The Family Business - Love, Dedication, Passion & Pride. Since 1945.
Buzzing destination serving water ice made from an old-school recipe, with rotating weekly flavors.
Now Available Online: Freeze-Dried Water Ice!
John’s Freeze-Dried Water Ice takes everything you love about the original and gives it a whole new twist—light, crunchy, and packed with bold flavor. It’s the same nostalgic taste, just reimagined into a fun, snackable experience you won’t forget. If you’re curious to try something truly unique, head over to the official site and place your order today.
Experience the Sweet Tradition: John's Water Ice - A Taste of Family Heritage and Pure Refreshment
Crafting Happiness, One Scoop at a Time
Welcome to John’s Water Ice, where time-honored tradition meets mouthwatering innovation. For over seven decades, we have been the guardians of a secret family recipe that’s become a beloved Philadelphia institution. When you step into John’s, you’re not just entering a dessert parlor; you’re stepping into our family’s history—a history built on love, dedication, passion, and pride. With each scoop, we aim to share our heritage and bring smiles to your faces.
About Us
Crafting Happiness, One Scoop at a Time
In 1945, our founder, John Cardullo, embarked on a remarkable journey. He left his homeland in Italy to seek new opportunities in the United States, ultimately settling in the vibrant city of Philadelphia. With a heart full of determination, John began a humble business delivering coal and heating oil during the frigid winters, and something equally refreshing in the scorching summers – ice.
Generations of Expertise, Pure Ingredients, and Unmatched Service
Generations of Expertise
With over 65 years of experience, we've perfected the art of crafting the finest water ice. No preservatives, no additives—just pure, natural goodness.
Pure, Fresh Ingredients
At John's, we believe in keeping things simple. We hand-select fresh fruits, squeeze them by hand, and use only filtered water and sugar in our recipes.
Exceptional Service
Our dedicated staff are committed to delivering excellence in every scoop. Their enthusiasm and hard work ensure that your visit is an unforgettable experience.
Indulge in Delights That Define John's Water Ice
Unmatched Authenticity
Our decades-old family recipe isn't just a recipe; it's a piece of living history. When you savor our water ice, you're tasting a legacy of tradition and quality that's unrivaled.
Pure, Refreshing Delight
We spare no effort in sourcing the freshest, sweetest, highest quality fruits available. The result? A burst of natural flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you refreshed.
Memorable Experiences
Whether it's a small gathering, a wedding, or a corporate event, we offer bulk orders and catering services that guarantee to make your event unforgettable.
Looking for Daily Sweetness?
Here’s to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Our Irresistible Daily Specials
Our Menu: Dive into a World of Frozen Bliss and Beyond
At John’s Water Ice, we specialize in crafting the most delightful Italian ice. Our water ice is renowned for its authentic flavors, vibrant colors, and the unbeatable feeling of satisfaction it brings on a hot summer day. We offer a range of flavors, including Lemon, Cherry, Chocolate, and Pineapple, each a testament to the care and attention we put into our recipes.
But that’s not all; we take pride in offering more than just water ice.
Indulge in our smooth and creamy soft serve ice-cream, available in classic flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Butter Pecan. And when you’re in the mood for a savory treat, our delicious pretzels are the perfect accompaniment to your sweet cravings.
Explore our menu to discover the delectable variety of water ice drinks, gelati, ice creams, and pretzels that we have carefully curated to delight your senses. Quality is our hallmark, and each item on our menu reflects the commitment to excellence that defines John’s Water Ice.
Meet the Heart and Soul Behind John’s Water Ice
Anthony Cardullo is the 3rd generation owner who carries forward the legacy of his grandfather, John Cardullo who arrived in the United States from Italy in 1945. Anthony’s dedication to preserving the authenticity of our water ice and commitment to using only the finest ingredients ensure that every visit to John’s is a taste of tradition and quality.
Anthony’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of family, heritage, and the pursuit of excellence. His hands-on approach, from selecting fresh fruits to overseeing every aspect of the business, reflects his passion for delivering the best to our valued customers.
Interested in becoming a part of the John’s Water Ice family? Explore our Franchising Opportunities and join us in spreading the joy of our sweet tradition.
Find Us, Taste the Magic!
Looking for Our Delicious Location? Here’s to Dive into Our Sweet World
Ready to experience the magic of John's Water Ice?
Join us at our three convenient locations:
For inquiries, bookings, or to simply say hello, contact us at:
Let us craft happiness for you, one scoop at a time. Come on by and satisfy your sweet cravings, and be part of our sweet tradition that spans generations. We can’t wait to welcome you to the John’s Water Ice family!
Good water ice and quick service. You have the option to pay with cash or Venmo. I really like the strawberry and pineapple flavor water ice. The butter pecan ice cream is delicious. If you are in the area it’s always nice to try. The portions are great for the price.
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Samira A.
Good water ice and quick service. You have the option to pay with cash or Venmo. I really like the strawberry and pineapple flavor water ice. The butter pecan ice cream is delicious. If you are in the area it's alway nice to try. The portions are great for the price.
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Skylar W.
My brother has been raving about John's Water Ice, so naturally it was our first dessert choice when I visited him. He says that they use real fruit, and that you can tell by not only the flavor but when there's actual seeds in them - for example, his favorite is the strawberry and you can see the strawberry seeds in the cup!I got mango. It was super refreshing and didn't taste too sweet or heavy. I didn't feel like I had pounds of sugar afterwards either, and it was only $2.50! They're only open during the warmer months, so I heard people often take quarts to go. They have staple flavors and a rotating daily special.
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Jeff G.
Yum!
It was 80 degrees and the line for John's was down the block. Knowing at the end of the line we would be rewarded with cool fresh ices was good enough for us. These ices weren't just refreshing they were delicious. Softer and juicer compared to the NY style Italian ice. I also think they were a little less sweet.
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KL
John’ water ice is good!
Once you go a few times - you’ll figure out the secret to ordering lol.
I usually mix my flavors together. Check them out. -
Ashley Langone
Yum yum yum! We got a cherry and a lemon. The cherry was the best!!! I would get it everyday if I could. It tastes like a cross between a snow cone and an Italian ice. Very refreshing.
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Vincent Mills
You know it's a good place for Water Ice when there's a line waiting for it. It's a shame that the strawberry water ice specifically is a seasonal flavor, though, because it is amazing.
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Corey Bills
When the season is right then John’s water ice is for you if your in South Philly. The water ice is the perfect treat on a warm day. The balance of flavor and sweetness makes this a perfect frozen treat. They even cater in a gallon size if you call in advance. They are CASH only and have an ATM on site.
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Hannah Nye
The best water ice, hands down. The prices are good, they use fresh fruit, and the flavors are delicious. Staff is kind and quick. even with long lines it’s still a pleasure to go here because it moves fast. I am always sad when they close for the season! This is a neighborhood- and Philadelphian- staple and I’m so glad it is part of our community.
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Richard Duclos (Raiderrich)
The Best Italian Style Ice That I Ever Had. Busy Spot, We Waited About 20 Minutes In Line. Best In Philly
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Emily Cogen
Literally the best lemon and cherry ice I’ve ever had
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Elaine C.
Water ices are perfect for a sweltering humid summer day in Philly. Quick service and the lemon was perfect!! It was just what we needed after a walk near the piers.
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Carmella White
Absolutely! The Best water ice in Philadelphia
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Andrew M
What a gem and the reviews are spot on. Tried Cherry, Lemon and the Chocolate ice cream mix. Super affordably and staff are friendly.
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Patricia Moore
Came here as part of a StrEats of Philly food tour and it was the perfect ending to a wonderful day. I got the mango water ice and it was light and refreshing. Our group ordered a variety of flavors: strawberry, lemon, and pineapple...not a disappointed person in the bunch.
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James Moore III
Best Waterice in the city!
Always was & still is!
Though I do miss Italiano‘s Johns is like stepping back into the 80s for me!
Girls at the front are super cool & light up the place with beautiful smiles & politeness that you don't get at other places!