From vintage ice-cream parlors to late-night cookie delivery shops, the dessert scene in Philadelphia is definitely unexplored territory for many. But with this list of the most popular and best ranked dessert spots in the city, get your sweet tooth ready, because you’re in for a treat.
1. The Franklin Fountain: Going to the Franklin Fountain is a complete experience. Often handling lines that go all the way out to the street, its bow-tie-wearing staff dispenses classic ice cream parlor and soda fountain treats in an old-timey, vintage-looking space. Don’t forget to try the Philadelphia 76ers-inspired Chocolate Thunder Ice Cream!
Location: 116 Market Street, Old City
2. Termini Bros Bakery: Authentic Italian sweets don’t have to be thousands of miles away. This third-generation legendary Italian bakery is the best at whipping up cannoli, cakes, and cookies. Come by and savor hand-dipped pignoli cookies, almond-topped amaretti, and traditional Sicilian cakes.
Location: 1523 South 8th Street, South Philly. Additional locations at Reading Terminal Market and the Comcast Center.
3. Insomnia Cookies: The solution to your afterhours sweet cravings is here. This bakery chain, known for their late-night deliveries, offers everything from M&M’s cookies to brownies a la mode and ice cream pints with all kinds of toppings.
Location: 135 S. 13th Street and 108 S. 16th Street in Center City. Additional locations in Templetown, University City, and Manayunk.
4. Cake and the Beanstalk: This bakery, cafe, and coffee bar offers desserts and baked goods homemade by its owner, Daniel Klein. For a complete meal, Cake and the Beanstalk also provides savory treats, such as sandwiches and paninis. Plus, if you’re a student or a hospital employee, enjoy 10% off.
Location: 1112 Locust Street, Center City
5. John’s Water Ice: This Philadelphia staple serves water ice made from an old-school recipe from 1945, with rotating weekly flavors. Their classic, original flavors include lemon, cherry, chocolate, and pineapple. Other than water ice, this President Obama-approved spot serves ice cream and gelato in cups, cones, pints, and quarts.
Location: 701 Christian Street, South Philly
6. Capogiro Gelato Artisans: Artisanal gelato is good any time of the year, especially when it comes in traditional as well as inventive flavors and is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. They have everything from vanilla and hazelnut to more unique flavors like avocado and cucumber. But if you’re in the mood for something else, at Capogiro you can also find a variety of coffee beverages and other hot drinks, baked goods, paninis, salads, and soups.
Location: 119 S. 13th Street and 117 S. 20th Street in Center City. Additional location in University City.
7. Miel Patisserie: Spend the day enjoying a pastry while hanging out with friends, browsing the web, or answering email at this high-end, boutique-style pastry shop. Most people go there for their authentic macarons. At Miel, you can also find savory delicacies, coffee, and a variety of French baked goods while feeling cozy in the European-style cafe.
Location: 204 S. 17th Street, Center City
8. Famous 4th Street Cookie Company: Known for their Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter cookies, this Reading Terminal Market vendor bakes chewy, homestyle treats so good, they’ve won awards and been recognized nationally.
Location: 51 North 12th Street at Reading Terminal Market, Center City
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