Oak Cliff institution still dishing out sno cones

by Staff of Gay List Daily

Aunt Stelle's Sno Cones is still going strong after 47 years in business.

OAK CLIFF — Welcome to July in Texas, or as we like to call it: hell on earth. With oppressive heat like this a mainstay in our fair state’s summer months, it’s no wonder that Aunt Stelle’s Sno Cones has been going strong for 47 years. Well, that and the fact that these balls-o’-ice and syrup are amazingly delicious.

Since this is really one of those hole-in-the-wall institutions, we’ll share a few rules of etiquette with you so you don’t lose street cred during your visit.

First, be ready to stand in line, it’s part of the tradition - the hotter the temperature, the longer the wait. (We promise, it’s worth it.)

Second, plan to eat on the premises, which is kind of sketchy and has limited seating. Trying to travel with a glass brimming with shaved iced will only result in a crotch full of cold. Been there, done that.

Lastly, plan ahead to pick your flavor. The choices can be overwhelming. And some of the names are tricky, too. Take for example Pink Lady. This is actually vanilla, but the memory trigger was enough to have us singing “Sandra Dee” all afternoon. There’s also a bubblegum flavor known as Pop Eye or the licorice flavor, Zorro. Blech! But really, why limit yourself. Opt for the Rainbow and mix up to three flavors.

Mmm, eating gay-pride colored sno cones on the hot asphalt next to a Muffler Shop. Who says we don’t take you to the fancy joints in town?