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Here’s Where You Can Get Frozen Desserts When You’re Melting in Summer Sun


You’ve read the weather reports — summer’s finally here and so is the sweltering heat. Sometimes it takes more than just a cold drink (or an AC unit!) to cool you down. Good news is, we have plenty ice cream options in the Riverwards.

It is the perfect time to enjoy melting ice cream on our neighborhood sidewalk, so we have put together a specialized list of where to do just that, including a few recently opened joints in our area.

Cold Stone Creamery (2530 Aramingo Avenue – Olde Richmond)

One of the coolest things about the Cold Stone Creamery is you don’t even have to leave your house to get their delicious ice cream. Yup, you can have ice cream delivered directly to you! The delivery options include classic ice cream cakes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, unique ice cream pies and the option of getting a variety pack of ice cream cupcakes — yup, ice cream cupcakes. Of course if you would rather go pick up your treats yourself, that is perfectly acceptable as well. If you decide to venture inside the store, you have even more options to satisfy your ice cream needs with cones or even quarts of ice cream to bring home. Cold Stone has the opportunity for catering as well.

Famous Italian Ices Inc (1950 Lehigh Avenue – East Kensington)

Even though they’re famous for water ice, this shop has even more to offer in their stores. Famous Italian Ices Inc creates homemade ice cream in average flavors of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies and cream, as well as unique ice creams like Banana Caramel Walnut. Other varieties can be found here. You may also have Famous Italian Ices cater your next party where they can include ice cream/water ice scoops and freezers.

Five Sister’s Ice Cream (1949 N Front Street – Kensington/Fishtown)

This local ice cream shop has enough to complete your desires with 30+ toppings to give the boost your ice cream deserves. Five Sisters brings sundaes, baklava ice cream and other delicious middle eastern inspired desserts to the table. Enjoy all the deliciousness in their outdoor patio area that faces North Front and Norris Streets.

Igloo (1514 Frankford Avenue – Fishtown)

To sum up Igloo, it is frozen yogurt on steroids in the greatest way possible. They give customers the option of froyo, sorbet and gelato in either a cup or cone. After completing this section you move on to their toppings bar which includes hot toppings. If you are looking for a little something extra they have a long list of specialties including hot chocolate, take-home pints, italian ice and more. Igloo is pet friendly — so friendly they have cups for pups that include a bowl of froyo with with a little dog treat on top.

Just Cravings (980 North 2nd Street – Northern Liberties)

Just Cravings is not “just” ice cream, but helps you fight your munchie necessities. They serve hot and cold drinks, various grilled sandwiches, soups, pretzels, cookies, brownies and of course frozen yogurt. Their extensive list of froyo is either low fat or nonfat which includes their seasonal flavors. They claim to have what Philadelphia is craving!

Little Baby’s Ice Cream World Headquarters (2311 Frankford Avenue – East Kensington)

Little Baby’s is connected directly to its neighbor, Pizza Brain. If Just Cravings wasn’t fitting your fancy, these Frankford shops just might hit the spot. When you finish your dinner at Pizza Brain you can simply walk next door and enjoy an ice cream dessert. They describe their business as a “Hand-Made, Small-Batch, Super-Premium Ice Cream Company.” Little Baby’s offers Dairy Ice Cream, Non-Dairy Ice Cream and Vegan Ice Cream to its customers and they also cater.

Rita’s Italian Ices (2499 Aramingo Avenue – Olde Richmond)

Rita’s Italian Ice is a classic spot for water ice and custard that can be found almost anywhere. If you are not familiar with Rita’s, they are only open during the spring and summer all the way up until they close in the fall. When open, Rita’s offers various options to cool down a hot summer day like regular ice, gelatis (a mix ice and custard), and custard, which they use instead of ice cream to create sundaes or cones. You may find more of their unique fun spin of desserts here.

Scoops (812 East Thompson Street – Fishtown)

A window is the only thing holding you back from a Scoops fancy shake. If you are looking for a quick ice cream on Thompson Street, this is the place to check out.

Sonic Drive-In (2201 East Butler Street – Harrowgate)

Just like Rita’s, Sonic is a classic stop to get fun hot dogs, drinks and milkshakes. Once again, if you are unfamiliar with such a delicacy, this drive-in style restaurant allows you to enjoy decadence from the comfort of your car. Sonic has its own app for special deals and a happy hour — after 8PM any customer may buy any own of their 23 milkshakes, half priced. Their ice cream menu is absolutely endless with ice cream in all shapes, forms and sizes.  

Weckerly’s (9 West Girard Avenue – Fishtown)

Last, but definitely not least, Weckerly’s will be joining our neighborhood soon! Starting in West Philadelphia, this creamery makes their own from ice cream from scratch in North Philadelphia using locally grown ingredients. Weckerly’s also has a catering option but also a 2016 Ice Cream Club!

There you have it folks, find your favorite summer spot and enjoy the weather!

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