Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream

Sebastian Joe's has been Minneapolis's homegrown ice cream since 1984 — famous for Pavarotti (banana-caramel-chocolate) and raspberry chocolate chip, scooped at cozy shops in Lowry Hill and Linden Hills. A friend would absolutely send you. Caveat: summer evening lines at the Franklin Ave shop can stretch out the door.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Does Sebastian Joe's have vegan or dairy-free options?

They usually carry sorbets and a rotating non-dairy option, but the lineup changes — ask at the counter or check their flavors page before making the trip if that's a dealbreaker.

How much does a cone cost at Sebastian Joe's?

Expect typical craft-scoop-shop pricing — a single scoop runs around the mid single digits. It's made in-house and portions are honest, so it's fair value. They also sell pints to take home.

Does Sebastian Joe's serve anything besides ice cream?

Yes — it doubles as a coffee shop, opening at 7 am with espresso drinks and baked goods. That's why the hours look strange for an ice cream place. Morning coffee, evening cones, same counter.

Is there parking at Sebastian Joe's?

Street parking only at the Lowry Hill shop, and it can be tight on summer evenings. Linden Hills is a bit easier. If you're close, walking or biking is genuinely the better move.

Is Sebastian Joe's better than Milkjam?

Different vibes: Milkjam is the newer, weirder-flavors darling; Sebastian Joe's is the classic your Minneapolis friends grew up on. If you want the institution, it's Sebastian Joe's. Doing both in one trip is a legitimate plan.

Is Sebastian Joe's open in winter?

Yes — it's open year-round, and honestly a half-empty ice cream shop on a snowy night is a very Minneapolis experience. They also serve coffee and pastries, so it works as a cafe stop in cold months.

Which Sebastian Joe's location is better?

Same ice cream at both classics: Lowry Hill (1007 W Franklin Ave) is the original with more character; Linden Hills (4321 Upton Ave S) pairs nicely with a lake walk. There's also a newer Kingfield spot on Nicollet. Pick whichever fits your day.

What flavor should I get at Sebastian Joe's?

Pavarotti — banana ice cream with caramel and chocolate chips — is the signature, and raspberry chocolate chip is the other one locals swear by. If you like heat, the Chocolate Coyote (chocolate with cayenne) is a sleeper hit.

Nearby in Ask Minneapolis

• Walker Art CenterMuseum0.7 km · 9 min walk
• Minneapolis Sculpture GardenPark0.75 km · 9 min walk
• Milkjam Creamery CafeCafé1.18 km · 15 min walk
• Loring ParkPark1.24 km · 16 min walk
• Basilica of Saint MaryAttraction1.26 km · 16 min walk