If you are visiting Minneapolis for the first time or maybe you need a reason to explore the young, artistic area of town, look no further than doing an ice cream crawl. You have heard of bar crawls but why not hop on a bike and take a spin to some of the best ice cream shops in the city all within a five-mile radius?
1. Bebe Zito
Located as a booth in the Malcom Yards food hall in Prospect Park neighborhood, this isn’t quite in Northeast proper, but it is a must-stop on this ice cream crawl. Not only does Bebe Zito have delicious ice cream options, but also savory burgers that can really jump start that feeling of “I am indulging.” The flavors are super creative and fun which makes the decision making process an exciting challenge.
Stacy Tastes: Peanut Butter Puppy Chow
2. Fletchers
This ice cream shop is a local favorite. With the original location off a quieter street, the new Fletchers location is in the heart of St. Anthony neighborhood of NE. Just north of the Hennepin Ave bridge, I am happy that this lil shop is getting some more well-deserved foot-traffic. Grab a scoop and stroll alongside the river and maybe even make it to the Stone Arch Bridge. Believe me when I say, this place has one of the best Cookies & Cream flavors I have tasted – smooth base and well balanced cookie ratio.
Stacy Tastes: Cookies & Cream
3. MN Nice Cream
If you are looking for Instagrammable ice cream, this is the place to be. Originally a food truck, MN Nice Cream is now a destination where its colorful murals making a great background to your ice cream selfies. They offer soft serve ice cream with a variety of pre-determined or customizable toppings that they stack high onto the dollop. While you do pay for every extra, the edible glitter is free. It is tempting to pick all of the toppings but beware of sugar overload.
Stacy Tastes: Cookie Monster
4. Crepe and Spoon
Lactose free is the name of the game at Crepe and Spoon which serves a vegan menu. Most of their ice creams are made of coconut milk and feature a variety of flavors. With options for savory and sweet crepes, it is worth a try even if you aren’t on a vegan diet
Stacy Tastes: Mint Chocolate Chip
5. Dream Creamery
The little sister restaurant to Travail quietly opening in Summer 2022, this seasonal shop doesn’t even have a dining space but boasts some fun ice cream flavors and delicious burgers. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables outside to enjoy your scoop. Plus, if you are looking for some tasty savory snacks, burgers are available and of great quality.
Stacy Tastes: Brown Sugar Cookie Dough