BURSTING WITH FLAVORFUL OPTIONS. La Michoacana is unlike any other sweets shop in the Chippewa Valley, and it's owned by long-time Wisconsinites aiming to share a slice of their home country's flavors.

Eau Claire’s London Road is certainly no stranger to all kinds of eateries, including Mexican restaurants. However, it had never been home to an ice cream-focused Mexican-style space, until La Michoacana (2410 London Road) opened in early July.

La Michoacana is unlike any other ice cream shop or eatery in the Chippewa Valley, though its story is one that may resound with other businesses in the area: a dream among friends turning into reality.

Antonio Pimentel, Ignacio Infante, and Roberto Alvarado have been friends since they were children. While they grew up in Mexico – the shop’s name a nod to their home state of Michoacán – the three have called Wisconsin home for more than 20 years, and two living right in the Chippewa Valley.

”

IT MAKES US SO EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO SHARE THIS DREAM WITH ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

LA MICHOACANA

“A few years ago we were talking with our families and friends that, here, we need a place where we can go and enjoy all those appetizers, rich and delicious, like those of our country,” the owners’ introductory Facebook post said. “It makes us so excited to be able to share this dream with all our beautiful people!”

Antonio said construction on the London Road shop began about seven months ago, and even during renovations, curious folks stopped by. The owners offered them free popsicles and made samples for friends and family, and those previews paid off. Once it opened July 9, La Michoacana has been filled with customers again and again, and especially after seeing its menu, it’s clear why: With more than 70 flavors of popsicles, 30 flavors of ice cream, plus drinks and appetizer-style food, La Michoacana is absolutely bursting with options.

Paletas, or popsicles, can also be dipped in dark chocolate or chile and chamoy (a savory sauce) and served with various toppings from cereal to coconut flakes to Tajin. Just a handful of popsicle flavors include strawberry margarita, pineapple with chile, Snickers, rum with raisins, lemon meringue pie, and so many more.

The Agua Frescas portion of the menu includes more typical canned and bottled drinks such as sodas, water, and Jarritos, while also offering cucumber, walnut, or horchata agua frescas. Another menu section is the “Mangonadas” portion, offering up flavors like lime, mango chammoys, strawberry, and more. Snack options include eloté in a cup, strawberries with cream, gazpachos, and panini sandwiches.

“These kinds of stores, you find them in Mexico in every single town or downtown, so I’ve gone a lot of my life (having access to them),” Antonio said. “Then here, there was not one.”

Antonio said people have been excited once entering La Michoacana, and especially exciting for Latin people who are familiar with this kind of eatery but had not seen one in Eau Claire before.

La Michoacana isn’t hard to miss on the outside, either. While its bright pink signage stands out, the interior completely takes it to the next level: bold, playful colors cover the walls and signage. There’s a line-style ordering system in place with window seating and a few tables inside. Though a smaller space, several TVs lining one wall transition each menu and also offer programming for patrons.

The sweets and snacks shop will be open Monday-Sunday from 10am-10pm during the summer with winter hours listed as 10am-8pm. With seemingly endless options – seriously, 70 popsicle flavors?! – La Michoacana just might be the sweet spot of your dreams.

Gaspacho drinks.

Bionico drink.

See the full menu and keep up with La Michoacana on Facebook. They are also on Instagram (@la.michoacana.eauclaire). Visit 2410 London Road, Eau Claire, or call with questions at (715) 598-1710.