What Are Paletas + Where to Find Them Near Oak Park (Updated 2025)
Get ready to meet your new favorite summer obsession: paletas. These flavorful Mexican frozen treats are taking over dessert menus and ice cream shops across Chicagoland, and after you’ve tried one, you’ll understand why. Sweet, refreshing, and often made with natural ingredients, paletas are so much more than just popsicles. They’re handcrafted treats packed with fresh fruit, bold flavor combos, and cultural flair.
Whether you're strolling through Oak Park or exploring nearby neighborhoods, you'll spot colorful paletas popping up in ice cream shops and dedicated paleterías. With options ranging from dairy-free to indulgent cream paletas, there’s something for every craving. This blog post will break down what paletas are, their origins, popular flavors, and where to get some of the best Mexican popsicles near Oak Park.
What Are Paletas?
Paletas are Mexican-style ice pops, made using real fruit, natural sweeteners, and a whole lot of creativity. Paleta comes from the Spanish word for "little stick," a nod to the classic wooden stick that anchors every frozen bite. Mexican paletas are typically made with high-quality pureed ingredients, resulting in a rich, refreshing texture and flavor.
There are two main types:
Water-based paletas. Light and refreshing, these are made with ingredients as varied as lime juice, watermelon, chamoy, and tamarind and sweetened with sugar or agave. They’re perfect for hot days and often dairy-free.
Cream-based paletas. Think of these as the creamier cousins of ice pops. Made with milk, cream, or condensed milk, they come in decadent flavors such as pistachio, pecan, or cookies and cream.
A Taste of History: Paletas from Tocumbo, Mexico
Tocumbo, a small town in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, is often referred to as the birthplace of traditional Mexican paletas. In the 1940s, local entrepreneurs started selling these frozen desserts in nearby towns using paleta molds and family recipes. As demand grew, so did the number of paleteros, street vendors pushing carts full of icy treats.
From humble beginnings, paletas evolved into a full-fledged dessert category, and brands such as La Michoacana helped spread the love across Mexico and eventually into the U.S. Today you’ll find both gourmet paletas and simple, nostalgic versions in just about every major city and suburb, and the Oak Park area is no exception.
Paletas Near Oak Park
La Michoacana de Brookfield | 9102 31st Street, Brookfield
This neighborhood gem delivers some of the most vibrant paletas in the western suburbs. You’ll find handcrafted Mexican popsicles in fun flavor combos such as strawberry kiwi and house specials like mazapán—a creamy, nutty paleta inspired by the traditional Mexican candy.
Not in the mood for a pop? Try one of their mango cups with Tajín—a spicy, tangy twist on frozen treats that locals rave about. Whether you’re craving something light and fruity or rich and indulgent, they’ve got you covered.
Pro tip: Pair your paleta with a visit to Taqueria El Grande next door, one of the area’s best-kept taco secrets. It’s the perfect one-two punch for a hot afternoon.
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La Michoacana Azteca La Grange | 15 LaGrange Road, La Grange
New to downtown La Grange, La Michoacana Azteca is already making waves with its bold flavors and even bolder vibe. This colorful ice cream shop offers a vast menu of Mexican paletas, creamy ice creams, and traditional Mexican snacks, perfect for treating yourself after a day in town.
Inside, it’s a sensory delight: bright neon lights, cheerful murals, and freezers full of handcrafted treats. Paleta flavors range from tangy mango with chili to rich strawberries and cream and coconut. Don’t miss the Jolly Rancher slushies or savory options such as elotes, spicy fruit cups, and chicharrones. It’s a one-of-a-kind paletas experience that celebrates Mexican-style flavors, fun, and community.
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La Michoacana Plus | 2071 North Mannheim Road, Melrose Park
Part of the nationally loved La Michoacana Plus franchise, this location brings the signature mix of gourmet paletas, classic ice creams, and traditional snacks to Melrose Park. Whether you're craving a refreshing water-based flavor like tamarind or a rich cream paleta with chocolate and nuts, they’ve got it all.
The shop also serves other classic Mexican treats including elote, fruit cups with chamoy, and savory snacks such as Tapatío ramen, making it a great stop for the whole family. The vibe is part funky candy shop, part retro game show set, and all incredible and colorful.
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Las Delicias de Michoacan | 1901 South Mannheim Road, Westchester
Las Delicias de Michoacan is a cozy, family-owned gem serving up authentic Mexican treats with heart. While you’ll find savory staples like tortas and elotes, the real showstopper is the shop’s lineup of handcrafted paletas.
These frozen delights bring a taste of Mexico to every bite. Go for a classic like mango, strawberry, or coconut, or try something bold like tamarind or guava. Each paleta is built for serious refreshment and that nostalgic joy of grabbing a cold treat on a hot day.
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Meet Us for a Paleta
Whether you’re cooling off after a walk through town or just craving something sweet and satisfying, paletas are the perfect pick-me-up. These frozen treats bring together tradition, creativity, and big flavor in every bite—and lucky for us, the Oak Park area is full of spots where you can taste their deliciousness for yourself.