Mateo's Ice Cream & Fruit Bars
Ice cream shop · Pico-Union
1250 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Highlights
Mexican ice creams, fruit bars, sandwiches, smoothies & fresh juices
Mexican ice creams, fruit bars, sandwiches, smoothies & fresh juices
"Between their Oaxacan-style paletas, super-creamy gelatos, and sorbets that taste like freshly juiced strawberries, this incredible Mexican dessert shop reminds us of an enchanted bow and arrow, or Olivia Colman’s IMDb page: it simply doesn’t miss. There are a few locations throughout the city, with each storefront stocked with over 30 different flavors of paletas, including watermelon, mango dusted with chile, and leche quemada, a creamy smoked milk concoction that tastes exactly like someone kippered a gallon of dairy over an open flame." - cathy park, brant cox, sylvio martins
"Between the Oaxacan-style paletas, silky gelatos, and sorbets that taste like fresh-squeezed juices, Mateo’s Ice Cream and Fruit Bars reminds us of a magical bow and arrow—it simply doesn’t miss. Their storefronts in Mid City, Koreatown, and West LA are packed with rows and rows of juicy, colorful paletas. There are over 30 flavors including watermelon, mango dusted with chili, and leche quemada—a smoked milk concoction that tastes like someone kippered a gallon of dairy over an open flame." - garrett snyder, arden shore, sylvio martins
"Mateo's is a Los Angeles legend, a palace of paletas that come in every color of the rainbow. Known for their Oaxacan-style paletas, Mateo’s features 30+ flavors, including strawberry, watermelon, and leche quemada, a unique smoked milk concoction that tastes like it was kippered over an open flame. But the ultimate popsicle—the paleta of the palace—is mango. Made with fresh, blended fruit (read: no artificial flavoring), this sweet, tropical pop is every purist’s dream." - kat hong, brant cox, sylvio martins
"Mateo’s paleta case is like Meryl Streep’s IMDb page - if you can’t find something you like, the problem is probably you. Known for their excellent Oaxacan-style desserts, this small paleta shop is stocked with over 30 flavors, including fresa (strawberry), sandia (watermelon), and leche quemada - a creamy, smoked milk concoction that tastes exactly like someone kippered a gallon of dairy over an open flame. But if you’re searching for ultimate popsicle perfection, order the mango paleta - sweet, juicy, and made with zero artificial flavoring, this tropical pop is the perfect salve for a super-hot day, or whenever you remember the time your bank called you a “severe financial risk.”" - kat hong
"Just like most paleta shops, Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars sells sandwiches, esquites, and fresh juices. Luckily, there are four locations (Koreatown, West LA, Del Rey, and Mid-City) to nab a refreshing paleta made of jamaica/hibiscus or guava." - Mona Holmes
