Review: Paleterias Tropicana has ice cream – and so much more

Paleterias Tropicana is a Kansas City-based Mexican ice cream chain that opened a Wichita store at 21st and Waco five years ago.

But it’s so much more than ice cream. Local franchisees Hector Navarez and his wife, Maria Amaya, operate the Wichita store, which features colorful painted walls with pictures of churros, fruit salads, smoothies, ice cream and juice drinks hanging behind the counter.

But some of the restaurant’s best offerings are listed on a menu titled “antojitos,” which translates to “little cravings.” That menu includes burritos, tortas, empanadas, quesadillas, flautas and sandwiches that will satisfy your hunger.

First impressions are everything, and we were warmly greeted when we visited on a recent cold night. The woman working, named Stephanie, immediately offered us a sample of Mexican hot chocolate and explained several of the menu items. Everything she suggested was delicious.

We ordered a small cup of elote, steaming corn with mayo, melted butter, lime juice, cheese, and special spices to kick it up a notch. It comes in a cup or on the cob. A couple at church told me to try it, and it was spicy and delicious.

I had the Hawaiian torta, a Mexican sandwich with chicken, ham, grilled pineapple, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado served with house chipotle sauce. It was toasted and served with a bag of chips and a jalapeno pepper on the side. The generous toppings on the torta, including the grilled pineapple slices and chipotle sauce, were very flavorful.

My husband had the empanadas. An order of three includes your choice of chicken, beef or cheese and is topped with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and fresh sliced avocados. He had two chicken and one beef, and they were tasty, too. These were made fresh and weren’t greasy.

For dessert, we took Stephanie’s advice and ordered the Frescas con Crema, fresh strawberries mixed with homemade special cream that is topped with whipped cream and a cherry. My husband had the Ensalada Hawaiian, homemade special cream with strawberries, bananas, mango pineapple, granola, whipped cream, pineapple juice and a cherry. Other dessert options include 18 flavors of helados(homemade ice cream), paletas (frozen fruit or cream bars), energy shakes, smoothies, freshly made juice, and flavored water made from fresh fruits and vegetables. The customer behind us said the cucumber lime water is delicious, so I will have to try that on my next visit.

Tropicana is a clean, quaint, family-friendly restaurant that has dine in and carry out service. It seats up to 40 people. Prices range from $1.59-$5.59 for desserts and entrees. If you are looking for a new restaurant to try, I guarantee your first visit to Tropicana won’t be your last.

This story was originally published November 24, 2014 at 2:44 PM with the headline "Review: Paleterias Tropicana has ice cream – and so much more."