Tucked away in an unassuming storefront on Panama City Beach Parkway less than a mile from the shoreline, David Sno-Balls is a great place to find a quick, but memorable bite in Panama City Beach.
Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or ready to sit down for a delicious, casual lunch, David’s has you covered. As you first walk up to the door, the fleur-de-lis on the signage lets you know right away that you’re in for a New Orleans-style experience. David’s Sno-Balls, which first opened in 2006, is run by two friends and former New Orleanians who now call Panama City Beach home.
They’ve slowly expanded the menu from their namesake offering of shaved flavored ice to include po-boys, red beans and rice, hot dogs, Zapp’s chips (a classic New Orleans brand), plus beignets made from dough purchased directly from the Cafe du Monde warehouse in New Orleans. They’ve even perfected the New Orleans authenticity right down to the Community Coffee, which can be ordered as a cafe au lait, French roast, or the New Orleans blend featuring bold chicory flavors.
For the uninitiated, a “sno-ball” is typically flavored shaved ice served in a cup with a spoon. At David’s Sno-Balls, this humble, sweet, and refreshing dessert is elevated to an art form. Choose from over 40 flavors, and add toppings like graham crackers or marshmallows, as well as creamy mix-ins. For a truly indulgent treat, try a “stuffed” sno-ball, which includes a rich, creamy center of soft-serve ice cream.
On a recent outing to David’s Sno-balls, we were excited to sit back, relax, and laissez les bon temps rouler with a tasty meal that included the following menu items:
Stuffed Key Lime Pie Sno-Ball
Creamy, tangy, and the perfect combination of refreshing and mouth-wateringly rich, this was a totally inspired take on Panama City Beach’s classic dessert.
Roast Beef Poy Boy
Flavorful and juicy, this is an authentic po by that offers sloppy, tasty eating that you’ll need plenty of napkins to enjoy!
Muffuletta
A classic New Orleans sandwich made with ham and olive salad served on bread from Gambino’s Bakery. We ordered the small version, and it was still way more than one person could eat at once. Great to share, or take to go and enjoy for a beach picnic!
Baby Beignets
While the classic full-sized beignets looked amazing as well, we opted for an order of mini beignets. Perfectly fried and absolutely coated in powdered sugar, just like at Cafe Du Monde, these were a great size for dunking in a cup of cafe au lait.
David’s Sno-Balls is a welcome addition to the Panama City Beach food scene, serving up delicious, authentic New Orleans-style food at prices that make it truly feel like the “Big Easy.” Both savory and sweet treats are done right, and the service is warm, knowledgeable, and clearly focused on giving customers a welcoming experience. The only drawback? That powdered sugar gets everywhere. Avoid wearing black, and prepare to take a nice swim in the ocean after your treat!
Insider Tip:
-While the service at David’s Sno-Balls is speedy indeed, take advantage of some Southern hospitality and plan to stay and chat for a bit at one of the picnic tables out back. The outdoor seating area is decorated with memorabilia from Mardi Gras, Louisiana State University teams, and the New Orleans Saints, and the staff is happy to answer questions about the New Orleans-sourced products served inside.