City Cast Philly logo

The Best Ice Cream and Frozen Treats in Philly

Posted on June 3, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Natalia Aldana

Natalia Aldana

Mister Softee is as delicious as it is colorful! (Trenae Nuri/City Cast Philly)

Mister Softee is as delicious as it is colorful! (Trenae Nuri/City Cast Philly)

It’s getting hot in here, Philly! And the absolute best way to cool down is with an ice-cold treat. Whether you prefer gelato over ice cream, or water ice over just about everything, we’ve identified the best places to get your frozen fix with the help of City Cast Philly food contributor and creator of Feeding Time TV, Dave Wez.

Here are a few spots Dave and our host Trenae Nuri just can’t get enough of 😋

📍 throughout Philadelphia

Let’s start with a classic. Most of us grew up on that catchy Mister Softee jingle and remember running to a grown-up to get that much-needed soft-serve cash. Trenae is a big fan of Mister Softee’s (if she can catch that truck, of course), and she really loves topping a cone with colorful sprinkles (or is it jimmies?!).

📍 Rittenhouse and Fishtown

This is Dave’s go-to for soft serve. He recommends getting the choco taco, which he says tastes as phenomenal as it looks.

📍 Passyunk Square

This spot is scooping out small-batch, premium ice cream in South Philly, and they have cool flavors you may not see anywhere else. Plus, they have great vegan options, such as the tahini fudge swirl.

More sprinkles, please! (Trenae Nuri/City Cast Philly)

More sprinkles, please! (Trenae Nuri/City Cast Philly)

📍 Center City, Rittenhouse, and Fishtown

This NYC outpost is great if you love experimenting with flavors. Try the lemon poppyseed muffin, or maybe even the glass onion ice cream (if you’re really about that life.) Plus, a new location is coming soon to UPenn!

📍 Logan Square

More of a milkshake person? Go to this restaurant for gigantic glass mugs of slurpable shakes. You can also get a slice of cheesecake on top of your milkshake! Trenae loves the smores shake, where the gooey chocolate takes her back to a summer campfire.

📍 Bella Vista

This would not be a true Philly frozen treats roundup if we didn’t include water ice. While there are so many places to choose from, John’s is Dave’s favorite spot to get Cambodian noodles, pizza, and cheesesteaks before cooling off with their ice-cold water ice.

📍Various Locations

Shout out to this regional staple! Trenae loves their delicious flavors, especially the mango strawberry. Plus, if you can’t make up your mind, you can order a frozen ice sampler. Did we mention their flavors are iconic? Dave says he knows people who are addicted to the Swedish fish flavor (is that you!?).

South Philly spots, gelato, and more!

Share article

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Philly

Sponsored

Moving to Philadelphia? What to Check Before You Pick a Neighborhood, Book a Truck, and Sign a Lease

With this guide, you can move to Philadelphia, move from another place to Philadelphia, or just see if living in Philadelphia fits your d...

Wellknown Moving Company Logo
Food & DrinkSeptember 14

Where To Grab a Hoagie in Philly

Whether you’re craving a classic Italian hoagie or a bold spin on the sandwich, these Philly restaurants have you covered.

A hoagie stuffed with meats, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
Philly, ExplainedSeptember 11

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines.

City Cast Philly Crossword
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Where to Shop for Eagles Gear Locally

Philly takes its Eagles fandom seriously, and thankfully, you don’t have to settle for the same jersey or sweatshirt everyone else is wea...

A display of Philadelphia and Eagles-themed T-shirts and crew necks on the wall and on a shelf at Hey There Philly in East Passyunk.
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

The Philly Streetwear Brand That Gets Eagles Culture

The list of current and former Philadelphia pro sports players, staff, and celebrities who have worn Jay Pross’ designs is long and inclu...

Art History 101 Founder and Creative Director Jay Pross likes to capture moments from Philly sports on T-shirts, like this one of Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. (Courtesy Art History 101)
Food & DrinkSeptember 10

Watch Your Favorite Philly Sports at These Bars This Fall

Make one of these bars or restaurants your prime destination to root for Philly’s teams this season.

Multiple beers on tap included Lamps, Heineken, Coors Light, and Guinness at a bar.
Philly, ExplainedSeptember 8

How To Help Promote Literacy in Philly

Learn more about the organizations in Philly that work to improve literacy among children and adults, and how you can get involved.

Four children sitting at a table reading, with bookshelves in the background.
Philly, ExplainedSeptember 4

Prove Your Weekly Philly Knowledge

How well do you know Philly's latest headlines and historical facts? Try your hand at this quiz to find out!

A fossilized triceratops is on display.