Nola Sno-Ball Crawl
The Best Spots for a Cool Treat
In New Orleans, the summer heat can be relentless, but there’s a sweet tradition that has been cooling down locals for generations: the sno-ball. This beloved treat, a finely shaved and sweet confection, is described by Ashley Hansen of Hansen’s Sno-Bliz as “like a puffy white cloud”– and it’s as delicious as it sounds. Here is a guide to some of the best spots in town, where tradition meets innovation to keep the Crescent City cool. Tap the business names to view their websites.
1.Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
- 4801 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans
85 years ago, Ernest Hansen’s iconic sno-ball machine invention paved the way for one of Nola’s finest shaved ice institutions. Today, they continue to make their syrups from scratch every day to keep customers happy and coming back for more.
2. Chance in Hell Snowballs
- 3000 Royal St., New Orleans (Bywater Brew Pub)
Stop by Bywater Brew Pub for a parents-day-out, and snag a specialty sno-ball from Chance in Hell. Every Saturday, they showcase a new, special flavor, and on Fridays, you can purchase a flight of sno-balls for only $9!
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3. Plum Street Snoball
- 1300 Burdette St., New Orleans
You may have seen them at Jazzfest, but you can also stop by their East Carrollton location any day from 1-7 p.m. or 2-7 p.m. on Sundays. Have a party coming up or planning a get-together with friends? You can now order a Plum Street Snoball bucket on their website!
4. Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls
- 3511 Magazine St., New Orleans
In June 2011, Neesa Peterson, owner, started Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls in the West Village of Manhattan! After three years of success, Peterson decided to take her business back to her hometown of New Orleans.
5. Pandora’s Snowballs and Soft Serve Ice Cream
Pandora’s has been serving sno-balls to the Greater New Orleans Area for 50 years. But that’s not all they have– try stuffing your sno-ball with ice cream, opt for a homemade ice cream sandwich, or fix your savory cravings with nachos, hot dogs, and other summer snacks!
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6. Sno-la Uptown
- 8108 Hampson St., New Orleans
Sno-La Snowballs is home to the Original Cheesecake Stuffed Sno-ball and is also the creator of “sno-ball tasting”. Stop by year-round to try any of their specialty flavors and take home a souvenir mason jar!
7. Lou-Lou’s Snoballs & Ice Cream
- 3846 Johnson St., Metairie
Lou-Lou’s is the spot for all things cool in Metairie. Choose from a large variety of classic and sugar-free flavors, or opt for a soft-serve ice cream cone.
8. Sweet Thangs Designer Snoballs
- 1700 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans
Sweet Thangs takes sno-balls to the next level with its designer sno-balls, featuring sweet treat toppings like candy, cookies, cheesecake, syrups, and more, or order your sno-ball in a pineapple bowel for a tropical getaway at home. Plus, the seafood eggrolls and the creole crawfish nachos are a must-try.
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9. Casey’s Snowballs
- 608 W Esplanade Ave., Metairie
Stop by this Metairie staple for a classic Nola sno-ball! They’re open until 9 p.m. for those late-night sugar cravings, offer seasonal special flavors, and can now cater your next special event.
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10. Sal’s Sno-Ball Stand
- 1823 Metairie Ave., Metairie
Sal’s has been serving up sno-balls in New Orleans since 1960! Stop by to try any of their classic flavors, or treat yourself to a milkshake or malt!