Las Paletas gourmet popsicles – Nashville’s 12South District

On a beautiful spring outing at Sevier Park in Nashville’s 12South District, I was introduced to one of the city’s many hidden treasures – Las Paletas gourmet popsicles. When someone in our little group of Frisbee throwers, bubble blowers, and kite fliers suggested, “Hey, let’s all go get popsicles,” I thought to myself: Sure, why not? I’ll tag along. I’m not a huge popsicle fan. In fact, I’ve even been known to turn down a free popsicle every now and then. But I was feeling adventurous and decided to try it. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.

Las Paletas is located in the art-deco style Cypress Building on the northwest corner of 12th Ave South and Kirkwood, just across the street from Sevier Park. The inside is very minimalistic, with a small counter, a couple of ice cream cases filled with the delicious treats, and an old school blackboard where the flavors of the day are listed. Since there is no sign on the building, Las Paletas can be hard to find. But once you’ve experienced the pure popsicle joy that is Las Paletas, you’re sure never to forget it.

A paleta is a Latin American ice pop usually made from fresh fruit and most often sold by street vendors. Here’s a little Spanish lesson for you: The name comes from palo, or “stick,” and the diminutive ending –eta, referencing the little flat stick frozen into each item. The stores, carts, and kiosks where they are sold are known as paleterías, and the sellers are called paleteros.

At Las Paletas, you will find what many call the best gourmet popsicles in town. These are not you’re your ordinary sticky, syrupy, artificial fruit flavored popsicles. For these homemade ice pops, only all natural ingredients are used. They come in unique flavors like chocolate wasabi, honeydew, blackberry lime, tamarind with chili, hibiscus, strawberry coconut, and pineapple blueberry. The flavors can change from day to day, and the popsicles come in two basic varieties: creamy paletas and fruit paletas. Both are equally delicious.

The two flavors I tried were the creamy strawberry coconut and the fruity blackberry lime. My personal preference leans toward the creamy variety, but both were awesomely delish. I would recommend Las Paletas to EVERYONE. At $2.50 a pop, this place is a definite must try. Be careful, though, you may be like me and develop a popsicle craving where none existed before.

Must have items: anything, everything, as long as you just try it

Could have done without it: the long line, but that just goes to show how popular these icy treats are

What makes it special: Where else are you going to find a gourmet popsicle?

Know before you go: Since there’s no sign on the building, it’s important to know exactly where you are going before you try to find the place. And bring cash; they don’t take the plastic.

Parking: There is an adequately sized lot. And if you happen to be at Sevier Park when your popsicle craving hits, it’s an easy walk from the park.

Price: $

Web site: http://www.wheresthesign.com

Address: 2907 12th Ave S Nashville, TN 37204

Phone: (615) 386-2101

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 12pm-7pm