Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls

My new fave spot here in Nola! Though, I noticed the staff’s hands were a bit messy, and some syrup was dripping on them. Since customers can see them while prepping the sno-balls, maybe a quick wash or wipe would help keep things looking clean.

Fantastic in-house snoball flavors. The watermelon jalapeno was tasty and refreshing! Located in a charming area as well. Someone else complained about the prices, but this is a small business located on the competitive Magazine Street and keeping up with the 2024 economy. They are fairly priced for the effort and innovative flavors! Happy to go here!

I visited this fantastic snowball stand uptown, and they have great flavors. I especially like the cream-based flavors but particularly the orchid cream vanilla which tastes like a vanilla cupcake or like wedding cake! I also like the natural housemade flavors like watermelon jalapeno which is spicy and sweet. But every flavor I've had is really good. There's rarely any kind of super big line which is a relief considering the legendary hansons snowball is a pilgrimage as the line is often long.

Out of all the snowball places we visited while in New Orleans, this was my seven-year-old's favorite. Here's why: 1) Flavors: They have a list, but many stood out to my daughter- rainbow, blue raspberry, pink lemonade. She went for the rainbow and LOVED it. It comes with four flavors- yellow (pineapple), red (strawberry), blue (blue raspberry), and green (apple). 2) Service: The staff are friendly and even let my daughter use their private restroom. 3) Sizes: They have many cup sizes, but the kid one is perfect for all. 4) Area: Along a main road, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby. 5) Space: The stand is small and there's one picnic table off to the side, but my daughter and I enjoyed ours on the nearby curb.

5-Star Review for Imperial Woodpecker’s Snowballs Absolutely loved my experience at Imperial Woodpecker’s Snowballs! The flavors are unique and refreshing—I tried the Watermelon Jalapeño, and it was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The ice is unbelievably soft, just like a true New Orleans-style snowball should be. The staff was friendly, the service was quick, and the overall vibe was fun and laid-back. Whether you’re looking for a classic flavor or something adventurous, this spot is a must-visit. Can’t wait to come back and try more flavors!

If I could give this place more 5 stars I would! Let me tell you not only were the snowballs the best we had ever had the customer service was amazing. The lady working was probably like oh my gosh these tourist but I would have never known because she treated us like friends. We had never had a snowball till here and she helped us to get the perfect flavor for each of us. She took her time an explained everything an flavors. The price was great and we will be back when in town again. Now if I could get a snowball shipped to me because these snow cones are not it lol

This place is awesome! The ice is very powdery and easy to eat. They always load your cup with a perfect dome of ice. I always order a kid cup and it is still a good amount for an adult. They have a lot of traditional flavors but also have some house made natural flavors made without food coloring. My favorite to get is the watermelon jalapeño. It is not spicy at all and the watermelon is very refreshing! I wish it actually had more jalapeño but that’s alright. The service is always good. They are nice and efficient. The wait is a normal wait time for a sno ball stand. They are usually busy because of how good their sno balls are and how affordable they are! Worth any wait in my opinion because these are the best sno balls I’ve ever had. The vibes of the place are good. Like a typical sno ball stand with tables outside and people chilling. Will always recommend.

I got my first snowball of the season last week and a large (not the largest size available) came to $9.07 with tax. I love this place, but NEVER, ever again. You are selling frozen tap water, sugar and food coloring from a shed served by high school students. And then you're asked to tip... Absolutely ridiculous.

Edit: went back a second time cause we loved it so much! We got another strawberry basil and tried dreamcicle. GET THE DREAMSICLE!!! Yum Shared a medium with half blue raspberry half strawberry basil. The strawberry basil is made in house and to dieeee for! The blue raspberry was very good, but I recommend the in house flavors! There were many!

Small stand located on Magazine St! I came here once before when I visited New Orleans and had to come back again. The Sweet Lou's Nectar Cream flavor was my favorite, and I added condensed milk the first time but didn't think it needed it. My parents had the pineapple, which they thought was too sweet. I would recommend trying some of their house made flavors. Very limited seating. One table outside, so be prepared to stand or sit on the sidewalk.

Out of all the snowball places we visited while in New Orleans, this was my seven-year-old's favorite. Here's why: 1) Flavors: They have a list, but many stood out to my daughter- rainbow, blue raspberry, pink lemonade. She went for the rainbow and LOVED it. It comes with four flavors- yellow (pineapple), red (strawberry), blue (blue raspberry), and green (apple). 2) Service: The staff are friendly and even let my daughter use their private restroom. 3) Sizes: They have many cup sizes, but the kid one is perfect for all. 4) Area: Along a main road, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby. 5) Space: The stand is small and there's one picnic table off to the side, but my daughter and I enjoyed ours on the nearby curb.

Overpriced and very much basic. Meh. Also they don't sell any food or candy here which is a little unusual for a snowball stand. Charging $1 for a squirt of condensed milk is diabolical

This place is horrible. They're overpriced, takes forever to serve your order and the sno-balls are totally flavorless. We had 3 different flavors (Nectar Cream, Dreamsicle, and Strawberry Shortcake), and they all were bland. The NC tasted like condensed milk only. I'm never going back!!

This is my go to place for post Pilates cool treats! Such unique flavors like watermelon jalapeño and lemon basil. Skip the regular favors and order their signature options made fresh in-house. Absolutely incredible!

Extremely cute and small spot that was still open when we can in the middle of October which was pretty surprising. We got the strawberry basil and the french vanilla which were both really good. a lot of unique flavors that were extremely delightful! a must try!

One thing I wanted to try when I was in New Orleans was a snowball. So when we were walking down Magazine Street, we came across this cute little stand so I had to give it a try! I got a small (or kid size, I can't remember) snowfall with cherry and banana flavoring. They have so many options to customize your snowball. The service was great and they obviously make everything to order so there is a small wait, which I didn't mind. The snowfall itself was really light and delicious. It's the perfect treat for a warm day!

It's your traditional snowball stand located on magazine in a high traffic area! Pricing is moderate and comparable to other places. I will say that was stunned that condensed milk on top cost $1.00! So had I ordered it my normal way, I would have easily spent over $5 on a small snowball!

Cute little stand on Magazine street. They make many of their own flavors, like strawberry basil, cream of cardamom and pineapple cilantro. A small size is actually pretty big and will set you back $5.

Delicious. Good combo of regular and fun flavors. I got the grapefruit basil and it was delicious! My daughter had the coconut cream on top of coconut and it was also super good. Small little spot that opens at noon. Service takes a minute but worth the wait.

First time trying Imperial after seeing it alllll the time on Magazine street. I like the variety of flavors they have there. I got half chocolate cream and half orchid cream vanilla topped with condensed milk. I will say they give a ton of syrup! Only slight downside was the ice was kinda chunky. But overall, I liked it!

This establishment was recommended to me by a friend. The strawberry basil was the flavor that was recommended (but it was sold out). I tried their strawberry snoball and I really liked it. I'm going to go back again and try for that strawberry basil to give it a taste

Great on a hot day! I had the cream of cardamom with condensed milk which was so good. People also seemed to really like the lemon basil and tigers blood (coconut and strawberry) flavor as well.

I'm not sure if they increased their prices since my last visit but they seemed to be a follow more per size. Tbh I can't recall and have no complains because quality is very satisfying. I got wild strawberry with wedding cake and condensed milk. NEVER SKIP on the condensed milk.

Nice place for a juicy snowball. Has a variety of flavors to choose from. The prices are very reasonable. Great for families, friends, kids or going solo. Limited parking space. We'll known by locals. They tend to be open on holidays as well. ENJOY!

I'm hooked! I probably came a hundred times during the summer it really was the highlight of my day after finishing a long day at my intern. I would walk down the street the line wasn't too long always moved quick! The ice is always soft and snowball extra sweet it just makes for a better day! No matter if I opted for the souvenir cup or stuck with the regular cups I just had to have it.

This place is a little more lowkey than Hansen's, but the flavors and service here are wonderful. What takes Imperial over the top and makes it my favorite is their condensed milk. Add that to your snoball and it'll be the best thing you've ever tasted!

So I was CRAVING a snoball really bad. Of course, we stopped by one place before coming here but the line was very long. I haven't been here before but I like trying new things. On the website and such, they say they close at 7 but they were closing up when we got there. They definitely didn't have a problem serving us though. Few flavors but I love it that way so I'm not trying to guess what flavors what. I usually get strawberry with condensed milk. My go-to if anyone is wondering. I ordered a small but I think I could've finished a medium. I will say that for the price of the condensed milk on both snoballs I could've bought a can and put it on there myself. They do not put much on there. I like at least two layers of it. Also, there was NO juice what so ever. Next time I will ask for more for sure. The flavor was great though so I'll definitely be back. I just know what to ask for.

Good place with amazing flavors. I got the coconut and my wife got the banana. Both topped with condensed milk and we soooo good.

Probably the best sno-ball I've ever had. The ice was soft and fluffy. I love soft ice because the sno-ball melts slower in my opinion. I picked the strawberry flavor and it literally tasted like a freshly picked juicy Ponchatoula strawberry. The service was quick and the young making the sno-balls were so nice. Great place!!

Coming from New England, I had never had a snowball before. I thought it would be like a snow cone, made of little ice pellets. I was so surprised at how smooth it was! Now I wish the snowball idea would move north. I tried the chocolate with condensed milk topping, and it was such a nice break on a hot humid day. The location has a picnic bench outside with no indoor seating, and you walk up to place your order.

Love this place! They have so many flavors including some natural ones which are totally unique, like lemon-basil and watermelon jalapeño! There are multiple sizes and the kids who work there are always hardworking every summer! They also take credit card which is a big deal these days!! Lay but not least they have about 4-5 sugar-free flavors and while I haven't had them, it's more options than the usual 1-2 choices. The ice is shaved so fine!! Yummmy!

Absolutely delicious! I can't believe it took us this long to go here. The ice is AMAZING! it's sooooooo soft! I got bananas foster which usually I get from Plum st. and I'm sorry to say that this was WAYYYYY better than plum st!! I got my husband nectar cream and his was legit. Mine was better. I can't wait to go back again. I want to try all the homemade flavors next time.

Stopped here after the Mardi Gras World tour. Great service and tasty huge snowballs. Had the watermelon jalapeño, it was okay but not the best. Others had the grapefruit-basil, orchid cream vanilla and cream of ice cream - those were all great. Would definitely recommend.

Was walking down Magazine St on a super hot day and spotted this place. They have a one bench on the side with an umbrella for you to sit at, as well. Ordered one wedding cake and one watermelon. Both were pretty tasty and very refreshing. The girl who was making the snowballs was so nice! I told her how I was between the wedding cake and strawberry shortcake and she actually made me a sample of the strawberry shortcake. Best customer service definitely deserves 5 stars! If I'm ever walking down magazine again, I will definitely stop by.

Walk up during any pandemic and get your snoball on! Such a great reprieve from being cooped up inside, I started coming here weekly. Unique flavors include spicy watermelon basil, earl grey, cereal cream, and cardamom. The ice is soft like snow and melts slowly. Get two flavors that mesh well so when they eventually consummate their relationship you'll have an awesome cold drink.

The wedding cake flavor is bomb, and they have it in sugar free. Basically tastes like sweet almonds. The prices are a tad higher than usual, but I'm still a fan, and will probably go back if in the area.

Need to cool off on a hot steamy NOLA day? Stop In for a cup sized from kids to large. You can ask for the a flat top instead of balled to the top. You can top your snow ball with soft serve ice cream or condensed cream. The coconut cream was delicious!! But topping it with the condensed cream made it too sweet. You can even ask for a little bit of condensed cream instead of a whole lot. My blue raspberry had the perfect balance of tang with half the serving of condensed cream. Mixing this with the cream of coconut was perfect! You can ask to get half/half flavors in a cup, too, which I wish I would have done. They even have soft serve ice cream in a cone. You can taste every flavor without thinking it's watered down.

We have been coming to imperial woodpecker for the last couple of years because it's a convenient stop between my daughter's school and home. We used to like it a lot more. The snoballs that we had today were not good. Snoballs are about the ice and the syrup, plain and simple. They do not do a good job of shaving the ice to make it fine. In fact, it is incredibly chunky, and today there was a piece of ice so large in my cup that I could hold it between my fingers and take a picture of it before throwing it out of my car window. As soon as my daughter dug into her snowball, which was chocolate and strawberry, you could see the plain white ice just underneath the top. plum street is our number one, but it's not close to my house. i guess we will be making the trip more often now.

I've had Imperial at events around the city over the years, but yesterday was the first time I stopped by their brick and mortar! While it looked a wee bit busy, my sister and I were able to put in our orders quickly. They have the flavors you know and love (Orchid Cream Vanilla is my go-to at most stands), but they also have these great unique flavors like Grapefruit Basil which is what I ordered and my sister ordered the Coconut Milk. They have a kid size for $2.50 that is the PERFECT size for me, since I'm not a huge sweets person. It is a $1 extra for the really unique flavors, but I'm totally okay with that. Not too long after we ordered our snoballs were up. I'm no ice snob when it comes to snoballs, but I really noticed how much I liked the consistency of their ice and how well it held the syrup which they don't over pour. I am already dreaming about getting another one today. Maybe I'll actually take a picture this time around ;).

Some of my favorite snowballs come from Imperial Woodpecker!! Sometimes there is a line but it is well worth the wait! There is a little picnic table you can sit at to enjoy. I love the strawberry and tigers blood, and actually every non dairy flavor I've every tried has been amazing! I highly recommend Imperial Woodpecker for all your snowball hankerings :)

Loved all of the snowballs we got! I asked for a watermelon jalapeño snowball which is a housemade flavor and you can definitely taste how fresh the watermelon is. My husband got the vanilla bean cream flavor and he loved the fact that it really was creamy. My son got chocolate and my daughter wild strawberry. Soft ice and great flavors!

I hate to do this because I don't enjoy being the person with a negative review but unfortunately my snoball from imperial was absolutely terrible. After trying sugar free wedding cake flavor and sugar free ice cream both flavors were just abundant with "aspartame like chemical taste"

I was disappointed to see the old snowball stand is gone- it had been there a long time and It was sooo New Orleans. This place has gotten a complete revamp- I don't think it's even the same prefab little building- it's all clean and painted white. And the flavors seem very upscale- lemon basil snowball?, cream of cardamom? I had the coconut cream which tasted like what snow would taste like in candy land- delicious! I'm anxious to go back and try some of the more modern flavors. I would call this bittersweet progress.

Really great snoballs! Since SnoWizard has not been good this year, we decided to try Imperial Woodpecker. Their ice is almost Hansen's fine and they have some really good homemade flavors like Watermelon-Jalapeño, Lime-Basil, Strawberry-Basil, etc. I love cream flavors and have tried Cream of Ice Cream, Cream of Wedding Cake, and Cream of Chocolate. Sooo good! I love to get it topped with condensed milk and they do not skimp, the girl who made mine last time even put some in the middle :) Service is a bit slow because sometimes there is only one person working, but they are super nice. It is a tad more expensive (~$1 more per snoball) than other snoball stands, but the quality is worth the extra expense. Open from Noon- Sunset.

This was a wonderful place! Homemade flavors like lemon basil but old goodies like "Hershey" chocolate!!

This is my neighborhood sno-ball stand. Great standard and some original sno-ball flavors. Hours listed are until Sunset or Dusk (kind of subjective and has left me wanting on a few occasions). Very nice and knowledgeable staff, although the lines can be long due to the amount of time it takes to make a sno-ball. Not sure if it's the machine or what the cause, but worth the wait. They can be a little stingy with the juice occasionally, and their prices are okay but not the value of "Plum Street" by a long shot. It's more the size of the container, rather than overpricing.

Love this place ! We came back twice because the ice is made fresh and the flavors have a homemade touch to them which does not make them taste artificial at all. Compared to another place, this place does not drench your ice so after eating your way down, you're left with some cool leftover ice to refresh your palate instead of a sugary, syrupy mess. We tried their Nectar cream, root beer, grapefruit basil, and earl grey cream. The nectar cream and grapefruit basil (the latter being their homemade flavor) were so refreshing together. The earl grey cream (also homemade) paired with root beer worked really well like a fancy root beer float ! Yum !

This place is FANTASTIC! The folks working there were super patient and helpful. The sno ball was delicious! It was flavorful and the ice was shaved really well. I can't wait to go back!

As good as these snowballs are (and their unique flavors are really good!) I wonder if having to wait over 15 minutes in the 89 degree weather for the 4 snowballs made before mine mitigates the pleasure. Maybe you guys need another ice grinder? My fav so far is their lemon basil.

If you are accustomed to SnoWizard, you will be severely disappointed. I waited over 20 minutes from start to finish. I ordered a small sugar free Wedding Cake (tough to screw up) and sugar free Cherry. Now, I know sugar free is, well, sugar free. But I've had many sugar free flavors and I know what to expect. The ice was hard, the syrups were disgusting! I took two bites and sadly decided to throw it out. So sad.

Friendly employees and great snoballs! I love their specialty flavors, especially cream of cardamom.

The snowball had an amazing flavor and was perfectly juicy. It also had a unique presentation. I enjoyed my snowball very much!

Nice to have another great snoball stand to add to the list. Couple nice things about this one, you can usually park pretty close and haven't run into much of a line there either. The ice is not Hansen's smooth, but the flavors are very good, the old standby nectar cream is solid and they also have natural flavors like coconut milk which worked for me with condensed milk on top of course.

Every time I went to Imperial Woodpecker this last summer, the waits were ungodly and most of their flavors were out. I don't even go there anymore, just head straight to Hansen's.

Very very good snow cones, apparently the don't call them snow cones anymore but whatever, very good place to go on a hot day, by far favorite in New Orleans area, a ton of flavors.

If you want a "New Orleans" snowball do NOT come here. The flavor isn't there. It's way too high. Unless you're in the French Quarter, a basic snowball should cost you $2.00 MAX. This place was 3 dollars minimum and the sizes were not big at all. If you come here you are being ripped off. The people are friendly and everything but as a local, this place is not it. The only thing that is good about them is , they take credit cards. However it's not worth it because they add TAX to their snowball prices! WHO DOES THAT?! I've never experienced that in my 22 years of living in New Orleans. Don't come here. No flavor, too high, they don't even give the snowballs a proper top. It's a no for me dawg. Go to Plum snowballs or any snowball place in Gentilly.

Well it's New Orleans and it's getting hot . Time for snowballs. We bought 4 of them. Worst snowballs ever no juice, no flavor paid extra for condense milk very very disappointed

This is still my favorite snowball place in New Orleans/the universe. The employees are always very friendly. The flavors are still absurdly good and the ice is still finely shaven. Top notch operation. Just had the grapefruit basil snowball and it was realllll good.