Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Balboa Bar?

A Balboa Bar is a yummy treat features ice cream covered in melted chocolate which is then rolled in your choice of toppings including rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles or peanuts.

A Balboa Bar features in many of my childhood memories of the Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Island.  It’s something that many outside of the area have never heard of, but those of us that have enjoy these special, local treats.

There are many places to get a Balboa Bar but most locals have their favorites.  You can get Balboa Bars at the Balboa Fun Zone, on Balboa Island and at the Newport Pier.

I believe the longest standing at the Balboa Fun Zone is Balboa Beach Treats.  It is located at 705 1/2 E. Edgewater in Newport Beach – 949-723-5701.  It’s been there for as long as I can remember, and that’s going back several years.  This is one of my favorites.

On Balboa Island, there are two that battle for primacy just a couple of doors apart.  Dad’s at 318 Marine Ave., Newport Beach and Sugar & Spice at 310 Marine Ave., Newport Beach.

Dad’s has been there since 1960, and Sugar & Spice has been there since 1945.  Yet, both claim to be the Original.

For me, the best Balboa Bar must be fully coated.  There should not even be a millimeter of chocolate showing beneath the toppings.  Any splotches are the mark of an amateur in my book. 

Wherever you decide to get your Balboa Bar, be sure that you are prepared to properly eat yours.  How you may ask?  The best advice is to eat it quickly but carefully.  As the icecream begins to melt and you eat farther down your Balboa Bar, the chocolate sides are likely to begin to fall off in large chunks.  This isn’t a big problem unless you’re not prepared for it.  So, make sure you keep a napkin or the little paper trays ready to catch them so you don’t lose these yummy bits of your Balboa Bar.