Izzy's Ice Cream

Izzy's Ice Cream is the Twin Cities' most beloved ice cream institution, and it has earned that status through obsessive quality and a signature generosity that delights every customer. Founded by Jeff Sommers (named after his son Izzy), the shop has been recognized by national food publications and consistently dominates local 'best of' lists.

The ice cream itself is exceptional -- dense, creamy, and made from scratch with high-quality ingredients. The flavor list rotates constantly, typically offering 32 options at any given time. Core flavors like Salted Caramel (one of the first salted caramels in the country, predating the trend by years), Norwegian Chai (chai spices in a brown sugar base), and Savannah Buttermint (butter and mint in perfect balance) are always available.

Seasonal specials include flavors like Wild Blueberry in summer and Pumpkin Pie in fall.

The Izzy Scoop is the signature experience. Every order -- whether a kids' scoop or a triple -- comes with a free mini scoop of any flavor placed on top. This means every customer gets to try two flavors for the price of one.

For kids, the excitement of choosing their bonus flavor is half the fun. The Izzy Scoop transforms a transaction into a small gift, and it is the kind of touch that creates lifelong fans.

The shop environment is simple and welcoming -- colorful walls, a case full of beautiful ice cream, and staff who genuinely enjoy helping customers taste and choose. Lines form on summer evenings but move quickly. The interior has limited seating; most families eat outside at the benches and tables or take it to go.

Both locations (St. Paul on Marshall Ave and Minneapolis on 2nd St) are excellent. The Marshall Ave location is in a neighborhood setting near several good restaurants. The Minneapolis location is in the North Loop neighborhood near other food destinations.

For families visiting the Twin Cities, Izzy's is a non-negotiable stop. It is the kind of place where the product is so good and the experience so pleasant that it becomes a trip memory.