Philly’s 7 Best Local Ice Cream Shops: Beat the Heat

August is here, marking the last half of the summer heat. Still looking to satisfy your sweet tooth?

Philly is home to a handful of locally, handmade ice creams and custards to help you cool off during the August heat.

Here are our top local Philly ice cream shops to visit for an icy treat before summer ends.

Philly’s 7 Best Ice Cream Shops:

1. Weckerly’s Ice Cream: Made in Philly’s own Green Line Café, Weckerly’s uses only local and organic ingredients for their creamy “French-style” ice cream.   Created in small batches every day, you can try flavors like Cajeta Caramel Swirl, Blueberry “the Pirate” and Peaches & Cream.
   • 4239 Baltimore Ave. | (215) 882-9958 |
2. Little Baby’s Ice Cream: Found in stores, grocers, and even driven around on tricycles, Little Baby’s Ice Cream is a Philly favorite. Launched from a single customized ice cream tricycle, the shop’s homemade treats can be now found across the city. Try their creative flavors like Balsamic Banana, Thai Iced Tea, and Speculoos (aka Cookie Butter…my favorite this summer!)
   • 2311 Frankford Ave. (+ multiple locations) | (267) 687-8567 |
3. Custard & Cakes Creamery: A Roxborough neighborhood institution since 1955, Custards and Cakes Creamery has been making its hand-made ice cream a top pick for Philly ice cream, taking top honors in 2013’s Philly Hot List. From hard and soft ice cream to shakes and water ice, they have a variety of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
   • 5461 Ridge Ave. | (215) 487-1920 |
4. The Franklin Fountain:Designed to emulate an authentic old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain, The Franklin Fountain offers home-churned ice cream with a nostalgic flare. Come try their many flavors from traditional vanilla bean and chocolate to local favorites like Teaberry Gum and Coffee (using espresso brewed from Philly’s own Chestnut Hill Coffee!).
   • 116 Market St. | (215) 627-1899 |
5. CapogiroInspired by Italy’s famous gelateria’s of owner John’s heritage, Capogiro has brought delicious homemade gelato to Philadelphia since 2002. Crafted in small batches each morning the gelateria offers a variety of flavors, including many created with Pennsylvania’s bountiful fruits. You can find Capogiro’s gelato and sorbets at their four Gelato Cafélocations as was as in a number of different cafes and gourmet grocers.
   • 119 S. 13^th St. (+ multiple locations) | (215) 351-0900 |
6. Trolley Car Ice Cream Shoppe: Based out of a fully restored 1948 PCC trolley car the Trolley Car Ice Cream Shoppe dishes up locally produced ice cream and homemade water ice. Choose from a large selection of hard & soft ice cream flavors, water ice, sundaes, shakes, gelatos (?) to cool off in the summer heat!
   • 7619 Germantown Ave. | (215) 753-1599 |
7. Bassett’s Ice Cream: A Philly tradition since 1893, Bassetts Ice Cream Company serves up deliciously rich and flavorful Philadelphia-style ice creams. Check out their 40 flavors, from classic Vanilla Bean to creative concoctions like the candy-filled Gadzooks!.
   • 45 N 12^th St. | (215) 925-4315 |