J.P. Licks — Restaurant in Boston

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS

Congrats Vince on your 40th anniversary - I’ve been a fan since you opened the JP location. Sadly I had the most ridiculous experience today, with one of your staff, which motivated me write both a congrats and a complaint posting. Long story short my total today came to $9.37 - but I was a penny short. I gave the staff person a $20 bill and 36 cents and said “I am short a penny in change - do you have a penny?” First they said no, then it’s okay. She takes the $20 and the 36 cents and reaches into the register and gives me back $10 and 99 cents - in change - laden with pennies!

Then as I am trying to quickly re-position things in the 1 bag that had been given for the corn muffin and the pint of ice cream, while putting away the change and putting my back pack over my shoulder they say: “Could you hurry up and move along someone is waiting.”

I let go the unwrapped tossed in the bag corn muffin (I guess their hand was their idea of a substitute for what folks normally do at JP Licks - use a piece of thin wax paper to remove things from the case and put muffins in bags) - but as I turn to leave they say to the person who was standing next to me “So sorry about that.” I turned and said, with regard to the 99 cent in change stupidity - “You should learn to take some initiative.” Maybe what I should have said was “how rude and thoughtless you are.” Again Vince, great ice cream but such a ridiculous lack of common sense on the part of the...

JP Licks on Centre Street is the quintessential local ice cream shop that I can’t get enough of. The lines may be long, but that only heightens the anticipation for the decadent, creamy ice cream that awaits. Each visit feels like a small adventure, and I know that whatever flavor I choose, it’s bound to be amazing.

The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, with staff members who often look like college students hustling to make ends meet. They’re always cheerful and eager to help, adding to the welcoming vibe of the place. It’s clear that they enjoy what they do, which makes the experience even better.

But let’s talk about the ice cream—it truly speaks for itself. With an incredible variety of flavors, each scoop is rich, smooth, and packed with taste. You can genuinely taste the quality in every bite. While the prices reflect this quality, they’re a bit steep, which is my only downside. When I was an EMT, I used to treat myself more often, but now I find myself going less frequently, not because I don’t want to, but because it’s not exactly cheap.

JP Licks has become my go-to spot, and it’s easy to see why the locals flock here. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or a leisurely evening with friends, this ice cream shop delivers every time. I can’t...

JP Licks is legendary around these parts for their ice cream, but their scoopers are like the sprinkles on your favorite cone!

I came in with a complex order (Apple Crisp for me, Squirrel Nut Zipple, Cucumber, and a combo of dairy-free Chocolate and Vanilla--oh my!--for my housemates). Callum and colleagues sorted it out with a nice chat on the side. The folks here really do love ice cream and it shows.

The shop is certified Kosher and the staff are conscientious and well-trained on the nuts and bolts of handling ice cream, which is more complex than you might realize. I was a bit anxious that my scoop might be reused for my neighbors' vegan choice, but I shouldn't have worried. Corners were not cut and colleagues stepped in to keep the line moving during all this hand-packing business.

Innovative, made-in-house flavors in both traditional and vegan configurations and seasonal rotations mean there is something (new) for everyone whenever you wander in next. Pro Tip: the hand-packed pints are lovely but if what you want is chilling in the case, go with that: it'll stay firmer on the trip home. The most popular flavors are already packed and ready to take home.

This is the heart of Jamaica Plain's lively and local downtown--Unmissable for townies and...