From water ice to sno cones, here are six frozen treats to try that aren’t ice cream

Now that summer has rolled around and the heat is on, nothing cools us down quite like sno cones and shaved ice. But that opens the door to a big question: Where should you go? Who has the good stuff?

No worries, dear reader, because we have a round-up of some of the most popular purveyors of these sweet treats in town.

Looking for island vibes without leaving town? Check out Chilljoy’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. It emerged in 2018 when Stephanie McIntyre brought this Hawaiian shave ice to the capital city. As time passed, she placed the company into the hands of Kara and Joe Pashovich, who are keeping the popular spot running.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

It doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar location. Instead, they work out of a food truck, and taking an outdoor adventure to find your favorite truck is sometimes half the fun. Go to their website to seek them out!

Marlow’s Cheesesteaks at 93 N High St., Gahanna, started with a food cart at Eastland Mall. You likely know them for their cheesesteaks, but they also sell water ice, a dessert similar to Italian ice but with a smoother, creamier texture that’s popular in Philadelphia, where they’re from.

After gaining traction, they moved into Tuttle Mall, establishing a more permanent location. Over time, they expanded further, opening a Gahanna brick and mortar, all while steadily growing their presence. 

“Our water ice is unmatched, with tons of flavor making it indisputably one of central Ohio’s best frozen treats,” said co-owner Shanika Sheppard.

Bubba’s New Orleans Shaved Ice Snoballs in Grove City is proving very popular. Their small location, a stand on wheels, can be found at 4069 Hoover Rd. But it’s not the size of the sno cone stand that matters. Bubba’s offers quick service and a variety of impactful, delicious flavors.

Snoballs are a traditional treat in New Orleans, consisting of a mound of fluffy shaved ice, flavored with sweet syrups and enhanced with a variety of mix-ins and toppings.

Nola DAQ Shack, located at 212 Kelton Ave. in the East Market, is owned by Janvier Ward of Creole 2 Geaux, a New Orleans-inspired eatery.

Of course, they have their New Orleans-style sno cones too. While the name DAQ makes one think of daiquiris—and their frozen daiquiris is their best-seller—you won’t find any booze here. Patrons can easily slide over to two bars in the East Market for a quick alcoholic addition, if they’d like.

“We love the New Orleans-style sno cones and believe they stand apart from the rest! They are fun, fluffy, and of course, delicious,” Ward said.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is peppered throughout central Ohio! Did you know their Italian Ice is made fresh daily with over 95 rotating flavors? 95! The good news is there’s something for just about everyone.

Rounding out our list: Kona Ice is another popular place to get your shaved ice needs met. This is another mobile provider that doesn’t stay in one place. But that’s OK because they can come to you! Many people discover them through community events, and they offer a wide variety of flavors: from Blue Raspberry to Groovy Grape — and even Tiger’s Blood (Don’t take that name too literally).

Other flavors include Lucky Lime, Ninja Cherry, Monster Mango, and even Piña Colada.

Did your favorite spot make the list? Maybe this will inspire you to give some new places a whirl. Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite spot to cool down.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY