Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe

Love this place!! They have an amazing story being family owned and making authentic homemade gelato and sorbets!! I tried the ginger and blood orange flavors which are delicious!! They also offer homemade cake when I was there they had a chocolate cake that looked incredible and I hear they have an Amazing banana cake!! If only I could find out when they'll have this cake again (maybe a social media drop or announcement!!) I'd also love to know if and when they have grapefruit gelato! I love all the plants and the Italian vibes it's like youve been transported from Minneapolis into Italia! The menu looked amazing especially the option to add Prosecco to two flavors or sorbet and the espresso stout coffee drink The staff is awesome super friendly and knowledgeable they shared just how amazing and natural all the flavors are how the owners put so much love into their products and how they've continued staying true to the authentic

If your sweet tooth comes a knockin', hit up this hidden gem. I had some of the best gelato I've had. I tried lychee lime and it was very tasty - my favorite. My partner had cookies and cream. It sounds basic, and wouldn't be my first pick, but it was very tasty. Those bad boys were eaten in the car and gone before we got home. We will be back. They have lots of flavor. We did get two scoops, but one would be just fine too. I'd say it's a little expensive at $6/scoop, but I think that's the price these days. Next time I'm getting the affogato!

This gelato was better than some of the gelato I got this summer in Italy. Truly one of the best places to get a scoop in the state. Plus, they have an absolutely beautiful little patio that feels like a secret garden - very charming! Street parking.

The space, specifically outside, is beautiful. Not only is it serene, and feels like you've escaped the city,it's also a plant lover's dream! I recommend downloading a plant identifier app and learning about all the varieties there. That said, why only 3 stars... because my main reason for going was the ice cream. I got the coconut and the cookies and cream flavors. While both tasted good, they were pretty melted upon getting them. The cooler/freezer must not be cold enough. Needless to say, it didn't take long for my ice cream to turn into a milkshake. Aside from ice cream, they also have beers, sodas, affogato, and more. Street parking was pretty available on the Friday I went, as was indoor and outdoor seating. If you're not driving the 4bus goes right there. While the ice cream was just okay, I'd return for the patio.

I'm a bit torn on Sonny's- lots of like here but one important factor will probably keep me from returning versus going other places I love. Let's start with the good- easy free street parking in this neighborhood. The ambiance was very cute with a little alleyway patio that kinda felt like you were transported internationally. Service was friendly. Lots of amazing and delicious options and the gelato was scrumptious! Not many places to find classic gelato around the cities. However. Two scoops (a medium) was over $10 a piece. WOW. Haven't spent over $20 for two ice creams before. A little much for what you get in my opinion.

Absolutely love Sonny's! The outside terrace is one of the most beautiful spaces I've ever seen! The gelato is always so good and they do a great job at their flavors. Carrie and Ron are also so personable and nice! The best ice cream shop in the cities!

Gelato/ice cream was very yummy! I got the organic strawberry, hubby got the blueberry, and kiddos got the brownie, batter crunch. It was almost closing time. No scratch desserts, which is why we went there. Ice cream isn't my preference and was hoping this would give the kids the ice cream they wanted and other options for me and hubby. I was told the weekend is the time to come in for the other options. Since we witnessed around this area, we will miss. Giving a 4 because not as advertised for me.

Oh...such a cute ice cream shop...with so many flavors. Love the courtyard seating area outside! My friends and I enjoyed our visit and we loved sitting outside, listening to music. Most of us got a scoop of ice cream and one of us got iced coffee. Delicious, and a fun visit!

Absolutely terrible. My wife and I just got back from Italy and this place pales in comparison. Not worth the trip.

This place is so cute, I can't believe it isn't more raved about! I think this is the best spot to go after a dinner date, or use alone as a more casual date spot to impress your guest. There are so many unique flavors to choose from, and they even offer wine and beer. My go-to is to get the sorbet cocktail, which is a scoop of whichever sorbet you like with Prosecco poured over. They are very genius with their serving size and pour, making this a great deal! The star of the show is truly the side courtyard area. They ply great music out there and it almost feels like you have your own slice of Europe right in Minnesota. It is so charming and even better once the sunsets and the lights turn on! If you haven't been yet, Sonny's is a must visit this summer.

Ever feel like you are having a bad day as a parent? And your kids don't deserve ice cream, but you want to give them ice cream anyway so they stop begging for it?...ok maybe it's just me, but I am here to tell you that this is the place to take your kids for ice cream, why??? Because they serve ice cream and alcohol, and sometimes together!!! Yes, ice cream for the kids and a glass of vino for mama, perfect. I have to add, their flavors are sublime and unique and I love their sorbet with sparkling wine!!! Service is an added bonus too (that dreaded day my son didn't get ice cream in his red cup like his brother, I was treated with a smile and an extra top off of my sparkling wine)

Such a friendly lady greeted us at the counter. They make over 1000 flavors from scratch, peeling fruit and things in house and making the ice cream in the back. They present 22 flavors each day that include a mix of gelato, vegan ice cream, and sorbet. I got a quadruple bowl with the flavors dreamsicle, strawberry basil, olive sea salt and the mango maui sunrise. Our favorite was the strawberry basil ice cream. It was surprising how well the two flavors went together. The dreamsicle and maui were good, too. The olive sea salt had this graininess to it so I'll never get that again, it didn't have much flavor to it either. Definitely will get more ice cream than sorbet next time. I personally like gelato/ice cream more. We honestly found this gem because we discovered our favorite Izzys stores had closed. Sonny's scoops aren't as big, like at Izzy's two scoops filled three adults. Maybe it was just richer, but here, the quadruple left us feeling a bit unsatisfied. I'd come here again though to eat in the beautiful piazza. I felt like I was whisked away to Italy for a moment. It was easy to social distance and there weren't many people.

My favorite ice cream in the Twin Cities! Quality ingredients and the most charming, little courtyard. The yuzu sorbet is my favorite flavor!

Such a cute place! Cookies + cream is the way to go. The gal working even wiped all of the seats down outside for us after it had rained.

Finding a family run ice cream parlor that was first started in 1945, and one that is just 10ins from our house is a hard to miss combo. We were hit by the post dinner ice cream cravings tonight and a quick search showed us Sonny's that is open till 10.30 pm unlike other places that are open till 10 pm. Very European ambience with lush greenery and cut table chairs with ample outside seating. Olivia was who works at Sonny's told us about the history of the place and we also ended up meeting the owner Ron . Lots of options and a great family friendly place.

Came here with the family and friends. Loved the gelato options. I got the Vietnamese iced coffee and toasted coconut. Very tasty. They said they more over 1000 flavors of ice cream that they rotate. We didn't try the food so can't say much about it. The cafe looks European, really cute and small. Cozy. Would I come back?!? Only if I was in the area but wouldn't by dying for it.

Amazing! Come here for It's ice cream and wine and also a fun easy warm atmosphere! Came here with a friend, he had the chocolate and cherry, I got the praline! All were amazing :) staff very friendly too!

Toasted coconut ice cream. Check. Cardamom ice cream. Check. Italian piazza with blue door and outdoor seating. Check. Friendly staff to stuff you with any samples you want. Check. Temperature is above 40°... actually 68° today so flip flops and ice cream are in order. Never been here before. Will be back. Cones and ice water top notch too. Place serves wine, which we didn't try and food is coming. Will try it again soon! Anyone else wonder what's behind the blue door??

The best selection of flavors of sorbets I've seen. The interior was so cute and cozy and the outdoor quart yard space was even better. Hours online aren't correct so double check by calling - the voicemail has accurate hours for each day - definitely will recommend to anyone passing through

Cool little spot for ice cream. If you're looking for a frozen treat, Sonny's delivers that. The ice cream is smooth and creamy. My girlfriend and I loved our choices. I had the pistachio ice cream and it was heavenly. Ok.. confession time. I actually always wanted to try Sonny's since I drive by it frequently. Their outside patio looks very Italian or European. Anyway, it was a nice date spot for me and the girlfriend. It's very picturesque. The inside of the establishment has a cool vibe as well. The best part is that parking was pretty easy compare to other parts of Uptown. I would definitely come back for more ice cream.

Ice cream was great. Creamy and smooth and the flavors were on point. I would come here again if someone else paid. I got two scoops of ice cream and it was just under $10. Never will I pay that much for ice cream again no matter how good it is.

Beautiful setting inside and out! Great for a date. A little spendy but worth it for a few scoops and glass of wine or beer.

How have I not been here before?! So we want gelato for our wedding reception and stumbled upon Sonny's online. We wanted to try it out before committing though so we stopped in last night... best decision ever. Atmosphere: am I in Tuscany right now? This place is STUNNING inside and out. We first discovered a secret courtyard overflowing with beautiful potted plants and little seating nooks for you and a partner to listen to the sounds of the fountains while you enjoy your gelato or a glass of wine. Around the corner there is a bench in front of a colorful little garden with lush vines cascading off the roof covering another private seating area with tables for larger groups. Inside has pretty murals and beautiful wine displays... it's heaven. Variety: They get it! They have varieties of ice creams, gelato (the milkier-chewier Italian cousin of ice cream), and sorbets, including vegan varieties of each as well. Our favorite flavors were the cold brew coffee with chocolate caramel crunch pearls, the Maui Sunset mango and strawberry sorbet (vegan), the Ultimate Chocolate (chocolate ice cream with organic Paul Newman chocolate "Oreo" cookies), and Orange Dreamsicle!... the textures are all fantastic; similar to Sebastian Joe's. Quality: Sonny's cares about their ingredients. They only use natural flavors and colors, many of which are locally sourced and organic! They can create just about any flavor for your event, and the girl mentioned "if you want banana bread gelato or apple pie gelato, they will make the pie or banana bread from scratch and crumble it into the gelato"... now THAT is commitment to their craft! Service: the girl that helped us was so kind and quick to offer samples of their flavors. We told her we were using them for our wedding and she had a lot of helpful information and recommendations for us. It was nice to see that the employees put a lot of care and knowledge into their work as well. I'm really pumped to have these guys at our wedding (you get to choose 10 flavors for their event cart!) so I'll follow up again after that! :)

Super cute place to start out with. Service was friendly and samples were offered. Tried the cardamom black pepper,honey and goat cheese, and sweet corn flavors. Really liked the honey and goat cheese and the cardamom black pepper. The corn was interesting and tasty as well. They serve the ice cream in these cute little plastic colored dishes with super cute little spoons. I love little utensils to eat with. Also the sign in the cute alley way had me giggling it said "free range children must be seated , roaming is allowed across the street." Lol love it. Would definitely go back to try more flavors. Highly recommended.

Very friendly staff. Lots of unusual flavors. I tried a strange 2-scoop combination of Cardamom Black Pepper I've cream and Yuzu sherbet that worried perfectly together. If the weather cooperates, the patio is a great place to enjoy your frozen treat. Highly recommended.

Pricey as fuck ice cream at ~$3.50 for a single flavor tiny scoop. Unique flavors, my personal faves so far are the multi-melon sorbet, caramel with fleur de sel, and coconut sweet corn. I ended up returning the very next day to make my wallet bleed more tears because the ice cream actually TASTED expensive and painstakingly handcrafted with local ingredients (I shit you not).

Cute place, street parking but really great landscaping and patio. Olive oil and pine nut gelato was great, Spumoni gelato great.

By far the most interesting Ice cream shop I've been to thus far. They have highly artisanal, innovative, different, and very YUMMY flavors! The environment is cute, charming, and very inviting! Now my favorite ice cream place in the twin cities!

This is my favorite ice cream place in the whole city. Amazing atmosphere, unique flavors, friendly staff... only issue is the desserts are a little pricy. The quality for the price is totally worth it.

This place is a hidden gem!! I was in the neighborhood for dinner and stumbled across this little gelato shop for dessert. I ordered two seasonal flavors and they were so delicious that I savored every bite. The gelato is perfectly smooth and not icey like some other places. My boyfriend said it was the best gelato/ice cream he's had in the twin cities. They always have rotating flavors because they make everything in small batches in house which makes you feel that much cooler about being an exclusive gelato consumer. This little cafe is definitely worth the trip even if you aren't in the neighborhood!

My boyfriend and I have made it a mission to try out all the unique and rather "hidden" ice cream gems in Minnesota and this was next on our list. I was a little doubtful after trying some parlors that we'd never heard about before only to be disappointed, but this was not the case! This place doubles up as a restaurant and ice cream shop so upon entrance, you'll be asked which you're looking for. The staff are really friendly and accommodating, ESPECIALLY to someone so incredibly indecisive like me. I literally think I sampled more than half the flavors, I'd be annoyed myself if I was the worker, but she just kept smiling and giving me recommendations. If you're a sorbet type of person, THIS is the place to go. I actually didn't try any of their sorbets this time around, but they had SO many different sorbet flavors, the most I've ever seen at an ice cream parlor and they're quite unique flavors! Now, on to the ice cream. They have such a large variety of flavors, you can't go wrong coming here. They have the typical flavors that everyone enjoys like cookies and cream, and then the very unique ones like olive oil, matcha, etc. After probably taking much too long to decide, I got a double scoop of maple syrup walnut and strawberry with angel food cake. What I really enjoyed about the maple syrup walnut was the walnut was grounded up and thoroughly mixed within the ice cream instead of having just regular ice cream with a few actual walnuts here and there. It was so delicious and not overwhelmingly sweet, but just the right amount. The angel food cake mixed in the strawberry ice cream was very light and was such a good touch. The ice cream was creamy and just melted in my mouth. Ugh, drooling thinking about it now. Double scoop came out to $8 something, so I would say it's quite pricey for what you're getting, especially because the portion is quite small. But overall, I really enjoyed it and this would definitely be a place I would try again.. maybe just not so often. My wallet would hate me otherwise.

Sonny's offers tasty homemade ice cream and gelato in a quaint Italian cafe - for a price (dun dun dun...). The ice cream here is quite delicious. There are many authentic flavors to sample and choose from. And the ambiance of the cafe is truly charming. Lounge indoors or in their back patio, and you'll feel like you've been temporarily whisked away to Italy. But the ticket is expensive. Everything here is much higher in price compared to other creameries in the area. And while it's good, I don't think it's good enough to justify the price. So overall, I enjoyed the romantic ambiance and the fun new experience. But at these prices, I think I'll stick to my other creameries rather than coming back.

This place is adorable! My parents ordered chocolate and maple icecream, and they said it was great. However, the price is a little too much for what you get. The patio area is very picturesque! Another note - when we were ordering, my mom was indecisive and the worker gave dirty/shady looks towards their coworker, kind of judging my mom? It was very obvious, and I didn't really appreciate that..

We were headed home from Loring Park and wanted some ice cream. Sonny's happened to be on our route so we stopped to check out the offerings. It was almost overwhelming how many flavors they have to choose from! The prices seemed a little high but the quality and selection are so good that it was totally worth it. I had strachiatella and banana caramel chocolate ice creams- I could have eaten 2 or 3 times more and been happily full. The outside patio is secluded, quaint and full of plants and flowers. This is such a cute little place off of Lyndale Ave. I'll definitely be back for other tasty treats!

O M G so delicious. This place is so, so cute and tastes are amazing. They make their own ice cream and have a nice selection of wine/beer. We had Prosecco with our ice cream and it was just perfect. They have a secret patio that is a lovely little hideaway. Staff was sweet, patient etc. Maple bacon

This place is super cute! They have really cute outdoor patio seating during the summer. They also have some really unique flavors. I had the banana bread flavor, which had actual chunks of banana bread in it. It is a bit over priced for one school, but hey sometimes you gotta treat yo self!

What a cute spot. My boo used to work here way back when Crema was the name of the game, and he took me here on a smothering humid and hot day. We tried four sorbet flavors: raspberry, Pinot noir, umami, mango and paired then 2x2 just like Noah's ark. It was the best ever!! The flavors paired amazingly well and each one on its own was delicious. The spaces to sit outside are so cute! One side has picnic like tables enough for 4-6 and the other side has two seat tables for a romantic moment that go all the way back along the restaurant. It looks like an Italian abode tucked away. I cannot wait to go back again and try their ice cream or dinner menu.

What a GREAT place! The service here is AMAZING. We came in looking forward to some ice cream and decided to stay for dinner. Our waiter was fantastic - he was always laughing, giving great tips on the menu, checking up on us even after we paid the bill. They didn't rush us at all in sampling 5-10 flavors before making a decision. They educated us and introduced us to flavors we've never experienced before. One good scoop of ice cream was about $4. Well worth it considering the unique flavors. We also got the creamy pasta (can't remember the name - $13?) that was VERY filling, awesomely rich and the mushrooms and bacon really rounded out the flavors in the pasta. I got a Sonny burger ($9) which was pretty good too. It came with corn chips and you could upgrade to salad or fries. It was quality meat but wasn't very different from other quality burgers you get around town. The ice cream is a bit pricey but considering the entire experience, if you stay for the ambience, it's totally worth it. We didn't get a chance to sit in the atrium area, but it looked perfectly intimate, European, and was the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor seating. Will definitely be back. Note: It's a great place to people watch while studying or working, if you don't need Internet.

I've oddly never been here for Sonny's ice cream that makes them famous, but I came for brunch with my mom a couple of months ago and forgot to write about it. First of all, the space is so, so cute. It reminds me of a cozy French bistro with that garden and little outdoor patio. It was too cold for us to be outside at the time, but the inside is just as nice. I got the very organic Green Mountain ($13), which includes a light salad, potato pancake, homemade veggie burger, tomato spread and a poached egg. It was good, but I was totally jealous of my mom's Croque Madame. I'd get that next time. We didn't have room for dessert, but had I been hungry I would have indulged in some ice cream or one of the B.T. McElrath chocolate bars sitting at the register. The best part for me about Crema was the service. We were warmly taken care of from the minute we walked in. Lovely people work here... go see them.

What's cool about this place, is the unique flavors. Very cool. What's not cool about it? The price! For a DINKY scoop, you pay almost $5. Why? Why? Also not cool is the adult woman server who obviously has delusions of grandeur. I mean, why act all hoity toity with your nose up when you're just slinging ice cream for the sweaty neighborhood folk. Seriously, she had the attitude of the stereotypical French waiter...silent nod with eyes that would close, and flat expressionless face....strange.

Double it up! I've been coming here for a couple of years now and I'm so glad I came across it because it's my favorite ice cream place so far, here's why: Thumbs up: -variety of flavors that taste like what it is -fresh artisan ice cream -local, affordable deliciousness -real food and treats yum! -patio seating that's dog friendly like your in another lovely country -good service -hands down best flavor: Crema Thumbs down: -not enough Sonnys around -a lil pricey, but hey you get what you pay for! Give me a double scoop!

Really wanted to try the lunch menu items here, but alas, it was not to be.... Website says summer hours vary, so I called and listened to the message saying they opened at 2 pm. We arrived and found they were only serving ice cream. Would have been nice to know! We had made a special trip and were sorely disappointed. The only way you can visit this Cafe is if you happen to be in the area and have a plan B. Calling ahead won't help.

As soon as I walked in I felt like I was hanging out with old friends. The girls behind the counter were awesome and they talked me into trying some interesting flavors that I really enjoyed. This probably isn't the place to go if you're just looking for normal flavors but if you're adventurous it's the perfect place. Also, it was absolutely gorgeous!

Whether the ice cream was good or not, there's no way in the world two people should have to pay $18 for three TINY (compared to quarter size hail) scoops of ice cream. Each of us had three of the tiny scoops. They were the smallest scoops of ice cream I've ever seen. The ice cream also had no flavor at all. A total bad experience.

This is the ice cream shop for adults in South Minneapolis. If you are interested in the flavor of ice cream or gelato, and don't need a giant portion, this is the place for you. There are usually around 25 flavors available, including both favorites and unique experiments. The staff is very patient with you trying flavors until you find the one you like. You can sit inside, and they have a unique outdoor patio that's probably the most Italian outdoor space in the Twin Cities. In addition to ice cream, they operate a small restaurant and have a good selection of beer and wine. Ice cream is made on-site. Teens with adventurous palates will love it. Younger kids, or those stuck on mac-n-cheese, won't. Outside of summertime, the hours tend to vary so you'll want to check if you're making a trip.

Happened to google ice cream shops nearby and Sonny's popped up. It was a pleasant surprise to say the least. I loved the aura. Each flavor was spot on to its description. Will most definitely become a regular.

No more brunch! We loved this place, so sad. I guess I will just console myself with amazing ice cream.

This place has some pretty dope ice cream that is most on point. Located in Midtown & not too far from downtown Minneapolis, the flavors available here are numerous, well-varied, and quite unique. When I first stepped into this cute but dimly lit cafe (seating available both indoors & outdoors), I was pleasantly surprised at how many flavors were available that it did take me a while to get an idea of what I wanted to buy. Don't be afraid to ask to try the ones that peak your interest before buying! Some of my favorite flavors I found were the following: Turtle with Caramel and Pecan Pralines, Chai, Saigon Cinnamon, just to name a few. This place also has gelato & sorbet flavors in addition to ice cream flavors available as well, should that be something you are into. It's also pretty cool that this place has brunch & dessert available as well - something I'll have to look into the next time I'm in the area. All in all, definitely would recommend coming here for great tasting ice cream/gelato/sorbet for sure!

Pretty disappointed in this place. Julia G. and I had such high hopes as we live only blocks from here. It's always been the dream to have an awesome ice cream spot right down the road! We normally walk down to the BP on Lyndale and grab a carton of Ben & Jerry's for 5 bucks but we thought we'd try this place out instead. I regret not just getting the Ben & Jerry's... Immediately upon walking into Sonny's you will notice a great interior with dim lighting and a really intimate vibe. They are going for classy but I've never found classy to mix with ice cream. They have a long bar offering a selection of wines and ice cream. We stepped up to the glass and saw they have a lot of interesting flavors. I feel they were trying to be too creative. I sampled 3 or 4 and didn't really like any of them. Maybe I'm just lame but I was looking for a more generic flavor like cookies and creme, cookie dough, moose tracks anything with some nice caramel or peanut butter chucks. Something terribly fattening and full of sugar. However the closest I could come was there coconut ice cream. It was good not great and It was so rich in flavor I was sick of it after the third bite. Which in the case of their portions was over half of the whole cup of ice cream. The reason it gets two stars is because how over priced it is for how much they give you. Even if I was in love with the ice cream I would still be disappointed on how very little they give you. When they say one scoop they aren't kidding it's literally just one scoop. I could get ten times that amount of ice cream for half the price at my go to spot for ice cream downtown Stillwater.

I cannot say enough good things about this place! From their variety of flavors to their delicious ice creams to their adorable outdoor patio, everything is so perfect! I tried a few ice creams before deciding on the Margarita Sorbet - it tasted exactly like a Margarita and even had Tequila in it! I also tried the Cardamom Black Pepper Ice Cream and the Organic Strawberry Basil w/a touch of Aged Balsamic Vinegar Ice Cream. Both were good but the Strawberry etc. one was so well crafted and had the perfect amount of each flavor. Our group sat outside in their patio and it is one of the best patios I have seen in a while. It is a small area filled with flowers, plants, vines along the side of the building, and smaller tables. They had French music playing with beautiful glass lights hanging in the middle and on the sides. I felt like I walked into an authentic French bistro patio. My whole group enjoyed sitting out there for a while even after we finished our ice cream. I will definitely be back for drinks, food, and plenty more ice cream. Such a cute place I have overlooked for a while but am glad I decided to check out!