One of the most fun ways to deal with the summer heat is by enjoying a cold dessert. Ice cream usually comes to mind, but Philadelphia and the surrounding area have a traditional summer treat all its own: water ice.
While popular water ice chains like Rita’s have their roots in the Philadelphia area, there’s still a bustling industry of locally-owned shops that have been selling water ice for years, whether they’re honoring the dessert’s Italian-American roots or creating new twists on the classic frozen treat. These are some of our favorites in the Delaware Valley!
Cajun-Sno
3201 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19810 (also has a food truck)
While water ice is king in Philadelphia, other U.S. states have their own takes on shaved ice. Cajun-Sno specializes in the snoball, which is most popular in the Baltimore area and Louisiana, though Cajun-Sno takes its influence from the latter. Snoballs are notable for using sugar cane syrup, so unique flavors like Mardi Gras King Cake and “Dinosaur” have a sweeter taste than the average water ice.
Cherry’s Ice Cream and Water Ice
937 Church Road, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002
Though it first started as a balloon business, this retro-style ice cream parlor has been a community institution in Cherry Hill for more than 25 years. Cherry’s serves up a large variety of sweet treats and savory items — aside from water ice, its menu includes nine flavors of soft-serve ice cream, baked goods, hot dogs and more.
facebook.com/CherrysIceCreamandWaterIce
D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats
1928 E Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148
D’Emilio’s water ices (called “sorbetto”) are more expensive than most, but the price is worth it for the quality and the unique flavors on offer. New flavor menus are posted every day, including uncommon inspirations like Shirley Temple and spumoni (a popular Italian gelato dessert). The storefront also offers homemade gelato and eye-poppingly large sundaes covered in toppings.
instagram.com/oldworldicetreats
John’s Water Ice
Multiple locations in Philadelphia and Huntington Valley, PA; and Ocean City and Wildwood, NJ
John’s Water Ice has a storied history, first opening in 1945 and paving the way for many other Philadelphia water ice vendors. The third-generation owners still use the secret family recipe for it that was created more than 80 years ago. John’s is also known for its soft pretzels, which act as a salty complement to its sweet water ices.
L. Mancuso & Son
1902 Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148
An Italian sandwich shop might seem like the last place someone would stop at for water ice, but L. Mancuso & Son’s homemade water ice is a hidden gem for many Philadelphia residents. While it’s not their specialty, the family that owns this historic grocery store has been making their own water ice every summer for decades. Customers will need to inquire about if it’s in stock, and the only flavors available are the classic lemon, cherry and chocolate, but some locals cite Mancuso’s water ices as some of the best they’ve ever had.
instagram.com/mancuso_cheese
The Water Ice Factory
302 W. Evesham Road, Magnolia, NJ 08049
If you’re feeding a group or your eyes are bigger than your stomach, consider The Water Ice Factory’s one-of-a-kind gelati and water ice cakes. These mountains of multi-flavored scoops can be ordered through the phone and make for a truly unique dessert for a party. Smaller scoops are also available in 36 different flavors, with new ones being added or making a comeback every summer.
