From face-numbing cold to blood-boiling heat—such is the range of Minnesota’s finicky weather patterns. Now that the mercury has risen well above a comfortable range, it’s the perfect time to scope out the best scoops in town. Here’s where to find the tastiest, coolest treats in town.
SCOOPS AND SORBETS
Grand Ole Creamery: The first retail ice-cream parlor in St. Paul, don’t even think about getting a scoop of this creamy deliciousness unless it’s in a homemade malted waffle cone. Spoiler alert: there’s a Whopper at the bottom! See website for locations.
Izzy’s: Go with your gut when choosing from the 32 daily flavors available. After all, this St. Paul staple isn’t going anywhere! See website for locations.
Sebastian Joe’s: Small-batch, homemade ice cream with flavors that change daily, giving you an excuse to go back again, and again, and again… See website for locations.
The Pumphouse: All-natural ice cream made with local Crystal Ball Farms dairy. Fresh ingredients and creative flavors (sunflower butter, lavender, rhubarb sorbet) make for fine dining, dessert style. See website for location.
Sonny’s (at Crema Café): Even the most die-hard ice-cream lovers will find something new to drool about with Sonny’s unique flavor combinations. Sweet-corn, chocolate-cabernet chip, pineapple-mango-basil sorbet—how to choose? See website for location.
SHAKES AND MALTS
Tom’s Popcorn Shop: Don’t let the singular focus of the shop’s name fool you—Tom’s shakes and malts are so good that to list them on the sign out front would cause a stampede hazard. See website for location.
The Malt Shop: With all the old-school flavors accounted for plus specialty blends like caramel-apple pie (and of course the build-your-own option!), you could visit this classic south Minneapolis eatery every day of summer and still find new malts to savor. See website for locations.
Annie’s Parlour: A true burger-and-shake joint. And these shakes are mighty fine. 313 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-379-0744
Snuffy’s Malt Shop: Even though there are less flavors to choose from, consider it a guarantee that the malt you choose has been perfected down to the cherry on top. See website for locations.
