Sebastian Joe's

The other day Andrew and I were able to have a double date with some newly married friends (Cody and Sarah) at one of the ice cream places on my list, Sebastian Joe's. I had already been to Sebastian Joe's, but it's not official until I document it and compare it within the same time frame as the other places. (The night Andrew proposed to me, almost two years ago now, after I had excitedly said yes, he told me the night was not over because we needed to get dessert still. When we pulled up to Sebastian Joe's to park, I saw a big group of our friends and family sitting outside awaiting our arrival. He planned a surprise engagement party for me where we could get ICE CREAM! Love that!)

Anyways, even though the weather wasn't exactly hot the other day, I can always go for ice cream. We met Cody and Sarah at the Sebastian Joe's location in Linden Hills instead of the one on Nicollet Ave so there weren't quite as many flavors to choose from, but the experience was just as good! Sebastian Joe's has been offering homemade ice cream for almost three decades. The one on Nicollet Avenue offers at least 22 different flavors where the one in Linden Hills has 12 flavors to choose from. The flavors can change hourly depending on how popular they are and how fast they go. Sebastian Joe's is known for it's uniquely named ice cream flavors, so samples are welcomed if you're not quite sure what the flavor is. Some of their popular flavors include Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Oreo, Pavarotti (a combination of banana, caramel and chocolate chips), and the aptly named Nicollet Avenue Pot Hole (chocolate ice cream blended with fudge, truffles, heath bars, and sea salt). Among their many flavors of homemade ice creams and sorbets, they home-make their waffle cones as well. You can't go wrong trying one of their dipped cones in flavors like coconut, almond, Butterfinger, Heath Bar, chocolate, and one of their most popular: chocolate with sprinkles. Some other tasty treats they offer include: ice cream sandwiches, Oreo and Turtle ice cream pies, and Brr Bars (Oreo ice cream dipped in Swiss chocolate).

I tried their Oreo ice cream in a sugar cone - one of their best selling flavors. Sarah tried the Coconut Cream Pie flavor, and Cody got a pint of the Raspberry Chocolate Chip - another best seller. Andrew decided to just have water for the night. He didn't feel like having an ice cream cone in sweatshirt weather. I thought my choice of the Oreo ice cream was fantastic! It really hit the spot. I have never had Oreo ice cream as good as what Sebastian Joe's has to offer. Sarah loved her Coconut Cream Pie cone, and Cody thought the Raspberry Chocolate Chip was good as well. He almost ate the whole pint… Sarah helped him with the last few bites. Once we were done enjoying our yummy treats, we continued conversation while playing a friendly competitive game of cards. Cody and Sarah taught us a game called three up, three down. It was really fun! Sarah and I could not beat the boys though! We'll have to have a re-match very soon! Thanks for sharing a wonderful evening with us guys!

My Oreo ice cream cone

Me and Sarah enjoying our cones

Playing three up, three down

So far I'd have to say that Sebastian Joe's is in first place over Conny's Creamy Cone (read about that here) and HomeTown Creamery (read about that here) in their ice cream and in their relaxing atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend Sebastian Joe's to anyone who has not yet tried it!

1. Adele's Frozen Custard in Excelsior

2. Conny's Creamy Cone in St. Paul

3. Edina Creamery in Edina

4. Grand Ole Creamery in St. Paul

5. HomeTown Creamery in North St. Paul

6. Izzy's Ice Cream in St. Paul

7. Pumphouse Creamery in Minneapolis

8. Sebastian Joe's in Minneapolis

9. Crema Cafe in Minneapolis