La Michoacana Monarca — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I stopped by on my way home from work the other afternoon. It was around 4. I was greeted warmly when I entered, and was given a helpful runthrough of the various paleta flavors… there are a lot of flavors! There was a large menu with all of the options, and additional menu items behind the counter, but I was just there for the paletas to start. I ordered three different flavors: • the arroz con leche (rice with milk) - a creamy texture and the flavor of sweetened milk, cinnamon, and raisin. There were some whole raisins and a lot of pieces of cooked rice. I liked it! • the mango with tajin and chamoy - this was a “agua” paleta, meaning it’s not made with milk. It had large chunks of mango and a spicy/tangy/salty flavor in the non-mango ice. This was delicious, reminiscent of a freshly-sliced fruit cup with tajin and chamoy. • the watermelon - another agua paleta. amazingly bright flavor of a watermelon at peak ripeness. I think this is literally just frozen watermelon purée. Amazing. Really refreshing. I imagine this one would also taste terrific with tajin and chamoy.

The price for all three was around 10. Maybe less? Certainly not out of line with the cost of an ice cream or frozen treat elsewhere in town.

I took these to go, so I could enjoy them over a few days. They stayed frozen on my trip home (a few miles away) and didn’t lose any pep from sitting in my freezer for a few days.

Friendly and welcoming people running the business, a delicious and satisfying product (with an expansive menu), and close enough to my house that a takeout order won’t melt on the trip.

Highly recommended! Next time I’ll try...

A bit unorganized, but the food tastes good. It’s a newer location, and I think the staff can be more responsive to the customers. Only one person minds the cash register, so it can be an unwelcoming experience to stand there waiting for service. The register is also right by the entrance doors, which means customers are walking into a group of people at walk-in.

I tried the Flancito and Churro Sundae (was missing the caramel - not much of a sundae tbh). Their elote and esquites are delicious though, but I had to ask for the Takis I added (I only cared enough because they charge $1 extra for a couple table spoons of crushed chips lol).

Overall a really laid back vibe...

La Michoacana Monarca at 80 Snelling Ave N in St. Paul, a hidden gem for ice cream and frozen treats. The highlight of this place is their incredible variety of homemade "nieve" (sorbet) and ice cream, all made with fresh, natural fruits. You can really taste the difference! The flavors are vibrant and authentic, from classic mango and strawberry to more unique options. The staff is another major plus; they are incredibly attentive, friendly, and helpful, always willing to let you sample flavors and offer recommendations. This is the perfect spot for a delicious, refreshing treat, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for authentic, high-quality...