It’s not even July yet and HEY! It already feels like 100+ degrees out! My feet have started slipping out of my flip-flops (real-talk) but I’m not complaining. After all, isn’t this what we’ve all been waiting for? The neighborhood fire hydrants have been pried open and as much as I’d like to immerse myself in a bucket of ice-water every seven minutes, I’m desperately trying to rock the stuck-my-finger-in-an-electrical-socket-hair look. So, if you’re like me and are constantly looking for ways to cool down, go to any of these spots below. Paletas, cholados, frozen beers, whatever you’re craving, we’ve got you covered. Is that my mouth watering or is it possible for your tongue to start sweating?
La NewYorkina
Chelsea HighLine, New Amsterdam Market, + More
These authentic Mexican paleta carts started on the Chelsea HighLine but are popping up all over NYC streets and markets. Artisinal, original and oh-so-delicious, La NewYorkina flavors include mango-blackberry, pineapple-jalapeño and avocado. If you like your paletas spiked, they’ve got strawberry-mojito and mango-margarita flavors, too! Their menu is constantly changing so check out their Twitter to stay in the know.
Sley Deli
4217 Fort Hamilton Pkwy (Between 42nd & 43rd St.) Brooklyn, 11219
Don’t let the bodega front fool you, Sley Deli is the home to the OG of Mexican paletas! Serving over 30 flavors for over 10 years, Simón Lebya started apprenticing at his families paletería in his home of Puebla, Mexico. Now we have the choice of arroz con leche, mango with chili, horchata, almond, guava, coconut… the list goes on! For $1 (or 24 for 20) you can enjoy one of these all natural, made-with-love paletas. Tell your friends!
Macondo
157 E. Houston St. (between Allen and Eldridge), 10002
Located on LES, Macondo has a cocktail menu worthy of a human sacrifice to the Aztec Gods of Alcohol. Pairing flavors like guava and whiskey, lulo and mezcal, and the most holy of all, a frozen avocado and mezcal concoction with honey, lime juice and agua bolivia. These locos are open till LATE and offer an equally as delicious food menu. You want some Yuca fries with that shake?
El Palacio de los Cholados
83-18 Northern Blvd Jackson Heights, 11372
For $5 this Queens spot will exorcise your Cholado demon. First, they shave ice into your cup. Next comes mora (Colombian blackberry) and maracuya (passionfruit) syrup. After that, the fruits of your choice include banana, grapes, strawberries and pineapple chunks. Leche condensada (sweet condensed milk) is poured before it’s all topped off with coconut shavings and a maraschino cherry. Tangy, sweet, crunchy, smooth, but most of all, fresh!
Réunion
357 W 44th St. (between 9th Ave & 8th Ave) 10036)
Have you ever found yourself sipping on your ice-cold Corona, lime and salt sprinkled along the rim and thought, Dang, I wish this was a slushie! Well, you’re dreams have come true (or at least mine have) because at Réunion, their Frozen Corona Slushie has fresh lime juice and triple sec added to boot. A couple of these, and you’ll forget you’re in Hells Kitchen!
Piragua Cart @ APT 78
4447 Broadway Washington Heights, 10040
We thought our favorite Uptown art gallery/music venue/summer BBQ/lounge, APT 78, couldn’t get any better….until they unveiled their in-house piragua cart! Having debuted this week during their Summer Kickoff BBQ, these piraguas are a perfect addition to the already laid back, genuine community spot. Lets hope they’re spiking these.