Big Easy Snoballs: New Orleans–Style Shaved Ice in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and craving a cool treat that goes beyond the usual ice cream or frozen yogurt, Big Easy Snoballs is a local spot built around one thing: New Orleans–style shaved ice, also called “snoballs” or “snowballs.”
Here’s what to know before you go, how it works, and how it fits into Atlanta’s international and regional food scene.
What Is Big Easy Snoballs?
Big Easy Snoballs is an Atlanta shaved ice shop inspired by New Orleans flavor and style. Instead of hard, crunchy ice, they serve finely shaved, fluffy ice topped with a wide range of flavored syrups.
You’ll find:
- Classic Southern and New Orleans–inspired flavors
- Bright, kid-friendly colors and combinations
- Options to customize with toppings and add-ons
While snoballs are a Louisiana tradition, they’ve found a strong fan base in Atlanta, especially on hot days and after-school or weekend outings.
Where You’ll Find Big Easy Snoballs in Atlanta
Big Easy Snoballs operates in the metro Atlanta area, often in high-traffic neighborhoods and family-friendly zones. Locations and hours can change over time, so it’s wise to:
- Check current hours posted at the shop
- Call ahead if you’re planning for a group
- Look for updated info via maps or local listings
Because Atlanta is so spread out, many locals treat Big Easy Snoballs as a destination stop while they’re already out shopping, running errands, or taking kids to nearby parks and sports fields.
What Makes New Orleans–Style Snoballs Different?
In Atlanta, you’ll see Italian ice, snow cones, slushies, and smoothies all over the city. Big Easy Snoballs focuses on a specific style:
Texture
- Snoballs: Very soft, fluffy shaved ice that absorbs syrup instead of letting it sink to the bottom
- Typical snow cone: Chunkier, crunchy ice with syrup that often pools
Flavor Experience
Because the ice is so fine, flavor spreads more evenly, giving you a consistent taste from top to bottom. Many Atlanta residents notice that it feels lighter and more delicate than a packed snow cone.
What to Expect on the Menu
Each Big Easy Snoballs location has its own detailed menu, but you can expect several broad categories:
1. Classic Snoballs
These are the core of the menu: flavored shaved ice in a cup, often with optional toppings.
Common categories include:
- Fruity flavors – strawberry, watermelon, blue raspberry, cherry, mango
- Tropical or citrus flavors – pineapple, lemon-lime, orange
- Creamy or dessert-inspired flavors – wedding cake, cream soda, vanilla
- Sour or tangy blends – green apple, sour cherry, lemonade mixes
2. Signature Combinations
Big Easy Snoballs often offers pre-designed flavor mixes so you don’t have to guess what pairs well. These might blend:
- Multiple fruit flavors
- Fruit + cream-style flavors
- Bright colors kids enjoy (like rainbow combinations)
3. Add-Ons and Toppings
Depending on the specific spot, you may see options like:
- Cream drizzles (a sweet, creamy topping poured over the ice)
- Stuffed snoballs (ice layered over or around ice cream)
- Extra syrup shots for more intense flavor
If you’re visiting with kids or a group, these extras are often what make the treat feel special.
Price Range and Portions
Prices vary by cup size and any add-ons you choose, but most Atlanta visitors find snoballs to be:
- Moderately priced compared with other frozen desserts
- Available in sizes suitable for kids, teens, and adults
Many people in Atlanta opt for a medium size as a balance between portion and melt time, especially in summer heat.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
Because Atlanta gets hot and humid, Big Easy Snoballs tends to be busiest:
- On warm afternoons and early evenings
- On weekends, especially during spring and summer
- After local sports practices, school events, or park outings
To avoid a wait and heat-related melting:
- ⏰ Visit earlier in the day on hotter weekends
- 🚗 Plan ahead for parking, especially in denser neighborhoods
- 👨👩👧👦 Consider weekday visits if you’re with young kids and want a quieter experience
How Big Easy Snoballs Fits into Atlanta’s Food Scene
Even though snoballs are a regional Louisiana specialty, they fit naturally into Atlanta’s international and regional cuisine mix. Here’s how:
Part of Atlanta’s Southern & Gulf Coast Influence
Atlanta has strong food connections to:
- New Orleans and the Gulf Coast
- Other Southern cities with their own dessert and drink traditions
Big Easy Snoballs offers a New Orleans–inspired treat right here in Atlanta, without needing to travel for Mardi Gras or a French Quarter visit.
A Fun Stop on an Atlanta Food Crawl
Many locals build snoballs into:
- Casual date nights
- Family food crawls that move from one neighborhood treat to another
- After-dinner dessert runs following a meal at nearby international restaurants, taquerias, or soul food spots
Because snoballs are light and not too filling, they work well as a finishing touch to a larger food outing.
Tips for First-Time Visitors in Atlanta
If you’re trying Big Easy Snoballs for the first time in Atlanta, here are some practical pointers.
1. Start with Familiar Flavors
If you’re uncertain:
- Try a single-flavor cup you already know you like (strawberry, blue raspberry, or pineapple).
- Once you know the texture and sweetness, you can experiment with multi-flavor mixes next time.
2. Ask About Popular Combinations
Staff at Atlanta locations are used to guiding first-timers and families. You can:
- Ask for most popular flavors
- Request something not too sweet or extra bold
- Get suggestions for kid-friendly options
3. Plan for the Heat
Atlanta summers can melt shaved ice quickly:
- Eat on-site or nearby rather than driving long distances first
- Order smaller sizes for young kids to reduce mess
- Have napkins or wipes ready, especially in the car
Dietary and Ingredient Considerations
If you have specific concerns, it’s best to ask directly at the shop, but general points Atlanta customers often care about include:
- Food dyes and colors: Many bright flavors use food coloring; ask which flavors are lighter in color if that matters to you.
- Dairy content: Basic snoballs are generally water + syrup, but creamy toppings or “stuffed” snoballs may include dairy.
- Sugar content: Snoballs are a sweet treat, not a low-sugar item; some locations may offer sugar-free syrups, but availability varies.
If you manage allergies or dietary restrictions, confirm ingredients and possible cross-contact at the counter before ordering.
Bringing Kids, Groups, or Out-of-Town Guests
Big Easy Snoballs is a kid- and family-friendly stop, and many Atlanta residents use it as an easy treat destination.
With Kids
- Let kids see the color chart before they order; it helps them decide faster.
- Consider small cups for younger children to limit melt and waste.
- Have them share a larger size if they just want a few bites each.
With Groups or Teams
Atlanta sports teams and school groups sometimes stop at shaved ice spots after games or events. For smoother visits:
- Contact the location ahead of time if you have a large group.
- Encourage kids to pick flavors in line to keep things moving.
- Bring a list of pre-decided flavor combos for big teams.
With Visitors to Atlanta
If you’re hosting out-of-town guests:
- Pair a snoball visit with a trip to a nearby park, beltline section, or neighborhood stroll.
- Explain that this is a New Orleans–style dessert in Atlanta, giving them a taste of Southern regional variety in one stop.
How to Decide if Big Easy Snoballs Is Right for You
Use this quick comparison to see if it fits what you’re looking for on a given day:
| If You Want… | Big Easy Snoballs Might Be a Good Choice Because… |
|---|---|
| A cold, refreshing dessert | Snoballs are light, icy, and ideal for Atlanta’s warm weather. |
| A New Orleans–inspired experience | The style, textures, and flavor names draw directly from Louisiana traditions. |
| Customizable flavors | You can mix syrups, choose sizes, and add toppings at most locations. |
| A kid-friendly treat | Bright colors, sweet flavors, and fun presentation appeal to kids and teens. |
| A heavy, filling dessert | This may not be ideal; snoballs are generally lighter and more icy than creamy. |
Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Locals and Visitors
If you’re in or around Atlanta and thinking about visiting Big Easy Snoballs:
- Check a map app for the closest location and current hours.
- Plan your stop around other activities—errands, parks, or restaurant visits nearby.
- Decide on a few flavor ideas before arriving, especially if you’re bringing kids.
- Ask staff for recommendations if you’re unsure, especially for first-time visitors.
Big Easy Snoballs offers Atlantans a taste of New Orleans shaved ice culture with all the color, customization, and refreshment you’d expect—just tailored to the rhythms and heat of everyday life in Atlanta, Georgia.