Hansen's Sno-Bliz
"When you're in New Orleans, be sure to hit up the person behind the front desk at your hotel at least once after check-in and before check-out to ask what the best place to grab a snowball (Sno-ball? Up in the air...) is.And if you're lucky, there will be two people behind the front desk, so they can have a fierce debate about it. My decision was made after hearing that Hansen's gave you a souvenir cup with your sno-ball.It was 90+ degrees the entire time we were in NOLA. Without taking the humidity into consideration. So it came as no surprise that the first thing our Uber driver said to us was "Hansen's? I could really use a sno-ball today too!" (We invited her to join us but she declined because of the sugar content. Which... fair.)Plan and time your visit well. Hansen's is a little out of the way and is guaranteed to have a line. I found myself awkwardly craning my neck at times to catch the shade. It's a tiny mom-and-pop place (it's been in the Hansen family for three generations) and the fans inside won't do much to cool you down until you take your first bite of a sno-ball.It tastes nothing like shaved ice. The texture is softer -- truly snowlike. I got satsuma (a tart citrusy flavor that you'll find on the menu of many NOLA institutions, whether edible or in candle form) and cream of earl grey. I could barely taste the earl grey, so I think I should've gotten another flavor, but the satsuma was heavenly."
Stop Jockin Snoballs
"I must submit, I believe I have a new favorite snowball stand in the Gentilly area. STOP JOCKIN!!! I do love the name... it's a little old school, but catchy. I pass this snowball stand all the time hopping onto the 610 interstate and when I wanted to stop in they were closed. But I see now, they have more consistent hours now. The food is good. Great price. Great taste. Snowballs are extraordinary. Great price. Excellent taste. The ice is so soft in your mouth. It just literally melts in your mouth. I saw a lady coming by for snowballs no syrup, that ice only... Proof positive that people like the ice here. The flavors are off the chain. I never had a dry snowball from here, sounds like an oxymoron, but it happens. They've always been succulent, moist, juicy and very flavorful. I've also had the pleasant opportunity to purchase food from this establishment. The food is processed really quickly, and as I stated previously, the taste is good. And I while I've not had everything on the menu, the things that I have had have all been tasty and fair in pricing. The cups are thick styrofoam, I never had to worry about puncturing the bottom of the snowball, nor did I have to worry about the sides being so flimsy that they broke once I grabbed these cups. I've been here more than a few times and I must admit the lines will form quickly, however the staff are quick with reducing the line and processing orders. I am unsure if this location stays open year-round, but as it stands now I plan to visit them daily until I find out otherwise."
