Paleteria Azteca
Tustin shop offers reasons to explore beyond La Michoacana when seeking out Mexican popsicles
Hundreds of La Michoacana locations across Southern California might suggest otherwise, but there are other places to find paletas – Mexican popsicles made with either water (sorbet) or milk (ice cream) bases. Paleteria Azteca is just one example, a family-owned Tustin business that cites its Michoacan grandfather’s history of making popsicles from scratch.
Some of the flavors straddle the savory-sweet line, including Chamoy-dusted mango, chia, or pineapple, chili-spiced watermelon, tamarind, or cucumber, and pico de gallo with pineapple and chili. Others are sweet and thoroughly Mexican, including rompope, mamey, horchata, sweet corn, and hibiscus, while old standards such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are of course available.
The novelties here will be familiar to fans of La Michoacana and other paleterias – popsicles often arrive with fruit beautifully embedded in their sides, and some arrive coated in chocolate with either peanuts or coconut. Similarly chocolate-covered frozen bananas are available, providing simpler but still compelling takes on the treat most associated with Balboa Island’s competing Sugar ‘n Spice and Dad’s Donut banana stands. Ice creams, mangonadas, and tostiloco snack bags can be customized, as well.
As it’s family-owned and -managed rather than franchised, Azteca competes not just on pricing (aggressively) but on service, which is friendly and thoughtful – a contrast with some La Michoacanas, which don’t think to label their ice creams for guests. If you’re in Tustin and pass by, especially on a hot day, this is certainly worth a visit.
Stats
Price: $
Service: Counter
Open Since: 2016
Addresses
17292 Mcfadden Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
714.213.9720
Instagram: @paleteriaazteca