Happy National Ice Cream Day Philly! With the summer heat in the city, we’re all in need of a sweet treat to cool off! Whether you’re into vanilla, chocolate, or any other delicious flavor, Philly PR Girl has the scoop on where to get the best ice cream in Philly!
The Franklin Fountain
116 Market St.
(Photo Credit: The Franklin Fountain)
Located in the heart of Old City just a block away from Penns Landing, The Franklin Fountain is an iconic symbol of the brotherly love that captures the spirit of Philadelphia. Opened in the summer of 2004, the idea behind the Franklin Fountain stems from brothers Ryan and Eric Berley’s mutual love for antiques and ice cream making. The two drew inspiration for the name and design of the authentic soda fountain from the great thinker and businessman, Benjamin Franklin. Their thinking set the precedent for the place that has become an iconic and beloved symbol of Philadelphia tradition.
The Franklin Fountain uses only local ingredients and all of their ice cream is made on-site. Whether you’re craving a scoop of one of over 30 unique flavors or a craft Cherry Bomb ice cream soda, The Franklin Fountain will deliver. Enjoy a step into America’s past along with thoughtfully crafted ice cream on your next visit to The Franklin Fountain.
Scoop DeVille
1109 Walnut St. | 538 South St.
(Photo Credit: Scoop Deville)
Scoop DeVille is an iconic Philadelphia ice cream spot that offers natives and tourists a deliciously memorable experience. If you have ever dreamed of watching your own ice cream flavor being created right in front of you then this is the place for you.
Known for their soft serve ice creams or Blends, Scoop Deville allows you to customize your treat with hundreds of mix-ins allowing for an endless amount of flavor options! With two locations on Walnut Street and South Street, Scoop Deville be there for all of your ice cream needs!
Satisfy whatever your latest ice cream craving may be and visit Scoop Deville at one of their two locations at 1109 Walnut Street or 538 South Street!
Milk Jawn
1439 E Passyunk Ave.
(Photo Credit: Milk Jawn)
Milk Jawn is a standout in Philly’s ice cream scene, crafting small-batch, premium ice cream with fresh, local Pennsylvania dairy. True to Philly style, they make their ice cream without eggs, allowing their exceptional flavors to shine through in each bite.
What started as a kitchen hobby for Amy Wilson in 2012 has blossomed into a beloved business with the support of Ryan Miller and Cathryn Sanderson.
You can visit Milk Jawn at their shop on E. Passyunk & Dickenson St in South Philly, with a new location opening soon on N 2nd Street in Northern Liberties. They also pop up at farmers’ markets around the region and are available in select local retailers. For added convenience, you can have pints and other treats delivered via Stone’s Beer & Beverage Market and DoorDash.
Weckerlys
9 W Girad Ave.
(Photo Credit: Weckerly’s Ice Cream)
Weckerly’s Ice Cream, founded in 2012, has become a beloved name in Philly’s ice cream scene. Starting in the back of a cozy neighborhood café in West Philadelphia, Weckerly’s evolved into a “micro-creamery” operating out of Globe Dye Works, a repurposed textile plant in North Philadelphia.
From day one, Weckerly’s has prioritized building relationships with local farmers and purveyors to understand their ingredients deeply. This commitment shines through in their ice cream, which captures the best qualities of these ingredients, from bold to nuanced flavors. Unlike most ice cream makers, Weckerly’s produces their own ice cream mix. They built a tiny dairy plant where they pasteurize the milk, cream, eggs, and sugar to create a unique base for each recipe.
Weckerly’s also includes an in-house bakery where Jen and her team experiment with new mix-ins and ensure each ice cream sandwich is perfectly nestled between two exquisite cookies.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
119 S 13th St. | 115 S 18th St. | 1601 Frankford Ave.
(Photo Credit: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream)
From its modest beginnings in 2008 in a little yellow ice cream truck in New York City, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has grown into a national business with the same humble mission: to make ice cream that makes you feel good. What began as a yellow truck on the streets of NYC has grown into a beloved brand known for its commitment to quality and happiness.
In today’s world, people often get caught up in what’s “healthy” without considering what truly brings joy. For Van Leeuwen, happiness is the ultimate form of healthiness. Their ice cream, whether it’s the classic blend of milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar, or the vegan mix of coconuts, cashews, and oats, is crafted to delight.
Van Leeuwen believes in using choice ingredients, even if it means sourcing from places as far as Mount Etna. They prioritize simple, pronounceable ingredients, making their ice cream easy to enjoy and digest. Catering to both omnivores and vegans, they strive to satisfy all tastes.
Their philosophy, the Van Leeuwen way, is about more than just making ice cream; it’s about living well. This means creating good ice cream that brings joy, innovating continuously, and never settling for less. You can get a taste of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream at any of their three Philadelphia locations in Center City, Rittenhouse, or Fishtown.
In a city bursting with culinary delights, the best ice cream shops in Philly stand out for their dedication to quality, creativity, and community. From Franklin Fountain’s nostalgic charm to Weckerly’s farm-fresh creations, Milk Jawn’s innovative flavors, Scoop DeVille’s customizable treats, and Van Leeuwen’s commitment to joy, these ice cream artisans remind us that the best treats come from the heart. Indulge in a scoop (or two) from these top-notch spots and savor the sweet taste of happiness. Because, after all, life is too short for anything less than extraordinary ice cream.
