There are few better ways to beat the dog days of summer than with an icy treat. As kids, many of us would listen for the jingle of an ice cream truck, beg our parents for some spare change, then race down the street in hopes of catching the magical vehicle before it turned the corner. Amid the ice cream sandwiches and popsicles were brightly colored, rock-hard sno-cones that had to be eaten carefully, lest the entire ball of ice tumble out of its wax paper cone.
Fortunately, there are far more ways to cool off with a frozen treat these days—especially when you’re spending your own money. From fruity shaved ice and nostalgic raspas to Japanese kakigori and even boozy slushies, these spots around Houston serve some of the city’s best flavored ice creations to satisfy your sweet tooth and help you beat the heat.
Gaspachos
What started out as a refreshment truck has now expanded to a permanent kiosk at Levy Park, as well as a new restaurant in the East End. While many of the menu items are over-the-top concoctions, there are also kid-friendly rainbow sno-cones and refreshing raspados such as chamoyada, tornado, and cholado. There are plenty of fun bites, plus music and scheduled loteria nights. Multiple locations, gaspachoshtx.com
Happy Go Lucky
This concept comes from Matthew Pak and Shawn Bermudez, the lads behind the Burger Joint and the Taco Stand. Besides boozy slushies, the stand features Hawaiian shaved ice made with real fruit purees, many of which are also drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Orders are made and picked up at the windows, with plenty of fan-cooled picnic table seating available. Shaved ice flavors include Bomb Pop and Dreamy Dreamsicle, plus Coco Loco; a tropical treat of blue coconut, lime, condensed milk, mochi, and toasted coconut flakes. 2102 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, happygoluckyhtx.com
Tampico Refresqueria
These local stands deliver inexpensive raspas in syrupy flavors like tutti frutti and bubblegum, that will transport you right back to your childhood.There are also natural choices like Mexican vanilla and tamarindo. It’s a quick and easy stop for a frozen treat, plus snacks like Frito pie and elote. Multiple locations
Refresqueria
Owned and operated by Carlos and Cynthia Rodriguez, Refresqueria has locations in Texas City and Rice Village. Like many Mexican refreshment shops, it offers paletas, chamoy candies, and street snacks, along with some extravagant shaved ice treats. Guests can opt for nostalgic flavors like watermelon or Tiger’s Blood, as well as fresh fruit sno-cones topped with pineapple, guava, or strawberries. The menu also features plenty of candy toppings, plus chamoy and Tajín for an extra sweet, sour, and spicy kick. Multiple locations, refresqueria.net
Kira
While shaved ice is usually a treat enjoyed outdoors in the summer heat, there are also fancier ways to get a frozen fix. This stylish Japanese restaurant in Upper Kirby wows diners with crudos, temaki, and sashimi, but for a fabulous finish, its kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) is a must. Guests can choose from three flavors: raspberry, mango and coconut, or the indulgent Chocolate Lovers. 2800 Kirby Dr., Houston, kirahtx.com
Gerry’s Grill
This global restaurant brand is known for its extensive menu of Filipino fare, including its take on the classic halo-halo dessert. Gerry’s version features milky shaved ice served over fruit candies and topped with ube ice cream and a garnish of flan. Other milky shaved ice options include buko pandan and strawberry. 6833 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. S., Houston, gerrysgrill.com/us/
Katami
Chef Manabu Horiuchi’s fine-dining Japanese restaurant at Harlow District offers three takes on kakigori, including green tea and a colorful mix of strawberry, mango, and blueberry. But, the bananas Foster kakigori is so decadent and stunning, you may be dreaming about it for days. The shaved ice is flown in from Kanazawa, Japan, making the $16 price tag seem entirely reasonable. 2701 W. Dallas St., Houston, katamihouston.com
Buzzles Shaved Ice
This locally owned Spring shop has a walk-up and drive-thru stand on Louetta, plus an eat-in storefront on FM 2920. Choose from more than 100 flavors of New Orleans-style snowballs, including Almond Joy, egg custard, and horchata. The snowballs are a little softer than traditional shaved ice, making them perfect for the fluffy Barbie creation, made with wedding cake and pink bubble gum syrups. For a taste of Texas, try flavors like pecan pie and blackberry cobbler. Multiple locations, buzzlesshavedice.com
Sno Dreamz
This Black-owned business serves New Orleans-style shaved ice, known here as sno balls, in a wide variety of flavors. Out-of-the-box options include amaretto, Cajun red hot, and king cake, alongside classics like strawberry cheesecake, cream soda, and tangerine. Sugar-free flavors are also available, plus savory and sweet snacks like boudin balls and funnel cakes. Multiple locations, snodreamztx.com
Juicy Box
At this Taiwanese café in Dun Huang Plaza, the shaved ice is only the beginning—it’s the glorious assortment of toppings that steals the show. Called snowflake ice, the towering, social media-friendly desserts can be customized with everything from fresh fruit, including pungent durian, to handmade mochi balls, flan, and panna cotta. With so many combinations to choose from, deciding what to pile on top may be the hardest part.. 9889 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, juicybox.us
Husky Sno
This food truck’s main spot is in the parking lot of Jamaica Pon Di Road, but you’ll also find it rolling around town for festivals and events. The menu features more than 30 flavors of sno balls, and customers can mix two together to create their own combination. Soft sno balls come in flavors like Bahama Mama, cake batter, and cotton candy, while more adventurous choices include dill pickle and Creole cream cheese. For a supersized treat, opt for shaved ice served inside a fresh pineapple or watermelon. 2213 S. Victory Dr., Houston, huskysno.com
Friohana Shave Ice
The Museum District is packed with family-friendly attractions, including Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo. During the summer, this family-owned shaved ice truck can often be found at McGovern Centennial Gardens from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., making it a convenient stop after exploring the park or before a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Flavors range from classics like cherry and lemon-lime to fruit-forward options like mango and strawberry. For a little extra, add toppings such as chili powder, sweet cream, chamoy, or sour spray. The truck is also available for school fundraisers and private events. 1500 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, friohana.com
