Paleta Bar: Dessert With Heritage

What started as a colorful little dessert concept inside The Paleta Bar at COATI quickly turned into one of downtown Colorado Springs’ biggest word-of-mouth success stories.  Between the Instagram worthy, chocolate dipped paletas, late-night crowds flowing through COATI’s event space, and the steady stream of people looking for something different than traditional ice cream, the shop built a loyal following almost immediately.  The popularity of the downtown location helped prove there was serious demand for handcrafted Mexican frozen desserts in the Springs, eventually contributing to the brand’s expansion into a second, free standing, location on North Academy. 

In many ways, COATI served as the perfect launchpad a high-energy social hub where visitors could grab dinner, catch live music, and then end the night holding a fully customized paleta covered in everything from Tajín to crushed Oreos. The growth of the business reflects not only the strength of the product itself, but also how much Colorado Springs has embraced more diverse and creative food concepts over the last few years. 

This exciting expansion brings a vibrant new vibe and a broader menu to the Austin Bluffs area.  In addition to their famous signature paletas, the N. Academy Blvd storefront serves up an array of authentic Mexican street treats, including savory elote (street corn) and flavor-packed tostilocos, and refreshing aguas frescas. The larger space is perfectly tailored for families, after-school snacks, and late-night dessert runs, making it an essential year-round destination for local foodies. 

So, what exactly is a paleta? Paletas, originated in Mexico and are essentially handcrafted frozen popsicles made with fresh fruit, cream, nuts, chocolate, or just about anything delicious enough to justify eating three in one sitting. Their roots trace back to the town of Tocumbo, Michoacán, where family-run paleta shops became wildly popular before spreading throughout Mexico and eventually across the United States. Today, paleterias have become cultural staples in many Hispanic communities, serving frozen treats that somehow feel nostalgic, refreshing, and dangerously addictive all at once. We couldn’t be more excited to see the success that Paleta Bar is having, if you haven’t tried their product, you are seriously missing out!

To learn more about some of the other fun places in CO.A.T.I. like Pig Latin, and Hayato Ramen, check out our casual dining blog and our you tube channel, where we feature these and other great small businesses!