Seemor
Nelson's Ice CreamC+Worth Trying
454 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55105
· Ice cream shop, Ice cream equipment supplier
· 4.6/5 Google (697 reviews)
Takeout
A beloved neighborhood ice cream shop known for massive portions, many flavors, low prices, and cash-only quirks; go for value and fun, not artisanal finesse.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
Nelson's Ice Cream excels at what it does: exceptional value with massive portions at budget prices and friendly, quick service create a cheerful neighborhood experience. However, inconsistent product quality—occasional overly soft scoops and flavor outages—and no-frills setting prevent a higher grade. It's a reliable casual destination for families seeking fun and affordability, not premium ice cream craftsmanship.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels no-frills and friendly, a counter-service shop where families queue up on warm days for comically large scoops. One guest put it best: "Child size was huge and worth every dollar." Expect a lively neighborhood vibe on sunny weekends, patio included. The culinary approach is classic scoop-shop comfort over artisan showmanship: dozens of familiar flavors, rich add-ins, and a few vegan or sorbet picks. It is about value and fun more than perfect texture; regulars recommend cups to tame the overflow and splitting a kiddie size. Prices are low, portions are towering, and the experience is simple and cheerful. For families, this is an easy win: the kids size lets little diners pick two flavors, there is patio seating, and the total cost stays friendly. Note a rare complaint about music choice not family-appropriate on one visit, and remember it is cash-only. If picky eaters want basic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream, they are here; adventurous tasters will also find options like Zanzibar Chocolate or Blueberry Cheesecake.
At a Glance
- Massive portions for very low prices
- Wide variety of classic flavors plus some vegan/sorbet options
- Cash-only policy; ATM can be unreliable
- Long lines during warm weekends; occasional flavor outages
- Product can be too soft or melty on some visits
What Sets It Apart
- legendary_portion_sizes
- budget_pricing
- wide_flavor_selection
What People Love
- Gigantic kid-size scoops to share
- Fun, nostalgic flavors
- Outdoor patio seating on sunny days
- Excellent value for money
Points of Concern
- Cash-only payment; bring bills as onsite ATM may be down
- Peak-time waits of 20–50 minutes on warm days
- Occasional overly soft product and messy overfilled cones
- Intermittent flavor outages; better signage would help
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (not detected here) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$6-11 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with Child Size ($5.69) and choose two flavors; add waffle cone only if you can handle the overflow.
- For a group, consider a Quart ($10.92) and sample several flavors without waiting for multiple cones.
Perfect For
- Budget-friendly family treat
- After-dinner dessert stop
- Students grabbing a casual cone
- Summer patio hangout
Location Insights
Area: Residential-commercial corridor near colleges with family traffic and student budgets; relaxed and casual.
Safety: Generally safe, busy street frontage with steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance.
Nearby: Near Macalester College, shops, and cafes; draws neighborhood families and students; small side parking lot mentioned.
Macalester-GrovelandMacalester-Groveland offers a cozy, community-focused dining atmosphere with a variety of casual eateries, cafes, and local shops. The neighborhood is known for its walkability, historic homes, and a friendly, neighborhood vibe that attracts both residents and visitors seeking relaxed dining experiences.
Snelling-Hamline CorridorThis micro-neighborhood along Snelling Avenue features a cluster of small businesses and eateries, creating a neighborhood hub with a casual and welcoming dining environment. It is characterized by a mix of longtime local patrons and newer residents enjoying accessible, family-friendly dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Sunday00:30–21:30
Monday15:30–21:30
Tuesday15:30–21:30
Wednesday15:30–21:30
Thursday15:30–21:30
Friday15:30–21:30
Saturday00:30–21:30
Available: Takeout
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