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Delicious Ice Cream Shops in Philadelphia

As one of the most popular culinary cities in the country, we all know Philadelphia is full of amazing food, drinks, and desserts.

three happy friends eating ice cream in philadelphia

And with summer right around the corner and temperatures peaking across the country, what could be better than enjoying some nice, cold ice cream? With plenty of flavors and the cool refreshing texture, you really can’t beat this treat.

I’ve put together a list of my favorite ice cream spots in town, so you’ll know exactly where to grab some the next time you’re in the mood for it.

From newer shops to some that have been around for decades, the ice cream scene is ever-evolving in Philly.

From classic shops with a set list of flavors, to those with rotating flavors, and others with customizable mixes, there’s something for everyone’s taste on my list. Keep reading to learn more about these little parlors!


Best Ice Cream Shops in Philadelphia

C & C CREAMERY

5461 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: (215) 487-1920
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Looking for a shop with an old-school vibe? Check out C&C Creamery. This local ice cream parlor makes their own ice cream and serves up a few other tasty treats.

Hundreds of locals have left glowing reviews about this spot – especially because it features a drive thru.

C&C Creamery offers hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, milkshakes, water ice, and even soft pretzels. We recommend the minty cookies-n-cream, cherry vanilla, vanilla caramel swirl, butter pecan, rocky road, or pineapple Dole whip!


Arctic Scoop

1812 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 917-607-0616
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Arctic Scoop is a charming ice cream spot nestled in the heart of South Philadelphia, just a stone’s throw away from Columbus Square Park. 

The moment you step inside Arctic Scoop, you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere and a delightful aroma of freshly made waffle cones. If you get the egg waffle, you can fill it with as many toppings as you can imagine!

Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, Arctic Scoop’s inventive flavors, like Almond Cookie and Pandan, are a hit. My personal favorite is their Asian-inspired taro and sesame butter. 

Trust me; you won’t be able to resist this sweet paradise!


Somerset Splits

2600 E Somerset St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: (123) 456-7890
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If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, swing by Somerset Splits for some ice cream. This local ice cream shop is pretty popular, with plenty of positive reviews.

Some even say this is the best spot for the creamy delicacy in town.

Somerset Splits offers a wide variety of ice cream, featuring Bassetts Ice Cream from earlier, floats, splits, and mochi, but the real star here is the sundaes.

Be sure to try the stock’s strawberry shortcake, Reese’s, or cotton candy crunch sundae!


Weckerly’s Ice Cream

9 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 423-2000
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With the use of local ingredients, it’s no wonder people love the ice cream at Weckerly’s Ice Cream in Philadelphia.

This little shop calls themselves a “micro-creamery,” as they make their own ice cream and pasteurize the milk, cream, eggs, and sugar independently.

Weckerly’s changes their menu occasionally to allow for new flavors, so there’s always something new to try. They also offer ice cream sandwiches and popsicles.

We recommend the cosmic beets, honey I shrunk the cakes, or roasted strawberry!


1-900-ICE-CREAM

229 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 267-227-1668
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Located in the trendy Logan Square neighborhood, 1-900-ICE-CREAM offers nostalgic aesthetics and a casual, cool vibe.

The ice cream at 1-900-ICE-CREAM is out of this world. This spot uses high-quality ingredients to create indulgent flavors that you won’t see anywhere else.

This is the best soft serve you’ll find in the city (or maybe anywhere) as well as scoops of ever-changing flavors. 

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Plus, their service is so friendly and patient, making this ice cream joint even more top-tier. 


Gran Caffe L’Aquila

1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-568-5600
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Gran Caffe L’Aquila, located in the heart of bustling Center City near Rittenhouse Square, combines the best of both worlds: gelato and coffee. 

Step inside this Italian cafe, and you’ll be transported to the streets of Rome. The cozy atmosphere with soft booth seating and European charm make it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon treat. 

Their gelato is made with traditional Italian techniques and boasts a smooth, creamy texture that will keep you coming back for more. 

I absolutely love their pistachio gelatos. Indulge in a scoop (or two) while sipping on a rich espresso — it’s truly la dolce vita!


Zsa’s Ice Cream

6616 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Phone: (215) 848-7215
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With a 4.8-star rating on Google, it’s obvious Zsa’s Ice Cream is a spot you can’t miss. This local ice cream shop offers ice cream in pints, scoops, cones, and sandwiches. People love the quality of this creamy treat and the excellent service.

Offering year-round flavors as well as rotating ones, Zsa’s Ice Cream has plenty of delicious things to taste. Try out the cookie butter, buttered brown sugar peach, cookie jar, or lemon buttermilk!


Franklin Fountain

116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-627-1899
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Tucked away in Philadelphia’s historic Old City, near museums like Elfreth’s Alley and the Museum for Art in Wood, Franklin Fountain is a nostalgic ice cream parlor that takes you back in time. 

The vintage decor, complete with an old-fashioned soda fountain, oozes charm and whimsy. And the bow-tie-wearing staff makes the experience all the more charming. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from an old movie. 

The menu is filled with classic flavors like Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Chip, but it’s the unique sundaes that steal the show. 

I recommend the Mt. Vesuvius, a towering creation of chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, and marshmallows, if you’re looking to go all-out with your desert.

If that doesn’t grab your fancy, try the Franklin Mint, Banana Split for My Baby, and Dr. Dovey’s Classic 1904 Banana Split.


Bassetts Ice Cream

45 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 925-4315
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A family-owned business since 1861, you can bet Bassetts Ice Cream has got the whole ice cream thing down by now. With shops across the country and even some in other countries, it’s clear this ice cream is very popular.

Bassetts offers a long list of ice cream flavors as well as sandwiches, milkshakes, and more. Try out the English toffee crunch, moose tracks, raspberry truffle, or peach. Make sure to buy some ice cream to take home as well!


ScoopAffles Ice Cream Parlor

3310 Welsh Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: (215) 708-5068

A new addition to the ice cream scene in Philly is ScoopAffles Ice Cream Parlor. With a perfect 5-star rating, it’s clear people really like this spot. Specifically, reviewers said they love the ice cream and friendly service here.

ScoopAffles serves plenty of amazing flavors to choose from. We recommend the death by chocolate, strawberry cheesecake, cake batter, moose tracks, vanilla fudge, or cinnamon bun. Don’t forget to choose between a waffle cone or a cup!


The Chilly Banana

932 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 815-685-6807
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If you’re near the Mummers Museum or Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, head to The Chilly Banana to fuel up after a day of exploring the city’s cultural treasures. 

This cheerful stop specializes in vegan ice cream, offering a healthier, diet-catering twist on the classic treat. And the vibrant and laid-back atmosphere is ideal for families and friends looking to cool off on a sunny day. 

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From classics like Just Plain, featuring banana whip and coconut milk whipped cream, to fun-loving options like Rainbow Road, The Chilly Banana has something for varying tastes. 

I’m a bit lactose-intolerant, so even though I still eat regular ice cream, it’s nice to have a stomach-friendly option that still tastes delicious! 


Float Dreamery

1255 E Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: 267-225-7618
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Float Dreamery, located by Hetzell Playground in the hip Fishtown, is another great option for a vegan cold treat. 

They specialize in gelato, with inventive flavors like “Honky Tonk” and the imaginatively-named “Globzilla,” as well as classic favorites like Red Velvet. 

My favorite is Baklava, which incorporates the well-loved Ottoman dessert. 

The best part about Float Dreamery is that they pile the pints and floats high above the brim – I certainly got more than my money’s worth. 


D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats

1928 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-514-3930
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Step into D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats, close to The N Crowd amateur theater, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an Italian gelateria. 

This delightful spot is a true hidden gem, known by a few for its authentic Italian-style ice treats, which include gelato, sorbetto, and granita. 

They also have non-dairy and egg-free options, so everyone you go with will be able to find something that suits their dietary needs. 

Each scoop is meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients and piled higher than you can imagine, making a decadent, insta-worthy result.

I highly recommend trying their sundaes and sandwiches as well! 


Vanderwende’s

243 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 267-516-0214
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Vanderwende Farm Creamery, near the Museum of the American Revolution, has an atmosphere as sweet as its treats thanks to its inviting signature turquoise and neon theme.

They have seasonal flavors that are always to die for. My favorite is Strawberry Pretzel Salad, which sounds strange but is totally worth trying if they have it on the rotating menu!

Otherwise, you’ll be good to go with any of their classics, such as berry cheesecake, cotton candy, mocha almond fudge, or butter pecan.

And what I love most about Vanderwende is how many toppings they have! It’s challenging not to put more than five because they have every kind you could think of – walnuts, M&Ms, brownie bites, marshmallows, hot fudge, whipped cream, peanut butter, and more! 


Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (multiple locations)

1901 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-359-1050
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Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has made a name for itself with its innovative flavors and commitment to using only the finest ingredients.

But my favorite one is located in Philly’s Logan Square area near Center City. This ice cream haven is a must-visit for flavor adventurers and has a friendly atmosphere sets the stage for a tantalizing ice cream and fro-yo experience. 

Jeni’s offers a rotating menu of flavors, so you’ll always find something new to try. From fan favorites like Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks to bold creations like Brambleberry Crisp, each spoonful is a burst of pure bliss. 

Don’t forget to sample their famous cake cones, which are slightly salted and made on cast-iron equipment for a truly perfect creation. 


La Guerrerense

1143 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 267-639-9817
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Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant food scene in Bella Vista, near Capitolo Playground, La Guerrerense brings a touch of Mexican flair to the ice cream world. 

This colorful, charming spot offers a unique blend of traditional Mexican flavors and modern ice cream techniques, with menu items like pistachio and hazelnut cream, spicy mango sherbet, and even elotes. 

The vibe is warm and inviting, reflecting the rich heritage of its owners.

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La Guerrerense also specializes in paletas, which are Mexican-style ice pops made with fresh fruit and natural ingredients.These are crafted with love and attention to detail, making them well worth the trip. 


Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (multiple locations)

119 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-309-5414
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To many people, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has the best ice cream Philadelphia has to offer, and whenever I go to the 13th St location in Center City, I’m inclined to agree!

On those hot summer days, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing, sweet treat from Van Leeuwen to cool down. 

I love their marionberry cheesecake and lemon poppyseed muffin flavors when they’re available. Besides, I appreciate that they have vegan ice cream options that taste just as good (if not sometimes better) as standard offerings. 

The ice cream is a bit on the pricier side, but I think it’s well worth it (and the place is never too crowded like some other spots in Philly). 


El Pueblo Refresquería

1142 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Located in the vibrant neighborhood between South Philly and Washington Square West, El Pueblo Refresquería is another hidden gem that’ll transport you to the streets of Mexico. 

This lively ice cream shop specializes in raspados, a Mexican-style shaved ice refreshment, and offers tons of other cold, creative treats. 

The vibrant decor celebrates Mexican culture, which I love, and there are many unique flavors of “helado” (ice cream), with my favorites being pineapple and cream, rice pudding, and guava.


Sweet Charlie’s

711 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (267) 841-7655
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Completing our tasty list of ice cream shops is Sweet Charlie’s. This little shop is a bit different from the others on our list as all the ice cream is made to order.

The ice cream is made on a surface that is kept below 20 degrees, allowing the ice cream to form right before your eyes.

Sweet Charlie’s offers their delicious ice cream rolled up in a cup, in between a warm donut, or in a milkshake. After choosing one of these, you’ll choose a base.

Options include a dairy-free vegan base, premium ice cream base, and frozen yogurt fat-free base. Lastly, choose your flavor and you’re ready to enjoy!


Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory

4369 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 267-423-4376
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If you’re looking for a whimsical ice cream adventure that’ll bring out your childish side, Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory, near the Manayunk Bridge Trail, is the place to be.

This quirky ice cream shop combines a retro gaming theme with delicious frozen treats. The nostalgic arcade machines are free to play, and the vintage aesthetic creates a playful and laid-back atmosphere that appeals to both kids and adults. 

But don’t get me wrong – it’s still the ice cream that steals the show here.

Tubby Robot offers a rotating menu of imaginative flavors, but my favorites by far are the Mexican chocolate and the peanut butter fudge swirl. 

Grab some friends who don’t take themselves too seriously, and have a fun, child-like time at Tubby! 


I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely craving ice cream after reading that list. The good news is, Philly is clearly full of amazing ice cream that’s made fresh and locally. Whether you want a simple scoop or a fancy sundae, you’ll know where to go.

Looking for more places to satisfy your sweet tooth? We recommend you check these wonderful pastry shops around Philadelphia. These shops not only serve sweet and delicious pastries but they are also beautifully crafted and are definitely worth posting on your Instagram account.

Which ice cream shop are you most excited to try? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you mention it below and we’ll check it out!

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.