1-900-ICE-CREAM

Sure, we could joke about the line outside of this shop being as long as Walnut Street, or that if it existed during the blizzard of 96’, we’d ski Rittenhouse just to get a cone. But there’s no statement that has more juice than this: 1-900-ICE-CREAM makes the best soft serve in Philadelphia. They’ve perfected a blend of flavor and creaminess that will leave you as speechless as a mentalist guessing your Wi-Fi password.  

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Their Instagram, which announces the weekly specials, is a thirst trap for the ice cream-obsessed. And based on the crowds they draw daily, we're guessing that’s most of the city. In line, you’ll feel like you’re about to enter the most exclusive club in town—and that’s because there’s always a wait, and the excitement for what’s to come is electric. 

Once you’re actually in the door, it’s a quick turnaround—even if you change your order every time you see a different flavor get toppled with fudge in the back. They have lots of toppings and standard options like vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter, but it’s when they get inventive that 1-900 really shines. From Dankaroo (with cookie crumbles and a frosting shell) to Salted Butter Caramel (dipped in pretzel-filled dark chocolate), you won’t find flavors or a flawless texture like this anywhere else. In addition, the small shop also sells ice cream bricks and ice cream, like birthday cake batter with a rainbow chip icing swirl, by the scoop and pint.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

photo credit: 1-900-ICE-CREAM

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

While you can skip the line and get it for dessert at Pizzeria Beddia or Middle Child Clubhouse, the full menu only exists at the Rittenhouse and Fishtown shops. Go for a waffle cone or cup, sprinkles or raspberry dip, and leave with something that feels as uniquely yours as an aura reading (and is just as colorful). 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Ayannah Kamryn

Ice Cream

The creamy, rich, ice cream version of spice carrot cake? Or a Càphê Roasters espresso with toasted pie crumbs? Yes, they sell it for $6 a scoop (the sugar or cake cone it comes in is free). Like all things here, you'll mourn when you get to the end.

photo credit: 1-900-ICE-CREAM

Ice Cream Brick

The first time we had the birthday cake ice cream brick, we considered how many we could fit into our backpacks. The lightly salted confetti cookie square is packed with bits of buttery pound cake, soft cake batter ice cream, and rainbow chip frosting. Each one is indulgent and a contender for your last bite on earth. We'll be back with bigger bags.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Soft Serve

This is quite simply the creamiest, most marshmallowy soft serve you'll ever have. It's not just the velvety scoops that are impressive—it's how they can create the flawless soft serve form of graham crackers, Thai tea, and lemon mascarpone.