Sno-ball season is a glorious time. From March to October, stands like Hansen's Sno-Bliz and SnoWizard are found all over NOLA. But once October comes to a close, so do the frozen dessert stands. Instead of sitting around in sorrow, here are 7 frozen dessert places to fill the void that sno-balls left behind.
1. Creole Creamery
If you haven't been to Creole Creamery, stop reading this article right now and go. With over forty flavors and a constantly evolving menu, it's impossible to get bored of this neighborhood creamery. Yes, they have your usual suspects— vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip– but they also have some wacky flavors that you won't regret trying.
My personal favorite is one of their seasonal flavors Black and Gold Crunch— vanilla custard flavored with a hint of chicory and swirled with pieces of Oreos and chocolate chips. Get it before it's gone.
2. Dat Iceroll
Are you a Dat Dog enthusiast? Do you love ice cream? Well, I have good news for you. Located right outside Dat Dog on Magazine Street, this rolled ice cream stand is the perfect treat to complement your hot dog or just to put a smile on your face. Each ice cream is made to order, and it's an extra treat to watch them make it in front of you. It's basically the hibachi of ice cream. It's only open Friday through Sunday, so as soon as the weekend rolls in, head on over for some rolled deliciousness.
3. Piccola Gelateria
Located right on Freret Street, Piccola Gelateria not only offers an abundance of breakfast and lunch foods, but they also offer 18 different flavors of gelato and sorbetto that change daily. And now, they are even willing to whip their gelato into shakes. Designed after a typical living room, the interior of the shop is so cozy and perfect for a study break.
4. Shake Therapy
Wanting to shake things up a bit? Head on over to Shake Therapy, the newest gourmet milkshake shop in NOLA. I didn't think a milkshake could get any better, but these milkshakes proved me wrong. Easily the best milkshake I've ever had. Their ice cream is completely homemade, and they even have gluten-free and vegan options. And talk about toppings— from pop tarts and donuts to Nutella, marshmallows, and even macaroons, they have it all.
5. Angelo Brocato's
A NOLA tradition since 1905, this Italian spot offers gelato and cannoli, along with pastries and other sweets. I promise, you won't leave here hungry, considering each cup is totally loaded with gelato– they definitely don't rip you off. To top it off, they are willing to ship their desserts anywhere within the continental U.S., so don't worry if you aren't in NOLA.
6. Sucré
Along with macaroons, king cakes, artisanal chocolates, cupcakes, and all sorts of other sweets, this dessert spot has an incredible array of gelato. If you're craving anything sweet, this is the place to go. Their Café au Lait gelato is to die for. But really, so is everything on their menu. Not in the mood for gelato? Check out their refreshing sorbet. They even have a sugar-free raspberry flavor if you're feeling super healthy.
7. Drip Affogato Bar
Are you an ice cream connoisseur? Are you a coffee fanatic? Affogato—meaning "to drip" in Italian— is such a unique concept. They locally source their ice cream from none other than Creole Creamery, but to spice things up, they drown the ice cream in all sorts of espresso. Everything from the incredible ambience with white walls and tables, a wooden countertop, and hanging lamps, to the irresistible ice cream, makes this a destination spot for all things affogato.
So, wipe away your post-sno-ball tears, and try one of these frozen dessert spots. Whether you're in the mood for ice cream, rolled ice cream, gelato, a milkshake, or even affogato, these places are sure to please. After you're finished trying each one, I promise March won't feel so far away.