7 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Northridge
Master Critic Review
Tropic Ice
7.7
A family-run Colombian raspado and juice counter inside Northridge Fashion Center, built around natural-ingredient shaved ice preparations like raspado de coco and fresh tropical fruit juices including lulo. The draw is straightforward: traditional Colombian frozen treats and fruit blends at mall-friendly prices, executed by a small operation that has held steady in the same spot since late 2021.
Must-Try Dishes:
Raspado de Coco, Lulo Juice, Hot Chocolate
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Family-run Colombian ice and juice shop using 100% natural ingredients for traditional shaved ice, fresh tropical juices, and fruit salads
Who should go: Colombian treat seekers and tropical fruit lovers
When to visit: Weekday afternoons for a relaxed, no-wait experience
What to order: Start with a Raspado de Coco, try the Lulo Juice for something distinctly Colombian, and don't skip the hot chocolate on cooler days
Insider tip: The hot chocolate is a sleeper hit at an ice shop — regulars call it phenomenal
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Inside Northridge Fashion Center — free parking in surface lots and Tampa parking garage, with a small section of paid premium spots near entrances
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal as a standalone date spot — this is a small counter-service dessert kiosk inside Northridge Fashion Center, so the atmosphere is casual mall seating rather than intimate or private. However, it works well as a sweet add-on during a mall date. The Colombian shaved ice and fresh juices give you something fun to share, but don't expect mood lighting or quiet conversation — it's a busy mall environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-up counter-service shop inside the mall, so no reservations are needed or accepted. Order at the counter and grab available seating in the mall's common areas nearby. Wait times are generally minimal since it's a quick-serve format.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — shaved ice, ice cream, smoothies, and fruit salads are a natural hit with kids of all ages. The casual counter-service format means no pressure to sit still through a long meal, and the mall setting provides plenty of space for restless little ones. No dedicated kids menu, but the entire menu is kid-appropriate. A solid stop during a family mall outing.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups — ordering is easy since it's counter service, and everyone can grab their own treats. However, there are no dedicated tables or private space belonging to the shop; you'd be using shared mall seating, so finding enough adjacent seats for groups over 4-5 may take some patience during busy mall hours. No reservations or private rooms available.
Is there outdoor seating? No — Tropic Ice is located inside Northridge Fashion Center on Level 1, so there is no outdoor seating specific to this shop. All seating is shared mall common-area seating indoors.
Best For