Sebastian Joe's has been a local favorite for over 15 years. Even when outdoor temps plummet, customers stop in for its yummy, prize-winning ice cream and sorbet, offered in both standard and eclectic (orange-basil, anyone?) flavors. There's no "kid-size" scoop, but the friendly staff will split a single into two portions if you ask.

All those tempting creamy treats can make it easy to forget that Sebastian Joe's is also a bona fide cafe, opening early each day to sell high-quality coffees and baked goods. It now offers free wi-fi, too.

On summer evenings, the line spills out the door at the Upton Avenue location. The large shady patio there has been replaced with a four-season eat-in area complete with garage door-style glass panels, a drinking fountain, an indoor/outdoor fireplace and - no more trekking down to the gloomy basement! - a large, unisex restroom. (No changing table, though.) The new patio and landscaping surrounding the addition provide a great setting for kids to enjoy their ice cream and explore.

tips:

"Downtown" Linden Hills, where this Sebastian Joe's is located, is the epitome of family-friendly. Nearby are two toy stores, a children's bookstore, and three playgrounds and picnic areas, including Lake Harriet, with its beaches and streetcar.

getting there:

Between 43rd and 44th Street, at the southern end of the Linden Hills commercial node. On-street parking and several small lots are close by, as are two Metro Transit bus stops.