Around the Block: 4/28/2023

May 1, 2023 BY JEFF CITY BLOCK

Ice cream in Philly, our new and current listings, and Philly happenings. Do you have a favorite ice cream place in the city? I’d love to discuss. Please send me an email: [email protected]. This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Friday, 4/28/23.

4/28/2023

Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block

Ice Cream in Philly

Hi ATB reader,

Today I thought it would be fun to simply write about ice cream in Philly. Is there anyone who does not like ice cream? I mean that as an actual question, not rhetorical, as there are so many superb non-dairy options now (not to mention water ice), that even most people with intolerances or allergies can enjoy some frozen confection. I got this idea from a piece in the Inquirer earlier this week, simply titled Best ice cream in Philadelphia: Where to get the best scoops, soft serve, water ice and other frozen treats. Needless to say, I will be sharing my own opinions and comments here.

First, the article playfully states “No city, currently, has claimed the title of Ice Cream Capital of America. Obviously, that title should go to Philadelphia.” For those who regularly read this newsletter, you know that I think that Philly is the best city in America (and the world), and also excels in many specific areas, including, but not limited to, food in general, sports fans, livability, neighborhoods, walkable Center City, history, parks, homes, and greatest fictional character/icon.

Greatest fictional character/icon. Also spawned classic Philly-centric movie line, “Yo, Adrian!“ This 23-second clip definitely gets me pumped up.

I mean simply put, Philly is the jawn.

But I never specifically considered ice cream. Though I certainly contemplated water ice. As a kid, I did not even realize that water ice was a local thing (or at least the name is). You go somewhere else in the country and ask for water ice, and people are like “What?” I never even considered how odd the name was. “Water Ice.” H2O plus the frozen version of H2O. What a bizarre, totally non-descriptive name. (Though its inverse, “ice water,” is well known and aptly named, as it is simply water with ice in it.) As a kid, the quirk of its name never even occurred to me. Like, everyone, everywhere understands what water ice is, right? Perhaps they are familiar with other frozen sugar/water treats such as Italian ice, snow cones, or shave ice for example. But none of these things are as awesome as water ice, which originated in Philadelphia. And when a company is founded in Philly and then franchises like crazy and goes viral, they actually change the name so others can understand… to Italian ice.

Rita’s is actually pretty good and they at least understand what Gelati is… water ice and ice cream in one cup. But they are really serving water ice, not Italian ice, which I think of as a much harder and gelatinous product in a paper cup with a paper lid that you pull off with a tab.

So now back to ice cream. I will discuss water ice again later.

In the list of the best ice cream in Philly, I have been to quite a few: Weckerly’s (from Lil’ Pop Shop), Zsa’s, Laser Wolf, Bassetts, 1-900-Ice-Cream, Franklin Fountain, C&C (never realized this stood for Custards and Cakes), and Jeni’s. All of these are good (as ice cream tends to be), and my favorites on this list are Bassetts and Laser Wolf. Though one of Philly’s best is not even on this list–Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory on Main Street in Manayunk. My favorite. Highly recommend.

My top choice in supermarket ice cream is a Philadelphia brand founded in 1866—Bryers. And while many of its flavors have gone downhill since it was bought by Kraft and then Unilever and left Philly, its Vanilla and Mint Chip, IMO, remain supreme.

A special shoutout to a couple of Philly’s classic parlors from when I was growing up—Just Ice Cream on Pine Street in Wash West (later renamed More Than Just Ice Cream, as they moved to a much larger shop on Locust). And Hillary’s on South Street, at the terminus of Passyunk. Do you guys remember these Philly standouts from yesteryear?

The Inquirer piece also ranks soft serve, vegan (like the amazing Goldie’s tahina milkshakes), banana splits (Tubby Robot is mentioned here!), and crazy soft serve flavors: where have you gone Big Gay Ice Cream, with your Gritty-inspired Dorito flavored creation? Is it possible this is why you went out of business?

Which brings us back round to water ice and the Inquirer’s water ice list. First on the list and my favorite by far is John’s Water Ice at 7th & Christian. I like to take my kids to my favorite Philly eateries (who doesn’t), which include places like John’s Roast Pork, Reading Terminal Market, and John’s Water Ice. Here we are in July 2018.

About John’s, the Inquirer says:

There’s no artificial syrup or fake flavors in the water ice at this Christian St. water ice institution, which has been serving cold cups of frozen treats since 1945. Staple flavors include cherry, lemon, pineapple, and chocolate, with special announced-on-Instagram flavors (mango, honeydew, peach) rotating week by week.

I love a cherry and lemon combo and my favorite specialty flavor of all time is their cantaloupe. In classic South Philly style, it used to be cash only. But now they accept Venmo!! Sometimes lines, but they move fast. Old school Philly parking, right on the corner in front of the fireplug. In and out.

This Inquirer series includes multiple other places that sound great. Some I may try and most I will probably never get to. In any event, I believe I have come to one undeniable conclusion based on writing this piece. Philly is the Ice Cream (and obviously water ice) capital of the world!

Have a great weekend!

Best regards,

Jeff

Spotlight Property

UNIVERSITY CITY

4721 Chester Avenue

6-7 BD | 3.5 BA | 6,623 SF | Beautiful Period Details | 3rd Floor Balcony |Quarter Acre Fenced Lot | Driveway Parking | $1,300,000

The historically significant Buzby House is an incredible single detached “Renaissance Revival” style Victorian residence built in 1895, located in the Cedar Park neighborhood of University City, West Philadelphia. Custom-designed for its original owner (architect info & copies of original plans are available), it has been occupied by only four families in its 127-year history and has been carefully preserved, restored and upgraded.

There are 6-7 bedrooms and 3 full and 1 half bathrooms. Beautiful period details are everywhere in the spacious 6623 square foot interior.

The owners have completed a faithful exterior restoration, with spectacular attention to detail thanks to their access to especially talented restoration professionals. The house is on an approximately quarter acre fenced lot in an irregular shape, with about 72’ of frontage along Chester Ave. Mature Cypress trees provide privacy at the wide side yard, with a driveway that will park up to 3 cars side-by-side, and a single-car detached garage provides storage space only. A recently rebuilt rear deck overlooks the huge, newly-fenced rear yard.

The location is just four blocks from Baltimore Ave., University City’s “main street,” with eclectic shops and restaurants serving many different cuisines. Clark Park is 3 blocks away; Cedar Park is 5 blocks away, and a short walk takes you to USciences (now part of St. Joseph’s University) and/or UPenn. The #13 Chester Ave. trolley stops at the corner and will whisk you to center city in 15 minutes, with stops along the way at UPenn, Drexel, and the 30th St. transportation hub in case you want to catch a train.

View full listing here

Philly Fun This Week

Exciting Performances and New Exhibitions

Watch an incredible reimagined version of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème at the Academy of Music this Friday and Sunday. Opera Philadelphia and director Yuval Sharon tells the heart-wrenching story in reverse which changes the ending from tragic to optimistic.
Witness death-defying high-wire acts, impressive acrobatics, and a hilarious clown at the King of Prussia Mall when Do Portugal Circus comes to town this Friday. Tickets are available for individual performances and shows run until May 14th.
New at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is an exhibition from distinguished photographer Judith Joy Ross. Previously this exhibition traveled throughout Europe with stops in Paris, Madrid, and the Hague, but Philly is its only U.S. stop. The exhibition features over 200 photographs of Americans with very different lives.
Check out the 17th edition of Small Favors, an exhibition of nearly 400 miniature art pieces placed in four-inch cubes at The Clay Studio’s new American Street location. The tiny artwork is made from a variety of materials and the artists who created them are both brand-new to the field and highly regarded clay creators. Individual pieces can be purchased, but the exhibition is free to view.

Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.

New Bar at FringeArts

FringeArts just opened a newly renovated bar at its campus that offers house cocktails, shareable small plates, and vegetarian options such as a falafel smashburger. And on sunny days patrons can enjoy some fresh air and Benjamin Franklin Bridge views at the Haas Biergarten.

Photograph from @fringebarphilly on Instagram & content courtesy of and uwishunu.

Featured Listings

QUEEN VILLAGE

211 Hall Street

BRAND NEW LISTING

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,170 SF | $495,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4721 Chester Avenue

6 BD | 3.5 BA | 6,623 SF | $1,300,000

MIDTOWN VILLAGE

105 S 12th Street #201

1 BD | 2 BA | 1,333 SF | $675,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

4632 Larchwood Avenue

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,718 SF | $997,500

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #1

2 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,169 SF | $535,000

FAIRMOUNT-ART MUSEUM

768 N 24th Street #2

2 BD | 1 BA | 1,183 SF | $435,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #403

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,775 SF | $830,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

435 S 46th Street

5 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,721 SF | $750,000

WEST POWELTON

321 N 40th Street

5 Units | 5,792 SF | $1,595,000

SOCIETY HILL

742 Lombard Street

NEW PRICE

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,446 SF | $699,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

245-249 S 44th Street

3 Contiguous Properties | 6,726 SF | 1,525,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

249 S 44th Street

4 Units | 2,242 SF | $525,000

MOUNT AIRY

7111 Germantown Avenue #102

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,670 SF | $540,000

MAIN LINE

533 Pugh Road

COMING SOON

3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,450 SF | $925,000

UNIVERSITY CITY

632 S 51st Street

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,792 SF | $399,000

SOCIETY HILL

504 S Hancock Street

2 BD | 1 BA | 1,100 SF | $345,000

WEST MOUNT AIRY

153 W Weaver Street

4 BD | 1.5 BA | 1,240 SF | $299,000

Know Someone Looking to Buy or Sell?

As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.

Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.

Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via UWISHUNU, thephiladelphiacitizen.org, fringebarphilly, and Canva.

Office: 212-913-9058

Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Ice Cream in Philly

Spotlight Property

4721 Chester Avenue

Philly Fun This Week

Featured Listings

Moving? Discover the value of your home.