Ahh! Summer in Austin. Truth be told, it’s really hot, humid and sticky out there. If you’re originally from Texas, you’re used to it and you might even love it! No matter how familiar you are to the infamous Texas heat, you’ll be looking to cool down with an ice cold beverage. Summers in Austin are special for many reasons, but we’re especially excited for one very special reason. It’s Snow Cone season!
Snow cones are made of shaved ice using a special machine that shaves the ice in to the cup filling it with smooth, snow-like ice making it easier to enjoy while the sweet flavors of syrup and toppings melt in your mouth. They’re especially tasty because you can add almost anything you want on top enhance the tasty experience. You can actually go beyond the simple syrup and get creative with toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, coconut flakes, chocolate or caramel sauce, and even fresh fruit chunks can make this special treat something truly special.
We toured the entire city, stopping at our favorite shaved ice hot-spots to find the best flavors and concoctions Austin has to offer.
Jump Ahead To
Serving up flavorful frosty treats since 1996, Casey’s is was founded by Suzy Casey Gallagher and Kit Thompson of Metarie, Louisiana. Each of their 60 flavors is made with simple syrup cooked in-house. Ice cold and pleasantly smooth, each flavor delivers unbelievable taste and not to be consumed in moderation. Each serving is considerably generous so be prepared for a wonderful sugar rush!
Our Favorites: Classic Rainbow, Strawberry with Ice Cream and whipped cream topping, Boston Cream Pie
13497 Highway 183 N @ Anderson Mill Rd
Light, fine and fluffy; a vivid divergence from a chunky, crushed ice snow cone. Sweet Caroline’s famous SnoWizard machine creates perfect soft ice, absorbing the flavored syrup providing an impeccable blend that becomes downright addicting!
Our Favorites: The Sweet Caroline and The Keep Austin Weird!
801 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704
Supposedly this is the most popular snow ball spot in all of Austin and judging from the crowd, the rumors were true. We stood in a long (and hot) line waiting patiently for the refreshing taste of the infamous Austin snowball. Despite the high summer temperatures, the long lines move quickly at Sno-Beach. Getting to the end is worth the wait, and worth the hype!
Our Favorites: Half Tigers Blood and half Wedding Cake. Kids favorite is Rainbow, wild cherry, lemon and blue raspberry.
615-A. East 6th Street
I first heard about Jim Jim’s Water Ice last summer through a series of radio ads. Jim Jim’s has a unbelievably smooth finish unlike any other snow ball in the city. It’s smoothness is derived from Italian Water-Ice, a legendary summertime treat based out of Philadelphia. Similar to Italian gelato, it is a water-based product made with real fruit ingredients blended in super fine ice, forming a velvety smooth texture that easily melts in your mouth bursting with fresh flavor. Even better, it contains no fat, and no cholesterol making it the perfect frosty treat of the summer.
Our Favorites: A trio mix of Passion Fruit, Mango and Strawberry Lemonade. Simply perfecto!
113 N Mays St – Round Rock, TX 78664
Found on North Mays Street, in downtown Round Rock, Kawaii‘s Shaved Ice is a cool break from the Texas summer heat. With delicious and unique flavor combinations like the Maui-Wowie (Strawberry, Mango, Watermelon) and the Mango Chile Chamoy, flavors are plentiful and nearly endless making it the hottest frosty spot in Round Rock.
Our Favorite: Mango Chile Chamoy
502 West 30th street (next to the Burlap Bag).
11220 N Lamar Blvd B275, Austin, TX 78753
RAAAWWWRRR!!! Don’t worry, a real Snow Monster isn’t so scary! It’s actually a dessert that is hands down the lightest, fluffiest, snowiest frosty treat in all of Austin with a style much different than the traditional New Orleans style snow ball. The Snow Monster is a cross between ice cream and shaved ice, served as a mountain of flavored snow, drizzled with sauce and fruit. The result is a silky smooth finish unlike any other you’ll experience in town. The dessert is very popular in most Asian countries and Hawaii and is quickly becoming popular in the United States. You can easily share this treat with your friends or family because the Snow Monster is served in a dish big enough for 2-3 people to enjoy
Our Favorite: Mango Snow Ice topped with mango chunks, drizzled with mango sauce. You will thank us later!
Contributors:
Amy Drohen (Frozen Rickshaw)
Natalie Jack (Sno-Beach)
Taylor Butler (Kawaii’s)
Hayden Walker (Casey’s, Sweet Caroline, Jim Jim’s, Snow Monster)
We probably won't see a white Christmas in Austin, but don't let that ruin your…
The LINE Austin has unveiled their latest concept, Cantero, a bar that takes mixology to…
The demand for sugar free hard candy is on the rise, especially among those managing…
Thanksgiving in Austin is a time for festive feasting, and there’s no shortage of delightful…
Pursuit Farms has become a beacon for discerning palates seeking the finest Wagyu beef available…
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…