There are two types of people in this world: those that like snowballs, and those that haven’t tried snowballs.
For generations, snowballs have helped people of all shapes and sizes temporarily escape the New Orleans summer heat as they sink their teeth into one of the limitless flavor combinations.
From late April to early September, snowball stands all over New Orleans provide loyal patrons with the fix that they need. Though most snowball stands make the same product in principle (shaved ice with syrup), the end result varies greatly. And like the po-boy, or anything in New Orleans, everyone has their own opinion on which snowball stand is the best.
William’s Plum Street Snowballs
1300 Burdette St., New Orleans, LA 70118
Hours: Sunday-Friday 2p.m.to 8p.m., Saturday 12p.m. to 8p.m.
As far as location goes, Plum Street Snowballs is the most ideal snowball stand for Loyola and Tulane students. Plum Street has long been known as one of the most popular stands in New Orleans, both for its quick service, traditional New Orleans atmosphere and unique flavors. Some of the most popular flavors include nectar cream, cream ice cream, and King cake. It is definitely a neighborhood hangout, located on the corner of Plum Street and Burdette Street with benches and folding chairs outside.
What makes it unique: Plum Street Snowballs also caters private parties and events, usually serving eleven of their most popular flavors.
Sal’s Sno-balls
1823 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11a.m. to 10:30p.m., Sunday 2p.m. to 10:30p.m.
The commute is less than ideal for university area students , but Sal’s Snowballs is worth the twenty minute drive to Metairie. Sal’s has been using the same time-tested technique since they opened in 1960, They have most of the typical snowball flavors, but they also include unique combinations on their menu, like Pink Squirrel (nectar cream and almond) and
Robin (nectar cream and ice cream flavor.) What makes it unique: It’s open until 10:30 p.m., 2 hours later than most.
Sno Wizard Sno Ball Stand
4001 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115
Hours: Sunday-Friday 12p.m to 8p.m., Saturday 12p.m. to 7p.m.
Like many other snowball stands in New Orleans, Sno Wizard has a slew of devoted followers, mostly made up of neighborhood residents. Sno Wizard boasts a robust menu of over 140 flavors to choose from, and it only costs 10 cents to add an extra flavor. Because their snowballs come in pails, it’s probably best to get a plastic bag. It’s also worth the extra 10 cents.
What makes it unique: For those who don’t enjoy snowballs, Sno Wizard also sells ice cream, nachos, and other items.
Hansen’s Sno-Blitz
4801 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70115
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 1p.m. to 7p.m.
There has been endless debate over which snowball stand is the best, but few question that Hansen’s Sno-Blitz is the original. In 1939, Earnest and Mary Hansen invented what is today known as the snowball. Earnest invented the first ice-shaving machine, while Mary created the flavored syrups. 73 years later, Hansen’s not only still uses the same syrup, but they also use the same machine.
What makes it unique: When going to Hansen’s, expect a fairly lengthy line. But it’s worth it. It might even add to the flavor.
Patrick Rafferty can be reached at [email protected]
