John's Water Ice — Restaurant in Philadelphia

John’s is the best water ice in the entire world I can say. I’ve never been able to get the kind of water ice that John’s makes anywhere inside or outside of the Philly area. I literally visit a couple times a week during the season and always take away quarts to go along with a large gelati (ice cream and water ice together). They carry the finest ice cream I have ever had. I always grab a quart of vanilla ice cream and a quart of cherry water ice to take home for times when I can’t make it the shop. I look forward to having Johns every evening throughout the summer months. They have late hours and the people are awesome. It’s a Philly tradition and I hope they continue to provide their unique water ice and ice cream for a very long time to come. Nothing comes close. They also have something for everyone including ice cream in lots of flavors water ice in lots of flavors including lemon, cherry, pineapple, and lots of rotating flavors from watermelon to cantaloupe. The best!!! For the uninitiated, water ice is similar to Italian Ice, but generally is smoother and more flavorful and can only be found in the Philadelphia metro area. It’s a unique regional treat that is as unique to Philadelphia as the...

Philly is all about the Wooder Ice and there's no shortage of places to get some. None I've tasted are horrible, but John's easily stands out among the best! The Lemon, Cherry and Pineapple are all superb! I'm sure the chocolate is great too, but I've never tried it. The flavors are authentic, not the artificial kid stuff that a lot of the other vendors use. So if you have the palette for the taste of fresh fruit in a finely crafted water ice, John's is a must! Since Italianos closed they are arguably the best for those flavors. They also use hand dipped ice cream for their Gelati's , not soft serve. Superior in my opinion! The only downside is that it's take out only. You'll have to enjoy it in your car or while walking the Italian Market or on your way to South St. For decades John's has delivered a consistently great product and I hope they keep it going for...

It's April and John's is open for 2023! And they have a new ATM for those who need to get cash to pay. Getting water ice at Johns is a Bella Vista neighborhood tradition. You can get small, medium or large servings of water ice, ice cream or gelati (which is 1 scoop ice cream 1 scoop ice). Ask for a free taste of the pineapple -my favorite mixed with vanilla ice cream! The prices are very reasonable: we spent $9 + tip for 2 dishes of 2 scoops each. There is no seating, but John's neighbor around the corner offers their bench to sit and enjoy. Most head a block to Palumbo Park and enjoy their treats at the tables/benches there. There is not a huge variety of flavors (see sign), and their packaging isn't ecofriendly, but the staff works very hard and are friendly (There's no tip jar, but please tip...