Sonny's Ice Cream Cafe — Restaurant in Minneapolis

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...

This was my first and last visit to Sonny’s Ice Cream. While we were initially welcomed by a kind cashier and ice cream server who provided great service, the experience quickly turned negative.

After we finished our treats, my friends and I sat down to take a few pictures and quiet videos (Cafe Inside Was EMPTY) . The music inside the shop was already quite loud, and there were very few other customers present in line. Despite this, we noticed a white male employee giving us uncomfortable looks. Moments later, another staff member ( a white woman, around 5’5”, mid-40s, glasses, with short black hair in a bun)who had not interacted with us before, approached us aggressively and yelled without any courtesy or professionalism: “PUT YOUR MUSIC DOWN, YOU’RE DISTURBING ALL THE CUSTOMERS!!.”

We were shocked, Scared as she yelled at us in front of everyone basically kicked us out. There was no polite request, no explanation just immediate hostility. It felt rude, targeted, and frankly, discriminatory. The way we were treated was deeply unprofessional and disrespectful, and made us feel completely unwelcome.

This is not a space that feels safe or inclusive for BLACK Muslim customers. I will not be returning.

Update

Honestly, your response just felt like a way to brush off what happened instead of actually acknowledging how we were treated. No one was trying to “create a narrative” we simply shared how the situation made us feel. And being told not to turn it into “Black vs. White” is wild card to say!!! Especially when that was never even said.

It’s not okay to assume what we were doing or DOWNPLAY it just because it doesn’t match what you think your staff would do. If your space is really about inclusion and kindness, that should show through actions not just words or...

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...