El Paraiso: Where to Get Your Sweet Tooth Satisfied in San Antonio, Texas for Cheap

I've always hated the idea of visiting an unknown place and eating like a tourist. The best way to travel is to eat like a local. So, if you''re ever in San Antonio and witness first hand the unbearable summer heat, start to crave something sweet and icy, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg or you're tired of eating franchise food, pull out your pocket change and get ready to indulge in some exotic local fare.

These popsicles are just 50 cents a pop. That's right. I know a local Popsicle house here in San Antonio, TX that is a favorite among locals. San Antonio is the number one tourist destination in Texas and most people who visit would not know about this little gem. The name of the place is El Paraiso. They make Paletas, which is a Mexican popsicle dessert with one-of-a-kind flavors.

Orchata is a Mexican drink flavor with ingredients like ground rice, milk and cinnamon. Vanilla and Raisins sounds like a strange flavor, but it's interesting to bite into a popsicle and find whole raisins at the bottom. The Pecan flavored popsicle has actual crushed pecan pieces throughout and is a favorite among my family. The Tamarindo flavor is one of my favorites, and people who love a sweet/tangy flavor will like it. It comes from a pod from the Tamarind tree. The fruit pulp is pureed and sweetened. It has a very distinct sour flavor you either love or hate.

I also love the Cantaloupe on a hot day because somehow melon just feels like the perfect flavor for summer. They also got really creative by creating the first salty popsicle I've tried. It's called Lucas, and it tastes just like the Mexican powdered candy! If you're in the mood for something really creamy and traditional, they have a Cookies and Cream flavored popsicle that actually tastes better than any Cookies and Cream ice cream I've ever tried! It has actual crushed Oreos, and it's probably the best flavor for those shy about trying exotic flavors. The Watermelon flavored popsicle is so fresh, it still has seeds in it, and the Pineapple with Chili is yet another surprising, yet great combination. The tang of the pineapple mixed with the hot spice is like a party in the mouth. They also have a coconut flavor which is out of this world, and a Cappuccino flavor if you're craving a creamy icy coffee flavored popsicle.

There's definitely something for every icy craving you have, whether you're looking for something creamy, tart, refreshing, fruity, fresh or even salty! And did I mention, each popsicle is only 50 cents! You could literally walk away trying every flavor and pay around 5 bucks! I have tried other popsicle vendors in San Antonio, but El Paraiso is the best and the cheapest.