Popsicle Paradise at The Paleta Bar

If you’ve ever had a paleta on a hot Vegas afternoon, you know it’s not just a dessert—it’s a cool-down treat on a scorching summer day. And if you haven’t, there’s no better place to start than The Paleta Bar, located at Shanghai Plaza just off Spring Mountain Road.

This colorful, welcoming spot specializes in fresh, gourmet Mexican-style ice pops—aka paletas—handmade daily with the finest ingredients and bold, vibrant flavors.

What is a Paleta?

If you’re not familiar, paleta is the Spanish word for ice pop, but these are nothing like your average grocery store popsicle. Paletas are traditionally made with real fruit, natural ingredients, and creamy or water-based textures.

Think frozen mango with chamoy and chile, or strawberries blended with cream and dipped in white chocolate—these are rich, flavorful, and often as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.

From the moment you step inside The Paleta Bar, the aroma of fresh fruit and creamy chocolate fills the air. The space is fun, upbeat, and filled with options that make it almost impossible to choose just one thing.

The paletas here are handcrafted daily and come in a wide variety of flavors. You’ll find classics like strawberry, mango, and coconut, but also fun surprises like avocado, coffee, and mazapán (a traditional Mexican peanut candy flavor).

Here’s How It Works:

Getting to The Paleta Bar is the easiest part. Now, it’s time to create your own perfect paleta popsicle!

Step 1: Choose Your Paleta

This is the hardest part—but only because everything looks so good. Flavors include mango, strawberry, avocado, coconut, coffee, and even seasonal surprises. Some are water-based and refreshing, while others are creamy and indulgent.

Step 2: Pick Your Toppings

Now, the fun begins. The Paleta Bar has a generous list of toppings that range from nostalgic (sprinkles, Fruity Pebbles) to nutty (almonds, crushed peanuts) to rich and chocolatey (Oreo crumbs, brownie bits). You can keep it classic or get as creative as you want.

Step 3: Dip It

Choose from white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or go bold with the chile and chamoy dip. The chocolate hardens perfectly over the cold paleta, adding that satisfying crunch to every bite.

Step 4: Add Fruit (Optional—but Highly Recommended)

Want to add even more freshness? Toss on sliced strawberries, bananas, pineapple, or any fruit they have in season. It takes your paleta to a whole new level.

Once your masterpiece is assembled, it’s handed over in a cute, photo-worthy cup—ready to enjoy.

What We Tried

On our visit, we went all in and tried a few of the most popular creations. The Mango Chamoy paleta with chile-lime Tajín and chamoy drizzle was a flavor explosion—spicy, tangy, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing. If you like a little heat with your treat, this one’s a must.

We also ordered the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup, a showstopper packed with fresh strawberries, chocolate drizzle, and crushed cookies—rich, decadent, and absolutely delicious.

Another standout was the Mazapán Paleta, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with nuts. If you’re a fan of peanut butter or Mexican candy, this one’s for you. It’s creamy, nutty, and comforting in the best way.

Other Must-Try Treats at The Paleta Bar

While paletas are the star of the show, The Paleta Bar has other cool treats worth checking out. Their fruit cups are packed with freshly cut mango, cucumber, pineapple, and watermelon—served with lime, chile, or chamoy to taste. You can top them with tajín or drizzle to your heart’s content. Healthy(ish) and totally satisfying.

And don’t miss their aguas frescas, which come in rotating flavors like horchata, watermelon, and cucumber lime. They’re light, flavorful, and perfect for sipping alongside your paleta or fruit cup. These traditional Mexican drinks are made fresh and pair beautifully with everything on the menu.

A Place Kids—and Parents—Will Love

The Paleta Bar is a hit with families, especially because kids blend traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist, giving everyone a chance to customize and create their perfect dessert. The interactive experience makes it fun, and parents will appreciate that the ingredients are high-quality and thoughtfully prepared.

And yes, the paletas are that good—fresh, flavorful, and made with love. You can taste the difference.

It’s also a great stop after a day out in Chinatown or a sweet ending to a meal at one of the nearby restaurants in the Shanghai Plaza.

Pro Tip: Go with friends so you can each try a different combo—and don’t forget to snap a photo before your paleta starts to melt!

The Paleta Bar delivers flavor, fun, and a cool twist on tradition. Come for the paletas, stay for the smiles.