John's Water Ice
Ice cream shop · Bella Vista ·
Iconic spot serving old-school water ice with rotating fruit flavors
Iconic spot serving old-school water ice with rotating fruit flavors
"A multi-generational, iconic water ice shop founded in 1945 that draws long summer lines for its original all-natural blend of fresh fruit, sugar, and water; it keeps four staple flavors (lemon, cherry, chocolate, and pineapple) alongside rotating seasonal options like banana and cantaloupe." - Regan Stephens
"To locals there is nothing Bizarre about this Family owned and operated Philly tradition. They keep it simple with three ingredients: Fruit, Water, and Sugar. Want to order like Obama? Try lemon!" - Rally
"You know John’s. Your labrador knows John’s. Even Barack Obama knows John’s (and apparently loves the lemon). Head to the classic shop in Bella Vista for the city’s best frozen treat, or check out their new locations in Logan Square or South Philly. The mango, cherry, and chocolate wooder ice tastes like summer no matter where it’s scooped." - alison kessler, candis mclean
"Water ice — or as locals pronounce it, “wooder ice” — is a summertime treat that probably has its origins with the frozen granita that Sicilian immigrants brought with them. Today, though, it’s all Philly. The texture is somewhere between sorbet and an Icee, and John’s is one of the city’s favorite spots for it. On summer evenings, join the line of families, couples, and individuals cooling off with cherry, lemon, or one of the special seasonal flavors like blueberry or cantaloupe." - Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme
"John’s is a classic—the Christian Street spot has been around since 1945. While the flavors change occasionally, they always have their classic (and best flavors) available: lemon, cherry, and chocolate. Plus, they have housemade ice cream that they use for their gelati. There’s usually a line—a long one, akin to waiting for the most popular ride in Dorney Park—so be prepared. Especially on hot days." - alison kessler, candis mclean