Icy Summer Treats in New Orleans

Hot NOLA summers call for icy treats, and there’s no shortage of delicious ways to cool down in the Crescent City. The next time the sun is out in full force, be sure to pick up one of these cold desserts to help you beat the heat.

Sno-balls at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz

Summer in New Orleans is incomplete without a trip to Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. You may see a long line coming from the little sno-ball shop on Tchoupitoulas Street, but it’s for good reason: the employees craft each sno-ball with a tried-and-true technique. This James Beard Award winning shop has been around since 1939 and will make all of your sweet shaved ice dreams come true.

Honorable Mentions

Sno-La Snowballs takes the classic New Orleans treat and stuffs it with cheesecake - a delicious and unique combination. Plum Street Snowballs on Plum Street Uptown is an adorable, family-run sno-ball shop worth stopping by, and Imperial Woodpecker is a no-brainer as a refreshing stop if you're strolling Magazine Street. 

Ice Cream at Creole Creamery

Creole Creamery, with locations Uptown on Prytania Street and near City Park in Lakeview, gives visitors that feeling of stepping back in time when they walk through the doors. Customers have a seemingly endless amount of flavor choices to choose from, ranging from the standard options like chocolate or vanilla to the unusual ones like lavender honey, and more local offerings like Bananas Foster and Creole cream cheese.

Honorable Mentions

Lucy Boone, which started as a Covid-era pop-up, now has a brick-and-mortar featuring classics as well as creative ice cream flavors, including North Shore Honey with crystalized chunks of local honey comb and Miso Crunch. Gail’s Fine Ice Cream  in Lakeview is your spot for both classic and fun flavors, as well as frozen drinks and iced coffee. Ice Cream 504 is all about delicious, fresh ingredients, and small batches of homemade ice cream. Stop in during any afternoon stroll on Freret Street to enjoy seasonal scoops like King Cake, sweet potato pie, and even pineapple & cilantro.

Affogato at Drip Affogato Bar

Picture that decadent ice cream from Creole Creamery topped with a locally-brewed coffee, and that’s just what you’ll get at Drip Affogato Bar. Affogato combines these two indulgences into one dessert. You can choose options like Bananas Foster or Matcha from the menu or build your own affogato with options for ice cream, coffee, toppings, and syrups. A pitstop at Drip Affogato Bar is highly recommended on a hot summer day exploring the Warehouse District, when you need a little caffeine (and sugar) pick-me-up.

Gelato at Piccola Gelateria

Piccola Gelateria has made a name for itself on thriving Magazine Street (the address is 4500 Magazine, but the entrance is on the Jena Street side). The shop is especially known for gelato and espresso, but also serves crepes and lattes.

Honorable Mentions

You can’t mention gelato without mentioning Angelo Brocato’s, an Italian ice cream and pastry shop that’s a staple for many New Orleanians. The parlor has been run by the Brocato family for over a century and is famous for their gelato (among other tasty Italian treats). Cool down with an ice cream cone or cannoli after you spend a hot day at nearby City Park. If you find yourself in need of a cool, creamy treat in the French Quarter, stop by Abbott's Frozen Custard. Get a hand-packed pint, a custard cookie sandwich, or even a custard cake or pie for your next party. 

Popsicles at Big O's Original Pops

Move over, sno-ball – popsicles are making a comeback in NOLA. Big O's Original Pops are made with fresh fruit for flavors like Strawberries-N-Cream and Spicy Pineapple. Popbar New Orleans is also a go-to place for popsicles of many flavors, plus various "gelato shakes," a milkshake topped with a stuffed ice cream cone. 

For even more icy summer treats, check out the best places to get ice cream here.