pop, the extra treat . Drinking from a glass bottle, after trying to figure out how to open it, . They both loved that also. The history of the soda is interesting. Check it out.

What an Amazing place! I'm visiting from LA and my friend told me about this iconic place. Everything was perfect from the food to the service. 5 Stars all the way!

Great throwback to the past! Love the soda fountain. Kids love it here, as well as those lookin for sweet treats you had as a kid

Stopped by here do some baby gender reveal pics. It was an awesome venue with the old time look. The staff were so cooperative with all the needs of the shoot (obviously when u catch them when no one else is there, makes photos so easy). Got a shake and eatable cookie dough! If u find yourself on the square, stop on by. Reminds you of the candy shop from Willy Wonka.

Step back in time, sit back, and think of the old days on the Square. If the walls could talk, you would hear all the gossip!

Love this little place on the independence sqaure! They're good for local soda, traditional soda, icecream sundays, floats, etc. I normally tend to get a blue raspberry float! Today I try their pineapple phodphate!

Great throwback to the soda Fountains of the past. Love all the different phosphate flavors to choose from. Ended up settling on Mango, but I was strongly tempted by the Blackberry. They also have a wide selection of ice cream shakes and malts. And a nice surprise was that they carried a cane sugar soda, from the reopened, classic soda company Maid-Rite in Independence. the interior was maintained with classic vinyl-chrome tables and chairs also. Worth a visit if in Independence.

This is great little gem in downtown Independence. Sometimes it can get busy and you have to wait a while due to only having one worker most of the time. But besides being slow the old fashioned soda fountains are hard to find.

The manual on how to be a 5 year old again for a couple hours: Walk into Clinton's Soda Fountain. Plop yourself down by the counter. Order up a sundae. Any sundae will do. Grab a spoon and start digging in. This place is great. Their big claim to fame is that Harry Truman used to work here before he got his start as a politician. There's a plaque at eye level on the outside of the building. Seriously, though, it really is a flashback to all the good things that came with being 5 years old and a step back in history, in particular the Harry Truman era. What once used to be a drugstore and ice cream parlor is now fully an ice cream shop. The old-time counter is still there and in place of the drug store are now retro chairs and tables at which anyone can sit, though I do highly suggest the counter). There are historical pictures all around if you care to wander and look. They also sell some retro candies on the walls and some other items that were popular back in the middle of the last century. It doesn't look like much has changed in the interior since Truman's worked here. Service was pretty rock solid too. I waited while the ice-creamtenders scooped up some cold, yummy goodness for others in the shop. When it came to me, I asked what they recommended. A sundae. Being indecisive, the girl serving me happily through in several things for me. Hooray! She also offered up a cup of water since I was working while munching on my sundae. I wish more places had as great a staff as Clinton's (you hear me, Ophelia's across the street?).

They call their sodas "phosphates." THEY CALL THEIR SODAS PHOSPHATES! HOW COOL IS THAT? Stupid GPS didn't know where it was taking us again. Tried four different BBQ joints and they were either closed or didn't exist anymore. Really need to update our GPSes because I was super haaaangry by the time we ran into Clinton's. We were only five miles from the hotel, but it felt like 50 with as much running about we did. PHOSPHATE I was really in the mood for a steak, but hangriness didn't care anymore. I think there was a Mexican restaurant right beside it, but there as just something about this semi-old timey place that caught my attention. pHoSpHaTe I walked in and my mood completely changes. It's just the kind of place I'm into! It looks old and like it has a lot of history. My coworkers and I go up to the counter to place our orders (tuna salad on white bread with chips and a MANGO PHOSPHATE for me - under $10). The servers were really nice. Kinda unfortunate that some other Yelpers didn't have the same experience as we did. P.H.O.S.P.H.A.T.E. The sandwich was pretty simple, but it hit the spot. Not too much mayonnaise, just enough relish for some tang, and it actually had some tuna in it. Snacked on a few chips and guzzled down my MAAAAANGO PHOSPHATE. I really can't get over that. I think it's so awesome. Coworker surprised me with an apple pie sundae. I really wanted the turtle sundae, but this was good. If the apple were just a liiiiittle warm, it would have been perfect! Ended our meal with cinnamon pecans and cashews, no longer hangry, but happy. Bye! PHOSPHATE!

I love this place! I have had a hot fudge phosphate, it was delicious. I haven't had a phosphate in years, it was as good as I remember. Love the decor and service was exceptional. I will definitely be back. I am so thankful to live close to this little gem.

Love the look of this place! Clinton's is where Mr. Truman got his first job before becoming the president and where any adult can feel like a child. The prices are up there but you pay for experience as well as the food I guess. Order the Hot Fudge Peanut Sundae.. You won't regret it if you're into that sort of stuff. Oh! And it's a gift shop as well, nothing fancy but still cool.

Neat soda fountain in a beautiful building. The price seemed a bit steep for a small chocolate malt ($5+ with tax) but it was a nice stop.

Old timey soda fountain, candy, dessert, ice cream shoppe. I like the sodas and stop by here whenever I'm in this part of town. Very cute decorations and fun place to go. Nice to be able to customize your drinks, which you can't do very many places.

I love old-fashioned soda shops like this! Two of us shared a "Mudslide" and it was delicious. If you stop in, check out the gender-specific packaging on the old toys for sale-pretty interesting that they did that back in the day! Casual - perfect for families - but yet also romantic - perfect for a date. Pricing seemed reasonable.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Clinton's Soda yet! I used to come here for ice cream every SantiCalGon when I was a child. Clinton's is an Independence classic! They have ice cream cones, sundaes, phosphates (sodas) and even lunch items. Now a days I just usually pop in for a phosphate made of Polly's Pops root beer!

Choices for lunch are very limited - just a few sandwiches that really don't taste all that great. The real reason to come here, other than seeing where Harry Truman had his first job, is the old-fashioned soda fountain. You can order up all kinds of floats, sundaes, and other ice-cream dishes. I had a great orange cream float. The place also has candy though I noticed way less selection when I was there this week. I liked it better when they had all kinds of individual size candies to mix and match.

Very Cute old timey soda fountain. Cleared are super nice and the ice cream shakes are beyond awesome!

The made to order, warm waffle cones are the best! The servings are generous and the staff is always cheerful and friendly!

I love the fact that this place makes soda the old fashion way. The Root Beer and Sarsaparilla tastes like it should not out of a can!

Good enough for Harry Truman it is even better for me!! We all scream for ice cream!!

It makes for the perfect addition to time spent on the Independence square. I prefer the yogurtini down the street but it is called the historic independence square. Clinton's fits in great. Grab a stool at the counter marvel at the countertop and the woodwork and think about how this used to be how a standard soda shop looked like.

Like the old-time feel of it and the ice cream is great and they have unique type the candies that you wouldn't find other places

I didn't realize how lucky I was to grow up in such an awesome city. I visted Clinton's for field trips when I was younger all the time without knowing all of its awesome history, like the fact that the man who ended World War Two could have served me here if only I'd been born a century earlier. Isn't that amazing? My sister and I stopped in not long ago, desperate for something cold to drink on a hot day, and we ordered a couple of phosphates, green apple for me and raspberry for her. I love apple soda (I used to drink it all the time while living in San Diego, but I can't find it here) and I was so excited to taste it again. The girls working the counter were upbeat and patient with us, answering all of our questions and explaining the process of making a soda. Mine came out bright green and was the perfect drink to cool me down. I don't usually like raspberry flavored things, but the flavor of my sister's phosphate was really light and I actually enjoyed it. As much as I love my cell phone and my internet, I'm really glad places like Clinton's are still around to remind us that some things don't need changing.

Really good ice cream choices. Very old school atmosphere. I would go back there for another great milk shake. Only negative is its a little pricey for what you get. But it was good.

An old time ice cream parlor. Huge sundaes and great malts. There is a variety of candy sold also, including Hammond's Candies - first time we've seen that outside of Denver. Great place to grab a treat.

Finally a place that can make a proper soda but that is over shadowed by the staff the two ladies behind the counter never greeted us nor mentioned that you cant simply order from the bar until I noticed the sign at the opposite end one lady spent what must have been 10 min making a sundae never looking up or speaking to anyone even while there was a line of people waiting to order while she was what presented like extremely fixated on making a single sundae though large it was it shouldnt keep you from being present and pleasant to the people around you the other woman.made my soda also never said a word to me even though I was sitting directly in front of her at the bar she didn't greet us either and only took a short moment to quietly share a few words with the woman making the sundae who as we left only managed to thank us for stopping in as we were half way through the door and that was the only two word we got from either of the the whole time we were there