Share
Adobe Stock / adam
When the temperature rises around the Main Line, there’s nothing like a sweet water ice to keep you cool and refreshed.
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 the Main Line region is more typically associated with cheesesteaks, there’s no better place in the world for water ice than the Philadelphia suburbs. These sweet treats will have you cooled off and refreshed in no time!
Pop’s Homemade
150 W Eagle Rd., Havertown
View this post on Instagram
This roadside stand offers just about every flavor imaginable. Currently, owner Greg Collins is working on a specialty espresso water ice, but classics like cherry, mango and chocolate are always available. Started out of a South Philly pushcart in 1932, here’s to another 91 years of Pop’s.
George’s Water Ice
7140 Marshall Rd., Upper Darby
View this post on Instagram
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
View this post on Instagram
Known more for its ice cream and candy than its water ice, this former Best of the Main Line winner offers nine unique flavors from root beer to watermelon.
Barone’s Water Ice and Ice Cream
532 Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill
View this post on Instagram
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 classic favorite is the mango cherry twist gelati.
Rose’s Water Ice
4240 Pechin St., Philadelphia
View this post on Instagram
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 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
View this post on Instagram
A Springfield institution for over 30 years, Vera’s has some truly special flavors like pina colada, banana ripple and butter pecan. This year, Vera’s is under new ownership, but it promises to keep bringing out the same classic style that’s made the shop a go-to stop in Springfield since the ’90s.
Capri
238 Lancaster Ave., Wayne
View this post on Instagram
Yet another former Best of the Main Line winner, Capri serves up scintillating new water ice creations like cookies ‘n cream, strawberry cheesecake, banana chocolate chip and caramel cappuccino. Though it sounds like a tall order to try all 22 different flavors, keeping up with the rotating cast of specials is an even grander challenge.
Related: 10 Main Line Area Ice Cream Shops to Try This Summer
