Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe in Minneapolis offers unique gelato, desserts, beer & wine. Visit for family-friendly dining, local flavors, and charming patio seating.
3403 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408, United States
Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Overview
Located in Minneapolis, Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe is a snug and charming ice cream shop offering a delightful selection of gelato, curated ice cream flavors, and desserts. The atmosphere reflects an inviting European vibe with both indoor art-adorned spaces and a beautiful garden patio, perfect for savoring every scoop or paired drink.
Besides classic frozen treats, this café doubles as a bar and coffee shop, serving beer, wine, and quality coffee alongside unique dessert combinations. With friendly service, family- and LGBTQ+ friendly amenities, and wheelchair accessible facilities, it caters to a diverse and welcoming crowd for dining in, takeout, and onsite events.
Gallery
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
Sonny’s Ice Cream Cafe draws locals and visitors alike with its blend of handcrafted gelato, inviting atmosphere, and versatile menu options.
With a 4.7 rating from over 400 reviews, the cafe is celebrated for artisanal gelato and unique flavors like pistachio coconut and organic blueberry sorbet.
Offers a selection of desserts, coffee, plus beer and wine, perfect for pairing or relaxing with friends on the patio or indoors.
A welcoming spot for families and the LGBTQ+ community, with kid-friendly menu items and a safe, inclusive environment.
Situated at 3403 Lyndale Ave S, with free street and on-site parking, making visits effortless for individuals and groups.
Enjoy artwork-filled interiors or a European-style alley patio, ideal for savoring a root beer float or a fresh affogato.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and seating ensure comfort for all guests.
Efficient staff keep lines moving fast, so patrons can enjoy their treats without long waits.
Experience
Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe welcomes visitors year-round, offering a relaxing retreat to enjoy artisan ice cream treats, crafted cocktails, and comforting coffee in a warm and inclusive setting.
This Minneapolis gem invites guests to immerse in a piece of Italy through its authentic gelato flavors and charming garden patio, making every visit a sensory and social delight. — FoodPlacee editorial note
Bring the kids to enjoy unique flavors like Pistachio and Coconut Ice Cream or Organic Blueberry Sorbet while relaxing in spacious, wheelchair-accessible seating designed for comfort.
Pair freshly brewed coffee with a decadent affogato or root beer float in the cozy interior or garden patio for a perfect mid-day treat.
Enjoy convenient takeout options featuring crafted gelato and desserts, ideal for those on the go seeking quality and flavor.
Unwind with a glass of prosecco or a cocktail alongside a triple scoop of artisanal ice cream for a intimate evening on the patio.
Host small celebrations in this women-owned venue with beautifully maintained garden seating and onsite parking availability for hassle-free visits.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"I have went to this place twice and already a favorite. The service is great. You are able to try two flavors I tried the mango strawberry sorbet the first time I went and that was the one . Absolutely loved it . The second time I went which was yesterday I had the ube vanilla and it was also great. You have the choice between a waffle cone or three different size cups which was nice. I always do a cone. The seating area instead and out is beautiful. The outside though looks like a fairy house lol . Very whimsical. Overall this is a great stop in south Minneapolis. I’m sure I’ll be back soon."
"The ice cream is splendid! My favorite flavor is fig and mascarpone, which I highly recommended! The coffee here is also excellent and pairs perfectly with it. I visit whenever I can!"
"Super sweet staff and great sorbet flavors. Loved being able to sit outside in their beautiful little side patio"
"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!"
Visit info
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
Plan a visit during warm Minneapolis days to fully enjoy the outdoor patio and seasonal gelato flavors.
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Questions answered
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.