Aunt Stelle's Sno-Cones

Tucked away in an Oak Cliff neighborhood, at the corner of Clarendon Drive and Marlborough Avenue, you’ll find my favorite place for a cool summer treat. I grew up just a few blocks away and nothing was better than a Pink Lady-flavored snow cone from Aunt Stelle’s on a hot day. It’s not quite a storefront — and far from your typical snow cone shack — but you’ll know you’re there when you spot the red door and vintage sign hanging on an otherwise old and inconspicuous building.

When you get up to the window to order, be prepared to say how many and what sizes you’d like for everyone in your party first. This way, they can get started on filling your red plastic cups with ice (they stopped serving cones a few years ago) and you have a couple of extra minutes to decide on flavors.

Of the 29 choices nailed on the door, strawberry is ordered the most, says owner Lee Albert, whose mother, Estelle Williams, opened the place in 1962. There is a good-size selection of basic fruit flavors, including banana, lime, pineapple, raspberry, grape and watermelon; a few classics, including root beer, bubble gum, rainbow and piña colada; and some specialties, such as Pink Lady (tastes like homemade vanilla ice cream), Beatle (think Sweet Tarts), Pop Eye (gum ball-flavored) and the black jelly bean-tasting Zoro. Sour apple and tamarindo are highlighted as the newest flavors available. It’s not noted anywhere, but if you can’t decide, you’re welcome to mix flavors in your cup for no extra charge.

You’ll feel like a kid again with your first bite, instantly cooling off and forgetting about the 100-plus degree heat outside. Which is also great considering there are no tables or chairs, and no shaded area for those waiting in line. But don’t worry; the line moves pretty quickly and most people drive away after getting their orders, opening up spots to park along the street. There is no official parking area, so arrive early or expect to walk a little.

-- Erika Nuñez