Christian St, Philadelphia, PA

Welcome to John’s Water Ice – Christian Street, Philadelphia

Since 1945, John’s Water Ice has been a beloved part of South Philadelphia’s summer tradition. Located at 701 Christian Street, our flagship store is where generations have come to cool off with the most authentic Italian ice in the city. Made fresh daily with real fruit and natural ingredients, our water ice is dairy-free, gluten-free, and always delicious.

 

Whether you’re walking through the Italian Market, visiting nearby historic sites, or just looking for the best cold treat on a warm day, John’s Water Ice on Christian Street is a must-stop

Popular Flavors at Our Christian Street Location:

water ice and ice cream food truck

Zesty Lemon

Tart and tangy, made with real lemons

Classic Cherry

A timeless favorite, bold and refreshin

Rich Chocolate

Smooth and cool with deep cocoa flavor

Lemon, pineapple and strawberry water ice and pretzel at John's Water Ice

Tropical Pineapple

Sweet, bright, and bursting with flavor.

We also offer soft serve ice cream, gelati (a blend of water ice and soft serve), and Philadelphia pretzels, making it easy to find something for everyone in your group.

Why Locals Love Us

Generations of Tradition

Family-owned and operated since 1945

Naturally Delicious

Fresh, all-natural ingredients

Heart of South Philly

Centrally located in South Philly

Quick & Kind Service

Fast, friendly service

Loved by All Ages

Great for families, tourists, & locals alike

Your Go-To Spot for Christian Street Water Ice

Conveniently located on Christian St, Philadelpia, PA, this John’s Water Ice location is perfect for families, students, and ice lovers looking for a sweet treat on a hot day. Whether you’re craving classic lemon or bold mango, we’ve got a flavor for everyone.

Your Perfect Ice Treat Destination: Why Choose Us at Christian Street

Stress-Free Event

Our food truck comes directly to your event, sets up, serves your guests, and cleans up afterward, providing a seamless experience where you can relax and savor the moments.

Amazing Selection

Our menu offers an incredible variety of delicious treats including, water ice flavors, gelati, ice cream specials, and pretzels, creating a unique culinary experience for any event.

Satisfy Your Guests

Whether it's a wedding, graduation ceremony, or any other type of event, our menu offers a variety of creamy delights in standard portion sizes to satisfy you and your guests.

On-the-Go Delights

We bring our iconic water ice, ice cream, and pretzels directly to your event, ensuring freshness and flavor. It's an engaging experience that adds excitement to your gathering.

Quality Assurance

Philadelphia Magazine has recognized us as the go-to destination for water ice in the city. We adhere to the highest standards of quality, ensuring every scoop is a safe and delightful treat.

Instant Gratification

We drive to your event location, set the food truck, and quickly serve a variety of delicious menu options, allowing your guests to enjoy their favorite treats almost immediately.

Choose from a Buffet of Frozen Bliss

Our menu is a celebration of delightful flavors and quality ingredients. We specialize in making the finest Italian ice, known for its authentic flavors and vibrant colors. From classic favorites like Lemon, Cherry, Chocolate, and Pineapple to our creamy soft-serve ice cream in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Butter Pecan, there’s something for everyone.
Chocolate, banana, mango and strawberry water ice and John's Water Ice

Planning Your Visit?

John’s Water Ice – Christian St, Philadelphia, PA

701 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States

Hours

Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM

We’re just a short walk from South Street and the Italian Market. Parking is available nearby, and we’re easily accessible by SEPTA. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram with your favorite flavor! 📸 #JohnsWaterIce

About Us: A Legacy Built on Quality and Tradition

In 1945, our founder, John Cardullo, began a remarkable journey from Italy to Philadelphia. Starting with delivering coal and heating oil, he soon introduced something refreshing for the summer—ice. Today, Anthony Cardullo, the 3rd generation owner, continues this legacy with a dedication to quality and tradition. At John’s Water Ice, we craft happiness one scoop at a time, using the finest ingredients and a recipe steeped in family heritage.

Come on by, indulge, and experience the magic of John’s Water Ice at 701 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States

Pineapple, lemon, banana, strawberry and cherry water ice at John's Water Ice

Frequently Asked Questions

Italian water ice, often simply referred to as “water ice,” is a frozen dessert that is characterized by its smooth, icy texture and vibrant fruit flavors. It’s made by blending fresh fruit juices with water and sugar, and it’s churned and frozen to create a refreshing and dairy-free treat. Unlike traditional ice cream, which contains dairy, Italian water ice is a lighter option with a focus on natural fruit flavors.

John’s Water Ice is unique for several reasons. First, we have a rich history dating back to 1945, with a secret family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Second, we use only the freshest fruit, filtered water, and pure sugar in our recipes, with no preservatives or additives. Third, our commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that every scoop of our water ice is a taste of tradition and excellence.

Absolutely! We offer bulk orders and catering services for a wide range of events, from small gatherings to large weddings and corporate functions. Please fill out the form on our catering page, and someone from our team will be in touch with you within 48 hours to discuss your needs.

Yes, we often introduce seasonal and limited-time flavors to our menu to keep things exciting. Be sure to check our menu regularly or follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest offerings and promotions.

You can reach us by email at GetIced@JohnsWaterIce.com or by phone at 215-925-6955. We’re always happy to assist with any questions, catering inquiries, or special requests you may have.

Yes, we do offer franchise opportunities for those who are interested in sharing the John’s Water Ice tradition with their communities. For more information on franchise opportunities, please visit our Franchising page and get in touch with our team to discuss the possibilities.

Customer Testimonials