This is an update from my last review. It's still a solid 5 star rating! They are regularly coming out with new flavours and items so bet to check in often. My favourite drink now is their peach ice cream tea (iced with no sugar; *just in case you didn't know you can adjust the sugar level). It's really refreshing and the peach flavour comes through. I also tried their new apple rose shaved ice and I couldn't get enough of it! It's just the right amount of sweetness with a wonderful pairing of apple and rose (they make homemade apple sauce with nice chunks of apples in it, and just enough crushed rose petals). Another new menu item is their monster shaved ice. It's their traditional Taiwanese ribbon shaved ice decorated like a cute monster. It's $7.99 and two people can easily share this. I think children will have so much fun eating this because aside from the shaved ice it comes with other goodies. It's a little too sweet for my taste, but I can easily see this why people would love eating this. It comes in different flavours so try them out! read more

See all

Came here on a warm summer day hoping to refresh with a drink. I got the small Thai tea with tapioca and my boyfriend got the large coffee bubble tea. The Thai tea wasn't too heavy with the milk or taste which was great. I feel like a lot of the times, the Thai bubble tea I get from other places are so strong and overly sweet. You can tell it's made from powder at those stores. Here at Ice Cave they brew the tea and coffee and you can really taste the difference. Plus the owner is super friendly which is a plus! Would definitely recommend to a friend. I can't wait to come back to try the shaved ice and popsicles! read more

Ice Cave - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The owners here are so nice and conversational! It's a small place with a little seating and it doesn't look like a place you'd have high expectations for but I was pretty impressed by the shaved ice. I got the Better Life shaved ice, which was almond milk with walnuts and kiwi- a surprisingly good combo. I appreciated the fact that the shaved ice was basically premade frozen almond milk rather than frozen ice with almond milk syrup poured on top of it, so the entire dessert was flavorful AND refreshing! They have vegan friendly options and a wide variety of flavors for ice pops, shaved ice and bubble tea, which is nice because variety is the spice of life amirite. I would return if I was in the area craving shaved ice again! read more

Ice Cave - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I honestly love Ice Cave and the owners. They provide such friendly and excellent service. I definitely recommend !! I recently moved to UCity area and I have been in search of good bubble tea spots in the area because my previous residence had so many good bubble tea spots to choose from. I'm glad that I found Ice Cave ! I have tried their bubble tea and their shaved ice. Both have excellent flavors and I continue to keep coming back. (Side note: their bubble tea is made from real tea leaves.) I will have to try their other items as well. My only complaint is that it feels a little stuffy in there when the weather is really hot. There is not much air circulation going on, but I don't think this should take away from the quality of their services and products. Definitely come out and support this nice little friendly business. =) read more

This place is so tucked away and you would never expect there to be an authentic Taiwanese shaved ice spot here, but take the time to look for it! It is very easy to pass by the storefront as it does not look remarkable from the outside, and even the decor inside is not astounding. However, the shaved ice is some of the best shaved ice I have ever had in my life- and it was so reasonably priced also! Their flavors are delicious and so creative- I will be back to try others for sure. The fruit tea was also fantastic. I had a bubble tea too which was alright. The owners are a cute couple and they are so friendly and nice that I just want them to be happy. Do yourself a favor and don't go to Winterfell- come here instead. read more

A true taiwanese shaved ice family owned store = win! We ordered the matcha shaved ice with pocky and oreos with condensed milk...yaaaas. The order is very large so you probably need to share. They also for a limited time give you free fruit popsicles! I highly recommend trying this place! 5 stars! read more

Ice Cave - Matcha shaved ice with pocky, oreos, and shaved ice. - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sweetest mom-and-pop shop ever! As a relatively new establishment in WP with high Yelp ratings, Ice Cave Shaved Ice had piqued my curiosity, so I stopped by one evening with several of my friends for a quick bite of shaved ice before a seminar at our church two blocks away. And, boy, I knew almost immediately that I was going to give them another five-star rating to their pool of glowing reviews! Honestly, the owners are truly what makes this place solid gold - a kind smiling couple who just warms your heart with their courteous and friendly service. We asked them what the most popular flavors were, and eventually picked green tea from among the top choices that they had recommended. It was delightfully fluffy and tasty, all for just a happy four bucks. Go support this cute yummy store and their equally winsome owners! read more

Ice Cave - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

best shaved ice ever stg my favorite place in the entire world highly recommend!! everything is lovely read more

Ice Cave - orange passionfruit shaved ice - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Definitely a hidden gem!! They opened recently and is quite small but there are two tables and a few window seats. Got the chai tea with coconut jelly and mochi! Was delicious. Loved the jelly and ice cream together. Would 100% recommend. As other reviewers have said, the shaved ice is shaved like ribbons which look quite pretty. The owners are extremely helpful and nice. There is free condensed milk, caramel, and chocolate syrup. I recommend the consensed milk! You can also get a loyalty card where you get a stamp whenever you spend $5, and after 9 stamps you get the 10th stamp (a shaved snow ice) free. I know I'll be back to try their bubble tea and popsicles. read more

Ice Cave - Chai tea with coconut jelly and mochi! Under $6. - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I tried the shaved ice and I did not like the flavors. The strawberry flavor legit tasted like strawberry milk (aka Pepto Bismo, ick!). The matcha flavor wasn't milky enough and slightly chalky (like matcha should be when you don't put enough milk in it). The original milk flavor tasted like sweetened evaporated milk and was my favorite but the sweetest out of the 3 flavors I tried. I'm not sure where the photos of fancy shaved ice and popsicles on actual porcelain ramekins and plates come from but that's not what I got. What I got was a foam cup. The shaved ice was kinda just piled on like shoveled snow, not even consistently on all sides some cups you got more, sometimes less. The presentation was lacking. My dessert did not look as pretty as these misleading pictures on Yelp. I do like that they have kids size so you can try all the flavors but I think other shaved ice places do it better in terms of the flavors. Some of the flavors here just taste so artificial. read more

Stopped by for dessert after eating at Clarkville, it was a short 2-3 minute walk away. This placed is tucked and hidden away in plain sight. The dessert though is amazing, they are very creative with their product, the presentation is appealing, and the shaved ice is perfectly airy and fluffy. We were thoroughly impressed with our visit, if we're around we'll definitely stop by again. read more

See all

We love this place. First off, nicest staff/owners ever. Also, they explain the menu you to you the first time you go which really helps, especially if your unfamiliar with the shaved ice. I got the pineapple coconut with mochi and strawberries and it was delicious, and dairy free. Perfect for summer time and tastes like flavored snow :). I highly recommend it to all West Philly folks. read more

Ice Cave - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Went today with my friends and had a great time! Just what I needed on a hot day. The service is also very good and would recommend!

I love supporting local businesses, and even more so when the owners are as warm as they are at Ice Cave! Realizing now that my choice of the word "warm" probably seems intended as irony - I promise that this is not the case. Come here for shaved ice, popsicles, or tea/bubble tea. There are tons of options in each category, and vegan options, which there are plenty of, are clearly marked in each category. I got the pineapple shaved ice w/pineapple jelly and kiwi. I'm a big fan of Taiwanese shaved ice, and Ice Cave's version certainly didn't disappoint. In the past I've tried their popsicles and bubble teas, either of which I would recommend! read more

Ice Cave - Pineapple shaved ice w/pineapple jelly and kiwi - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Literally the best boba teas & shaved ice I've ever had!! I'm vegan & was so impressed with how many options I had. It's hard to find because the storefront is low key but it's amazing. The owners are very sweet too! read more

This place makes me bounce up and down for joy. I don't usually like Popsicles (preferring creamier, less healthier options like ice cream) but Ice Cave's Popsicles I'd definitely pay good money for. I also don't really like fruity desserts (preferring just actual fruit itself as the dessert) but the owners really do a good job of mixing fruits and cream to make a delicious iced treat in the form of a BEAUTIFUL Popsicle. I don't know how to describe the flavors. I've gotten the strawberry and milk Popsicle and tasted the yogurt blueberry one...both were insanely good (although I preferred the milk one to the yogurt one as the yogurt was more tart and more dry in my opinion). It's just very fresh, light, but satisfying at the same time. Tastes like happiness and sunshine. Not overwhelmingly sweet or sticky in any way. Please please please visit this place. Not only are the treats good (friends have all raved about the shaved ice and i attest that it is good shaved ice - light and flavorful at the same time) but the owners are sweethearts and fun to talk to. Go support this lovely husband/wife pair (who also have a dog that sometimes is present at the shop)! read more

I feel somewhat guilty I haven't reviewed this place sooner. Its my local go to for Bubble Tea and shaved ice. The guy that's there is always super friendly. Love the option to pay via Venmo which is handy if you're like me and never carry cash. Pluuuuus if you needed even more- there's the loyalty card that for every $5 you get one point and after 9 points you can claim free shaved ice/water ice. read more

Owners are the friendliest I've ever met. Their shaved ice dishes are perfect, so many different flavors and combinations to try; I always come back for more! read more

Run here to have the Volcano eruption!! As the very friendly owner will tell you, there is a reason this item is listed first on the menu. The shaved ice has a creamy consistency as it is made with milk. Although the ambience is lacking, this place makes up for it with an awesome menu and delicious flavors. We will for sure go back to the ice cave the next time that we are in West Philly. read more

I love this cute quaint little shaved ice shop. Their owners are super nice and helpful even when they are close to closing time they said, Take your time!". Amazing experience and great shaved ice. read more

Ice Cave - Mt. Fuji yummy. - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you're looking for the tastiest popsicles and authentic Taiwanese shaved iced - ice cave is your place. The owner, Po, is super friendly and really took care of our group despite us showing up 20 mins before their closing time. Their strawberry yogurt popsicle and the mount Fuji shaved ice (matcha, mochi, peanuts and chocolate chips) was on point! I can't wait to try more flavors! read more

Ice Cave - Mount fuji - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great, friendly small business with unique shaved ice flavors. My kids loved it and even though they made a mess the owners happily cleaned up after us. Please support this place ASAP! read more

My friends and I had such a great experience with the bubble tea drinks here! I wish I had discovered this gem sooner. It is much better than some of the bubble tea and dessert places on Penn's campus. The owners were so sweet and friendly. They're originally from Taiwan so you can trust that they know their Taiwanese desserts. They were helpful in making recommendations, and also shared a bit about how they make their drinks from natural ingredients and real fruits. If you're like me and prefer less sugar in your drink, you can make a request for it. I will definitely be going back to try their shaved ice and ice popsicles! read more

Have been here 3 times now and it has always been amazing! The owner is always here, and he is the nicest person. They have some great shaved ice options on the board (my favorite is the one with birthday sprinkles and Oreos), but you can also get one of the seasonal flavors and choose your toppings. Recently I tried a coconut flavor which was refreshing and delicious, but I was jealous of my husband who ordered the salted caramel - it was so good. I hope it's still an option the next time I'm back! Also, like others have said - get a punch card so you can earn a free ice! You'll want to keep coming back. read more

The only problem is that it took me 2 years to hear about this place! The shave ice is phenomenal (with lots of dairy free options too)!! My friend and I split two - watermolen and an almond flavored creation that I think was called Good Life? They both tasted amazing and usually almond flavor tastes like almond extract but this did not! The owners are very friendly and patient and I am already looking forward to my next visit to the Ice read more

Ice Cave - Watermelon with strawberries and lychee jellies - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This was my first time having shave ice and was not disappointed! Everything tasted very fresh and flavorful, it is not overly sweet like water ice which is why it is now my preferred summer frozen treat. read more

Ice Cave - Strawberry Shave milk ice - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Different and unexpected, but so fresh and delicious! I had the mango pineapple shaved ice. It was made with fresh mango and fresh pineapple and the shaved ice was light as a feather. I've never had shaved ice like this before, and now shaved ice will never be the same. I highly recommend. read more

Great little spot. Last time I had shaved ice was in Southeast Asia. Super nice owner makes this really good bingsu a five star experience. My Fuji was awesome. Matcha ice perfection with a crunchy pb and chocolate kick topped with condensed milk and a little mochi to put it over the top. Pineapple ice with pineapple jelly and sliced kiwi was perfectly tangy but sweet and a great non lactose option for me. Will definitely be back. (And I might just have to open a place like this in the burbs!) Thanks for bringing me a taste of Asia in west philly! read more

Love this place! The staff is friendly and owner is super nice! They have all kind of cute popsicles that you can't get anywhere else. I love how their shaved ice come in kids size as well, it's great when you want to try different flavors. read more

Cute little spot on Baltimore Ave. The owner is the sweetest, kindest man who makes everyone feel like an old friend he is happy to see. The bubble teas, wheel cakes and popsicles are delish. For those who prefer their boba to be sweet, these aren't. I dont mind but I thought it is worth mentioning. read more

Great local spot for bubble tea and more. Lots of non-dairy treats, and the staff is incredibly friendly.

Wonderful! Five star experience. Great selection. My grandkids love it here. Friendly staff. Very clean and well maintained. I've never see such a variety of great products. Toppings are wonderful and fresh. Definitely recommend. Owners are terrific people! Great local spot! read more

Ice Cave - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I wanted to update my review with a couple of things I've learned since first reviewing in the fall. First and foremost, still a great place, with authentic Taiwanese shaved ice, and awesome owners. But I've recently learned that they also have AMAZING bubble tea! Their teas are fresh, and they use real milk to make their milk tea, instead of the creamer stuff that I hate but that's popular at the Chinatown shops. Their other teas, like the honey green tea, are also good. Their boba are made in house and are excellent, both in the tea, and on top of shaved ice. You should also try the wheel cakes---they're like little custard filled mini cakes, that go great with a milk tea. So the point of my update: while their shaved ice and popsicles get top billing with the name "Ice Cave," don't miss the teas and cakes! It's so nice to have great bubble tea on Baltimore Ave! read more

Great popsicles that were truly refreshing. Awesome vegan and non vegan options. The couple who owns it are very nice! They also have a punch card. But get there early because best flavors run out. Perfect treat on a hot day. Will definitely be going back next time I'm in Philly ! read more

Ice Cave - Watermelon mango - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I lovee Ice Cave! I go all the time for dessert or just mid-day bubble tea :) The owners are super nice and have created a pleasant atmosphere to hangout and have dessert in. The establishment offers many different flavors of Taiwanese shaved ice, bubble tea, popsicles, and other sweet treats. I would personally recommend the matcha bubble tea, the mango shaved ice, and the mango yogurt drink. The desserts are also really well priced and affordable which is a cherry on top! read more

I believe that the key to having a great business starts with the product and solidifies its place with good service. This place has it all. The shaved ice is fantastic and very flavorful with plenty of flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth. But this place really shines with its service. The people running the place are extremely friendly and very engaging. I feel as though they want to make their mark and what better way to do so than to present a great experience. I plan on visiting this place over and over again. I don't even live nearby but I go out of my way to make sure I grab a great dessert, it's that good! read more

Small and warm place! I tried combo A: toffee assam tea with boba and wheel cake. It was really good! I love custard wheel cake. They have several tea flavor samples to allow you try and pick one you like. Definitely will be back and try more flavors. read more

Ice Cave - 9 flavors. Try and chose one! - Desserts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Hidden gem! Note the sign is kind of hard to spot from the street. Great for take out, and it looks like they do delivery on UberEats as well. Get the home-made taro balls! Super chewy and they have real taro chunks inside. The owners are super nice as well. Worth the trek! read more

Yay for Ice Cave! This place is a sweet neighborhood gem. The shaved ice is yummy -- loads of flavors to choose from -- and the service is sweet as well. I prefer the more authentic shaved ice flavors with toppings like grass jelly, mochi, red beans and sweetened condensed milk. They have that. But they also have more conventional American flavors like nuts, chocolate and fruits! Phew, something for everyone. You can bring dogs in as well! Finally, the owners are legit awesome. read more

The pair who owns this place are the sweetest! Everything here is really refreshing--I had the matcha mochi shaved ice which was perfect. The ambiance might not be all that but they have a great selection of shaved ice and bubble tea with great customer service. read more