Where to Get Water Ice in Philly
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Water ice from John’s / Photograph by Caroline Cunningham
Water, sugar, and fresh fruit — the only ingredients needed to make water ice, a true Philadelphia phenomenon. The sorbetto recipes that Italian immigrants brought to the city became something more: a treat that’s frozen — yet spoonable and slurpable — made in all the colors of the rainbow, with a name that confounds outsiders.
There are a lot of water ice spots to choose from, especially since Rita’s now has about 593 shops across the country. But locals know the unassuming mom-and-pop stands — many of which proudly serve homemade water ice made with only the freshest natural ingredients — are the greatest. Here’s our list of the best places to chill out with this essential summer treat.
John’s Water Ice, Bella Vista, Callowhill, South Philly, Huntingdon Valley, and Wildwood
John’s has been serving their beloved water ice on the corner of 7th and Christian since 1945. This South Philly institution uses nothing but water, sugar, and fresh fruit to make classic flavors like lemon, pineapple, and cherry, as well as limited-time flavors that change throughout the spring and summer. Philly’s favorite water ice has recently expanded its territory, adding five more locations, including one in North Wildwood so you can still grab a water ice and pretzel stick when you’re down the shore. John’s also has a water ice truck: keep an eye on Instagram for their schedule and to see where it’ll be popping up next. 701 Christian Street, 1825 Callowhill Street, 2700 South 7th Street, 2875 Philmont Avenue, 2022 Boardwalk.
D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats, East Passyunk
Owner Chris D’Emilio transitioned his motorcycle-based pop-up to a brick-and-mortar at the southern end of East Passyunk Avenue, where you can sample from an ever-changing menu of sorbetto, soft serve, and ice cream sundaes, all made in-house. 1234 South Philip Street.
Dre’s Water Ice and Ice Cream, mobile
Inspired by his grandparents’ Southern-style frozen treats, Andre Andrews makes water ice and superpremium-grade ice cream, meaning it’s the richest, creamiest quality you can get on the market. The water ice is super creamy and silky as well, coming in flavors like mango, passionfruit, and strawberry lemonade. Dre’s is a roving water ice operation, with pushcarts and trucks popping up at events all over the city as well as around LOVE Park.
Jimmy’s Water Ice, South Philly
This neighborhood institution at Front & Wolf Streets serves up flavors like mango and strawberry lemonade in addition to snack-bar eats like pizza pretzels and deep-fried Oreos. 2251 South Front Street.
Morrone’s Water Ice, West Philly
Back in the day, Morrone’s would distribute joy (in the form of frozen treats, of course) via roving trucks. Today, folks line up outside their shop on 63rd Street for gelato, water ice, and soft pretzels. 200 North 63rd Street.
Chuck’s Homemade Water Ice, South Philly
Come for the water ice, stay for the pizza pretzels, a staple of late nights in South Philly. (Chuck’s closes at 11 p.m.) Soft-pretzel nuggets are topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and tomato sauce. They go well with strawberry lemonade water ice. 1835 Snyder Avenue.
Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice, West Philly and Chester
Started in 1995 by an entrepreneurial Temple student, Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice is a West Philly favorite. Known for the chunks of real fruit found within the water ice, Siddiq’s offers unique flavors like white grape, cantaloupe, coquito, mango-berry, and strawberry daiquiri. 264 South 60th Street and 720 West 9th Street.
Photograph courtesy of Rose’s Real Italian Ices
Rose’s Real Italian Water Ice, Roxborough
Unlike some spots on our list, Rose’s is open year-round — not just summer — and has quick breakfast fare. That means you can score a pork roll, egg, and cheese with a cup of the cold stuff to chase it on a steamy July morning. 4240 Pechin Street.
South Philly Ice, East Passyunk
Just steps away from Pats and Geno’s, this neighborhood ice cream parlor has water ice that’s studded with chunks of fresh fruit. The black cherry Bordeaux is a customer favorite, but you can’t go wrong with blue raspberry, lemon, or their classic cherry. If you’re in the mood for a milkshake with a bit more of a fruity flavor, try the iceshake — ice cream blended with your favorite water ice. 1309 South 9th Street.
Fred’s Water Ice, West Philly
Fred’s large corner stand at 53rd and Chester Avenues brings boardwalk eats to West Philly, with water ice, gelato, and other frozen goodies — plus savory treats like mozzarella sticks and onion rings. 5343 Chester Avenue.
Tranzilli Real Italian Water Ice, North Philly
Another one of the few remaining Philly water ice stands still owned and operated by the same family, Tranzilli’s was opened in 1969 by Italian immigrants. The family prides themselves on continuing to produce a quality product each day that reflects the recipe of their patriarch, Nobel Tranzilli. Flavors range from blueberry, black cherry, creamsicle, and mango to margarita, mocha, and cappuccino. 5901 Belfield Avenue.
Famous Italian Ices, East Kensington
Proudly serving “over the top” Italian ice since 1965, Famous Italian Ices rotates through a menu of more than 50 flavors. Many are traditional, like cherry, lemon, strawberry, and pineapple; others are more out there, like tiger blood rainbow, Beetle Juice, and salted caramel cream. 1950 East Lehigh Avenue.
Pop’s Homemade Water Ice, South Philly and Havertown
After making a name for himself through his pushcart business, Felippe “Pop” Italiano opened Pop’s Water Ice in 1932 in his converted garage. Today, his grandchildren continue the tradition of serving fresh, homemade water ice out of the same space (and an additional location in Havertown), over 90 years later. Flavors typically include lemon, pineapple, and a variety of seasonal specials. Also on the menu is hard- and soft-serve ice cream, frozen hand-dipped bananas, and Philly pretzels. 1337 Oregon Avenue and 150 West Eagle Road.
Best Water Ice in the Philly Suburbs
A mango water ice and vanilla soft serve gelati at La Morelense Plus. / Photograph by Kae Lani Palmisano
La Morelense Plus, Oaklyn
Just over the bridge on the White Horse Pike, this dessert destination is churning out Mexican-inspired water ice and some of the richest, creamiest ice cream in South Jersey. Sure, they’ve got your classic flavors like mango, strawberry, and cherry, but this is where you go when you want to try churro, papaya, horchata, and chamoy in water-ice form. And with 44 ice cream flavors to choose from, like dulce de leche, mamey, and elote, you can create one-of-a-kind gelati you won’t find anywhere else in the region. 1127 White Horse Pike.
Diane’s Italian Water Ice, Voorhees
Diane’s is located in a humble strip mall, but its quality product and unique flavors like chocolate brownie chunk make it a local institution. Get your water ice on its own or gelati-style, swirled with rich custard and garnished with an animal cracker. 2999 East Evesham Road.
Buddy’s Water Ice, Norristown
On Norristown’s Main Street, Buddy’s serves gelato and water ice in flavors like root beer, vanilla, and blue raspberry. 514 East Main Street.
Petrucci’s Ice Cream & Water Ice, King of Prussia and Phoenixville
Get your frozen-treat fix at not one but two Petrucci’s locations, serving water ice in flavors like root beer and Bada Bing Cherry (as well as a ton of other rotating options). 670 Henderson Road and 472 Nutt Road.
Photograph courtesy of Yardley Ice House
Yardley Ice House, Yardley
Yardley Ice House goes all out with unique flavors. Where else can you find the region’s favorite frozen treat in cherry Bordeaux or cantaloupe-and-cream? 77 South Main Street.
Leo’s Yum Yum, Medford and Tabernacle
Leo’s Yum Yum is a bit of an institution. With shops in both Medford and Tabernacle, it’s not quite water ice or Italian ice, nor is it sherbet or ice cream. Despite struggling to identify it, customers all agree this creamy frozen treat is delicious. Yum Yum flavors include orange-pineapple, bubble gum, chocolate-mint, strawberry, lime-vanilla, and cotton candy. 7 County Road 544 #5 and 1572 US-206.
Anthony’s Homemade Water Ice, Runnemede
This iconic South Jersey dessert stop is Runnemede’s go-to. Lemon, Blue Hawaii, root beer, tangerine, mango, chocolate, and blue raspberry are just some of the tasty flavors available on a regular basis at Anthony’s, but be sure to also keep an eye out for the weekly special. Also on the menu? Dole Whips, hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, chocolate-covered bananas, milkshakes, and pup cups. 1001 East Evesham Road.
