On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts
Neighborhoods: Belmont/Hillsboro, Green Hills, 12 SouthTue-Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
"Best commercially made cupcake I've had in Nashville. Mignon's cupcakes completely outshine those from Gigi's over in Midtown. The…" read more »
Loading...
Las Paletas is top on my list of favorites for Nashville. The flavors change every day, so there seems to be an unlimited number of flavors to try. I think my favorite flavor yet is avocado. I must admit I was a little skeptical about it, but it was incredible! The chili ones seem a little salty to me, but are good. And if you're doubtful about the price, just think, you'd spend more than the $2.50 on a latte, and it'd be nowhere near as good!
I went to Mexico recently, and was happy to find that the popsicle stores there sold paletas just like these! I guess it really is pretty authentic.
My advice: go with a friend so you can taste more than one flavor at a time!
Sorry, but I agree with Christopher E. that the hype does not match the reality.
Call it sacrilege, but I prefer the mango ice bars that Whole Foods sells for about 1/4 of the price.
For the people who don't live in Nashville and are looking for somewhere "neat" or "trendy" to go, I feel I must write this update. It is absolutely necessary. I did go back to Las Paletas....I wasn't super impressed last time with what you get for $2.50 but I figured I may as well return if for no other reason how much people seem to love this place on here.
So return I did. I paid $2.50 for a popscicle again. This time, I chose a chocolate chocolate chip. Should be pretty good right? Mindblowing because of the price?!?! Well, first off, they didn't take care to make sure all of the chocolate chips dispersed in the popscicle...they were all gathered at the tip. So, for the top third of the confection, it was chock full of chips. The other 2/3 of it was like any regular old chocolate popscicle. I paid $2.50 for this, remember.
And then I think....I can get 6 Klondike bars for 3 bucks. What the heck am I doing??
For those who don't live in Nashville and are visiting and craving a popsicle, then I suppose this… Read more »
Yummy.
In this age of convenience and immediacy, I am a big fan of places that do one thing, one thing only, extremely well. Las Paletas serves...paletas.
Amazing Mexican frozen treats made from fruits, chocolate, cream, and sometimes even tea. I go for the fruit flavors, especially on hot days. I've fallen in love with plum and grapefruit. If you're feeling really adventurous, go for chile pineapple, or chile mango.
Thank you Yelp!
It's local gems like this that I'd never find without the help of this wonderful site. If I ever return to Nashville I am definitely going to Las Paletas...like Tasti D-Lite, it's fun to try all their different interesting flavors.
I had the Chai, which was amazing. Totally worth the $2.50 on a hot Tennessee day.
Go there now!
I heart Las Paletas. It's true. I would eat one of these every day if I could.
For the fool who says they can buy 100 klondikes for the same price, go for it. If all you want is something frozen and ice cream-ish, have at a klondike.
If, however, you want a delicious homemade popsicle full of the flavor of all sorts of delicious things like chocolate and chilies ("hot chocolate"), dulce de leche ("mexican carmel"), honeydew, blueberries, and an assortment of perfect pairings like raspberries and chocolate, make your way to one of the best little servings of Nashville. The fruitsicles taste like a frozen agua fresca.
Amazing.
If you're ever in the area and need a popsicle, these are GREAT! The people here should totally open one of these in New York City -- they could turn popsicles into the next cupcakes/frozen yogurt/whatever thing there are loads of lines for this month in NYC.
Super good popsicles, even if you're not so much a popsicle person.
Where do I begin? Even though $2.50 might seem expensive for a few people.. you must remember the concept "Gourmet". Las Paletas offers the best popsicles that are around. I absolutely love the Cookie dough and Lime. This summer I wasn't near a store or anything that offered the popsicles, and it was awful! I would prefer a Las Paletas over anything!! Must try one of these!!
hi popsicles, i'm glad you're back and you're so swanky now. avocado. tamarind. hibiscus. chocolate with hot peppers. ay ay baybay you are some (cold) hot stuff.
it's hot in nashville and these popsicles are probably the coolest thing to chill your mouth with.
Las Paletas does not disappoint. The fruit flavors all taste like freakishly potent (but natural!) versions of their real fruit counterparts, and the creamy flavors are all kinds of fun. I got a "Rice" flavored one once to take home and eat later (after the one I was already eating, that is) not knowing whether it would taste like Horchata or like pudding, and I was blown away to find that there was actual rice frozen in the popsicle! It was so delicious!
There are a few tiny things about this place that might be annoying: it is not that easy to find if you've never been there. It's in 12 South, which I am told is a cute and bustling neighborhood even though it's always empty (a metaphor for the entire city), and it's in this awesome mid-century architectural relic that I've always found interesting. And, the paletas go for $2.50 a pop, which... isn't expensive, I guess, but like, it's a popsicle. I shouldn't be complaining about this since I yell at people who think Provence is too expensive but still. When you see the hundreds of paletas they have kickin' it in the freezers and really think about it, maybe you'll see what I mean. And finally, it is only open until 7, which is unfortunate because like many things in Nashville (McDougals, I'm looking at you) I would think it would be a cash cow if it were open a little later.
Finally. I found the location which has no visible sign, and had a long-awaited yummy experience at Las Paletas. Today's flavors included basil, hibiscus, coffee, mexican caramel, chocolate with hot pepper. On any other day I would have immediately gone for the weirdest flavor on the menu, probably being basil. But today, for some reason I went semi-safe and had a vanilla with quince popsicle. It was awesome. I loved it, and I don't regret not trying a more adventurous flavor. That's what future visits are for, right?
Another Nashville wonder hidden in the 12th South neighborhood...we by chance found out about Las Paletas after watching the Throw Down episode on the Food Network. I'm glad we did...we visited on a hot summer day with what seemed to be a gathering of quite a few others. The line moved quickly and the popsicles went as fast. We tried the chocolate with paprika...it started smooth and sweet and finished with a slight bit of spice at the end. The pineapple featured fresh fruit and was perfect for the occasion.
Looking forward to future visits...
This place is great. Whether you need a quick sugar fix or need to cater for a group, Las Paletas is a unique treat that you will remember (and crave).
Cash only!
Enjoy!
It can be a little tricky to find Las Paletas. It's at the back of a parking lot under a flight of stairs in a building half-hidden by a hill. That said, the obscure location definitely doesn't keep people from seeking it out. In fact, the best way to know you're looking in the right place is just to look for the random clusters of people milling around outside. There's nowhere to sit, just a giant freezer case full of delicious homemade frozen treats - you just have to get in, get out, and get hooked!
Cash only! Bring extra if you are indecisive - there are so many unusual and tasty flavors to choose from it can make you dizzy. I tried mango chile, tamarind, and blueberry cinnamon. They were all incredible. Each of these fruity flavors were chock full of actual fruit, but my favorite was definitely the blueberry cinnamon, which was fruity, creamy, and spicy all at the same time.
So, if you're on the hunt for frozen treasure, this is it! It might be hard to find, but it's worth the search. Plus, when you're standing in line you can just remind yourself how much l-o-n-g-e-r that line would be if the place was visible from the street...or actually had a sign.
Who knew that the lowly Popsicle could become such a phenom in our little town. Of course their lack of signage, advertising, and clear store front speak volumes for the Popsicles, if they continue to this brisk a business. If you are on 12th heading away from downtown, go past the frothy monkey and the mirror rest., it's just a bit down on your right in that cement multi story building just before you hit Sevier Park.
Now that we have outed them on their location, let's get down to business, the Popsicles.... What I love is that the Popsicles actually taste like the flavor you buy because the Popsicles are loaded with said ingredients. For example a strawberry Popsicle has real strawberries in it and then just to make it interesting they offer these in delightful combinations like strawberry chocolate chip or pineapple chili. On my first visit, I tried the rose petal one and I have to say that they tasted exactly how roses smell. Alas, that necessitated a second trip because i decided eating roses is not my thing. Oh mama, the worst part about visiting is having to settle on one.
On a side note, if getting over to Las Paletas seems daunting then look for them at some local businesses. I know that Bongo Java on the East side carries them but they only have 2 or 3 flavors to pick from though.
I'm joining the band wagon. I have to say that I absolutely love these Popsicles. I've only ever had the ones made from fruit, rather than ice cream, but I've never been disappointed. The mango, peach and kiwi are all my favorite. They don't make the same flavors every day either.
They only take cash, so remember that. And they're hidden in the corner of a small shopping center catty corner from the park. It's definitely worth it. My favorite thing is to get one and then take a nice stroll around the park.
Awesome flavors. I guess with the demand, there's really no reason to drop the price from $2.50 per popsicle. Highly recommended, bring cash or check because they don't take credit cards. Really enjoyed tamarind with hot pepper, pistachio, and cajeta.
This is simple.
Orgasm on a stick. Bring cash though - and their hours are always not the most convenient - but for what you get - find a phone and call someone who cares.
Eat Popsicles and be happy.
If you give this place any fewer than five stars you're crazy!
It's hot in Nashville and if for $2.50 I can cool down with a uniquely-flavored popsicle, I'm doing it!
I prefer the fruit-based (I highly recommend honeydew and grapefruit)...the fruit essence just bursts through without unnecessary flavors. In the creamy category, pistachio is pistachio ice cream on a stick and the chocolate with peppers is like a fudgecicle with a kick! You really can't go wrong here...they're all amazing.
Delicious "gourmet" popsicles. Apparently Bobby Flay had one of his smackdown episodes here, and lost! the flavor that won was pineapple chili...sounds interesting, but i wasn't in the mood. =)
Instead, i got the chocolate chip cookies n cream, and avocado. The cookies n cream was awesome, with huge chunks of what seemed like costco chocolate chip cookies, and the ice cream part was smooth and creamy. the avocado popsicle was creamy and had the taste of avocado, but in a sweet yummy way and not at all savory or guac like. I want to go back and try all their flavors. I heard their plum flavor is awesome...
Oh what a little gem Las Paletas is. I'm glad I was finally able to track it down - it has been on my to-do list for many a past weekend, and I've been thwarted by their lack of a sign, something that is completely incomprehensible to me. Why, if you're a business, do you not have a sign? Is this the underground speakeasy of popsicle shops?
So, finding it is the biggest hurdle, but once you do, it's delightful. The chalkboard on the wall tells you the flavors of the day, separated on the menu by "fruit" and "creamy" and "other" which means just plain weird. I went for the just plain weird. I figured that it took me so long to find it, I might as well make it a singular experience: I ordered the cucumber chili, which tasted just as you might imagine. I loved the cucumber but the chili was a little too hot for me, but I wasn't complaining because you can't order something weird and then complain because it's weird. I regret I didn't order the hibiscus, but that could have been equally strange.
My friend had the creamy basil, which he said tasted like pasta. I guess neither of us were in the mood for an ordinary popsicle. I would like to go back and taste some of the more mainstream flavors because I loved the atmosphere - it was really busy on a Saturday afternoon, and the set-up inside. The price is cheap enough to serve as a handy cheap treat.
these fresh popsicles are the perfect solution to Nashville's oppressively humid summer. they always have a couple of chocolate options, and their fruit popsicles are made from fresh ingredients. if you dont mind a little spice, try one of the hot flavors. as Sharon N suggests, the best way to enjoy yr paletas is while strolling through Sevier Park across the street.
How could I possibly be the first reviewer to provide a dissenting opinion on Las Paletas? The place has five stars for a reason. It's one of the neatest and most novel little places of business in the area, and their gourmet popsicles are unlike anything you'll sample anywhere else.
Las Paletas is a little difficult to locate if you haven't been there before. It's tucked into the bottom corner of a strangely Post Modern looking building on 12 South, just across from Sevier Park. The pink building has random, jutting metal pieces of architecture but no sign for Las Paletas. The parking lot is a bit small, so it fills up rather easily. However, if you manage to find a spot in the lot or on a nearby street, you won't be disappointed.
Unfortunately, Las Paletas only takes cash or check, so if you're banking (pun) on using your credit or debit card, you'll be sorely disappointed. Every flavor at the shop only costs $2.50, and they have cream- as well as fruit-based popsicles. One of the tastiest flavors is berry (consisting of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry), but Mango is pretty delicious as well. They also offer chocolate as well as some other relatively traditional flavors, but I'd suggest getting something unique. You'll be glad you did.
Las Paletas is a great spot to hit before taking a stroll in Sevier Park or the surrounding area, and there are usually some pretty nice customers and employees hanging around. They also sell t-shirts, so you can let everyone know you're a firm supporter of gourmet popsicles.
I am in Nashville visiting friends. Before leaving California, I Yelped to see what I had to try and of course, YELP did NOT let me down.
These Popsicles are amazing!!! Why do they only have this here? Why not in sunny Southern California.
I had the Creamy Lime which tasted just like Key Lime Pie. Aaaaah! It was soooooo good! Then I had to try one of the spicy flavors so I got Hot Chocolate with Pepper. Yum! Unique.
Really, really one of the highlights of out trip!!!!
I guess this place doesn't need another 5 star rating but here it is. Best paletas shop I've ever been to, period. I love the flavours they come up with. The only thing they could do to make the place better is take credit card, we'd probably buy $20 worth every visit if they did!
There's not much I can say that has not been said before. This place is incredible. I tend to go for the fruit based paletas, and my husband goes for the chocolate ones. I'm usually boring and always get strawberry or peach, but last time I got crazy and ordered blackberry-lime. Oh my goodness!! Pretty much the best thing ever.
One of my favorite things to do is to take the dog and walk the 2 miles from my house to Las Paletas, because I have something to look forward to at the mid-way point. I get my popsicle and walk over to Sevier Park and enjoy it while sitting on one of the swings. It's a simple activity, but almost ridiculous most much joy it brings!
Also, I have to suggest getting a huge cooler full of Las Paletas if you have an outdoor wedding in the summer. We surprised everyone with popsicles after our July wedding and it was a HUGE HIT. It's been two years and relatives are still commenting on it.
Seriously awesome. Popsicles only. $2.50 each. Take note of the address because they don't even have a sign out front (pretty silly if you asked me...).
They have rotating flavors using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their menu is divided into two types of popsicles - creamy flavors and fruit flavors. I won't get into the specifics of the ones I've tried because they're all really good. If you like fresh fruit, order a fruit flavor. If you prefer your popsicle to more closely resemble ice cream on a stick, order a creamy flavor.
A dessert must if you're visiting or live here and haven't gone. Basically, if you're ever in Nashville, there's no excuse to leave without a trip to Las Paletas.
I've got to throw my hat into the ring on this one--I've been a fan for years now, and would say, out of the thousands of popsicles I've had in my lifetime, these are hands down the best EVER. So many flavors to choose from, and all unique! So why is it that I always go for the Hibiscus? Yes, the flower. And yes, it's delicious!!!!
I have of course tried a few others, usually in the realm of chocolate and/or raspberry, but always go back to my tried and true. Fabulous on a hot day--go with friends, get a few (take cash--cash only!) and take them across the street to the park. If you can make it that far without devouring them.
I heard the best idea the other day, and I doubt they do this, but who knows. I overheard someone say that instead of a wedding cake, she wanted a tier of Las Paletas popsicles at her reception. Logistically I don't know if this is even possible, but heck if it is, and if I ever get married, I will steal that idea! These things are that good. Also, if I ever move from Nashville, I will approach these ladies about franchising their business to whatever city I move to. I will need them. Not a want, a NEED.
This place has only two four star reviews out of 23 total reviews! That ought to tell you something. With that many reviews, you may not need my opinion, but I'm going to give it to you anyway.
If your only conception of a popsicle is an artificially colored and flavored frozen, tasteless, nostalgic treat you'll be in for a surprise. Paleta may mean popsicle, but they have nothing in common. I could never quite convince my friend to go here and try the popsicles. She's pretty skeptical and did not understand why anyone would pay $2 or $3 for a popsicle. I didn't have the words to tell her why she should try them.
I got addicted to paletas when I was down in Laredo, TX, for work. That was my dessert every evening. And Las Paletas even blows those out of the water. Las Paletas is justifiably renowned around Nashville. The Paz sisters were featured on an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I believe one of the sisters (Irma) is even in Alan Jackson's new video for "Good Times." Fair warning -- this building is so non-descript you may drive past it a few times (Las Paletas has a serious lack of signage). It's at the intersection. This are all fresh ingredients.
Have you ever wondered what a hibiscus popsicle might taste like? Or what that might even mean? It's like heaven.
this place is awesome. I cannot believe there was not a line down the street to get these yummy treats. My husband and I were visiting Nashville and consulted yelp for food options. We are so glad we did because we doubt we would've known about it otherwise. Don't know why others have said it's tough to find-- We had absolutely no trouble finding it on a nashville map after having located it on google. The popsicles are delicious and I really like that they offer dairy free popsicles, so people like me who are allergic to milk products can still partake in the fun! As far as the price, I don't think $ 2.50 is a big deal--people pay $4 for their morning coffee and don't give it a second thought---these popsicles are more than worth it.
I don't know what more I can say about this place, other than it is awesome! What a cool idea.....gourmet popsicles. I was in town for a day and made sure to stop by Las Paletas after reading about it on Yelp.
I was torn between avocado and chocolate with hot peppers. I ended up going for the chocolate, because it seemed like such a unique twist on a common idea, and also I love spicy food. It was brilliant. When you eat the popsicle, you really only taste chocolate but there are ground up bits of pepper that add a nice, subtle heat that builds up- I could feel it best at the back of my mouth. The heat did not steal any of the flavor of the chocolate. It was such a unique experience, unlike anything I've ever had before- I know it sounds weird, but I really enjoyed it.
The only thing I can say negatively is the place needs to have some signs up. I didn't get lost, but I was parked right in front of it (by the salon next door) and didn't realize I was right there. It is hidden behind glass that was hard to see through. I don't think I saw a single sign for the place.
Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles has tasty frozen treats. I take a star away because they do not take plastic, only cash, and they don't have a sign! I only knew where this was because of a previous Yelp review. thanks yelper.
The store is really small, but cute. You have to get your popsicle and take it across the street to stroll through Sevier Park, and you will enjoy every lick. The selections include fruit popsicles, and other creamy treats. I went for the Lime flavor. At $2.50 per popsicle, the price is a little ambitious... but for a hot afternoon the sweet treat really hits the spot.
RED IS NOT A FLAVOR.
This place rocks my world. Especially the part of my world where my taste buds live. It's hard to get to, they don't have a sign, and they don't advertise! And they're still always busy!! FYI, they are closed Sunday and Monday, and they only take cash -- but if you are desperate, there are limited flavors available at all Bongo Java Locations (marriage of Irma Paz and Bongo Bob = Nashville Super Couple) and also from Plumgood online grocery delivery.
The plain fruit varieties are always refreshing, and the ice cream versions are a slightly more decadent treat. I can't get enough raspberry lime, green tea, plum, or cantaloupe. So tasty! My fella had peanut butter with chocolate chips and said it was like a Reeses cup on a stick - so delicious. If you're feeling adventurous, how about avocado? Rosemary? Tamarind? Hibiscus? The choices are abundant and there always seem to be new additions! Plenty of things kids like, and plenty of exotic things for the braver folks.
For best results, go with a big group, when nobody has germs, then dance around, sharing everyone else's flavors. These popsicles WILL make you do a little dance!
I used to work for Plumgood Food and we carried Las Paletas popsicles, which meant that once in a while I would have to add "popsicle pickup" to the end of my route. Let me tell you, those weren't the days I hated.
The ladies who run this joint are some of the nicest I've ever met. You can tell that they genuinely enjoy what they do. And you have to respect their grassroots approach to business. To this day they still don't have a sign, taking a "people will come to us" kind of attitude about advertising. Man, finding this place in the early days was like trying to find a speakeasy. If you knew about Las Paletas, then you were hip, and you were doubly hip if you introduced someone to it. Just seeing the sheer joy on someone's face the first time you walk them through those double glass doors is almost as good as eating one of these frozen treats.
Nestled firmly at the end of the 12 South shopping district, Las Paletas is arguably the best place in Nashville for desert. They have something for everyone. Like chocolate? No problem, they've got plenty of options. More of a fruit kind of person? Yep, they've got that covered. And for the bold, well, don't worry, you'll be sated too. Flavors can range from Mexican caramel (still my favorite) to hibiscus to chocolate wasabi.
Parking is a little precarious sometimes, as they share the space with a salon that keeps similar hours, but its well worth it. Also, if the day's nice, you can park in one of the convenient street spots down 12th and just make the rounds, do a little shopping, then stop in at Las Paletas before heading back to your car.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, there is absolutely no excuse for missing out on Las Paletas.
GENIUS! Gourmet popsicles? $2.50 a pop? That's my flavor! Speaking of flavors, I've never had such yummy treats. I tried a vanilla-yogurt flavored popsicle with granola/fruit/nuts inside of it. Yes, that's like a parfait... on a stick! Then I went back for a second one, because I'm not so bashful. I had the watermelon, and you know how I can tell that they use real fruit in their popsicles? Because I found a seed! Awesome!
I also had a lick of my friends' popsicles, and they were equally adventurous with flavors like creamy lime (key lime pie goodness on a stick), green tea (very refreshing), and hot chocolate (with jalapeno - ay carramba)!
A Chicago girl could get used to a place like this. Somebody should open up one of these in my neighborhood. Now THAT'S my flavor!
Yum!!! This place is really simple; $2.50 per popsicle includes tax, about 20 flavas written on the chalk board behind the counter (roughly 10 cream and 10 fruit), everything exploding with fresh flavor.
We had a rose and chocolate-blueberry round 1, and they were so insanely good that we just stood there in a daze until we finished them and then got another rose and a plum.
I don't know how they make these suckers, but they could trade them all day long in San Francisco for $5 bills and have a line a block long. I am joining the 5 star crowd here. I don't know how anyone could give them less.
They are so good that they don't even have a sign in front of their store, so make sure you have their street address right before you go out looking for them.
The pride of Nashville. And lets me pay in loose change scrounged from the car on a hot day. So worth it, every time.
Amazing! Surprised and pleased by the simplicity of the place. There are so many good reviews about this place I feel I don't really need to elaborate however..I really really recommend the Avocado, it was beyond delicious! Also try on of the unique new flavors of the day, I had cucumber chili pepper, it was interesting but very good.
Made sure to visit this place on vacation after finding it on Yelp. The popsicles were, in fact, amazing. I had chai, husband had berries (cream based), friend #1 had strawberry, friend #2 had pineapple and something else mixed together. All were amazing.
As others have said, there isn't a sign, but it's at the corner of 12 ave S and Kirkwood, in a blue and orangish building.
It's funny to me that this is labeled as 'gourmet' popsicles. These suckers are exactly like the ones you buy from every street corner shop in Mexico. Definitely not gourmet there.
This place rocks! Rice or corn are the bomb. Chocolate w/ Mint chips has broken up Andes dinner mints. I like buying 2 of everything and taking them all home. They have funny hours so you need to check before you make the drive. Great place to take a date or anyone, its just cool. Extremely high quality, mostly organic ingrediants locally produced/obtained when possible. $2.50 each.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Local Flavor
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings
Neighborhood: Music Row
Category: Coffee & Tea
Nashville, TN
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Green Hills
Category: Caterers
Would have never thought to come here, but since I…
Here's a list of the vendors we used for our July…
Touring Nashville, Tennessee for a weekend? Here…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Some of the places we visited in Tennessee, not…
because sometimes you gneed to gnom and Mexican…
