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 575 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 best. Here’s our list of the best places to chill out with this essential summer treat.
John’s Water Ice, Bella Vista and Huntingdon Valley
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. They also serve A&A Soft Pretzels and both soft-serve and hand-dipped ice cream. Pro tip: In the event you find yourself in South Jersey with the specific hankering for John’s Water Ice, you can pick up some of your favorite flavors at A&A Soft Pretzels. John’s also has a water ice truck. Keep an eye on Instagram stories for their schedule and locations. 701 Christian Street, 2875 Philmont Avenue.
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.
Mancuso & Sons, East Passyunk
While you’re grabbing your weekly wedge of parm or ball of fresh mozzarella, get a cool cup of Mancuso’s house-made water ice in traditional flavors like lemon, chocolate, and cherry. Water ice is available from May through October, so stock up on some quarts to last you through the off season.1902 East Passyunk Avenue.
Jimmy’s Water Ice, Whitman
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, Overbrook
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, Cobbs Creek 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, 720 West 9th Street.
Photograph courtesy of Rose’s Real Italian Ices
Rose’s Water Ice, Roxborough
Unlike some spots on our list, Rose’s is open year-round — not just summer — and also 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.
Fred’s Water Ice, Kingsessing
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, too. 5343 Chester Avenue.
Tranzilli Real Italian Water Ice, East Germantown
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.
Diane’s Italian Water Ices, 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.
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, 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, 150 West Eagle 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, 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 Rd 544 #5, 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.
