The paletas are absolutely delicious and the service was very friendly. They have a great variety of flavors to choose from. My favorites were the Dubai Chocolate and Marzipan paletas -- so good! I will definitely be coming back and highly recommend this place. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Dessert - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

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Really amazing customer services and delicia paletas. The mix of flavors and freshness made it a great treat while knowing it was not too sweet and from fresh unique recipes. I got two of their vegan gluten free paletas. Very clean place and modern decor. I'm looking forward to taking my family to try more of their paletas soon read more

This place is incredible. Easily one of the best desserts I've had. I tried the pistachio dipped in hazelnut and then covered with sweetened condensed milk. It was amazing! The service was quick and they were happy to provide suggestions. I want to come back and try every single flavor! read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Options galore! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

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After swimming on a beautiful day, we wanted some ice cream. I had heard of this place and thought we were close to it. Sure enough, only a couple miles away. We arrived after 3:30pm and were the only customers. The workers were friendly, explaining the process to us and answering any questions. My kids quickly gravitated to which paletas they wanted. My daughter wanted a Reese's paleta with Nutella drizzle and crushed Oreos on top. My son selected the Fruity Pebbles paleta with chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. It took me a bit longer to decide on my paleta. I decided the strawberry cheesecake is what I'd get. I had it dipped in white chocolate and topped with Graham cracker crumbs. These were all so delicious!! Each one of the paletas had such amazing flavor. They truly didn't even need to extra dips, drizzles, or toppings. Also worth noting is it's a beautiful space inside. Lighted sign, butterfly murals, and gorgeous colors. We truly cannot wait to come back! read more

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4.5* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4* Service: 5* 07/07/2022 I had seen this place several times...always wondering what a paleta is and curious to give it a try. Given my taste for sweets and after seeing it show up in my searches for gelato several times, I decided I had to try it while in the area. I had just eaten, so decided to keep it light and simple and went with the Greek Yogurt with Berries (see picture)...splurging a little to have it dipped in chocolate (see picture). I've decided that paletas are definitely a delicious dessert and want to return to try some other flavors and add-ons. I recommend this place for any of you with a sweet tooth like my own. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. read more

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I have been a few times and it's either a hit or miss, depends who is working. However the most recent couple of times we went it seems more like a miss. I ordered a strawberry cheesecake paleta with the hazelnut dip and the chocolate was not enough or not at all melted so the girl only added some on one side--which is a bummer. I wish the girl gave me a choice as to if I wanted a different dipped option. Don't see myself coming back (at least not for a while) which is a bummer as I love to support small businesses! read more

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My kids and I love frequenting this paletas establishment!! It's definitely our favorite around the metro. The service is always friendly and helpful. The establishment is nice and always clean. My favorite is the Pistachio dipped in hazelnut chocolate. My kids love the watermelon, Oreo dipped in hazelnut chocolate and the fruity pebbles. All of the flavors we have tried have been honestly delicious. I would recommend you ask them what is the best dip and toppings. They will not stray you. We will make sure to make this a stop for us when we are out and about this summer and the kids are craving ice cream. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Watermelon - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

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We tried Monarca for the first time. It was good. Attentive service. Answered all our questions, and we had a bunch of them. Not sure we'll go back. It was pricey and kind of out of the way. But for a one time dessert, it was ok. read more

I took the kids with me to check out Monarca today. We were greeted right away when we walked in. It's a nice little family owned shop. The arrangement of paletas in the display case grabs your attention immediately. Staff patiently explained the paletas and the building process to us. Paletas are a traditional handcrafted Mexican frozen treat. The main ingredient is the fruit or base of the flavor. The secondary ingredient is what the paleta is mixed with when it's placed in the mold. Milk, water, or yogurt. After selecting your paleta you move down the line selecting a dip, toppings, and drizzle. Be mindful though... Each element adds an additional charge. I ordered the coffee paleta, chocolate with hazelnut dip, graham cracker topping, and the caramel drizzle. My son went for chocolate, dark chocolate dip, Oreo topping, and chocolate drizzle. My daughter went for watermelon with the Miguelito (spicy sugar) topping, and chamoy drizzle. The total was $21 and change for the three. I really liked this little treat. The milk ones have a creaminess that puts many other ice cream type bars to shame. I made a few mental notes on other combinations I'd like to try on a return visit. That being said I'm not sure it will be a regular stop for me, but I'm glad I checked them out. For me this kind of fits in that niche with rolled ice cream. It's not just a food thing...the experience itself is a key player at Monarca. Ordering and payment are done at the counter. There are three four person tables and chairs for dining in. The staff was masked up and friendly. They are very familiar with their product which makes it easy for them to make recommendations on pairing flavors. Ask them about their rewards program. It's definitely worth checking out. read more

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Beautiful and tasty paletas! Completely impressed with the flavors. During COVID19 review: Evening visit right before closing. Kinda busy for a Thursday night. All employees masked. Patrons were masked walking in. Ok to be unmasked to enjoy paletas. Friendly, outstanding service and very welcoming to those who have never experienced their shop. Very informative and helpful! We ordered 3 paletas with toppings. Total came to $17.xx with gratuity. Shop is minimalistic in design and decor. Seating is available inside. Even a photo ready wall with a beautiful butterfly. Overall, it was a nice experience and can't wait to visit for other flavors. Better to make it a date night for us next time. It's ok bringing kiddos...but in a small shop like that it may be best to keep them away or outside to enjoy on a nicer warmer day. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Price: 4/5 Food: 4/5 Accessibility: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambience: 5/5 = 4.5/5 The ambience of the place was chill and there was a wide variety of food options. It was very accessible in accommodations for food allergies with clear signs and disclaimers, however there is a high risk of contamination due to the dipping of the paleta. The paleta I bought was by the workers suggestion, a fruity pebble paleta, drizzled with dark chocolate and with graham cracker crumbs on top. This cost $5.00 which was reasonable, but if it had been dipped in chocolate it would've been $6.00 which I personally felt was a little overpriced. The paleta itself was delicious! The service was exceptional: the person helping out was very kind and attentive to the little details. Overall, solid experience and a great place! read more

I visited with having heard about the Yelp event and reviews from friends. The employee there was so kind and explained the flavors and process to me. I chose the strawberry cheesecake paleta, dipped in dark chocolate and graham crackers, drizzled with caramel. The paleta was nice and creamy, but not too sweet. I loved all the topping choices. (I used to work at an ice cream shop that also had choose your own toppings so I love this stuff.) The shop is nicely decorated, as places to take photos, and minimal seating. It was very clean and had a calm atmosphere. Fun to see some other yelpers coming in too :) Would recommend for a fun and unique treat! read more

This was my first time there, and walking in the place was clean and nicely decorated. I was helped through the whole process of choosing your paleta, sauce to dip it in, toppings, and drizzle. He was very nice and helpful. I don't think I could eat here consistently, it's a large portion, but it's definitely a nice treat! If you don't enjoy biting into your frozen treats, this may not be the place for you. But the flavors I chose worked well together and I will be back to try a new flavor when the weather gets warmer. read more

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Always so friendly, fast, and fun! So many delicious options and creative treats. Great for an after school treat or after dinner dessert! So cute inside vibes too. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Wall - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

Bright, clean, fresh, friendly, and delicious! Absolute delightful visit. Right next to Pepper Jax off University at 100th. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Reese's peanut butter burrito (in a waffle), coated with chocolate, dipped in pistachio - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

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You know me, hopping on the instagram trends. Saw friends in the DSM / Ames areas raving about this place. It is a really fun treat, vibe, place to visit...etc. Each time I've gone the staff working has been attentive, explaining new flavors, and being patient as I stare the paleta case up and down to...end up picking the same Fruity Pebble Paleta I got last time...and the time before that. For what it is, it's so fun! I always want another by the time I leave their store but for the size, it could be a little cheaper. My Fav: Fruity Pebble with the sweetened condensed milk drizzle (extra 50 cents) - taste like you are 8 years old and jut ate a big bowl of sugary cereal. YUM! Do it...be basic like me... support this place! read more

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I was invited to try out a paleta via the Yelp Elite Squad, and while I'm not a big ice-cream consumer, this product is AMAZING! Friendly, helpful staff walks newbies like me through the process. I went simple with a chocolate bar, dip, and nut topping, but drizzle-free. Wow, was it good! The drizzle may have helped keep the nuts on the bar, but I dipped the end of the bat in the nuts to keep the delicious combination going. Milk, yogurt, and water-based options for the bars, and toppings, dips, and drizzles to compliment any combination and satisfy any palette. Great treat, wonderful service, and a clean store. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

Paletas are something special, so having a family-owned and operated paleta option in the neighborhood is fantastic. Monarca offers a variety of paletas and a variety of dips, drizzles, and toppings to accompany them. Options are seasonal and include what might be considered non-traditiinal desert/ snack options, like avacado. Today I was treated to a dulce de leche paleta with hazelnut dip, almonds, and caramel drizzle. Mmmmmm.... Any time of year for something delicious and not so ordinary, Monarca is the place to go! read more

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So happy we checked this place out! Can't believe we hadn't found it earlier.... Delicious gourmet frozen ice cream bar treats! From the minute we walked in we were in love! We were greeted immediately by the young woman behind the counter. The painting on the wall, the neon signage and the sitting areas are so cool. And just seeing the choices makes your stomach growl! There are so many options of ice cream, frozen bars to choose from - chocolate, peanut butter, Oreo, coffee, different fruits (strawberry, raspberry, lime...) and then dips (dark or white chocolate, Nutella, hazelnut, cookie butter) and toppings (crushed Peanuts, shredded coconut, sprinkles, crushed Oreos, graham cracker crumbs) and drizzle (fruit, caramel, condensed milk, chocolate) to go with the bar you choose. The young woman was amazing at giving suggestions and helping us through the process. My husband loves peanut butter and chose Reese's dipped in cookie butter and rolled in graham cracker crumbs. I had a tough time choosing between fruit and chocolate but went with chocolate. I started with hot chocolate then added a chocolate wafer cookie (like an ice cream sandwich) dipped in cookie butter, rolled in sprinkles and drizzled with condensed milk. It was amazingly delicious!!! My husbands had A peanut butter cup in it! He was thrilled with his choice! When we went to sit the young man working made sure the table was cleaned off before we sat. He was very pleasant and friendly too. After we got through ordering there was a line of others - it was around 8pm on a Saturday night. They offer rewards too so that will keep me returning and trying out other options which are also always changing. Definitely my favorite new dessert place! read more

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I wasn't prepared for how good these would be lol. I have never had paletas before so I didn't know what they were. I got the fruity pebbles one and was blown away it's like a mix between a popsicle and an ice cream bar. Service was fast and friendly and the shop was clean and nice. If you're in the mood for dessert definitely try this place out. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Fruity pebbles dipped in white chocolate rolled in more fruity pebbles - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

This place is different from all the other Ice cream places in DSM. Totally worth it as well and much needed diversity in dessert content for DSM. They make their own Ice cream or juice popsicles from scratch. You choose any dips and toppings and more. I got the avocado ice cream bar, dipped in hazelnut chocolate, topped with pistachios, and drizzled with strawberry and condensed milk. It was creamy, sweet, and crunchy. The other is a lime popsicle, dipped in hazelnut chocolate. Tangy, icy, and sweet at the same time! Would definitely go there again. Not only for the ice cream but also for the clean, hip, vibe of the place. Go there and take a picture with wings on . Update: went here again, and was not disappointed! We got the Mango Ice cream bar dipped in Hazelnut Chocolate and the Strawberry cheesecake ice cream bar dipped in White chocolate with chocolate drizzle. read more

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Oh man I wish I had found this place sooner so delicious! Staff is super friendly and the place is super clean. Gotta work this into regular rotation. read more

This place is amazing. Great food and service. The ambiance was great,would definitely suggest to anyone in the area.

10/10 one of the best things I had in awhile !! So delicious ! Can't wait to go back with friends and family!! Very friendly and informative staff too ! read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Banana & Nutella dipped in white chocolate and Oreos on top - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

Staff was nice, very friendly and funny. They tell you all about how it works and how they make them in house. It's the second time I've ever had paletas and I think they are great for many different taste types. They have beautiful art on the walls that are hand painted. Only downside is maybe more seating is needed when it picks up more people there. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Strawberry cheesecake dipped in dark chocolate with Oreo crumbs and condensed milk - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

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Visited either on 2/5. Had a slim selection. However when we went to order we were informed we picked a bad day because they were closing down the next day for a week for cleaning and maintenance. Despite the small selection my wife and I were both able to find something we wanted to try and it was amazing. We can't wait to go back when they have their full selection. read more

A really special dessert shop--delicious flavors and a fun presentation. Adult combinations as well as more goofy ones are possible. I enjoyed the friendly happy service also. A real treat! My combo: coconut palettes, wrapped in waffle cone, dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in almonds, drizzled with caramel. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Palettes galore! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

This place is so good! If you're looking for a cool treat that's more than just a popsicle or ice cream bar, this is your place!

We stopped in today for the first time. We had a long day at volleyball and needed a reward. I am so glad we came. There are so many choices and the flavor is absolutely incredible. I took a Oreo Paleta and had it dipped in chocolate and cooking butter added some almonds and a little condensed milk on top. It was lights out packed with flavor. This just replaced froyo for us!!! read more

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This place is packed at all times y'all and for good reason. Did you see the amazing reviews, this is the good to place for paleta the presentation, the cleanliness, the beautiful art. The assortment of flavors will have keep coming back to try more combinations. The decorated so good you won't want to eat it! Try it you won't regret it! read more

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Came here as part of a Yelp Elite event. My first for 2021. This is not the first time I've had paletas but my first trip to Monarca. The decor is beautiful they have a gorgeous mural on the wall opposite the entrance. It's clean and well lit as well. The staff are very friendly and clean/ sanitize the tables after each use. My 7 month old loved the decor and was mesmerized by the beautiful colors on the mural. I got the strawberry (fruit based) paleta dipped in dark chocolate. This is like a chocolate covered strawberry. Absolutely delicious! My daughter got the strawberry cheesecake (milk based) dipped in dark chocolate covered in rainbow sprinkles and drizzled with more chocolate. I know! A 6year olds dream come true. She loved it. My husband got the mango (fruit based) with chamoy drizzle. We both loved his the best but agreed that it would be even better with the chamoy in the paleta itself. Overall a great experience! We will definitely be back. Maybe when it's warmer out. read more

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This is one of the coolest desserts I've ever had. This is a new, locally, family-owned ice cream shop. These paletas (popsicles) are a dream! Go for more of an ice cream popsicle by choosing from a dozen flavors on the left or hit up those summer vibes with the fruity flavors on the right. Have your popsicle dipped in chocolate, white chocolate, Nutella--you name it. And then that delicious beauty can be crusted with Oreos, peanuts, sprinkles, and more. What a unique experience! read more

tried this place tonight with my boyfriend and it was amazing. the guy working was so nice and helpful. i got the coconut one with dark chocolate dip and almonds. highly recommend. the place was clean, smelled great. cant wait to try more creations! read more

What a treat! Monarca Paletas has a very modern feel, makes you think you're in one of the bigger cities and the concept reminded me of the Magnum Ice Cream shops you see around the world. The paletas are all made locally in-house and it really shows. It's a big variety of ice cream flavors, traditional and more unique. I got pistachio. Then I chose the dip for the ice cream bar, they have dark chocolate, white chocolate, Ferrero Rocher chocolate and cookie butter. I went with the Ferrero Rocher, and then you can choose toppings like nuts, shaved coconut, cereal, graham crackers, sprinkles, etc. I chose pistachio. You can also add condensed milk, caramel, or even chamoy after the toppings but I just left it like that. Super friendly staff and the flavor of the ice cream was very good. Delicate, creamy and rich. If you're looking for a lovely local treat, you can't miss Monarca ! read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Pistachio paleta dipped in Ferrero Rocher chocolate dip and topped with pistachio. Oh man so good - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

Our paletas artist was absolutely amazing. She walked us through every step and explained the case of paletas and how they are separated by milk, water or yogurt based. After choosing the paleta she advised that we can dip it in white or dark chocolate, hazelnut, cookie butter or Nutella. Once it's dipped you have a variety of toppings to choose from as well as a drizzle on top! I decided on the Reese Paleta dipped in hazelnut, topped with coconut and drizzled in caramel. It was delicious! The paleta is not as sweet as your typical ice cream treat but was still amazing. I can't wait to come back soon and try a new combination. I bet the water based paletas would be a great treat on a hot summer day! Mango paleta, dipped in white chocolate and topped with coconut drizzled in strawberry... now my mouth is watering! Can't wait to be back! read more

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This is truly the best ice cream experience I have ever had. The Popsicles are Instagram worthy they look so good I was worried that the flavor would not live up to the image. They really did. We ordered three different popsicles a mango one, a banana Nutella, and an Oreo. Each one was amazing and bursting with flavor. They make these fresh daily from family recipes. You really can't go wrong here, after I finished mine I wanted to order another one but I had to control myself. All the staff wear masks they're very patient and kind. I highly recommend everyone to come and support this business. I sure hope they can make it through this pandemic because their product is amazing. read more

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Excellent place. A wide variety of paletas, which are shaped like a popsicle. You can get them dipped in stuff, rolled in nuts and sprinkles, drip strip drizzled with whatever. This is high quality made in house ice cream. Not too sweet. Some dairy based, some fruit based. You just have to go. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Paletas ready for final construction - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

We actually went twice and loved everything we tried the watermelon taste like watermelon so refreshing! read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - Greek yogurt and berry dipped in white chocolate with graham cracker and condensed milk. Delicious - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

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Whenever I go I tell myself I'm going to get a healthy(?) HA option with fruit and that never happens. After all, it's not my fault they put a full Reese's cup inside their peanut butter paletas. read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - An attempt at an almond joy paleta, an Oreo paleta, and a peanut butter chocolate paleta - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

What a cool new place! They have some new to me ideas on Ice Cream and I fully support new ways to eat ice cream! I will say their is a lot more to it then that and the staff was very helpful to pick out exactly what i was looking for. I'd give this place 6 stars if I could! read more

Monarca Gourmet Paletas - This place is so much fun - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Clive, Iowa

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