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.
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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!
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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!
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!
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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!
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram