It’s hot outside and you’re dripping with sweat after a long day of work and exercise. Sure, you could get ice cream, but how about something a little more quintessentially Philadelphian? Though you can get excellent icy confections in many locales nowadays, there’s no better place in the world for water ice than the Philadelphia suburbs. These sweet treats from local businesses and creameries will have you cooled off and refreshed in no time!
Pop’s Homemade
150 W Eagle Rd., Havertown
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This roadside stand offers just about every flavor imaginable. In the past, owner Greg Collins released specialty flavors like iced coffee, coconut, fresh squeezed lime and pumpkin spice water ice, but classics like cherry, mango and chocolate are always available. What started out of a South Philly pushcart in 1932 is now a local staple that celebrated 92 years this summer.
George’s Water Ice
7140 Marshall Rd., Upper Darby
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Though it may not be as glamorous as most other Main Line area locations, the texture and flavor of George’s is just as, if not more, spectacular. The creamy brand of homemade water ice is inexpensive and absolutely delicious. The classic mango flavor is a must-try.
The Sugaree
3117 West Chester Pke., Newtown Square; 134 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne
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Known more for its ice cream and candy than its water ice, this former Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs winner expanded its selection from nine to 13 unique flavors this summer. From cherry and chocolate to pina colada and bubble gum, the offerings are so scrumptious that we’re already looking forward to see which varieties The Sugaree will introduce next year.
Barone’s Water Ice and Ice Cream
532 Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill
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This quaint little ice cream parlor in the corner of a Drexel Hill strip mall harkens back to a nostalgic era. Lined with pictures depicting just about every different ice cream sundae option and water ice flavor under the sun, Barone’s is a prime stop for some of the tastiest sweet treats anywhere in the Philadelphia area. A favorite is the mango cherry twist gelati.
Rose’s Water Ice
4240 Pechin St., Manayunk
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This Manayunk establishment right across the Schuylkill doesn’t just specialize in water ice, but breakfast sandwiches, too. Open since 1993 and serving up the flavor fundamentals like cherry, lemon and chocolate, Rose’s also offers just about any breakfast combo imaginable on a long roll, kaiser roll or bagel.
Vera’s Water Ice
162 Saxer Ave., Springfield
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A Springfield institution for over 30 years, Vera’s has some truly special flavors like pina colada, banana ripple and butter pecan. As of 2023, Vera’s is under new ownership, but it promises to keep bringing out the same classic style that has made the shop a go-to stop in Springfield since the ’90s.
Capri
238 Lancaster Ave., Wayne
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Yet another former Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs winner, Capri serves up scintillating water ice creations like key lime parfait, orange dreamsicle, rainbow cake, banana cream chip and so much more. Though it sounds like a tall order to try all the flavors, keeping up with the rotating cast of specials is an even grander challenge.
Related: Read up on These Foodie Updates Around the Main Line in August
