Looking for a satisfying snack to help you cool off in this sweltering heat? Fortunately, snowball season has resumed in New Orleans and stands throughout the city are serving the tasty treat to eager patrons. Although no shortage of snowball stands resides in the city, I figured it might be helpful to direct your attention to a few highly acclaimed establishments. The following list includes some of the most tried and true venues:
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz
Hansen’sinarguably stands the test of time as a Nola tradition, with its 73 years in operation serving as testimony. Founded in 1939 by husband and wife duo, Ernest and Mary Hansen, the establishment still remains within the family and is currently run by the couple’s granddaughter. Hansen’s is unique in that each and every snowball is made from the original ice-shaving machine invented by Ernest. Furthermore, these delectable treats are infused with flavored syrups that are prepared fresh daily using Mary’s secret recipes. Hansen’s prides itself in continuing the tradition of serving snowballs to generations of New Orleans families. Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is located at 4801 Tchoupitoulas Street and is open Tuesday-Sunday from 1 pm-7 pm
SnoWizard
This iconic stand will undoubtedly satisfy the pickiest of snowball patrons with its extensive array of flavors. Taste buds will be titillated by offerings such as chai latte, cotton candy, king cake, piña colada, strawberry cheesecake and dozens more. SnoWizard has recently expanded its menu to include enticing flavors such as mudslide, mojito and cake batter cream. In my opinion, any place serving up alcohol-flavored snowballs is worth a try! For those health conscious individuals wary of sweets, don’t fret, as SnoWizard offers an assortment of sugar free snowballs. If you’re interested in checking out this long-standing establishment, it is located at 4001 Magazine Street and is open Sunday-Friday from noon to 8pm and on Saturdays from noon to 7 pm.
Plum Street Snoball
Plum Street Snoball, which has been under operation by the Black family since 1979, is truly a family establishment. Claude Black, the current owner, did not originally intend to enter the snowball business. However, in 1979 he received news that his father had purchased Plum Street Snoball for him. Fortunately, Claude and his wife quickly developed a passion for the business and the two have been churning out hundreds of freshly made snowballs ever since. Plum Street Snoball has received a multitude of accolades over the years, including a feature on the Food Network, a write-up in the Wall Street Journal, and a consistent presence at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In fact, Plum Street Snoball will be dishing out their delicacies at this year’s festival, which is just a few weeks away. However, if you want to thwart your own personal hunger games, (sorry, but I couldn’t resist on that one) then head over to Plum Street Snowball whenever your first craving sets in. The stand is located at 1300 Burdette Street and is open Sunday-Friday from 2-8 pm and on Saturdays from 12-8 pm.