I was contemplating whether to get a frozen banana, but it's such a Balboa Island staple that I had to -- and I'm so glad I did! I got the frozen banana dipped in premium dark chocolate with peanuts and toasted coconut. It was the perfect frozen treat -- refreshing, chocolatey, and crunchy without being too heavy. Service was friendly too! I chatted with the guy who dipped my banana and asked if he enjoyed working there. He said yes and that it's a lot of fun, which was nice to hear. I also appreciated the wide container they serve the banana in, because toppings will definitely fall as you eat! I noticed Dad's uses a much narrower container, so this one made eating it a lot less messy. There was no line when I arrived, but around 6:30-6:45 PM, a big crowd showed up. They quickly opened a second window to keep things moving. Definitely worth a stop when you're on Balboa Island! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I LOVE chocolate covered frozen bananas!! There were at least 3 on this street. Decided to go to this one for some reason. Seemed lively. There's a bench across the window so you can kind of hang out there or walk up/down the fun little street while enjoying your treats which are served in separate paper boats for easy handling. Service was great. Pretty quick. You order from the window and they make your banana right in front of you. Then you pay. Easy peasy. Appreciated that they have a regular and dark chocolate option. And the number of toppings is excellent! We don't have anything like this in the SF Bay Area so I was in heaven! However, I do like my frozen bananas just dipped in chocolate with peanuts. Nothing fancy. Loved my banana! The hubby got the Balboa bar dipped in dark chocolate and peanuts. We enjoyed them both! read more

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Came to Balboa Island so had to get a frozen banana. We went on a crowded day so it was a bit hard to find parking but they do have street parking. There are a few frozen banana shops but this one has a variety of options. I wanted to also try a dipped ice cream bar so got that and the frozen banana. The kiddo wanted sprinkles so we decided to just top with everything. A bit pricey but it was quite a tasty treat on a hot summer day. Let's just say the kiddo did a yummy dance :) read more

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One word ... delicious. One word ... amazing. One word ... huge !!! Do yourself a favor and enjoy a frozen banana today !!! I dipped mine in dark chocolate and heath toffee and if you think about it you're not blowing your diet !!! It's a banana ... it's dark chocolate. Opt for peanuts and you're healthy all the way !!! Highly recommend !!! read more

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One of the best chocolate covered bananas I've ever had. Super cute location in Balboa Island, warning the streets get a bit crowded with cars and parking could be hard, but this spot is definitely worth the walk. I got the dark chocolate covered bananas topped with almonds and oreos along with new biscoff drizzle on top. Sooo delicious and perfect for a hot summer day.. The workers were very nice and made sure the line was going. Will definitely come back if i'm ever in the area to try different toppings read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Frozen Banana with almonds, oreos, and biscoff drizzle - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Delicious!!! And they take cash. My sister and I got frozen bananas dipped in chocolate with rainbow sprinkles. She added Strawberry drizzle too! Tasty and refreshing on a hot day. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

"There's always money in the banana stand." Pop culture fans may be interested to know that Sugar 'n Spice is the inspiration for Bluth's Original Frozen Banana Stand from the TV series, Arrested Development. Located on Marine Avenue in Balboa Island, Sugar 'n Spice has been serving the original frozen bananas and Balboa Bars since 1945. P The biggest downside is their hours; they don't open until 11 AM, which is disappointing for those with a sweet tooth who want an early treat. I tried the frozen bananas and must say, Sugar 'n Spice has a superior frozen banana. The chocolate was delicious, the toppings were fresh, and the banana wasn't too frozen - if that makes sense! The staff was friendly and provided helpful service. read more

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The Balboa Bar with dark chocolate and peanuts is absolutely heavenly. It's not overly sweet--just the right balance--while still delivering that rich, creamy indulgence that feels totally worth the blood sugar spike. Every bite hits that perfect mix of smooth and crunchy. Only wish this place was closer... I'd be here way too often. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Best place to get a frozen chocolate covered banana on Balboa Island! The line can sometimes be long but don't be fooled, they move fast and do it with a smile. There is no where to sit inside but there are plenty of benches nearby to enjoy the warm sunshine while you eat your frozen treat. We got the chocolate covered frozen banana with Reese's on top and it did not disappoint. The banana might have been the biggest one I've ever seen, the two of us shared it and were stuffed! You have plenty of options when looking for a banana stand in Balboa, but Sugar 'n Spice is the best place to stop! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Frozen Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I got the popular frozen banana.... The balboa banana. I had it dipped in milk chocolate, with crumbled Reese's peanut butter cups and peanut butter sauce drizzle. It was delicious. The frozen banana was a bit hard if you have sensitive teeth but it was a warm day so you take your time and it gets a bit softer as you keep eating. There's also the balboa bar which is a vanilla ice cream bar. When i ordered the person at the window was so nice and helpful, she answered all my questions about toppings and what's popular. They have toppings of the day, which are really good. And different dips before the toppings and you can do multiple toppings. There's nowhere inside to eat but there's a lot of benches on the sidewalk you can sit. I went around 3/4pm on a Wednesday and there wasn't a crowd and there were lots of benches and trash cans to use after. read more

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Loved my first frozen banana! Great service and fun topping options! Wish they were in Dallas.

Iconic spot on Balboa Island! If you're looking for some delicious treats while walking around, you gotta try Sugar 'n Spice. They're known for their frozen bananas so I'd recommend getting one of them! The best part is getting to customize them however you like. We got ours dipped in chocolate and coated with Reeses Cup and Oreos. Just wow! The only reason this is 4 stars is due to the fact that they don't have soft serve! They do offer regular ice cream and sherbet here though. Overall, great spot and worth the visit! read more

Sugar, spice, and everything nice! My boyfriend and I visited Balboa Island for a quiet evening walk and some time to sit at the waterfront. While we were here, we just had to stop for a sweet treat. The service was super quick and friendly. I had a hard time deciding between a frozen banana or Balboa bar, but once I saw that they had strawberry shortcake crunch toppings I knew that I had to have it on top of a banana. The frozen banana wasn't too hard that it would break your teeth. It's like eating a popsicle. I loved the crunchy toppings and the bittersweet flavor of the dark chocolate. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Frozen Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Iconic to balboa island- the frozen banana reigns supreme! (And I gotta believe it's healthy- I mean it IS a banana!) They have this running like a well-oiled machine. Don't let the line intimidate you. You order at the window and they make your dessert right in front of you. Even before I had my money out..they rolled my banana in dark chocolate and fresh big almonds chunks. (And they don't skimp.) $8.08 as of 1/2026. It's such a fun treat to walk around Balboa and snack on a I delicacy. ;) read more

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A perfect stop before walking around Balboa. My friend and I came here to catch up and grab something sweet before exploring, and it did not disappoint. I got a slice of frozen cheesecake dipped in chocolate with peanuts and peanut butter sauce. I was honestly surprised by how balanced it was, it wasn't overly sweet at all. And the fact that it didn't wreck my stomach before an hour of walking around is really saying something. My friend went with the Oreo hot fudge sundae and she was equally happy with hers. It's just a stand with two benches out front, which is exactly what you want for a quick treat before a stroll. Service was quick, treats were out in less than 4 minutes. Simple, delicious, and the perfect Balboa pit stop. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Order Area - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I was surprised how substantial these are. My daughter and I split one and I didn't need lunch. I convinced her to let us have dark chocolate and it did not disappoint! The first day we had the works and then went back again for just the peanuts. read more

I've been wanting to try this for so long and im so happy i finally got to go I got a dark chocolate dipped frozen banana! It's such a simple yet delightful treat! i also added some almonds for texture. Not too sweet and not too bad for u which how could i possibly argue against that ?! Service was super quick and straightforward. Its made fresh right in front of you! Its right by the sidewalk so many ppl are walking past but its not too bad or rowdy at all~ lots of benches nearby to sit and enjoy your treat! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Balboa Bar and Frozen Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I bike to Balboa Island a few times a month to try food and this banana stand is one of my favorite stops! The balboa bars are very sweet and yummy, but the classic frozen banana is my favorite. They are pretty expensive but worth it every now and then as a treat. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Frozen banana dipped in dark chocolate with peanuts! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

There's always money in the banana stand! We came as fans of Arrested Development but were pleasantly surprised to find the dessert good and didn't feel too tourist trappy. Sugar 'n Spice is on the only road in and out of Balboa island so don't expect to find plenty of parking. The wait was quick and the prices weren't awful. We ordered the frozen banana and balboa bar with premium chocolate and peanuts. The Balboa Bar was delicious, exactly what you would want for a quick dessert option. The frozen banana was good, maybe a little too frozen but that is expected from a literal frozen banana. The line felt more touristy then local but overall I'd go again. read more

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Wooohooo for the short wait. Easy to read menu. Fast service. I ordered the Balboa Bar (Vanilla ice cream) dipped in classic chocolate with peanut butter sauce for $7.50. It was sooooo delicious! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Taken 3/16/2026 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Delicious!! I had heard from friends that this is the best frozen banana place and that I had to come here. I have never had a frozen banana with chocolate but was pleasantly surprised. The banana wasn't too hard to bite into and the chocolate with brittle was delicious. I also ordered the chocolate ice cream bar with Oreo and that was so yummy! The staff was kind and the shop was adorable. There isn't any indoor seating but plenty of benches and seating options outside the store. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Frozen Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Open as a downtown later night spot. Quite popular. The banana is very customizable and fast. Not too sweet. The butterscotch and pecan crunch was a solid combo, i think it would be good with dark chocolate. The butterscotch flavor isnt that strong but also not too sweet, i think the pecan toffee crunch was most of the flavor. Its a pretty decent amount and dessert for the price. The chocolate sauce drizzle did end up falling off lol. Its a bit silly but I wish they did nonfrozen bananas. I don't really like biting into a frozen banana texture, but if this was a normal banana with the toppings i would devour it. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Chocolate banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I hate sayin' goodbye To those sweet summer vibes with you I don't like sayin' goodbye To those hot summer nights with you... Desert that will melt your heart or hunger away. If you're taking a stroll around Balboa Island, this place will satisfy your sweet tooth, it's true. Great customer service. The young lady who helped me offered her suggestions. Lucky enough there wasn't a lot of people the day we went. I can imagine on the weekend or for parades days it will be busy. Went with a frozen banana and frozen cheesecake on a stick. Yes you read that right. Talk about a full dessert in one. You can add all kinds of toppings. Both were excellent. Although my wife and son highjacked the cheesecake out of my hand right away. If you're in town, stop at Sugar n Spice and everything will be nice. God bless read more

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Drove from San Diego to try this place. The ice cream sandwich with Reese's was really good. The frozen banana was just ok! Probably wouldn't get it again but it was part of the experience. Good service and quick. They also gave my dog a pup cup, it was HUGE (he's 8 pounds) but he enjoyed it lol Cute little area! read more

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Frozen bananas. Who thought that was a good idea?? All these youtube influencers are raving about this place so I had to check it out while in the area. For $8 I felt I should've gotten an ice cream bar instead. The frozen banana was hard to bite off, and it's VERY MESSY to eat especially in the car (toppings exploding all over the place). read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Sugar and Spice is an absolute Orange County classic and there is a reason it has been around forever. Anytime you are in Newport or Balboa you almost have to stop here for the iconic frozen chocolate dipped banana. I have had it many times and it never misses. Simple high quality ingredients with the perfect chocolate shell and your choice of nuts or sprinkles. This visit I decided to switch things up and try one of their ice cream cookie sandwiches and I was pleasantly surprised. I went with cookies and cream and strawberry with sprinkles around the outside. The cookies were honestly the standout. Soft and warm in the center with a slight gooey texture that paired perfectly with the ice cream. They were not too hard or crumbly which made it easy to bite into without everything falling apart. The ice cream itself was very creamy and both flavors were well balanced and not overly sweet. Everything came together really nicely with each bite. It is a simple affordable dessert but done really well. Overall Sugar and Spice is a must stop dessert spot and a true Newport staple. Great for families kids or just a casual walk by the water. Always worth it. read more

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Friendly service and good frozen bananas! We topped ours with chocolate and strawberry ($8) during Valentine's day. A must if you're on Balboa Island. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Their chocolate dipped treats are a must get when on the island! I usually get the cheesecake with chocolate sprinkles, and this time tried the banana with everything. It was great and not too sweet. Their pricing over the years has been pretty consistent too, reasonable increases due to inflation. I always look forward to going back, and bring friends that are visiting OC here. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Everything topping Frozen Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Balboa Island is apparently also known for their frozen bananas?? So we naturally just had to get one. I've never really had one until now I guess. My husband got one for us to share and you can choose your sauce and topping. Anything tastes good because everything is just really sweet. Thankfully they give it to you on a small tray, otherwise the whole sidewalk will be filled with chocolate and sprinkle hahaha Don't get sugar and spice mixed up with the other banana shop down the way. This is the original so I would try this one first before heading to that one! read more

Looooove it here! So many options to choose from. I love that they have a dark chocolate option too. Usually crowded but totally worth it. Quick service once your order is taken. There are so many options to choose from where toppings! Totally recommend. read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Dark chocolate/peanut frozen banana. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Lovely treat! We got the frozen banana ($7) and came with two toppings (we chose Oreo and heath). We loved the wide selection of toppings available and how yummy it was. It's also VERY cold and frozen when you get it, so we had to wait for it to thaw a little before biting into it. Definitely would return again if we're in the area! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Frozen Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

bananas are huge!! staff is very nice and its located in a nice area. they have a big menu and put a lot of toppings on too! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - left: Balboa Bar right: Frozen Banana - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I wanted an ice cream and came across this place instead. It's in such a cute little area with lots of shops and restaurants. It seems this area really favors their chocolate dipped bananas. It was really good and fun to try. The bananas are made to order and were prepared quickly and in front of us. I definitely want to come back and try the butterscotch! read more

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Sugar & Spice Frozen Ice Cream Bar Shack is the perfect stop for an after-dinner treat. The ice cream bar was massive--I especially loved the dark chocolate sauce paired with almonds and toffee toppings. I wish there were a few other nut options available though. Service was quick and friendly, and I appreciated learning about the shop's history displayed in the window. There's seating nearby, though I would have loved a few more tables to sit and enjoy. With so many competing ice cream dessert shops in the area, this spot really stood out for flavor. It adds perfectly to the Balboa Peninsula vibe, and we'll definitely be back! read more

The food wasnt good n customer service not friendly would not recommend to anyone. One of the worst places ever i been too. Go to to sweet or dads instead read more

I was excited to finally try a frozen banana from Sugar n Spice. The banana was a bit expensive at $8 but I thought it was enjoyable and more filling than what I expected. Although I probably wouldn't get this frequently, it was an enjoyable experience and I am glad I tried it. read more

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Like most tourist spots, everyone claims to have the "original" or "best" frozen banana on Balboa Island. But based on reviews, we chose Sugar 'n Spice and were glad we did! I got one dipped in dark chocolate with toasted coconut - perfectly balanced and not too sweet. My son loved his milk chocolate + Oreo combo. My daughter, who limits sugar, asked for just a plain frozen banana. The staff was so surprised they triple-checked, but she was thrilled, and honestly, it was worth the $6 to see her so happy. Friendly service, fun stop, and simple treats done right. Highly recommend! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Frozen Banana with milk chocolate and Oreo crumbs - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Obsessed with this place is an understatement. Even with the change of owners, the taste is still on point and the options are GREAT! We love coming here when coming to balboa island - and Rosie has been taking care of us for years here :) she always manages to get everything right for us and make us feel at home - and last time Grayson took care of us too. This business fits the Balboa island vibe of a small town with the cutest setting - check it out, you will not be disappointed! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Chocolate covered banana with Oreo and chocolate sprinkles - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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such a good treat! service was so quick and it's only $8 for a balboa bar. loved it here! thanks you guys! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I love a good frozen banana! We had heard this was one place we had to stop at while visiting. There was a small line and we waited a little, but it wasn't too bad. It was really good! read more

Sugar 'N' Spice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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