I’m a huge fan of Mexican Ice Cream – specifically paletas! What is a paleta? It’s a Mexican popsicle: frozen treats that can be made with milk or dairy free! Paletas made with milk are paletas de leche and paletas made with water are paletas de agua.
Columbus is home to several Mexican ice cream shops and these are three of my family’s favorites!
1. Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory
- 4201 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43228
This shop on the west side of Columbus is an ice cream factory! All the ice cream and paletas are handmade in the store! Not in the mood for ice cream? Pick from some of their other treats like walking tacos, fresh fruit or an aqua fresca (freshly made, ice-cold drink that is available in many flavors.)
The paletas come in TONS of flavors ranging from Mango con Chile to Aroz con Leche to Frape to Bubble Gum! My personal favorite: Oreo.
(Visit their the Dulce Vida North location, too!)
2. Diamonds Ice Cream
- 5461 Bethel Sawmill Ctr., Columbus, Ohio 43235
Diamonds Ice Cream is located on the northwest side of town and features a wide menu of ice cream and frozen treats! Banana splits, hand-dipped ice cream, candy and other treats are available here, besides paletas! Looking to round out your experience? Have dinner next door at Taco Loco!
- Related: The Best of Columbus Ice Cream
3. La Plaza Tapatia
- 4233 Shoppers Ln., Columbus, OH 43228
La Plaza Tapatia is one of my favorite hidden gems on the west side of Columbus, hidden in a shopping plaza off Georgesville Rd.! Under one roof you will find a Mexican grocery store, restaurant and ice cream shop. It’s an all in one stop! I’m a big fan of the chips and salsa at the restaurant, but let’s talk about paletas! You can get the paletas in the ice cream shop or in the attached grocery store. They also serve several flavors of ice cream and an amazing sundae called Tres Marias!
Make sure to put these on your ice cream bucket list this summer!
