The Cooler Sno-Balls Serves Some Of The Most Delicious Summertime Treats In Nebraska
Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, The Cooler has permanently closed.
Everyone has their favorite summertime destination for sweet treats. There are plenty of choices when you’re in Omaha, but one seasonal spot has everyone counting down the days to summer every year.
The Cooler is a sweet little roadside stand in historic North Omaha. It's just like those places you remember from childhood, where kids go after a day of swimming and adults go for an after-work treat.
If you've ever spent time in New Orleans, you might recognize sno-balls. They're similar to snow cones, but the ice is soft and fluffy rather than big and crunchy. The syrup tends to settle on the bottom of a snow cone, but in a sno-ball the syrup is perfectly absorbed by the ice so every bite is delicious.
This locally-owned gem makes all of its own flavor syrups in-house. They're made using pure cane sugar and spring water and contain no artificial preservatives or high fructose corn syrup.
If you want to keep it simple, order a classic sno-ball. It's a simple treat that's more refreshing than any other on a hot summer day, and with more than 20 flavors to choose from, you're sure to find something you love.
Or maybe you're looking for a more daring dessert experience. Get your sno-ball stuffed and fluffed for a fluffy, soft, crazy-delicious sno-ball with a little shot of vanilla ice cream in the middle. The signature gummy bear on top is one of the things that makes The Cooler so charming.
The special creations here are always worth a try! Check out this key lime pie sno-ball - doesn't this look like a dream come true on a sweaty, sticky summer day?
The Cooler even offers some special grown-up selections in the form of alcoholic sno-balls. Grab a designated driver and stop in to enjoy a dessert that's sure to make your day a little better.
As a family-friendly establishment, you can count on a wholesome experience. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and new safety regulations, you can no longer stand in line with other customers or sit down at a picnic table to enjoy your sno-ball.
But you can still drive through to order and see these smiling faces. The crew is always friendly and always happy to help you find your favorite flavor.
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
