It feels like spring in Austin and you know what that means — it’s Sno Cone Season! According to our unofficial kid-tested research, we’re not surprised to report the top pick for sno cones is rainbow flavor, i.e., anything that mixes a ton of syrup together in sweet, sticky goodness.
Check out these awesome Austin Sno Cone trucks and shops that are sure to bring delight to the whole family.
— Jim Jim’s Water Ice
615 E 6th St Ste A | Open March through November
While we’re all familiar with ice water, sometimes you have to turn the tables and opt for water ice, which is apparently a Philadelphia thing and a lot more exciting than it sounds. Jim-Jim’s serves up sweet, slushy concoctions with the option to make it even more magical with the addition of ice cream.
— Sno-Beach Austin
412 Sterzing St
While not yet one for the 2024 season, Sno-Beach Austin is a staple you won’t want to miss this summer. The Sno-Beach food truck is conveniently located at 412 Sterzing Street and you can keep up with their hours on their socials here.
— Kawaii’s Shaved Ice
113 N Mays St., Round Rock
Imagine you’re at the beach and you stop along the road at one of the shops for an ice-cold sweet treat. Now, look again, you are in the heart of Round Rock at the cutest little shaved ice stand. Have a seat at one of the tables covered with tiki umbrellas! You can walk up or drive through Kawaii Ice for your sweet treat.
— Bahama Buck’s
105 E Stassney Ste 200
Bahama Buck’s is a snow cone chain featuring ribbon shed ice and an internationally inspired menu. They offer more than 90 flavors, and you can have multiple syrups in one cone. Done right, this means a tasty one-of-a-kind combo in every styrofoam cup – get creative! Bahama Buck’s also has smoothies, bowls, shakes, and sodas.
— SnoMo
900 Ranch Rd 620 S Ste A109, Lakeway
At SnoMo, you can dress your snow cone any way you like by adding toppings like fresh fruit, flavored jellies, and boba. You can also get creamier snow ice, vegan soy ice, or just the classic water-based variety. Try a unique flavor like lychee or passion fruit! Did we mention they also have ice cream and waffles?
— Shaved Ice Island
2701 W William Cannon Dr.
Creative gourmet shaved ice is what you can find at the Shaved Ice Island. They offer flavors from traditional to gourmet, and even a mystery flavor — you won’t know what it is until you try it! They also have a red-hot ghost-cinnamon challenge for customers who dare eat a freezing fire flavor. Complete the challenge and you’ll earn a certificate of honor.
— Sno.Co Flattop Shaved Ice
2307 Manor Rd
Sno.Co boasts the “Softest Sno in ATX”. We can neither confirm nor deny that claim, but we can tell you their flavors are mouthwateringly good. Every syrup at Sno.Co is made with fresh fruits and veggies, and a few standouts are cocktail-inspired, like the Manor Mule and fresh mint-topped Mojito. Oh yeah, and the cups are color-changing!
— Woody’s Shave Ice
1158 Lost Creek Blvd.
Woody’s Shave Ice is all-natural and made with the finest quality shave ice. Make a trip to Woody’s for a special treat from their super creative menu. From Starburst to Happy Happy Joy Joy, there’s something for everyone. You can also order their Luau Pack for parties — just give them 24-hour notice. The Luau Pack includes a cooler of shaved ice, 3 syrups, 3 toppings, 25 cups, 25 spoons, 1 coconut whip, 1 regular whip, ice scoop, and pour spouts, and serves 25 people for $100.
— Kona Ice
While we can’t list an exact location for you to go find Kona Ice, we also can’t leave it off this list. When our kids learn Kona Ice will be at an event, they get so excited. Kona Ice is a unique, family-oriented mobile shaved ice truck that caters to parties, fundraisers, and events of all types. They basically hand the kids a cup of ice and let them pour on the flavors. You can book Kona Ice for your own events or keep up with the truck’s whereabouts on Facebook. Learn more on their website.
— Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs
*Opens early March
You might have questions like “Who is Casey?” or “How does New Orleans do snow cones differently?” You’ll find those answers here. Meanwhile, we’re going to cut to the taste chase and turn the focus toward their 60+ flavors (featuring made-in-house simple syrup), and two classic picks in particular: chocolate and cream.
— Sweet Caroline’s Snowshack
Opens April 1
Another New Orleans-style snowball spot, Sweet Caroline’s offers “light, fine and fluffy” frozen treats in flavors that run the good-tasting gamut from traditional (think cotton candy) to more outside-the-cone options like red velvet cake.
More:
Let us know your favorite spots for shave ice in the comments below! Originally contributed by Sam Sumpter, edited by Do512Family
Livy Lu has a really fun and crazy menu. Ally of our flavors come from New Orleans with over 50 to choose from. The owner has been a pastry chef for 15 years and has come up with some extremely delicious combinations. These are authentic New Orleans Snowballs! Please give us a try!
Would have been great if addresses were included
If you click on the link provided for each place, you can find addresses and more information.
done =-)
livy lu’s gets my vote!
I can’t believe that Livy Lu’s wasn’t mentioned on this list. They are located across from Nutty Brown Cafe. I haven’t tasted all the others but can’t believe Livy’s isn’t at the top of the list.
Thanks to all for telling us about Livy Lu’s! We’ll be sure to check it out.
Sad to report that Livy Lu’s has permanently closed, via Yelp/March 2023. =-(
sadd, I think some of these places are either temporarily closed or permanently closed (shaved ice island)
Hi Allison! Many of these are seasonal and open in March – some early April. Shave Ice Island is one of those that open seasonally.
Texas Sweet Ice on Bodie Lane next to Shipley’s Donuts is a great place.
Sno-beach just celebrated THIRTY years in Austin! The original owners, Don and Connie, were absolute legends, and owner that they passed the torch to, Elizabeth Newsom, continues the tradition. A perfect day in Austin includes swimming at Barton Springs, eating at the original Chuy’s, and then walking across the street to Sno-Beach.