It's summertime in New Orleans. For many people, this time
of year means one thing: sno-balls. New Orleanians are as serious about their
sno-balls as Chicagoans about deep-dish pizzas or Philadelphians about
cheesesteaks. And, considering we're just emerging from the hottest July on
record with no sign of the heat relenting, you've never had a more compelling
excuse to splurge on a shaved-ice treat. The only question is: Where should you
go to get one? With sno-ball stands adorning practically every other block in
the city, the deluge of options can seem overwhelming. This article's going to
break them down into a digestible size, giving you five can't-go-wrong options.
NOLA Snow Snoballs
First up, with their multiple locations near Lakeview and
Lake Shore, NOLA Snow has been serving sno-balls for nigh on four decades.
They're famous for their original flavors. Family-owned, their stands make
everything from scratch. Multiple
locations, (504) 373-6555, nolasnow.com.
Bubby's Snoballs
Bubby's serves shaved ice out of the West End area. In
addition to traditional sno-balls—those shaved-ice, sweet syrupy amalgams—Bubby's
also specializes in the stuffed sno-ball. You can beef up your beat-the-heat
with something a little more substantial, like gummy bears or a chocolate bar—built
right into your sno-ball. 247
Harrison Ave., (504)905-2366, facebook.com/bubbyssnoballs
Lou Lou's Snoballs
& Ice Cream
This one's for all of the Metairie folks out there. Choose
from a plethora of delicious sno-ball flavors, including wild cheery, piña
colada, and candy apple. Or, if you're feeling something a little bit heavier,
go out on a limb with an ice cream flavor like groom's cake or pralines n'
cream. 734 Papworth Ave., Metairie,
(504) 478-2858, facebook.com/pages/category/Ice-Cream-Shop/Lou-Lous-Snoballs-Ice-Cream
Stop Jockin Snoballs
Located in the St. Bernard area, Stop Jockin has more than
meets the eye. In addition to serving up staple sno-ball goodness, Stop Jockin
also offers a menu of quality food options. Come for the sno-balls; stay for
the po-boys and dressed nachos. 3600
St. Bernard Ave., (504) 206-0992, facebook.com/stopjockinsnoball
Imperial Woodpecker
Sno-balls
Imperial Woodpecker may have an exotic name, but they're
doing sno-balls New Orleans-style out of the Uptown Touro neighborhood. Having
started in the 1930s, Imperial Woodpecker might just be one of the oldest
sno-ball shops in the city. Anyone who's stayed in business that long must be
doing something right. 3511
Magazine St., (251) 366-7777, iwsnoballs.com
