My name is Angelina, and I am a snowball addict. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? (Not that I am the least bit interested in curing this addiction.) I even passed it on to my two-year-old son, Jude. We probably indulge at least twice a week. It was evident we ate too many snowballs when he asked for one during our recent trip to Disney. Sorry kiddo, this may be the happiest place on Earth, but there are no snowballs here.
New Orleanians are nothing if not passionate, especially about our culinary culture. Snowballs here are like nowhere else, and everyone has a favorite stand and flavor.ย I remember taking my Seattle-bornย friend for her first snowball; she nearly lost her mind over all the flavors and the soft ice.ย Following my own knowledge (I consider myself somewhat of a snowball connoisseur) and recommendations of friends, I set out to taste the best of the best.
East Bank
Plum Streetย (1300 Burdette Street, New Orleans & Lafreniere Park near the splash pad, Metairie)
Many know and love this Uptown fav, andย they are often at many festivals throughout the city.ย This 72-year-old stand serves theirs in signature white Chinese takeout boxes. I always opt for the chocolate cream, but other favorite flavors are nectar cream and orchid creme vanilla.ย I’ve also been told to get the frozen mint, add a splash of bourbon and voila! Frozen mint julep.
Hansenโsย (4801 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans)
Iโm going to make a bold statement here and say this place is my favorite. Best. Ice. Ever. The flavors are not extensive, but itโs quality over quantity here. The satsuma tastes as if you bit into a fresh one. My husband always gets nectar cream, and this flavor remains a popular choice here as well. The most unique flavors are cream of coffee and cardamom, which I havenโt tried but was told by a multiple people they go out of their way for ย it. Of Hansenโs my friend said, โThe ice here is like heaven. Iโll never go anywhere else.โ
Salโsย (1823 Metairie Avenue, Metairie)
This old Metairie gem boasts homemade syrup with no preservatives, serving the area since 1960. They go through 1300 pounds of ice a day! Fun flavors like king cake keep the customers coming; they seem to do more volume than anyone else.ย Itโs in a nice area with lots of space (tree stumps included) to enjoy your treat with the family.
Ro-Bearโs (6869 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans)
Harahan residents flock to this stand throughout snowball season.ย Chocolate with condensed is a favorite, as well as praline and creole cream cheese.ย This stand also boasts great sugar free options.
West Bank
Buckโs (133 Westbank Expressway, Westwego)
Lines 20 people deep regularly form at this West Bank favorite.ย With a newly added drive thru, people are flocking here. I LOVE it, because Jude can stay in the AC while we wait. They offer lids too, so I can let him have his snowball in the car. My favorite here is coconut cream, but they offer some new flavors like ruby pomegranate and honeydew.ย As a bonus, the Buckโs owners also have Martin Brothers in the same lot, so you can get some tasty boiled seafood.
Cold Spot (2837 Barataria Blvd, Marrero)
My hubby swears they have the best nectar cream in the area. I suppose this depends on how you prefer your ratio of syrup to cream, but this is his absolute favorite. I love their chocolate; I find it to be the richest tasting, which is great if youโre a real chocolate lover.ย We grew up minutes from this stand, so thereโs nostalgia here for us.
North Shore
Where is your favorite snowballย stand? What’s your favorite flavor? ย I’d love to try more!ย
I have always been a “Hansen’s is the best no questions” New Orleanian. Until… Beaucoup juice changed my snoball life. Holy cow!!! The ice is amazing and the flavors are delish. I agree on the pineapple mint. It’s so incredibly refreshing.
I’m glad someone else feels the love for snowballs like I do!! <3
Hansen’s is easily the best, love the almond cream and cream of strawberry. Worth the wait every time.
OOoh I haven’t tried those flavors yet! Thanks!
Angelina – almond cream taste just like a wedding cake – I sometimes do half almond cream and half cream of strawberry – sooooo good.
I love wedding cake! I might have to do half almond cream and half chocolate cream. Then a separate strawberry cream! LOL
You HAVE to try Nectar Cream stuffed with Chocolate Ice Cream with condensed milk on top. TO DIE FOR. I ate one nearly every day last summer (while pregnant…) lol
Oh my!! That sounds sinfully delicious ๐
Wanna hear something shameful? I have NEVER been to Hansen’s. I tell out of towners to go there because I hear it is awesome, but I Have never been.
Hmmm perhaps we’ll make a field trip this weekend?
Yes, Andie, you HAVE to go!
In TX the real snowball places are few and far between! They call them snowcones here and they are so very different! We have a found a couple of places that are legit but man, I miss home during the summer!
I have friends in Texas and they say the same thing!
I def agree with your husband. Cold Spot has the best Nectar snowball around. It is my favorite snowball stand! & when I do go to other stands (which never compare to Cold Spot), I never get Nectar because no one else makes that flavor the way they do!
He will be so happy to hear someone agrees!
My all-time favorite is Plum Street, but now that I’m a mom, I have to give a little plug to my neighborhood stand in Lakeview, Bubby’s. It’s on the corner of Fleur de Lis and Harrison and features an array of clear flavors. A lifesaver for my 15 month old Avery, who is not the neatest eater. Many a precious smocked dress has been saved by her indulging in “clear grape.” We love Bubby’s!