Nelson's Ice Cream

From the Counter

Recent Google reviews

• 

  Trace Rondeau

  ★ 5 • 2 weeks ago

  50 flavors of hard scoop ice cream and incredible portions! We got two kids sizes and the ice cream was delicious. Depending when you, don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line for up to 30 min but it’s worth it! Shoutout to my favorite flavor Amaretto Cherry, give it a try! Kind workers and quick service as well

• 

  Linkara Crypto

  ★ 3 • 2 months ago

  First, I'd like to say that Nelson's has some bomb.com ice cream! It is very tasty and they have a ton of options, including gluten free and vegan options. I think they could do better with labeling the gluten free options, like they specifically tell you on their signs which options are vegan. I think they should do the same with the gluten free options as well. I stop by Nelson's every once in a while for a nice treat with my partner. The last few visits, to this location, have been sub-par. There are kids, and at least one adult, scooping ice cream and then touching the same ice cream with their thumbs as they finish the scoop. This is very unsanitary! I did not see any of these people washing their hands between helping customers, so they are cross-contaminating the ice cream they are serving. On our visit on Sunday, we saw one of these kids scooping so wildly that he had ice cream all over his wrist, and he kept going from person to person without washing hands, and hardly thinking to clean off his scooping. On our visit on Sunday, my partner's "scooper" was the only adult present, and he was scooping and touching her ice cream with his thumb. He barely filled her first flavor even halfway in the cup, and it was barely coming out of the top with the second flavor. The girl that helped me also barely gave any of my first flavor choice, and stacked the top flavor so poorly that it was falling out of the cup inside the store before we could even leave. She also was touching the ice cream with her thumb. After they finished our two ice creams, we then stood there and waited at least 5 minutes for someone to cash us out, as they were more focused on the serving line than they were making sure people could leave quickly after getting their ice cream. It was busy and this made little sense, as the flow of the shop cannot continue to move along without someone ready at the register. At least the person who rang us up washed their hands before returning to the register. I will consider returning, but likely only during off-peak hours, as it gets very sloppy if it is even a little busy, though I had a similar experience the time before with being given far less than generally expected, and it was dead slow that time. I am more likely to return to the St Paul store than this shop at this point. I was not thrilled paying so much for so little, then also had to feel gut pains due to cross-contamination issues. My photos show the severe lacking of the first flavor. Usually they are filled at least 2/3 of the way, where this barely extends over half of the cup. I did not get a photo of my partner's, which had even less. I will consider going back and changing my rating, but these issues need to be figured out.

• 

  Aaron Abel

  ★ 5 • 3 months ago

  **Review: Nelson's Ice Cream** If you believe bigger is better, is your spot. This St. Paul staple — and its Stillwater location — has been dishing out old-school, smile-inducing scoops since 1923. **Flavors**: The wall of choices is legit — over 40 rotating options at the St. Paul shop. You’ll find classics like Moose Tracks and White Chocolate/Raspberry, plus standouts like Peppermint Stick, Lemon Bar, Blueberry Cheesecake, Coffee Cake, Banana, Rum Cherry, Rich & Famous, and even non-dairy options. Seasonal hits like the “100 Year Celebration” flavor also pop up. **Portions & Pricing**: The portions are famously ridiculous. For about $7-8 you get what other shops call a triple in a waffle cone or a waffle bowl, which I had. The $17? Lumberjack challenge is 5 softball-sized scoops. Reviewers constantly call it “insane amount for dirt cheap” and “you definitely get your money’s worth”. Price level is rated inexpensive. **Experience**: Expect a friendly, neighborhood vibe with an outdoor patio. Lines can get long on warm days, but they move fast. Bring cash — Nelson’s is cash-only — but they do have an ATM inside if you need it. **Parking**: Stillwater people recommend parking and walking if you can. It’s on a busy street but generally easy to access. **Bottom line**: Massive portions, 40+ flavors, and prices that feel like 2019. Go hungry, bring cash, and don’t order more than the small size unless you’re training for the Wall of Fame.

• 

  wendy kempke

  ★ 5 • 2 months ago

  We were in St Paul on a work conference from Michigan. We went to Stillwater to visit the area and came across Nelson's Ice Cream! WOW! What an amazing place. A child's size was plenty for me! So many flavors to choose from, the staff was very polite and kept the line going at a very nice pace! Great atmosphere there. Would definitely recommend Nelson's!