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My friend insisted on coming to try since water ice seems unique to Philly. When we went on a weekday afternoon, there was a constant stream of customers, only needing to wait for one party ahead at a time. Originally I was worried that it would taste very syrup forward and sweet, so my friend and I decided to share a small. At $2.50, it's a very good price compared to other options out there for something sweet and cold especially during hot summer months. I saw many people get a medium for themselves. I think a small would suffice for myself. We got lemon flavor because it was the most universal and most refreshing for us. I didn't see how they put it together but it didn't seem like adding syrup to ice. The flavor is quite uniform without being too sweet. I welcome it being more tart but understandable where it is now. I think the place is cash only. Given the small round numbers, it seems reasonable and easy to pay for, so I'm not bothered.
I waited 30 mins in line for John's water ice in Philadelphia. Water ice is a treat very common in Philly and it is so good. It's like a better Italian ice. I got the 2 gelatis (includes icecream). Strawberry and mango from their special menu. The strawberry was hands down the better of the two. The mango one kinda tasted more like pineapple to me. Theres a huge scoop of icecream in between two layers of water ice, and it pairs very well with it. The strawberry is definitely worth it and I would get it again. They are also seasonal and only open around the summer time
This ice has a smooth but still gritty texture and delicious real fruit flavor! I got the pineapple and the flavor was very refreshing, though I did wish the flavor was more pronounced. I got the gelati version with vanilla ice cream, and the ice cream definitely went well with the ice. You can only get the gelati in a medium size, so it was way too big for me to finish! The service was quick and it's a cute little stand, but there is no seating. I think this kind of dessert just isn't my thing (I'm more of an ice cream girl) but for what it is it's good!
John's Water Ice was really, really good. This spot was actually recommended by a random lady on my flight who noticed I was looking up places to eat in Philly and told me I had to go here. She was right. I had the gelati with vanilla ice cream and cherry water ice, and loved it. I actually came back again and tried the birthday cake ice cream with mango water ice, and enjoyed that too. For $5, you get a really big cup, so it's also a great deal. Definitely worth stopping by if you're craving something sweet.
The perfect way to cool down this summer! We tried the weekly flavors honeydew and mango which were both excellent and very refreshing. The classic cherry flavor was good, as always. The staff were friendly and the line moved quickly. Overall a great stop for a refreshing sweet treat!
Another Philly classic. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here as it was a very hot and humid day - 100 degrees F and humid, so it comes to no surprise there was a very long line of 50+ people. Despite the long line, it was less than 10 minute wait. Prices are amazing. We got the medium sized which was $3.50 and it was a lot of water ice. I know it is just water and syrup so it is not a lot of calories, but it was satisfying and good portions. You can even mix and match flavors so I got half and half, and also got to try my friends' flavors too, so I tried lemon, cherry, mango, strawberry, pineapple, etc. Among all the flavors, I liked the lemon the most. Cash only but Venmo also works!
A staple, classic, whatever you want to call it. 4 main water ice flavors with specials. Their mango is divine!
Honestly so good and super refreshing! Tried the lime, strawberry, and mango and all three were incredible. You can ask for a scoop of each flavor and they'll give you a little mix, which is perfect if you can't decide. The small size is actually a great portion and the prices are super affordable too. Just make sure to bring cash -- but they also take Venmo and there's an ATM right in front.
Love this neighborhood water ice spot- definitely a Philly staple- been coming here for like ever, since HS. Always busy but the line moves quick & the staff is very friendly, prices are cheap too. You order to eat it on the streets or take it to go. My favorite flavors are their cherry, lemon, mango & pineapple- refreshing, not overly sweet, fruity with a fine, spoonable texture. I especially like their coffee chocolate chip ice cream. They also have gelati (water ice with ice cream layered), which I have yet to try. Highly recommend John's.
Came here for a sweet treat. My mother said she saw it on Somebody Feed Phil and she wanted to check it out. I ordered a mango and vanilla water ice. It was delicious! Would recommend!
While waiting for our order at Angelo's, we stumbled upon John's Water Ice. It's essentially an Italian ice where you combine a slushy/sorbet with custard ice cream. We got the Gelati Ice (water ice and ice cream combo) with lemon and vanilla flavors. A cup is $4.50, which is more than enough to share. This combo of flavors was amazing! The lemon is on the sweeter side and paired so perfectly with the creamy vanilla custard. The two flavors are also layered for a nice bite everytime --so delicious! Note: Cash or venmo payment accepted only.
Some friends and I visited John's Water Ice today after a walk around South Philadelphia. On a hot day, is there anything better than a water ice? So what's a water ice? It's an Italian ice made from blending fresh fruit juices with water and sugar and then churning and freezing it. It's smooth, cold, refreshing, and dairy-free. So what's so great about John's Water Ice? Founded by John Cardullo in 1945, John's has been a Philly thing for decades, and it's still family-owned today (by John's grandson Anthony). When we arrived, they had several water ice flavors, ice cream, and combos (made with water ices and ice cream). I got their mango water ice, which was super smooth, fresh (I got a little chunk of mango - which was a reminder that water ice is made from fresh fruit!), and very refreshing. My friend got half strawberry, half piña colada; her husband also got mango; and my husband got the cherry water ice. They were all great. John's is to go only (it's just a counter where you order and pay) and cash only. So stop by with some cash on a hot day and enjoy a water ice from John's!
Perfect on a warm day! I recommend getting the combo of lemon ice with vanilla ice cream. Pro tip: Cash only or venmo
1 month ago
Besides a wait under the beating sun, I have nothing bad to say about John's Water Ice. It's a pretty fast-moving line, and the menu is brief enough that you should know what you want by the time you get to the front. I believe the staple flavors are on the outside of the building, but once you can see inside, all the specials and additional flavors are listed. It's cash only, and they have an ATM right outside. I got a medium mango, and it was $3.50 (a steal). It's just refreshing, and if I lived in Philly, it'd be a problem. read more
14 days ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
My friend insisted on coming to try since water ice seems unique to Philly. When we went on a weekday afternoon, there was a constant stream of customers, only needing to wait for one party ahead at a time. Originally I was worried that it would taste very syrup forward and sweet, so my friend and I decided to share a small. At $2.50, it's a very good price compared to other options out there for something sweet and cold especially during hot summer months. I saw many people get a medium for themselves. I think a small would suffice for myself. We got lemon flavor because it was the most universal and most refreshing for us. I didn't see how they put it together but it didn't seem like adding syrup to ice. The flavor is quite uniform without being too sweet. I welcome it being more tart but understandable where it is now. I think the place is cash only. Given the small round numbers, it seems reasonable and easy to pay for, so I'm not bothered. read more
1 month ago
I waited 30 mins in line for John's water ice in Philadelphia. Water ice is a treat very common in Philly and it is so good. It's like a better Italian ice. I got the 2 gelatis (includes icecream). Strawberry and mango from their special menu. The strawberry was hands down the better of the two. The mango one kinda tasted more like pineapple to me. Theres a huge scoop of icecream in between two layers of water ice, and it pairs very well with it. The strawberry is definitely worth it and I would get it again. They are also seasonal and only open around the summer time read more
This ice has a smooth but still gritty texture and delicious real fruit flavor! I got the pineapple and the flavor was very refreshing, though I did wish the flavor was more pronounced. I got the gelati version with vanilla ice cream, and the ice cream definitely went well with the ice. You can only get the gelati in a medium size, so it was way too big for me to finish! The service was quick and it's a cute little stand, but there is no seating. I think this kind of dessert just isn't my thing (I'm more of an ice cream girl) but for what it is it's good! read more
4 months ago
John's Water Ice was really, really good. This spot was actually recommended by a random lady on my flight who noticed I was looking up places to eat in Philly and told me I had to go here. She was right. I had the gelati with vanilla ice cream and cherry water ice, and loved it. I actually came back again and tried the birthday cake ice cream with mango water ice, and enjoyed that too. For $5, you get a really big cup, so it's also a great deal. Definitely worth stopping by if you're craving something sweet. read more
The perfect way to cool down this summer! We tried the weekly flavors honeydew and mango which were both excellent and very refreshing. The classic cherry flavor was good, as always. The staff were friendly and the line moved quickly. Overall a great stop for a refreshing sweet treat! read more
25 days ago
2 months ago
Another Philly classic. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here as it was a very hot and humid day - 100 degrees F and humid, so it comes to no surprise there was a very long line of 50+ people. Despite the long line, it was less than 10 minute wait. Prices are amazing. We got the medium sized which was $3.50 and it was a lot of water ice. I know it is just water and syrup so it is not a lot of calories, but it was satisfying and good portions. You can even mix and match flavors so I got half and half, and also got to try my friends' flavors too, so I tried lemon, cherry, mango, strawberry, pineapple, etc. Among all the flavors, I liked the lemon the most. Cash only but Venmo also works! read more
Honestly so good and super refreshing! Tried the lime, strawberry, and mango and all three were incredible. You can ask for a scoop of each flavor and they'll give you a little mix, which is perfect if you can't decide. The small size is actually a great portion and the prices are super affordable too. Just make sure to bring cash -- but they also take Venmo and there's an ATM right in front. read more
6 months ago
Love this neighborhood water ice spot- definitely a Philly staple- been coming here for like ever, since HS. Always busy but the line moves quick & the staff is very friendly, prices are cheap too. You order to eat it on the streets or take it to go. My favorite flavors are their cherry, lemon, mango & pineapple- refreshing, not overly sweet, fruity with a fine, spoonable texture. I especially like their coffee chocolate chip ice cream. They also have gelati (water ice with ice cream layered), which I have yet to try. Highly recommend John's. read more
6 months ago
While waiting for our order at Angelo's, we stumbled upon John's Water Ice. It's essentially an Italian ice where you combine a slushy/sorbet with custard ice cream. We got the Gelati Ice (water ice and ice cream combo) with lemon and vanilla flavors. A cup is $4.50, which is more than enough to share. This combo of flavors was amazing! The lemon is on the sweeter side and paired so perfectly with the creamy vanilla custard. The two flavors are also layered for a nice bite everytime --so delicious! Note: Cash or venmo payment accepted only. read more
Some friends and I visited John's Water Ice today after a walk around South Philadelphia. On a hot day, is there anything better than a water ice? So what's a water ice? It's an Italian ice made from blending fresh fruit juices with water and sugar and then churning and freezing it. It's smooth, cold, refreshing, and dairy-free. So what's so great about John's Water Ice? Founded by John Cardullo in 1945, John's has been a Philly thing for decades, and it's still family-owned today (by John's grandson Anthony). When we arrived, they had several water ice flavors, ice cream, and combos (made with water ices and ice cream). I got their mango water ice, which was super smooth, fresh (I got a little chunk of mango - which was a reminder that water ice is made from fresh fruit!), and very refreshing. My friend got half strawberry, half piña colada; her husband also got mango; and my husband got the cherry water ice. They were all great. John's is to go only (it's just a counter where you order and pay) and cash only. So stop by with some cash on a hot day and enjoy a water ice from John's! read more
1 year ago
Perfect on a warm day! I recommend getting the combo of lemon ice with vanilla ice cream. Pro tip: Cash only or venmo read more
1 year ago
Affordable and tasty! I think I prefer water ice to Italian ice and slushies now. It was the perfect consistency. The mango and strawberry were both really good, and you can tell they make it from real fruit! Service was fast and the ambiance was casual. Did have to wait in line though! read more
John's is my favorite place for water ice! Usually a long line forms because everyone wants water ice but every once in a while I'll get lucky and the line would be really short and there will only be less than 5 people in line. Their prices are very affordable. I usually get a medium water ice for $3.50. My favorite flavors do get are mango and strawberry and you can also see and taste the pieces of real fruit in the water ice. I highly recommend going here for the best prices and the most delicious water ice in the city! read more
5 months ago
The water ice was very tasty. All the different flavors taste exactly the way it's supposed to taste. I had an Gelati with Pineapple and cherry water ice, but I thought the Ice cream was soft , but it was the hard. My husband had just a water ice mango and Strawberry. The price was good and I asked the young lady, did they have pretzel And she said yes stick ones. And again , i'm thinking it was soft stick pretzels , but it was the hard stick pretzels. Not too good with water ice. She didn't even offer if I wanted any muster. The vanilla ice cream is very good. But next time , i'm just getting the water ice. We sing the episode on fox, 29 news. This morning, about the different flavors on the truck. We came all the way down here , thinking that the new different flavors was at the store and it wasn't. It was the flyers and the 76ers and they also had a Flyer shape pretzel. Not much parking around there, so we parked down the street around the corner.A nice little walk just to get a water ice. The line was not that long This time, usually the line is way down to the next corner.We haven't been here in year. But when we see the news report this morning, I was ready to go down and try it so we did. But we had to get other flavors. They even had seats for you to enjoy your water ice. The staff was nice and their was only two young ladies working tonight. People had their children's their pets, spouses and friends. It was a nice night and everyone was happy in line and talking about what kind of water ice that they was getting. Thank Gid it wasn't raining. I forgot to ask if they have sugar free water ice. Because I didn't see it on the list. If they didn't they really should make suger free water ice for people that can't have sugar. And do they sale dog treats for the pets just asking???? read more
John's Water Ice is a Philly staple that should be on everyone's must try list. You can't go wrong with any of their flavors. They use real fruit in their water ice - you can definitely tell because you can find real fruit pieces in their water ice. They don't use syrups or super bright colored dyes in their water ice. Their water ice is super refreshing on a hot day and I love that it's not super sweet. Unlike a traditional snow cone, their ice is super fine and smooth and each bite of water ice has that delightful fruit flavor blended evenly without any ice chunks at all. I've also tried their ice cream and their ice creams are not ice-y at all. Their ice cream flavors are super unique and they change up their menu quite often. Just like their water ice, their ice cream isn't too sweet to the point where it's sickening, it has just the right amount of sweetness. It's a bummer that they don't open during the colder months because I think about their water ice from time to time. My all time favorite flavor has got to be their blueberry water ice! There's oftentimes a long line but don't let time deter you from trying it out because the line goes down super fast as their service is top notch! They always scoop a heaping scoop of water ice. They don't have seating anywhere though, so you would probably have to stand around to eat your water ice or if the weather isn't too hot, take a stroll to the parks nearby to enjoy your delicious water ice. TIP: they're cash only but also accept Venmo. Be sure to take a peek inside as they have a whiteboard that lists out their special flavors (weekends only). read more
2 years ago
The line is half way down the block on a weekend summer evening! Thats how you know it's going to be good, right? This is a unique concoction that you must experience for yourself when you're in the Italian Market area of Philly! We tried the Gelati which is a combination that starts off on the bottom with water ice then ice cream and topped off with water ice. The water ice is unique in and of itself but then combined with ice cream it's just amazing! There is no seating so not going to get much ambiance here but it's still a must try as the experience is just what you need! read more
2 months ago
Today, there was clear blue skies and the Sun was shining warmly so I wanted a sweet treat and we went to John's. The prices here are amazing. It was the classic water ice , perfect temperature and creaminess. My lady got a chocolate ice cream and hers was super creamy. I love this place and hadn't been here in many years. It exactly how I remember it. read more
5 months ago
11 months ago
My go to spot for water ice has always been John's! No matter how long the line is I will always wait. The water ice always hit the spot. read more
2 years ago
The most famous water ice in Philly, and I get the hype!! But honestly medium was too much for me, get small next time! I got half and half, chocolate and mango water ice, and it was so good! Mango was so creamy and not too sweet, while chocolate was a bit too sweet and watery. Would stick to mango and piña colada next time!! The line was long, but moves fast! No seating inside, and pay in cash/venmo only. read more
Ahhh the famous water ice! I can't believe I've never had water ice before!! Have I been living under a rock?? I've definitely been missing out. It is so good!! Light and fluffy, absolutely perfect on a brutal hot day. We got lemon and pineapple with vanilla ice cream. I preferred pineapple, but I am more of a purist and rather have the water ice by itself rather than with ice cream. Service is pretty fast, so don't get discouraged if you see a long line. It will move fast!! read more
I didn't know that there could really be a different in water ice but yes, there definitely is. We walked a good distance to get there and it was well worth it. It was warm out and there was a healthy line but it is so refreshing and worth both the walk and the wait. It's cash only and I seem to remember that there was an ATM either right there or really close by. I live for lemon so I got that and was really happy about it. My kids got other fruit varieties (pineapple and cherry) and one of my sons got a strange combination of chocolate water ice and chocolate ice cream. I wouldn't recommend the latter when the others are so good. Service is fine - once you order, they are fast to serve. The prices are very reasonable and this is a Philadelphia institution. Go try it! read more
2 years ago
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701 Christian St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Bella Vista
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(215) 925-6955
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http://www.johnswaterice.com
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When will they reopen?
They are open from Mid-April until Mid-September each year.
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John's Water Ice - icecream - Updated October 2026
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