Summer is almost officially here! Which means it’s finally time to wait in monstrously long lines for delicious ice cream.
Philly’s ice cream game is made of legends. Our very own Bassetts is credited as “America’s oldest ice cream brand” after opening its doors in 1885 and churning out creamy wondrousness. Since then, the city’s ice cream scene has continued to innovate and perfect the cold, velvety treat.
In honor of the season, we’ve put together a list with some of our tried-and-true favorite ice cream shops, as well as a collection of newbies to check out.
Malai
Malai has just opened a brand new store in Rittenhouse. From the mind of chef Pooja Bavashi, the shop first started 10 years ago in Brooklyn and has since expanded to D.C. Bavashi’s ice cream is infused with bold, spiced flavors from her South Asian heritage like ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and saffron. The name, Malai, means “cream of the crop” in Gujarati. The store also serves vegan flavors like “passionfruit cilantro,” and is currently featuring a special “honey bun” scoop for the new debut!
260 South 18th Street, Rittenhouse
Irv’s Ice Cream
Irv’s Ice Cream first made its mark last summer as a little refurbished trolley at the Cherry Street Pier. This year they’re back with Bella, a new brick-and-mortar store in Bella Vista. The small shop has a nostalgic vibe and specializes in custard-based ice creams. Owner Ilissa Shapiro named her place after her grandfather, who used to have an old-fashioned soda fountain in his basement. Shout-out flavors include “horchata,” “banana chocolate tahini swirl,” “lemon blueberry” and “sweet corn.”
932 East Passyunk Avenue, Bella Vista
Weckerly’s in Rittenhouse
OK, Weckerly’s isn’t exactly new, but their Rittenhouse location is. Plus, if having another Weckerly’s location in the city is wrong, we don’t want to be right. The beloved shop, which started in Fishtown in 2012 and then had a stint as a “micro-creamery” in Globe Dye Works, was bought by Cristina Torres in 2024. The new location, along with Malai, is turning the neighborhood into a can’t-miss spot for ice cream.
9 W. Girard Avenue, Fishtown
160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia
New! 1600 Spruce Street, Rittenhouse
The Franklin Fountain
Over 20 years ago, brothers Eric and Ryan Berley set out to create an ice cream parlor with an old-timey vibe. They more than succeeded with The Franklin Fountain. The spot in Old City matches its historic neighborhood. Walking inside, the decor is a blast from the past, with classic menu items like root beer floats and banana splits. The flavors are perfectly creamy and taste fresh. For a nice vintage scoop, the Franklin Fountain is the spot to be.
116 Market Street, Old City
Gran Caffe L’Aquila
Gran Caffe L’Aquila specializes in delicious Italian gelato and sorbetto from Stefano Biasini, winner of the 2014 World Cup of Gelato. With classic flavors like “pistachio,” “stracciatella” and “mango,” it’s hard to choose a scoop. The shop, which doubles as an acclaimed restaurant, also offers expert espressos. So, if you’re an affogato person, Gran Caffe L’Aquila is a can’t-miss.
1716 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse
Bassetts
Bassetts is the O.G. for a reason. Not only is the ice cream silky and flavorful, but the store has been operating since 1861. Their recipes have been handed down over generations, and flavors run from “banana” and “butter pecan” to more modern options like “matcha.” Located in the middle of Reading Terminal Market, ordering a classic Bassetts scoop is a no-brainer.
45 N. 12th Street, Center City
John’s Water Ice
OK, yes! John’s Water Ice is first and foremost a water ice spot – but a good water ice shop isn’t worth much without some epic soft serve to make a delicious gelati. Combining all-time flavors like “cherry” and “lemon” with creamy soft serve has been a staple for over seven decades at John’s. The ice cream is so smooth and tasty it can even stand on its own.
701 Christian Street, Bella Vista
2975 Philmont Avenue, Huntingdon Valley
Milk Jawn
While some ice cream purists want a menu with classic flavors, those looking for modern, elevated, yet unpretentious fare should check out Milk Jawn. The small-batch, premium shop began as a hobby from co-owner Amy Wilson’s kitchen in 2012. Now, they’ve expanded from East Passyunk into another shop in Northern Liberties, and just launched a summer cookie-and-ice-cream collab with Levain Bakery. Some staple flavors include “lemon curd with blueberry basil swirl,” “vegan mango sticky rice” and “earl grey with honeycomb.” Our mouths are already watering.
1439 E. Passyunk Avenue, Passyunk
946 N. 2nd Street, Northern Liberties
1-900-ICE-CREAM
The line at 1-900-ICE-CREAM is often out the door and down the block. Still no need to phone 911, as the 1-900 line moves fast. Soft-serve does not always get the love and attention it deserves, but that is not the case at this little shop. The store features unique swirls every week, like “ube and graham cracker” and “strawberry and cheesecake custard.” Plus, different types of fun, nostalgic options are always on rotation, including a peanut butter snickerdoodle ice cream sandwich and their “Dankaroo.”
229 S. 20th Street, Rittenhouse
1244 N. Front Street, Fishtown
Float Dreamery
Vegans rejoice! Float Dreamery is not only amazingly tasty, but they specialize in dairy-free options. You can order from the Fishtown shop’s window flavors with unique and fun names like “cookie monsieur” and “globzilla.” If you’re feeling extra hungry, pints can be pre-ordered online.
1255 E. Palmer Street, Fishtown
Cloud Cups
Cloud Cups creator Galen Thomas first sold his signature gelato at festivals and food trucks; then came his Fishtown store to much acclaim, and most recently a new flagship location in Kensington. The flavors on the menu change weekly, and many are fun and whimsical like “strawberry french toast,” “froot loops” and “frose.”
2311 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown
3525 I Street, Kensington
Zsa’s
Since it began nearly 15 years ago, Zsa’s has been a colorful and fun addition to Philly’s ice cream scene. Unfortunately, this is the last summer to enjoy the store’s bold ice cream flavors, like “banana pudding” and “black magic” in a gourmet cone from The Konery. At the end of last year, owner Danielle Jowdy announced that 2025 would be Zsa’s last. The shop is closing this December. With cups, cones, ice cream sandwiches and pup cups, we are more than ready to soak up the sun and enjoy Zsa’s until it’s officially time to say goodbye.
6616 Germantown Avenue, Mount Airy
