Juanito’s Ice Cream Shop is a Mexican restaurant and ice cream shop in Franklin, North Carolina, serving traditional Mexican dishes, homemade ice cream, frozen fruit bars and Mexican-style desserts. Located on Highlands Road, Juanito’s combines a casual Mexican eatery with a nevería and paletería, offering both full meals and sweet treats in a family-friendly setting.
The restaurant menu features a variety of Mexican favorites, including street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, sopes and other traditional dishes. Taco and sope fillings include carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, grilled chicken, lengua and other Mexican-style meats. Quesabirria is another specialty, featuring corn tortillas filled with seasoned shredded beef and cheese, served with onions, cilantro and consommé for dipping.
For guests looking for a hearty Mexican meal, Juanito’s also serves grilled steak, chicken and seafood dishes. Menu selections include molcajete with steak, chicken, shrimp, cactus, grilled onions and peppers; camarones a la diabla with shrimp in a spicy red sauce; mojarra fish; and steak prepared with traditional Mexican sauces. Soups and other regional specialties add to the selection.
Homemade ice cream and frozen treats are an important part of Juanito’s identity. The shop offers a variety of ice cream flavors and paletas, traditional Mexican frozen bars made with fruit, water or cream. Paleta flavors include mango with chile, tamarind, coconut, strawberry, pineapple with chile, rice pudding and other rotating selections.
Additional dessert options include strawberries and cream, banana splits and Mexican-inspired fruit treats. Guests can also enjoy refreshing aguas frescas, including fruit-flavored drinks and traditional Mexican beverages.
Juanito’s offers casual dine-in service and takeout, making it an option for a Mexican lunch or dinner, a family outing or a stop for ice cream after exploring Franklin.
Whether you’re looking for Mexican food in Franklin, street tacos, birria tacos, quesabirria, sopes, steak or shrimp dishes, homemade ice cream, Mexican paletas, fruit popsicles, mangonadas or aguas frescas, Juanito’s offers a combination of traditional Mexican meals and frozen desserts in one location.
