Tropical Sno

We came here looking for a delicious cool treat on a hot summer day. Tropical Sno did not disappoint. The staff were friendly and they prepared delicious shaved ice. There are a ton of different flavors. If it's your first time, I would recommend getting the small because it is plenty'. Adding cream sounds weird but is delicious.

As a family that enjoys visiting shaved ice spots throughout the North Valley, especially during the scorching Arizona summers and surprisingly warm winters, we were excited to try Tropical Sno. We were hoping it would become a go-to spot for us, given the convenience and location. However, our experience left much to be desired. Firstly, let's talk about the flavoring. The shaved ice itself was okay but definitely nothing to write home about. The flavors lacked the vibrant and refreshing taste we've come to expect from other similar places. Instead of being a burst of fruitiness or sweetness, the syrups tasted somewhat watered down and artificial. It was clear that the flavoring wasn't the best quality. We've experienced much better at other shaved ice locations in the area that offer more intense and enjoyable flavors. Now, let's discuss the ice cream, which is supposed to be a delightful addition to the shaved ice combo. Unfortunately, it was underwhelming. The ice cream lacked creaminess and richness, making it feel more like an afterthought than an integral part of the treat. It tasted generic and almost like it had been sitting in the freezer for too long. We love the combination of creamy ice cream with fluffy shaved ice, but in this case, it didn't live up to our expectations. As for the service, I think it's fair to say the teens behind the counter were not particularly motivated. While I understand that teenagers working at such places might not always be enthusiastic, it felt like they were doing the bare minimum. No smiles, no welcoming attitude, no genuine engagement with guests--just going through the motions. It's not that they were rude; they just seemed indifferent. A little bit of friendliness or energy could have gone a long way in making our visit more enjoyable. Service like this makes a big difference, especially at family-oriented spots where the atmosphere should be welcoming and friendly. Speaking of atmosphere, the environment at Tropical Sno was quite bland. The interior and exterior lacked character and could definitely use a bit of a facelift. With a bit of creative decor or even some themed elements, it could make the place feel more inviting and fun--a key aspect for any shaved ice location. Right now, it feels like just another unremarkable spot, which is a missed opportunity given how popular shaved ice can be in Arizona's climate. Overall, while our family loves shaved ice and seeks it out regularly, Tropical Sno is not a top-five contender in the North Valley. It certainly has potential but could try a lot harder to elevate the quality of its offerings and service. We might give it another shot in the future, but for now, there are better options around. If they improve the flavor quality, add more enthusiasm to their service, and brighten up the atmosphere, this place could become a local favorite. Until then, we'll be exploring other shaved ice spots that deliver a more memorable experience.

This just made my day! I can't believe this is open near my apartment and it's a drive thru. The person working the window was super friendly and helpful! I wish everyone experiences the kind of joy I did when she handed this to me. It was so soft, fluffy and delicious. I will be back.

This spot is everything. The flavor combinations exceed expectations. There's a very convenient drive thru. The owner is kind and generous. We all loved the consistency of the ice treats. We will absolutely make several visits this summer bc we have to try so many items including the ice cream, the rainbow one is called play dough and the blue cookies and cream is always on the kids radar. Clean and open space with very clever cup holders built in to the tables. Prices are a good value! Grateful to have this location!!!