Sugar ‘n Spice – The Original Frozen Banana

Newport Beach’s Balboa Island is famous across Orange County for two things: Marine Avenue, home to many of its small shops and restaurants, and two competing frozen banana stands called Sugar ‘n Spice (“The Original Frozen Banana”) and Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop. Although there’s a complicated history behind who invented and popularized the chocolate- and nut-covered frozen banana and its vanilla ice cream-cored cousin, the Balboa Bar, we love the versions served at Sugar ‘n Spice.

Frozen bananas and Balboa Bars are actually canvases: At Sugar ‘n Spice, they can be rolled or covered in a dozen different toppings, ranging from sprinkles to nuts, coconut, cereal, Oreos, Heath Bars, Reese’s peanut butter cups, salted caramel, s’mores, or peanut butter and jelly. Between the semi-soft fillings, the crispy chocolate shell, and any of these options, you’re guaranteed to have a great dessert.