Each summer, Houstonians get the tropical version of cabin fever, staying inside homes and offices with the AC on full blast. Luckily, there are plenty of frosty and delicious treats around town that can offer a welcome reprieve from the heat.
Paletas, a Mexican popsicle made from ingredients like fresh fruit and cream, are just as popular during the summer months as ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt. The popularity of paletas in Houston has resulted in a rise in their availability, expanding beyond the push cart vendors at local events and parks to include dedicated artisan shops around town. Local paleta producers have jumped on the gourmet ice cream train and are handcrafting high quality desserts with wildly imaginative flavors. Here are some of the best places in Houston to cool down, paleta in hand.
Refresqueria at Rice Village
This hip ice cream shop in Rice Village is popular among families, with paletas in fun flavors like cookie monster and neapolitan. There is plenty of seating, inside and out, and the decor is a feast for the eyes. In addition to its creative selection of paletas, there are other refreshers such as all natural raspas, snow cones, ice cream splits, snacks, and fruit cocktails. A second location called My Refresqueria recently opened near the Galleria. 5407 Morningside Dr., refresqueria.net
Morelia’s Gourmet Paletas
Founded in 2016 in Coral Gables, Florida, Morelia’s was named for the Mexican city in which paletas are believed to have originated. Houston now has two locations in which to indulge your paleta fantasy. The hard part is deciding which of the 18 all-natural flavors to begin with, then customizing it with an array of dips and toppings. The cookies and cream paleta has a whole Oreo in it, while the banana is filled with Nutella. Morelia’s recently introduced a Dubai chocolate version made with Belgian chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy kataifi. In addition to regular toppings like M&M’s and coconut flakes, there are specialties like s’mores, a marshmallow fluff dip that is toasted for a campfire experience. Multiple locations, paletasmorelia.com
Paletas del Sol
This kiosk inside POST Market has a wide variety of handmade paletas in cream-based and water-based varieties, and guests can request a sample before committing to one. Go for a signature paleta, or build-your-own and customize with dippings and toppings. Horchata is a popular choice, but for something truly unique, try the taro or bubblegum flavors. 401 Franklin St., Houston
La Michoacana Autentica
With two locations north of Houston, this paleta shop may be off the radar for inner loop folks, but suburbanites in the Cypress area have been loyal to the family-owned shop since it first opened in 2019. Owners Vanessa and Jorge Padilla take pride in offering homemade paletas and ice cream, plus mangonadas and Gansitos, a Mexican snack cake that can be eaten on its own or incorporated into ice cream. Multiple locations
Popston
Jonathan Delgado grew his handcrafted paleta and ice cream business from a paleta cart in Museum District that opened in 2016 to a Second Ward brick-and-mortar location in 2022. Delgado is consistently creating Houston-themed paletas and ice creams, including flavors inspired by iconic haunts like Shipley’s Donut and El Bolillo Bakery. The Golden Dragon Glow is a vegan sorbet that took quite a bit of experimentation, but frozen creations are Delgado’s passion. Offerings change frequently, but customers might find cookie butter pops or paletas with slices of embedded kiwi. 3401 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, facebook/popstonhtx.com
Mangolandia
This is a true paleteria with 18 vibrant flavors, including sandia (watermelon candy), arroz con leche, and tamarind. Kids love the chicle, a pink and blue bubblegum-flavored pop, and there are lots of other options like frozen yogurt, ice cream, and mangonadas. There are two Houston-area locations including one inside the PlazAmericas food court. Multiple locations
La Brisa Ice Cream
Not only has this family-owned shop been operating on the east side since 1982, but it recently received its kosher certification from OU Kosher. Founded by Guadalupe and Marie Angeles Flores, it continues to be operated by family members who are carrying out the mission of creating premium fruit pops, made with all-natural ingredients. The pops are individually wrapped and include creamy options such as coconut, horchata, and pina colada. La Brisa products can also be found at participating H-E-B stores, local food shops, and gas stations around the city. 7842 Canal St., Houston, labrisaicecream.com
Ay Jalisco Paleteria Y Neveria
While this snack food shop is a junk food junkie’s fantasy, there are also individually-wrapped paletas made with real fruit, like watermelon and kiwi, in the frozen display case. Guests can create frozen concoctions of their own with a variety of gummies, chamoy, fresh fruit, and more. Mangonadas are one of its most popular offerings, but recently, the Dubai chocolate strawberries are getting lots of love online. Multiple locations
Treats of Mexico
This Mexican goods store sells a wide range of products, from imported candies and hot sauces to toys and clothing. Folks make the drive for paletas like pineapple or pecan, but once there, the temptations are many. The store also sells shaved ice that comes in traditional flavors like strawberry, cucumber, and chamoyada. Its artisanal ice cream can be ordered by the scoop or cone, but served in a concha is the best way to go, especially when the ice cream is chocolate abuelita. 6923a Long Point Rd., Houston, treats-of-mexico-2.square.site
Paleta Bar
This shop in the Memorial City area serves craft paletas with a multitude of options including dips, toppings, and fresh fruit. The dairy pops come in a number of flavors like strawberry cream, pistachio, and avocado, while fruit varieties include mango, watermelon, and cucumber chamoy. Customers can customize their paleta with toppings such as Fruity Pebbles, sprinkles, and coconut. For a healthy alternative, there are fruit scoops, and refreshing agua frescas. 9738 Katy Fwy., Houston, thepaletabar.com
