Bassetts Ice Cream
Ice cream shop · Center City East ·
America's oldest ice cream company, serving 40+ creamy flavors
America's oldest ice cream company, serving 40+ creamy flavors
"Opened in 1861 (with its earliest batches reportedly churned by mule power) and a fixture in the Reading Terminal Market since 1892, this family-run spot spanning six generations is celebrated for its ultra-creamy Philadelphia-style ice cream made from just sugar and Pennsylvania cream (no egg yolks). The brand produces about 35 flavors from original family recipes, serves scoops from an original marble counter and tiled floor, and is regarded as a piece of local history beloved by generations of Philadelphians." - Veronica Stoddart
"America’s oldest ice cream company, operating since 1861 and long anchored at Reading Terminal Market, this multi‑generation stall serves ultra‑rich, largely Philadelphia‑style ice cream from behind its original marble countertop in classic flavors like butterscotch vanilla and rum raisin." - Regan Stephens
"Dating back to 1861, Bassetts is billed as the country’s oldest ice cream company. Its prime Reading Terminal Market location makes it a tourist destination Philly can really get behind. Step up to the marble bar to revel in simple vanilla scoops, nostalgic staples like butter pecan or rum raisin, and rotating contemporary flavors like birthday cake." - Annemarie Dooling
"There might be other places in Reading Terminal Market that serve ice cream, but none of them matter next to Bassett’s. The stand has been in the same place at the front of the market since 1892, which means it predates college basketball, the rotary dial, and airplanes. All of their flavors are super rich and creamy, like butter pecan, raspberry truffle, and a kind-of-spicy cinnamon. They usually have a line, but it moves quickly, so don’t wander off just because the bakery across the way has no wait." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"There might be other stalls in Reading Terminal Market that serve ice cream, but no place matters besides Bassett’s. The stand has been in the same place at the front of the market since 1892, which means it predates college basketball, the rotary dial, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. All of their flavors are super rich and creamy, like butter pecan, raspberry truffle, and a kind of spicy cinnamon. They usually have a line, but it moves quickly, so don’t wander off just because the bakery across the way has no wait." - candis mclean, alison kessler
