Tropical Island

I left the Rio Grande Valley 8 years ago, and whenever I come down to visit a trip to Tropical Island is a must!!! This is a two lane, drive thru that sells traditional raspas (flavored shaved ice), drinks and a whole host of other snacks and treats. I cannot speak to the treats like Hot Cheetos with cheese and fruit, but I am an expert on their raspas! They have the best strawberry flavored raspas around. I am particularly fond of the strawberry piccadilly. A piccadilly is a raspa with sliced pickles, Lucas powder and Trechas chili powder. It is the best combo of sour and sweet! I have also had their corn in a cup, and it pretty good. The only reason I bumped them down to 4 stars is the long, long wait. The line gets exponentially longer during the summer months, and you may get stuck in your car sticking out on I Rd waiting for this place. There are two lanes for drive thru, and a walk-​up window. I would recommend using the window if the line is longer than 3 or 4 cars.

this is the best raspa place EVER… the ice is just perfect, they drench it with FRESH juice… and thier corn in the cup is sooo good… LOVE this place

I usually don’t stray from the 5 star raspa standards that Popeye’s in San Juan has but sometimes, it’s just too damn busy. Tropical Island has got me covered there. The flavors are just as good, the ice is just as fine but they have 3 lines and way more stuff for me to buy besides raspas. Their ice and syrups are delicious and the prices are reasonable. They also have the most amazing natural lemon flavor. So, if Popeye’s seems way hyped and too busy, drive further down I Rd, and get your raspa on!