You know, I wish I can provide more photos but but there’s really not much to this place. Many photos and everyone knows how ice cream looks like. Just take the word for it that it is in fact really really good ice cream. Super creamy, the flavors are not too sweet or over powering.The vanilla is particularly good and remains a classic. Don’t pass the chance to experience one of the oldest if not the oldest ice cream vendors in the US. Google it.
This place is the essence of high quality experience and nostalgia! Everyone is welcome :)Using the historic spin on a fountain shop was exactly the right thing to do! Ice cream is served in containers that was suspected to be used in the 1870s. Staff wear bowties & hats to really help solidify the historical atmosphere. Even the decor makes you feel like youre transported back in time.The location is just minutes away from the Liberty Bell (down Market Street) & I highly recommend it. The line may be long but you get your tasty treat quickly.
I have heard tales of Franklin Fountain since I first moved to Philly and after a food truck taco dinner at Harbor Park on the last weekend they were open, we decided to stop by.Franklin Fountain is still closed to indoor diners because of Covid and I am glad we went before it gets too cold to stand outside in line, which spilled on to the street while we were there.Their menu is that of a pretty a pretty standard, old-time, ice cream shop. I saw many people walk past with waffle cones, which seemed to be the thing to get so I splurged. Their cups were Chinese food style containers which I thought was a pretty nice touch.I ended up getting Hydrox (cookies n cream) in a waffle cone with rainbow sprinkles. My girlfriend got a soda float (that was weird but actually pretty good as it started to melt). Overall, I was no impressed with the ice cream. It was good but not worth the wait. Also, the waffle cone was ROCK HARD. I was unable to eat the last bite because I was worried about breaking my teeth.The saving grace was definitely a warm, fresh chocolate chip cookie. Next time, I will get an ice cream sandwich made out of them.If you are visiting Philly and find yourself in old city, check the line here. I dont think I will be back but that probably wont stop me from hearing about how great it is.
Great tasty ice cream, lots of flavors to choose from and friendly staff. Their service is fast compared to other places with half the number of the clients they serve.Prepare to wait in a Long line any time you go (not too slow tho) and prepare to have cash on you as they dont take any other form of payment.Highly recommended, any time of the year.
Sooooooo disappointing. Im from Chicago and this was my favorite place in Philly. I loved this place before Covid, great ice cream and the best whipped cream anywhere. Went today and the ice cream had frozen ice bits in it and the whipped cream seemed like it came out of a can. Went from the best ice cream place in Philly to one of the worst, really sad.
Franklin Fountain is highly ranked for very good reason. From the ascetic, to service, to the myriad of menu options theres sure to be something for everyone. Today my sizable coffee & chocolate chip double scoops topped on a sweet waffle cone gave me joy! Remember to look for the antique Murdock fountain outside.
I used to be a college student in Philly, and visiting the Franklin Fountain was a favorite activity after finals. My friends and I used to sit down with large silver tureens of high quality ice cream covered in delectable, beautifully presented toppings. The $10 cost was viewed as a meal replacement and was well worth the walk and wait. I have lovingly returned to Franklins over the past decade, but have consistently noticed the quality declining over time. A few days ago, I waited in line for 30 minutes or so, and paid $16 for a Lightning Rod Sundae, a treat I have frequently bought in the past. I received what I can only describe as coffee mush with a pretzel sticking lazily out of one side. Whipped cream was flat, espresso beans were sparse, and the entire sundae looked sadly unappetizing. As I took a few bites, I realized that one of the key ingredients (brownies) was completely absent from the sundae, and the ice cream had icy crystals in it. If it hadnt been for the torrential downpour soon after, Id have asked for a replacement. The whole experience made me...sad. The fact that a $16 sundae had zero attention to detail was disappointing; it certainly didnt live up to the Franklin standard of hand made ice cream. Id probably return here just out of nostalgia, but wouldnt recommend it to anyone whos looking for good ice cream that doesnt break the bank, unless their quality picks up significantly. If youre from out of town, the wait is probably not worth it anymore. Many fantastic dessert spots await in Philly that will not disappoint.
This place is tucked away right outside of historic district. It sits right in the corner. At the moment its take out only. So you cant enjoy the whole icecream experience. The sundaes are a little expensive $13 for take out. But once things open up I think the experience is worth the price. This trip we got the mount vesuvius (chocolate or vanilla icecream, brownie pieces, chocolate crumbles, and chocolate sauce ) we also got a few scoops of plain chocolate and a few scoops of coffee icecream. All icecream was prepared and packaged in a chinese style take out box. All in all icecream taste great and all handmade here in Philly.
Great ice cream but be prepared to wait forever to get served.
Dont take the word of a local guide. If your in the area take the walk and get some ice cream its a great experience. I know that with the pandemic the experience has changed a little but hasnt diminished anything.Last I was there, they were a cash only establishment. They do have a sister location a couple doors down that will take other forms of payment.
A great dose of nostalgia. Great ice cream, fun date night, girls night, or family outing. Giant brownie ice cream sandwiches.Pro tip: split itPortions are so big and good you can share and get a great fountain drink to wash it down!
We were in Philly for 2 nights. Both evenings after dinner, we stopped for a scoop! Their straws are GF friendly!! My husband was able to enjoy a Cherry Bomb, happy guy!! 💛💚 Will absolutely be back the next time we visit. 😊
If my husband was leaving this review he would only give it 2 stars simply for the cost - and also because he was not a fan of the homemade root beer in his root beer float. The homemade ice cream was creamy and flavorful, but $6.25 for a small cup was definitely not worth it. My 3 stars are for the service, the cute little box the ice cream comes in and because I love ice cream. 😊
They were sooo quick! I barely waited 5 min. Their house made ice cream is supremely delicious. I got the caramelized banana. Banana as a flavor is pretty overwhelming, but they managed it perfectly. It didnt overwhelm the caramel flavor, and was balanced excellently. Its a perfect way to end a long day
The ice reams are very good. They have some trademark stuff which is worth a shot. You may have to queue up before you get to the counter but it usectge time to pick your options from the menu.
This place is absolutely fantastic. I would show you a picture of my ice cream but it is gone. The staff was nice and helpful. There is always a line here either to order or to get your desert. That says something.
The rum raisin ice cream is delicious! The raisins are massive and plump with alcohol! Some of those raisins were hot! 😂 I loved it and wish I could have it again sometime in my life! I also can’t wait to come back and try their paw paw custard in the fall!
If you are looking for dessert with a blast from the past atmosphere look no further! This place was great from the staff, to the selection, even the prices were fair. We had the classic banana split and shared between a few of us. And also a malt which was great also. Definitely a must visit if you are in the area!
The ice cream is good but the wait was long.
This place is a wonderful blast from the past. The whole experience feels like it was lifted from 75 years earlier. The staff, the decor, the beverages, the food. This place has dedicated themselves to a theme and that would be good enough, but on top of that everything they have is also delicious. We spent far too much time in here just chatting with the employees and asking questions and they were wonderful throughout. Highly recommend.
So creamy and delicious! Their waffle cones were absolutely fresh and amazing. I ordered their seasonal flavors for fall, being apple butter and pumpkin. I thought they could have been a little more flavorful, but otherwise it was creamy and so good. The portions are very large here too! And the staff is just wonderfully delightful. The ambience inside is really great, but because of Covid we had to just order through the window and couldnt sit inside. Really adorable place though with old diner feels to it on the inside from what I could see. Long lines!
My wife and I love this ice creamThe person who was there today… very rude.We didn’t have any cash, she said cash only…Yesterday we were here and the other lady accepted our card no problem … the person that was here today didn’t want to accept it
Ice cream was good but this feels more like just a tourist trap. Two scoops for $10 and it melts/spills after walking a couple blocks because they serve it in Chinese food boxes. I understand the cuteness appeal of the box but it doesn’t work. You either binge your ice cream or it melts through the cup and drips out.
Awesome ice cream and worth the wait. The prices are a little high, but definitely worth it. We went on a Tuesday around 6pm and only had to wait about 20-30 min total from the time we walked up until the time we had ice cream.
Ice cream was great. Slight snag at ordering, they were having trouble with their register. Only waited 20 minutes, not the worst Ive seen there. Missing the magic of the inside of the shop dinner COVID has forced you to order at a window, but overall very good.
Not sure if the pandemic has taken a toll, but the ice cream itself was not what I remembered it to be. There seemed to be more ice and less cream so the flavor lingered on the tongue as a bit of a mess. Service was totally fine, but the ice cream was lacking.
Really high quality ice cream. Just a walk up window experience now, post Covid. A bit pricey but u get what you pay for.
Short wait, even with about 15 people in front of my family. Great ice cream. Try the caramelized banana.
Ice cream is delicious but youll need to wait ~ 1 hour to get your order. A nice summer day but only 2 workers (one taking order and one making ice cream). I wouldnt give higher rating due to a bad customer service.
Great place for dessert, please note that due to covid all dessert options are served to go in Chinese style to go boxes.
Very delicious craft made ice cream. Multiple flavors for all taste buds. Big scoops. Friendly staff. A premier once cream shop in Philadelphia.
Ordered a hot fudge sundae with chopped almonds. They forgot the nuts, and when I asked for them to be added I was given an absurd, overflowing amount that pretty much ruined the whole thing. Pretty disappointing for $18 (including tip) worth of sundae. I wont be returning.
There’s a reason the line was half way down the block! THE BEST homemade ice cream!
Old fashioned themed ice cream and soda fountain serving delicious treats in a beautifully restored storefront on the same street where Ben Franklin used to walk. The Franklin fountain features 20+ flavors of ice cream, including vegan varieties as well as 20+ soda flavors, malted shakes and a variety of sundaes, candy and specials. Seating can be tight because it is so popular especially on the outdoor tables during the summer. Cash only, no cards and a bit pricey too.
Worst cookies and cream I’ve ever had. Taste like cheap knock off cookies from the dollar store mixed with cheap ice cream. Very disappointing and not worth the hype.
Staff is absolutely awesome and ice cream is really good! I love the aesthetic and values of this place. I really highly recommend it; we came from Ohio to check it out.
Best (and coolest) ice cream placeThey have a wide variety of flavors like honeycomb, green tea, and they even have a few vegan options! and the ice cream is perfectly creamy, yum! My family and I got a scoop of the Honeycomb and a scoop of Strawberry (larger size) which came out to around $8It was well worth the price because it was just enough for the 4 of us to share and finish without being too full (we had dinner right before)Its small in there and seating is outside but its so cute and looks exactly how it probably looked back in the daysThey also sell shakes and candy packaged like that they might have sold back in the days?Its a historical ice cream shop and is a must visit place if youre visiting Philadelphia
So so good! First time and definitely not the last, this place is on my permanent list. A great desert anytime! Better get one scoop tho! The portions are large here. Staff is professional and courteous.
I had a medium size ( two scoups) ice cream in a cup: caramelized banana and maple walnut.Both taste was very good, especially maple walnut has many chunky walnuts. Interior looks old fashioned but cozy. I liked it.However, the price is too expensive for a scoup of ice cream compared to all kind of the delicious ice cream of which I had in European countries; over 25 countries.
Really cool ice cream shop that looks like an old school soda fountain / pharmacy. The scoops are humongous, but there is a really high minimum making it impossible go in for just a scoop. I got the pistachio and honeycomb flavors and both were really good. Good flavor and texture on the pistachio. Honeycomb was bordering on too sweet.
Is Franklin Fountain a totally fun throw-back? Yes. It’s super adorable and I can understand why so many people recommend it from an experiential point of view. If you’re in Philly and want to go to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, then The Franklin Fountain is the answer to what you’ve been looking for.However, when it comes to quality of ice cream and price, this place doesn’t do it for me. I got the chocolate chip ice cream and while it was generous with the quantity of chips, the flavor and texture of the vanilla ice cream was off for me. It would be one thing if it was priced the average amount, but for a small at about $6, it wasn’t really worth it for me. If I was craving ice cream and walked by it I’d probably go in, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.
The sea salt caramel flavor was a great mix of salty and sweet, and the serving size of the small cup was more like a medium. The employees were also all friendly and funny.
Awesome delicious ice cream. highly recommended. vanilla flavor was the best vanilla ive ever had.
The ice cream is good but their prices have gotten ridiculous over the past few years. Dont plan on going back. There are better options at reasonable prices.
Really good ice cream ! This is my favorite place in philly. Very good flavors and the best hot fudge sundae.
Franklin fountain definitely has some of the best if not the best ice cream in Philadelphia, in my opinion at least. Unfortunately, the location and its popularity keep the lines long at every hour if the day it seems. Luckily they move at a decent pace but expect to spend a minimum of 30mins before you are chowing on that deliciousness. Here’s a couple tips: Do not order a large and think you are eating it by yourself, it’s enormous. They make this peanut butter sauce that is incredible and they even sell it in jars to take home, yes it’s that good (I get 2-3 jars every time).
Let’s order ice cream from the website and have it delivered. Sounded like a good idea, only one fatal flaw. When they deliver the ice cream and don’t notify anybody and it melts. Follow up with the company on Instagram and they answer you and then ignore you. Sounds like a good business model. I’ve never saw such a lack of customer service in my life. Good riddance and I hope you don’t treat your other customers like this or somebody should re-evaluate your operation as a whole. If you need any help let me know, I’ve been involved in customer service for 10+ years. ✌🏼
Ice cream is good, shakes are fine - but service is terribly slow, and there were no crowds! Feels as if it is intentional to create lines and give the perception of high demand- also staff were very rude and busy on their phones instead of serving customers who are waiting under rain!!
Great handmade ice-cream and fresh waffle cones. Large selection of toppings and other novelty items.Only downside is that they still have mask policies in place and expect people to wear them outside of their establishment.
If you are thirsty for an ancient taste, check The Franklin Fountain Ice cream. Rum Raisin (is the best)... and more... get ready to take line... I have been using them since 2014.
I come here fairly regularly and I’m never disappointed! The ice cream is always fresh and delicious it’s amazing and I can’t recommend it enough!
Great Place for a wonderful date!! August 21, 2021 - With Brian Eddis
Nostalgic ice cream treats.... Close enough to walk to the water front.
I had the Hydrox Cookie, and it was so creamy and delicious! The cookie crumbles slowly melts in the mouth and has a fudgy texture which I loved.Also, the staff are so so kind and amazing service. It was my first time at Franklin Fountain and my ice cream fell before I could even try it. The staff made my night by providing me with a new one! I will definitely come back with friends and family!!
Benjamin would be proudly displayed flavors 🍧 of Delightful Desires of DELISH dishes of old world style and New World Flavors.
Vegan hydrox was pretty good. Unfortunately walked away before realizing they gave us two small but charged us for two larges.
Delicious! Pricey, but the taste kinda warrants it. The honeycomb and dirty banana flavors were delicious! Dude behind us in line totally blew it though, with his asking her if theyre called insomnia cookies because they make you sleep.She turned on him faster than Anthony Gangone did to Marc Quen when he faked a broken leg at Excellence Pro.
Its more of an experience. The Ice cream is ok, Not worth the price, AT ALL. I wont down the ice cream but, there is better Ice Cream in Reading Terminal. Enjoy watching a sundae being made and try the malt soda, Its cool. This is my second time (hanging out with my daughter) trying this place and we both agree....... Its more of an experience than awesome Ice Cream.
Great ice cream and brownies! COVID restrictions are weird with lots of mask signs, but no one allowed inside. They also will not serve cups of water because of COVID, despite serving plenty of paid for food and beverages…
Best homemade ice cream in Philadelphia. Everything is made from local ingredients. My definite favorite spot . Outside eating too! A must go and experience the incredible ice cream
How have I not rated them before? Franklin Fountain is my favorite Ice cream ever in all of my life! So sweet, creamy and delicious. I love it so much that I’m willing to just send them money periodically make SURE they come out of this pandemic still existing! I can’t stand Butter Pecan ice cream normally but I tried it here years ago and it’s ALL I WANT HERE. Hubby loves the Mt. Vesuvius and I also love the peanut butter ice cream. Everything here is amazing, just take your pick!
Creamy rich vegan ice cream? Check! A million flavors of cow ice cream and topping choices? Check! Happy, happy place.
A must stop shop while at Penns landing! Grab a cone and roam around. Many flavors available and you get appropriate portion for the price paid! They serve vegan ice cream and shakes/sodas as well. Paid parking along market street available.
Good spot to bring people who are visting the city!
Shop looks nice, my coffee ice cream lacked flavor and the pretzels in my ice cream were stale. Wait for my order was long and prices are on the higher side, I have spent less on a meal for a family of four. I gave it 3 stars, because my daughter liked the store and her ice cream.
Absolutely delicious! Old fashioned ice cream scoops that are huge!Interesting flavors, theres green tea ice cream and lavender Italian sodas!
We got the pistachio and honeycomb flavor and honestly we were very disappointed. The pistachios tasted old and the ice cream lacked flavor. The honeycomb was good but very very sweet. Not worth the price and the wait imho.
Wish I took a better photo but it was delicious 😊
Cute place and location, really friendly staff. i started to enjoy my cone but almost immediately it began to crumble and i lost my ice cream :((( definitely order in a cup or something sturdier than a sugar cone.
Very cool place, old timey feel with staff dressed in period clothing. Got ice cream cones & water ice. Didnt get pictures cause we ate it so fast! Priced on the high side but the quality makes it worth every penny!
Delicious ice cream and milkshakes!! Very fun experience!! Will go there again next time visiting Philadelphia!!!
This is $$$ . It is expensive and the ice cream is good but its not one of the better ice creams that Ive tasted. Cool that i was able to visit one of the popular spots in philly and see a bit of the night life. Philly is definitely open. I love philly !
Old fashioned ice cream. The portions are good. A little pricey but I enjoyed every drop.
Best ice cream in Philadelphia. If youre a coffee fan, you cannot go wrong with the Lightning Rod!
Cute and unique place! Love the ice cream. Staff was kind.
The Franklin Fountain definitely has some of the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten (the only other places comparable being Longacres Modern Dairy in Barto, PA and Reed’s Dairy in Idaho Falls, ID). What F.F. has that the others do not is serving other things such as phosphates and also making the many of their toppings in-house, most of their cones in-house, and possibly even their sodas. This place even has Hydrox cookies which are very hard to find nowadays. I definitely recommend their root beer float and if you want something more sweet, try the Lady’s Choice. There are a lot of choices and those are only two of them. You may need to wait a while but the wait is worth it. If you want something more basic like a cone or basic sundae, go next door to their ice cream bar which usually has a shorter line. If you’re in Philadelphia and love ice cream, this is a must visit in my opinion.
Great classic ice cream place. Portions are very large. Which is ideal for ice cream
Im originally from Brooklyn and this is the only place in Philly that knows how to make an egg cream. You probably dont know what an egg cream is, but its my favorite and you should.
Long line and the manger was very Rude to the people standing waiting to place their orders . No available seating inside or outside. With that in mind the store failed to organized their services line. There was no respect or consideration to other businesses on the Block or sidewalk rules . The ice cream is not that good it lacks flavor. Very sad for such historic spot.