Let it sno: The best sno-ball stands in New Orleans
Round up: Summer Sno-ball Stands
We’re well into sno-ball season, but where in New Orleans can you find the classics, the most beloved and the newly innovative variations of the city’s summertime delicacy? People have been selling sno-balls here for almost a hundred years, and you just know something is going to be good when it requires proprietary technology to make it. Think of this as a cooling-down companion piece to our Where to Swim feature. Here’s where to grab a cup of finely-fluffed ice, and which flavors you might want to check out (snow-ball stands are presented in alphabetical order):
Chance in Hell
3000 Royal St., Fri-Sun 2pm - 7pm
A relatively recent but very welcome addition to the sno-ball scene here in the city, CIH’s temporary location is now more permanent, and their legions of lovely, loyal fans are sure to follow them. The dynamic duo of Kitten and Lou serve up enticing concoctions such as Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Lemon Cream - all natch, small batch, as they say themselves.
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
4801 Tchoupitoulas St., Tues-Sun 12 noon - 6pm
The O.G. of New Orleans’ sno-balls, you just have to take a look at the lines to see what an institution this place is. Don’t be discouraged, though - they blaze through the orders like the well-iced machine it is, perfected over decades. They have a James Beard award, so, you know, they’re kind of a big deal. Fans say that the texture puts them over the top, and among my friends, favored flavors include: Satsuma, Hibiscus and Cucumber, Blueberry, Wedding Cake and Nectar Cream.
Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls
3511 Magazine St., Mon-Sun 12 noon - 7pm
Keep your pecker up this summer on Magazine Street, one friend I asked put this place head and shoulders above the competition, so worth a look at least. Homemade syrups and flavors such as Mardi Gras King Cake, Tiger Blood and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Nola Snow Snoballs and Catering
908 Harrison Ave., Sun-Friday 2pm - 6pm; Sat 12 noon - 6pm
Touting themselves as the oldest sno-ball stand in Lakeview, they’ve been slinging sno since 1983. They can also cater your party - have them roll up with 100 sno-balls and you’ll be popular forever, probably. Spearmint, Green Apple and Pink Lemonade are among their most popular flavors.
Pandora’s Snowballs
901 N. Carrollton Ave., Mon-Sun 12 noon - 6.45pm
Another long-time sno-ball purveyor, these guys have been around for half a century. How about Sour Watermelon, Orchid Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Cheesecake for flavors?
Rodney’s Snowball Stand
9231 Lake Forest Blvd., Mon-Sun 12 noon - 6.30pm
This is a classic, old-school sno-ball business that has a walk-up window and only takes cash, as god intended. Fans seem to love the softness of the ice and heavy-handed syrup pours, and the good selection of sugar-free options.
Sno-La Snowballs
8108 Hampson St., Mon-Sun 1pm - 8pm
Lots of sno-ball innovation taking place here, owner Kerry Crossley making waves with his Original Cheesecake Stuffed Snoball. Sn-la has a few more inventive options such as Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches, and the Chantilly Cake. You’re welcome to taste before you buy, and the shop also has its own signature mason jars, perfect for repeat customers.
Stop Jockin Snoballs
3600 Jumonville St., Tues-Sun 1pm - 7pm
My friend is a regular customer, and says, “They always put gummy worms in the snowballs and my kiddo adores it!” The candy additions are a big hit, as are the Georgia Peach, Honeydew Melon, and Dreamsicle flavors.
Sweet Thangs NOLA
1700 N. Claiborne Ave., Mon 11am - 7pm; Wed-Sat 11 am - 7pm; Sun 1pm - 6pm
Let us introduce you to the concept of a ‘designer sno-ball’ - to have Sweet Thangs tell it, it’s “An over-the-top New Orleans original sno-ball with topping and stuffings, such as candy, fruit, cookies, cakes or a whole slice of cheesecake.” Expect all the bells and whistles with these sno-balls, with decadent options like Banana Puddin, Gentilly Wedding Cake and the Unicorn, which comes with cotton candy.
William’s Plum Street Snowballs
1300 Burdette St., Mon-Sat 2pm - 8pm; Sun 2pm - 7pm
Lots of love for this place in my informal friends’ poll. Born and raised here, Shawn says, “I have been getting snowballs there since I was a kid in the 70s. They have the best chocolate snowballs I have ever had, and all of their flavored syrups are unmatched.” Folks love the neighborhood vibe and the vintage decor, and they boast over 50 flavors, with Key Lime Pie, Yellow Cake Batter and Kiwi as well as the classic Chocolate variations.
WHERE TO SWIM THIS SUMMER
NEW BOOKS FOR NEW ORLEANS
We’re well into sno-ball season, but where in New Orleans can you find the classics, the most beloved and the newly innovative variations of the city’s summertime delicacy? People have been selling sno-balls here for almost a hundred years, and you just know something is going to be good when it requires proprietary technology to make it. Think of this as a cooling-down companion piece to our Where to Swim feature. Here’s where to grab a cup of finely-fluffed ice, and which flavors you might want to check out (snow-ball stands are presented in alphabetical order):
Chance in Hell
3000 Royal St., Fri-Sun 2pm - 7pm
A relatively recent but very welcome addition to the sno-ball scene here in the city, CIH’s temporary location is now more permanent, and their legions of lovely, loyal fans are sure to follow them. The dynamic duo of Kitten and Lou serve up enticing concoctions such as Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Lemon Cream - all natch, small batch, as they say themselves.
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
4801 Tchoupitoulas St., Tues-Sun 12 noon - 6pm
The O.G. of New Orleans’ sno-balls, you just have to take a look at the lines to see what an institution this place is. Don’t be discouraged, though - they blaze through the orders like the well-iced machine it is, perfected over decades. They have a James Beard award, so, you know, they’re kind of a big deal. Fans say that the texture puts them over the top, and among my friends, favored flavors include: Satsuma, Hibiscus and Cucumber, Blueberry, Wedding Cake and Nectar Cream.
Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls
3511 Magazine St., Mon-Sun 12 noon - 7pm
Keep your pecker up this summer on Magazine Street, one friend I asked put this place head and shoulders above the competition, so worth a look at least. Homemade syrups and flavors such as Mardi Gras King Cake, Tiger Blood and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Nola Snow Snoballs and Catering
908 Harrison Ave., Sun-Friday 2pm - 6pm; Sat 12 noon - 6pm
Touting themselves as the oldest sno-ball stand in Lakeview, they’ve been slinging sno since 1983. They can also cater your party - have them roll up with 100 sno-balls and you’ll be popular forever, probably. Spearmint, Green Apple and Pink Lemonade are among their most popular flavors.
Pandora’s Snowballs
901 N. Carrollton Ave., Mon-Sun 12 noon - 6.45pm
Another long-time sno-ball purveyor, these guys have been around for half a century. How about Sour Watermelon, Orchid Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Cheesecake for flavors?
Rodney’s Snowball Stand
9231 Lake Forest Blvd., Mon-Sun 12 noon - 6.30pm
This is a classic, old-school sno-ball business that has a walk-up window and only takes cash, as god intended. Fans seem to love the softness of the ice and heavy-handed syrup pours, and the good selection of sugar-free options.
Sno-La Snowballs
8108 Hampson St., Mon-Sun 1pm - 8pm
Lots of sno-ball innovation taking place here, owner Kerry Crossley making waves with his Original Cheesecake Stuffed Snoball. Sn-la has a few more inventive options such as Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches, and the Chantilly Cake. You’re welcome to taste before you buy, and the shop also has its own signature mason jars, perfect for repeat customers.
Stop Jockin Snoballs
3600 Jumonville St., Tues-Sun 1pm - 7pm
My friend is a regular customer, and says, “They always put gummy worms in the snowballs and my kiddo adores it!” The candy additions are a big hit, as are the Georgia Peach, Honeydew Melon, and Dreamsicle flavors.
Sweet Thangs NOLA
1700 N. Claiborne Ave., Mon 11am - 7pm; Wed-Sat 11 am - 7pm; Sun 1pm - 6pm
Let us introduce you to the concept of a ‘designer sno-ball’ - to have Sweet Thangs tell it, it’s “An over-the-top New Orleans original sno-ball with topping and stuffings, such as candy, fruit, cookies, cakes or a whole slice of cheesecake.” Expect all the bells and whistles with these sno-balls, with decadent options like Banana Puddin, Gentilly Wedding Cake and the Unicorn, which comes with cotton candy.
William’s Plum Street Snowballs
1300 Burdette St., Mon-Sat 2pm - 8pm; Sun 2pm - 7pm
Lots of love for this place in my informal friends’ poll. Born and raised here, Shawn says, “I have been getting snowballs there since I was a kid in the 70s. They have the best chocolate snowballs I have ever had, and all of their flavored syrups are unmatched.” Folks love the neighborhood vibe and the vintage decor, and they boast over 50 flavors, with Key Lime Pie, Yellow Cake Batter and Kiwi as well as the classic Chocolate variations.
WHERE TO SWIM THIS SUMMER
NEW BOOKS FOR NEW ORLEANS