Leave it to one of the coldest states in the nation to churn out some of the country’s best ice cream. Earlier this month, we shouted from the rooftops about Bebe Zito, an inventive new ice cream parlor in Uptown. Now we’re back in high-caloric action to sing the praises of another frozen newbie: 2 Scoops Ice Cream Eatery in St. Paul.
Located at the corner of Selby and Milton in Rondo, 2 Scoops celebrated its grand opening on May 30. It’s a family-run place, founded by Brian White Jr. and his parents, Rdella and Brian Sr. The Rondo neighborhood has a long history of storied Black-owned businesses; in fact, 2 Scoops took over the lease from Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe, which moved down the street. A makeover followed and now the parlor features a checkered red-and-white floor and a “Cream of the Crop” wall starring St. Paul athletes who’ve played college and/or pro. (Brian Jr. was a running back for the Bisons at North Dakota State University.)
2 Scoops has more than 18 flavors in rotation, including Salted Caramel, Espresso Oreo, Birthday Cake, Praline Pecan, Strawberry Cheesecake, Brownie Cascade, and Superman, a kiddo-approved concoction that swirls together cherry, vanilla, and Blue Moon (cereal milk) ice creams. The Whites offer cones, cups, malts, shakes, root beer floats, sundaes, waffle bowls, and banana splits. You can sample two flavors by splitting a single scoop ($5.25-$7.25) or order a double in a fresh, homemade waffle cone ($9.25), which is plenty filling for two people. Pictured up top: The creamy, Fruit Loops-infused Blue Moon ice cream atop experimental Black Licorice. In addition to its sweets menu, 2 Scoops also sells pizza by the slice or pie, pulled pork and barbecue brisket sandwiches, chili dogs, and soup.
Another thing that sets this ice cream shop apart from the pack is its endearing “2 Scoops 4 Kids” program. Mark Korbel, an insurance agent at a nearby State Farm office, loved 2 Scoops so much, he gave the store $100 to start an ice cream fund for neighborhood kids. Anyone can contribute (a collection bucket is located near the register); to date, the shop has handed out more than 1,000 free cones. ❤️🍦
2 Scoops Ice Cream Eatery
921 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN; 651-645-0227.
