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. 

Hansen’s Sno-Bliz

4801 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans

Eighty-five 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. 

 

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Chance in Hell Snowballs

805 Louisa St., Ste. 102, New Orleans

This funky Bywater stand serves ultra-fluffy sno-balls with housemade syrups in rotating, seasonal flavors. Grab a flight of minis on Fridays for $9, or try their weekly special every Saturday.

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!

 

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Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls

3511 Magazine St., New Orleans

5033 Freret St., New Orleans

This cheerful Uptown stand serves ultra-fine ice with housemade syrups in creative flavors like pineapple-cilantro, orchid cream, and grapefruit-basil. A go-to for both classics and adventurous combos, it’s a summertime staple on Magazine.

Pandora’s Snowballs and Soft Serve Ice Cream

901 N. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans

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!

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! 

 

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Lou-Lou’s Snoballs & Ice Cream

708 Phosphor Ave., Metairie

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. 

 

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Sweet Thangs Designer Snoballs

207 N. Peters St., New Orleans

4202 S. Carrollton 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 bowl for a tropical getaway at home. Plus, the seafood eggrolls and the creole crawfish nachos are a must-try.

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!

 

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Nectar + Ice

3304 Green  Acres Rd., Unit B, Metairie

This allergy- and vegan-friendly newcomer is redefining the sno-ball game with handmade syrups, vegan condensed milk, edible flowers, and even mochi-stuffed sno-balls. Their elevated approach to a Nola classic is as Instagrammable as it is refreshing.

 

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This article was originally published in July 2025.