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Las Paletas

5.0(2 reviews)$Ice Cream
🕑 30-45 minutes including wait time, ordering, and enjoying popsicles👶 Perfect for all ages from toddlers to teens. Little ones are mesmerized by the colorful array of popsicles displayed in the freezer case, while older kids enjoy trying adventurous flavors they won't find anywhere else. Even picky eaters can find familiar fruit flavors.

About

Las Paletas is a delightful Mexican popsicle shop in Nashville's trendy 12 South neighborhood that transforms a simple frozen treat into a cultural adventure for kids. With authentic paletas in vibrant flavors ranging from fresh mango and watermelon to creamy avocado and horchata, children love picking out colorful popsicles while parents appreciate the all-natural, high-quality ingredients and reasonable prices.

Highlights

  • Over 24 rotating authentic Mexican popsicle flavors made with fresh, natural ingredients
  • Unique options like tamarind, hibiscus, and Mexican chocolate that introduce kids to new tastes
  • Instagram-worthy colorful popsicles that kids love showing off
  • Friendly staff who patiently explain flavors and offer samples
  • Charming, compact shop with a fun browsing experience choosing from the freezer display

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Visit during off-peak hours (early afternoon on weekdays) to avoid the after-school and weekend crowds when lines can extend out the door
  2. 2.Park on the side streets off 21st Avenue as street parking directly in front fills up quickly, especially on weekends
  3. 3.Let kids sample flavors before committing,staff are friendly and patient with indecisive little ones
  4. 4.Bring cash if possible as it speeds up the line, though they do accept cards
  5. 5.Plan to eat popsicles outside on the patio or while strolling 12 South since these melt quickly in warm weather

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons between 1-3 PM offer the shortest waits. Summer is peak season, but Las Paletas is a year-round treat. Avoid Saturday and Sunday afternoons when 12 South gets very busy with shoppers and diners.

What to Know

Popsicles are affordably priced around $4-5 each. Street parking is available but competitive in this popular neighborhood. The shop is small with limited indoor seating, so plan to enjoy your paletas outside or while walking around 12 South.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, though summer sees the longest lines. Some tropical fruit flavors are seasonal based on availability. The shop becomes especially popular during Nashville's hot, humid summers (May-September) when cooling off with a paleta is perfect.

Nearby Eats

Burger Up (just down the street) offers excellent kid-friendly burgers and shakes, while Mafiaoza's serves pizza that pleases the whole family,both are within a 2-minute walk and perfect for lunch before your paleta dessert.

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