Tropic Hawaiian Shave Ice

Finding out about this gem - courtesy of Yelp - is a godsend. There are few things as refreshing and flavorful as a good old-fashioned Hawaiian shaved ice to help deal with the oppressive heat in Fresno during the summer months. Hawaiian shaved ice is much better than an ordinary snowcone because it is thinly shaved down to give it a powdery, snow-like texture that absorbs the flavored syrups directly into it, unlike snowcones made with crushed ice. Moreover, wherever you find a Hawaiian shaved ice stand, you almost always find more flavored syrup options, including tropical flavors like mango, guava, and passionfruit. And a cream topping like vanilla or coconut condensed milk is layered on top of the cone. Tropic Hawaiian Shave Ice has additional chocolate and banana cream toppings.It is located inside the Speedy Zapatos Mexican restaurant at the front counter. This place will pile on the shaved ice and liberally drench it with the flavored syrups and cream toppings. There are nearly 30 flavor choices and a large cone is only $7. I like the flavors I picked: banana, bubble gum, and mango. Awesome Hawaiian shaved ice! It definitely hits the spot on a scorching hot day.

Speedy Zapatos is a great place to get shaved ice!! I know it's probably not a place you'd think to come to for shaved ice, but trust me when I tell you, this place is a legit place for shaved ice!! My kids love coming here. I can't recommend it enough!! I don't know why it took me this long to find out about this hidden spot in the midst of this crazy heat wave!! You won't be disappointed!!

Great Hawaiian ice! Don't let the appearance fool you, it's inside a Mexican restaurant. Go and enjoy a cool refreshing cone !

This place is amazing! Love the shaved ice. I can't believe it's in a Mexican restaurant though but still great service and great food.

Came in on a hot 105 degree day. The shop is very simple, not much decor and the seating looked all outdated. But the important part was the shaved Ice...I had a large shaved ice and it was so tasty. Definitely quenched my thirst, the ice texture is perfect and the quantity is overwhelming! The large could've fed me and 2 other people. I tried it with the coconut cream on top and it made me feel like I was in Hawaii! I will definitely be back!

First time at tropic was great, brought the whole family in. Was kinda weary because I showed up 30mins before closing and I know the business and during the last hr or so they tent to maybe put things away and get ready to get close. But I was pleased and they were more than grateful to help us. I definitely recommend it!!

YAY! Today we found the best place! Finally a Shave Ice that's nearly identical to what you'll get on the Hawaiian islands. They even spell it correctly! The "small" for $4 gets you a gigantic shave ice We live west of 99 & wished they were closer... but it's ok because we will return! (...maybe tomorrow!)

Best bang for your buck! The "small" is huge, and only $4! Great consistency of the ice, and great flavors to choose from. Up to 3 flavors. You can get a punch card too, buy 9, get one free.I will definitely return.

Now hear this....EXCELLENT!!!I just got back from Hawaii and this is just as good and the same quantity for the price as you will find there.For those that refer to this as "shaved" ice, they are amateurs and know not what they speak. And any business that advertises that they sell "shaved" ice does not know a thing about it and you will end up with a snow cone consistency. It is "Shave" ice just as this business states.This shop sets up their tent outside Speedy Zapatos Mexican Foodon Blackstone and El Paso Ave in the mid afternoons. http://www.yelp.com/biz/speedy-zapatos-mexican-food-fresno and when the tent is not set up at other times you can still just go inside of Speedy Zapatos and oder.I ordered a medium for $4. A Styrofoam cup is dropped into a large plastic plate with a hole in the center that accepts that cup. Then the shave ice is dispensed into the cup and built up and packed into a large mound as shown in my photo. Included are up to 3 flavors and the owner tells me he has more than 30 that you will be able to choose from once they get going a bit more. On today's visit there were about 20 to choose from. They also include a "Snow Cap" (essentially condensed milk) generous drizzle at no charge if you want it.Compare this shops size of Shave Ice to one of the most popular Shave Ice shops on the island of Kauai here http://www.yelp.com/biz/ono-ono-shave-ice-kapaa-2 and you will see that in this shop you will get the biggest "bang for your buck" compared to other shops in Clovis/Fresno.I have been to Lalani Shave Ice in Clovis and Tropic Hawaiian Shave Ice blows them out of the water when it come to the biggest bang for your buck.

When they are serving shaved ice we usually go several times during the summer. Lots of flavors to chose from. Ice is fluffy not like snow cones. The service is great too. Or have dinner then shaved ice for dessert. VERY DELICIOUS.