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Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream: A Local Gem in Minneapolis, MN

In a world full of cookie-cutter dessert chains and mass-produced treats, there’s something refreshingly personal about a small-batch scoop of locally churned ice cream — especially when it’s crafted with passion, precision, and a deep-rooted love for community. That’s exactly what makes Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream in Minneapolis, MN, a standout in the local business scene — a true gem that’s turning heads (and tantalizing taste buds) across the Twin Cities.

Whether it’s their decadent Italian-style gelato, farm-to-cone ingredient sourcing, or the charming historic parlor atmosphere, Sonny’s is not just serving ice cream; they’re serving nostalgia, creativity, and connection. As one of the highest-rated businesses on CompaniesByZipCode.com’s “Most Visible Brands” for the Minneapolis 55408 area and currently trending on local foodie blogs across the Midwest, Sonny’s is a prime pick for this week’s Local Business Spotlight.

Hook: Why Ice Cream Dreams Are Made Here

Imagine sitting in a sun-dappled European-style courtyard, spooning slowly through a scoop of house-made lavender honey gelato, laughter echoing in the background, and the smell of freshly baked waffle cones wafting through the air. This isn’t a scene from a romantic indie film — it’s a real moment at Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream, nestled in the heart of Minneapolis. Known for inspiring emotion just as much as devotion, Sonny’s shows how dessert can become an experience and how local businesses can become family favorites.

Table of Contents

1. About Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream

2. From Parlor Roots to Artisan Revolution

3. Why Sonny’s Stands Out: Flavors, Ingredients, and Philosophy

4. Sweetening the Neighborhood: Community Involvement and Impact

5. Rave Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

6. A Visual Tour of Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream

7. Plan Your Visit: Location, Hours, and More

8. Discover More Local Favorites on CompaniesByZipCode.com

1. About Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream

Located in the bustling Lyndale neighborhood of Minneapolis, Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream is more than just an ice cream shop — it’s a neighborhood institution. Operating under the name Crema Café until a recent brand refocus, Sonny’s has delighted generations of customers since opening its doors back in 1945. What began as a tiny soda fountain run by the Sivertsen family has evolved into one of the top-rated artisan ice cream destinations in Minnesota, if not the entire Midwest.

Today, Sonny’s is helmed by Sonny Sivertsen’s granddaughter, Jenni, who fiercely preserves her family’s legacy while also innovating with bold, seasonal flavor profiles and a renewed emphasis on sustainability and local partnerships.

2. From Parlor Roots to Artisan Revolution

Sonny’s is one of those rare places where history isn’t just remembered — it’s relived with every scoop. When you walk into the space, you step into a lovingly preserved European café-style parlor, complete with terrazzo flooring, marble countertops, and wood accents that tell a story of timeless quality.

But what really launched Sonny’s into local stardom was its commitment to small-batch production and culinary creativity. Ice cream is made onsite using fresh ingredients delivered from nearby farms, often within 24 hours. From roasting their own nuts to infusing herbs into their cream, the team at Sonny’s treats frozen dessert like an art form. This isn’t just scooped ice cream — it’s a labor of love.

3. Why Sonny’s Stands Out: Flavors, Ingredients, and Philosophy

Natural Ingredients, Locally Sourced

Sonny’s prides itself on using only organic dairy and hormone-free ingredients, often sourced from within Minnesota. Their eggs come from local farmers, fruits from regional orchards, and even herbs like garden mint and basil are grown on-site or nearby.

Rotating Flavors to Reflect the Seasons

Their roster of flavors is always changing with the seasons, with favorites like:

• Cardamom Black Currant
• Salted Caramel Swirl
• Earl Grey & Honey
• Raspberry Rose Sorbet (Dairy-Free)
• Chocolate Aztec (Spicy & Rich)

You never really know what creative twist you’ll find on a given day — which is part of the charm.

The Artisan Approach

Unlike large chains that rely on artificial stabilizers and flavoring, Sonny’s takes a slow-food approach, churning each batch in vintage European machines designed for smaller yields but smoother textures. That attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed — in fact, it’s what keeps loyal customers coming back.

4. Sweetening the Neighborhood: Community Involvement and Impact

Sonny’s doesn’t just serve ice cream; they uplift the community around them. Here are just a few of the ways they give back:

• Youth Employment Programs: They hire local teens for summer jobs, offering valuable experience in hospitality and food production.
• Partnerships with Local Farms: Supporting local agriculture is at the heart of their ingredient sourcing.
• Fundraisers for Local Schools and Charities: Short on store-bought donations but rich in creativity, Sonny’s hosts events where proceeds go toward local education and social initiatives.
• Urban Garden Initiative: The micro-garden behind the shop isn’t just quaint — it helps provide herbs and educational space for community programs.

This balance of commerce and community has earned Sonny’s acclaim not only from customers but from local news outlets like Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Eater.

5. Rave Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

When it comes to customer experience, Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream consistently tops local review pages including Google, Yelp, and of course, CompaniesByZipCode.com, where it boasts some of the highest visibility and engagement in the 55408 area.

Here’s what some fans had to say:

“Hands down, the BEST ice cream in Minneapolis. The Lavender Honey blew me away — silky, floral, and not too sweet. Also, the staff treats you like family.”
— Melanie J., CompaniesByZipCode.com Reviewer

“Every flavor feels like it was made just for me. The Aztec chocolate has a spicy kick that keeps me coming back. Not to mention how beautiful the café is. It’s like a mini vacation.”
— Raj P., Local Guide

“Sonny’s caters to my dairy-free life with the same level of attention. Their sorbets are not an afterthought — they’re genuinely gourmet.”
— Dana K., Instagram Foodie

6. A Visual Tour of Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream

Charming exterior with Italian-style sidewalk seating — perfect for enjoying a scoop on a summer evening.

Rotating flavors written in chalk. Locals say some flavors are so popular they rarely last a full day.

A close-up of the customer-favorite: Lavender Honey Gelato, made with local honey and dried edible lavender.

(Note: All images used with permission or under appropriate licensing agreements.)

7. Plan Your Visit: Location, Hours, and More

Location:
Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream
3403 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Website: sonnysicecream.com

Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 1 PM – 9 PM
Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM

Parking:
Ample street parking available; bike racks on-site.

Accessibility:
Wheelchair-friendly entrance, restrooms, and menus.

8. Discover More Local Favorites on CompaniesByZipCode.com

Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream is just one of the many amazing businesses featured in our Most Visible Brands on CompaniesByZipCode.com. Whether you’re looking for artisan sweet shops, family-owned boutiques, or local services that truly make a difference, our directory connects you with the soul of each neighborhood.

Don’t forget to bookmark Sonny’s listing, leave your own review, and explore other beloved businesses in your Minneapolis zip code.

Call to Action:

Ready to taste the best ice cream Minnesota has to offer? Visit Sonny’s Artisan Ice Cream today for a sweet escape that supports local goodness. And if you loved reading about this gem, help spread the word — share this article, follow us on social, and keep discovering the heartbeat of your hometown on CompaniesByZipCode.com.

Your next favorite local business is just a zip code away.

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