Top 10 ice cream shops in Philly

By Lauren McGlone
Collegian Editor
April 2, 2008

Spring has begun, and with warmer weather and anticipation of summer comes the cravings for ice cream. Whether you top your cold treat with sprinkles or jimmies, enjoy some ice cream at one of these top 10 Philly eateries.

10. Rita’s—With over 40 locations in the Philadelphia area, Rita’s Water Ice offers a variety of custard and related treats. Vanilla, chocolate or twist ice cream cones are classics, but Rita’s trademark is blending custard with water ice (or Italian ice, as non-Philadelphians say) to create specialties such as the Gelati, Misto Shake and Ritaccino. The nearest Rita’s is located on Belfield Avenue.

9. Capogiro—Providing Philadelphia with the Italian version of ice cream has been Capogiro’s specialty since 2002. With two locations in Center City, Capogiro’s Italian gelato claims more flavor with less calories and fat than traditional ice cream. Visit 13th and Samson streets or 117 S. 20th St. for seasonal gelato in unique flavors such as Honeysuckle, Black Walnut and Rosemary Honey.

8. Philadelphia Water Ice Factory—While its name suggests it only sells water ice, the Factory in Port Richmond does in fact offer nearly 50 flavors of ice cream including chocolate banana, butter almond, carmel swirl and black raspberry.

7. Roselena’s—A South Philadelphia tradition, Roselena’s at 1623 E. Passyunk Ave. is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet Sunday after an Italian brunch at the adjoining restaurant of the same name. A nostalgic eatery, Roselena’s Ice Cream Shop offers hand-dipped frozen treats for a fair price.

6. Franklin Fountain—“An Ice Cream Saloon,” Franklin Fountain at 116 Market Street offers original, handmade ice cream in favorite flavors such as cherry vanilla, peanut butter, rocky road and licorice. Famous for its Franklin Mint Chip, the Fountain dedicates its business to the integrity and workmanship of Philadelphia’s own Benjamin Franklin.

5. More Than Just Ice Cream—Visit More Than Just Ice Cream if you’re craving just that. In addition to the menu of frozen treats, enjoy the generous list of sandwich options at this BYOB at 1119 Locust St.

4. Dairyland—Located in Roxborough just 15 minutes from La Salle, Dairyland is a drive-thru ice cream shop that’s sure to go easy on the wallet. Offering soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes and other frozen desserts, Dairyland fares are no more than a couple dollars. Satisfy your late-night super hot fudge sundae cravings for about $3 or try a chocolate-covered banana for only $1.

3. Nifty Fifty’s—Rewind to the era of swing and jive at Nifty Fifty’s, located in Northeast Philadelphia at Grant Aveenue and the Roosevelt Boulevard. Offering a Caramel Oreo Explosion, waffles and ice cream and over 20 different flavors of milkshakes, this Grease-esque eatery is sure to satisfy those frozen treat cravings.  

2. Scoop De Ville—With locations at 1734 Chestnut St. and the University of Pennsylvania, Scoop De Ville assures customers that “life is short…eat dessert first!” The eateries offer dozens of flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt and milkshakes as well as original ice cream cakes and pies. The Scoop suggests nearly 30 specialty ice cream treats including Oreo mud slide, butterfunk, chubby monkey, freshman 15, greek week and Snicker doodle dough.

1. Bassett’s—Since 1861, Bassett’s has been serving the Philadelphia area with delicious ice cream in over 40 different flavors, including chocolate marshmallow, rum raisin, and butterscotch vanilla. With an original location at Reading Terminal Market at 45 N. 12th St., Bassett’s ice cream is sold in over 30 shops in the Delaware Valley. Wawa now features the 147-year old Philadelphia ice cream tradition that is Bassett’s.

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu