The best ice cream in the Twin Cities - been coming here for 13 years. Each batch is made from scratch with high quality ingredients. The flavors are unique (ex: saffron rosewater & pistachio gelato) and rotate on a regular basis. Note that they don’t have common commercial flavors (ex: plain vanilla, plain chocolate etc).
On top of that they have a beautiful patio, that could be featured in a tourism photo of Tuscany. They also have a small but excellent selection of beer & wine.
The ice cream, gelato and sorbet are incredible, but it’s the ambiance that will bring you back to Sonny’s. Cardamom and black pepper or just the tastiest mint chip — from fave standbys to cool concoctions, I’m always glad to try something new here.
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Title: A Scoop of Europe in Minneapolis: Sonny’s Ice Cream Café Review
Imagine walking into a bustling European alleyway, surrounded by jovial chatter and the scent of freshly churned ice cream. That's precisely the feeling Sonny’s Ice Cream Café in Minneapolis brings to life, transporting you across continents with just a step through its doors. Our experience at Sonny's warrants a hearty endorsement, a remarkable 4.5 stars out of 5.
Sonny’s outdoor seating, nestled in a quaint alleyway, immediately evokes a feeling of European summers. The setting is perfect for those warm, languid afternoons where time seems to slow down, letting you savor each delicious bite of your chosen treat. If you're a dog owner, rest assured, your furry friends are most welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Stepping inside, the café offers an extensive selection of ice cream flavors, a delightful dilemma for any sweet tooth. The staff are more than willing to let you sample, an opportunity we recommend you take to fully appreciate the range and depth of flavors on offer.
The indoor setting is charming, with art adorning most of the walls, giving the café a vibrant and fun atmosphere. However, the interior lighting could use some enhancement to truly highlight the wonderful decor and art, as it leans towards the darker side, often driving patrons to the more lit outdoor area.
The café frequently witnesses a steady stream of customers lining up, testament to the quality of Sonny’s ice cream, the unique ambiance, and efficient service. Despite the queues, the staff are quick to serve, ensuring a smooth and satisfying customer experience.
In conclusion, Sonny’s Ice Cream Café is a must-visit if you find yourself in Minneapolis. Whether you're an ice cream aficionado, in search of a cool respite from a warm day, or simply seeking a unique, charming spot to relax, Sonny's ticks all the boxes. The magic they've spun with their European alleyway ambiance, art-filled interior, and delectable ice cream flavors is truly a treat to all senses. We hope to see a brighter interior in the future, for it's the only tweak needed in this otherwise stellar establishment.
This place will give you a slice of an Italian vibes under the summer sky! But their GELATO taste the best! it will make you come for more🍦😋
Such an enchanting escape with fare that lives up to the atmosphere. This quaint little replica of an Italian gelato shop feels like the real deal, right down to the narrow alleyway courtyard. The quality of the gelato is authentic too, but the original flavors add a local touch (try the fir with prosecco). Definitely the place to be in summer.
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This is a remarkable local shop that all residents in the Lake Harriet area love. Open since 1945; it was originally owned and operated by none other than Sonny Siron! Carrie Gustafson, is co-owner of Sonny’s Crema Café today, and we want to say a big thank you. We value how it has been beautifully maintained over the years and offers the strong ambiance and pleasure of Europe.
On warm summer days, we love to walk here and enjoy making a selection from your fine custom-made ice cream selection.
We love the flavors from rich chocolate, espresso, organic maple syrup, coconut to coffee to lemon, to purple yam, banana fudge, and refreshing ginger! The hardest thing may be deciding between the many fantastic choices. If they have it, I highly recommend the basil and balsamic vinegar ice cream. You can enjoy seating both indoors and outdoors. However, the alleyway seating is my favorite and reminds me of a vacation in Italy. You have to look around at the many fine details, like the piazza tables themselves, the plants, pottery, lighting, and gates.
Everything is made locally; they source local ingredients when possible, and they make it right here at Sonny’s. While nearly a lost art, they churn and pack ice cream all by hand. As well, the coffee is freshly brewed. The Hazelnut Salad and Mill City Scramble have often been my choices for brunch. The soup for the day varies, but it is always superb!
We value the rich history of this place and the people who have worked so hard to keep it here. See you as soon as the weather warms up in 2023!
Love this place. Scratch everything. They make the ice cream in 5 gallon batches. The devil's food cake was good. Moist and not too sugary. Had a glass of red wine as well. Fun to go to a place where you can have a nice glass of wine, cake, and ice cream, sit on the patio and feel like you're on vacation. Love the decor as well.
What an adorable ice cream shop! Love the little patio/garden area. The ice cream was actually so good! However, I got an iced latte and that did not taste good at all. I’m guessing that’s due to the paper straw because it literally tasted like dirty water. I’ll definitely be back for more ice cream tho!
Perfect little place for some truly incredible ice cream. The piazza makes you feel like a normal ice cream outing is a special occasion
Easily one of the most special places I've been in my life. Beautiful legacy, *gorgeous* setting, phenomenal menu (GET THE MOCHA WITH CHOCOLATE GELATO IN IT😍).
Best of all, they love dogs 🥹 absolutely the best service - the lady serving us was such a delight to talk with. Made it on the last day of the season, 10/22 - so glad we did.
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