I love ice cream. I love Philadelphia. I am incapable of eating ice cream and NOT having an opinion on the different options available.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive; I am but one person, and there is only so much ice cream I can convince the people in my life to eat. I will continue to update my review as I visit more venues and sample more flavors.
Milk Jawn ★★★★★ (5/5)
Flavors Sampled: Tahini Fudge Swirl, Cold Brew and Caramelized Cacao Nibs, Earl Grey with Honeycomb, Lemon Curd with Blueberry Basil Swirl
Milk Jawn makes fantastic ice cream. It is currently my favorite in Philly due to it’s fantastic texture, well-balanced flavors, and exciting options. I have yet to try a Milk Jawn flavor that I did not like.
I believe Milk Jawn has something for everyone. They have fruity ice cream, non-dairy options, interesting takes on classic choices, and are just genuinely very good.
1-900-ICE-CREAM ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Flavors Sampled: Vietnamese Coffee Crunch (ice cream bar - divided in four and shared), Apple Cider Donut, Oatmeal Cream Supreme, Graham Cracker
1-900-Ice-Cream is a delight to visit because the flavors change so often. There is always something new to try, and they get bonus points for offering unique flavors of soft serve and ice cream sandwiches.
That being said, 1-900 is INCREDIBLY sweet, and the mix-ins can make the scoops very dense. It has made a lot of the flavors hit-or-miss for me. I have yet to finish anything from 1-900 alone: it either needs to be wrapped up and finished later, or shared with a friend.
Probably the ideal place to take a child under 16.
Vita ★★★★★ (5/5)
Flavors Sampled: Lemon Sorbetto, Passion Fruit
Vita is a gelateria with a neat speakeasy behind their red door. While I have yet to try their secret italian food, their gelato offerings have been incredibly good.
I would recommend their fruity flavors over the basic chocolates and vanillas.
Van Leeuwen ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Flavors Sampled: Earl Grey Tea, Brown Sugar Chunk
Van Leeuwen is not my favorite. It’s ice cream, so it is not bad, but they don’t have the best consistency. My general review for their flavors is ‘other people do it better’.
The Earl Grey flavor also has an odd aftertaste that does not complement the flavor well.
Gran Caffe L’Aquila ★★★★★ (5/5)
Flavors Sampled: Desire, Caffe, Pescamango
Unlike Vita, I have had Gran Caffe’s (non-secret) italian food, and they have a delicious carbonara with savory bacon gelato! Unfortunately, that is not offered as one of their normal scoops.
Their gelato offerings do not change often, but their flavors are all very well-balanced and high quality. I believe in choosing the options that sound most italian, but always ask the server their favorites. No one has led me astray yet!
Jeni’s ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Flavors Sampled: I’ve Had So Many Oh No
Jeni’s has fun seasonal varieties, good texture, good flavor. It’s genuinely enjoyable ice cream that comes with two little waffle pieces, which are perfect.
It’s not a local brand, but it’s in a very convenient location for quick pick up ice creams.
Darkest chocolate is specifically good to have as a pint for milkshakes.
Weckerlys ★★★★★ (5/5)
Flavors Sampled: Lemon Berry Graham, Tea Time, Short n’ Stout
THE FLAVORS!
Weckerly’s rotating flavors are all wonderful. I haven’t had a ton of time to return, but each visit has been a joy. They have some incredibly niche options, and are constantly innovating.
Franklin Fountain ★★☆☆☆ (1/5)
Flavors Sampled: Matcha, Cotton Candy (against my will)
Franklin Fountain does not let you sample flavors. :(
While they had some interesting seasonal options such as corn, pumpkin, and passionfruit, you can’t test them! As matcha is generally my favorite, I opted for it for a fair review, and the texture was incredibly thick and chalky.
My partner’s Cotton Candy was also thick, but a better texture overall. Unfortunately Cotton Candy is the worst flavor for anything so while he enjoyed it, I did not.
I’m also morally opposed to anyone who charges more than $6 for a bottle of water.