When the weather gets hot in New Orleans, which is most of
the year, you can find this tasty treat to cool you off. The snowball is a
delicacy of the modern day when freezing water to make ice was finally
invented. Local businessmen George Ortolano and Ernest Hansen created
ice-shaving machines in the 1930s that would go on to make snowballs for nearly
a century. Today, you can get snowballs across Louisiana, but everyone has
their favorite spot because of all the great snowball memories.
These New Orleans snowball stands have been cranking out
snowballs seasonally for years. Each one has their own specialties, but there
are lots of excellent flavors at all of them.
Where to Get Snowballs in New Orleans
1. Hansens's Sno-Bliz
4801 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 891-9788
snobliz.com
Family owned and run, Hansen's Sno-Bliz has been cooling people's tummies down for 85 years! With their warm and inviting atmosphere and delicious flavor options—from classics like bubblegum to unique ones like Thai tea—they've got everyone's wants covered.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz is a great treat on a hot day, whether you're getting off of school or work or simply need an afternoon sweet-treat. It's the place for you. Other than their diverse array of flavors, they've also got an impressive spread of fun toppings like crushed pineapple and marshmallow fluff, which can add some fun spunk to your treat.
2. Sal's Sno-Balls
1823 Metairie Ave., Metairie, (504) 666-1823
facebook.com/salssnoball
Operating for nearly 65 years, Sal's Sno-Balls are a delightful cornerstone of the greater New Orleans community. They've got a great selection of flavors and are a friendly, and relaxed, quick stop to get a fun treat.
So, if you're extra hot—or just craving a snowball—then visit Sal's Sno-Balls. It's the best way to beat the heat!
3. Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls
3511 Magazine St., (504) 264-7170
iwsnoballs.com
Having gotten its start in New Orleans during the 1930s, snowballs are a classic and native treat. Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls understands that better than anyone. Its owner, Neesa Peterson, is a Louisiana native and grew-up enjoying these cold sweets in the Big Easy. After opening up shop in New York City, Peterson moved Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls back to New Orleans, where it's been a community staple.
With a fun selection of flavors, some special even made in-house, you are sure to find something to satisfy your craving. Visit Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls to enjoy a New Orleans Classic.
4. Sno-La
8108 Hampson St., (504) 327-7669
snolasnowballs.com
There's something very special about Sno-La. This snowball stand stuffs the inside of their snowballs with cheesecake. That's right! You have the option of having a snowball with a big chunk of creamy cheesecake right in the middle. There are plenty of traditional snowballs, too.
The Sno-La Favorite is a red velvet cream
snowball stuffed with cheesecake, and The Pelican is a Bananas Foster cream and
red velvet cream snowball stuffed with cheesecake and topped with condensed
milk. The Chantilly Cake is a gorgeous treat: wedding cake cream and strawberry
snowball stuffed with cheesecake, strawberries, and blueberries, and topped
with whipped cream or condensed milk.
5. The Original New Orleans Sno-balls & Smoothee
4313 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 309-5346
New Orleans Sno-balls has so much more than shaved ice treats, though that would be reason enough to visit it. They've got great flavor options like Bahama Mama, Cantaloupe, Polar Punch, and Tsunami, in addition to all the usual flavors you know well. The cream flavors deserve some attention. You can't find snowballs like Pralines-N-Cream, Strawberry Shortcake, or Banana Cream anywhere else.
You can also get a refreshing smoothie or
concessions like hot dogs, corn dogs, and popcorn. To make a meal out of it,
get a dozen hot tamales. It's a totally New Orleans tradition!
6. Rodney's Snowball Stand
9231 Lake Forest Blvd., (504) 241-2035
Rodney's is a favorite snowball stand for many New Orleans East residents. The traditional snowballs, in flavors like Passionfruit, Butterscotch, Banana, and Mango, keep them coming back, but the Deluxe Cream Flavors topped with condensed milk are special. The Piña Colada Cream can transport you to a tropical beach.
When you're at Rodney's, you may also be
tempted to get a second dessert like a Hot Caramel Pecan Pie Sundae, a Strawberry
Malt, or a Root Beer Float. If you prefer something hot and savory, the hot tamales
or chili cheese nachos will fill you up.
7. Ike's Snowballs
520 City Park Ave., (504) 208-9983
ikessnowballs.com
If you're heading to City Park, stop by Ike's right next to MoPho for a big, cold snowball. There are a lot of options including cream, sugar-free, and clear flavors. There are also two very special snowballs just for dogs, who are welcome to hang out on the porch. They will love the chicken or roast beef snowballs made just for them.
The humans in your life will probably
prefer a regular old snowball in a traditional flavor like Cake Batter, Tiger's
Blood, Green Apple, or Strawberry, or something special like a Wine Cooler,
Georgia Peach, Silver Fox, or Mojito.
8. Stop Jockin Sno-Ball Stand
3600 St. Bernard Ave., (504) 247-3221
facebook.com/stopjockinsnoball
This relaxed and inviting snowball stand understands how to put a smile of a New Orleanian's face! Stop Jockin's delicious Sno-Balls and great attitude has many people coming back for more.
They've got all the classic flavors and the option to add condensed milk or a slice of cheesecake with it! Stop on by at Stop Jockin' and try one of their yummy snowballs!
9. Bubby's Snoballs
247 Harrison Ave., (504) 905-2366
facebook.com/bubbyssnoballs
Bubby's has a loyal clientele of Lakeview families who love walking over to the stand on hot days. Traditional snowballs are the main feature, but there are some snacks and soft-serve ice cream that may persuade you as well.
Adults will love the cocktail-inspired
flavors like Hurricane, Margarita, Mojito, White Russian, and Pina Colada. Kids
of all ages will appreciate Candy Apple, Wild Cherry, Nectar Cream, and Dreamsicle.
You can get your dreamy snowball topped with a number of things, including gummy
bears, strawberries, nuts, and Butterfingers.
10. Downtown 504 Snowballz
1703 N Broad St., (504) 344-9199
facebook.com/DownTown504Snowballz
If you're heading to the Fair Grounds neighborhood, Downtown 504 Snowballz has got your flavor. There's a huge menu of traditional, cream, signature, sugar-free, and sour flavors, as well as other concessions that can make for an entire meal.
Try the NOLA Sunset Snowball (strawberry and mango) topped with condensed milk and pineapple chunks. If you're still hungry, get some piping hot crawfish fries and a hot sausage burger. You can supplement your meal with mozzarella sticks and an old-fashioned banana split topped with three scoops of ice cream or fruit.
Best Snowball Stands in New Orleans
From rich reds to cool blues to dripping with condensed milk,
these snowball stands are the best in town. Though other cities in the country
have caught onto the snowball craze, these very finely-shaved New Orleans-only
snowballs are the best that you can get. What's your favorite flavor?
Who has the best traditional snowball in New Orleans? Let us know where
to go!
