
The Franklin Fountain
Experience nostalgia at The Franklin Fountain, a historic ice cream parlor serving handcrafted delights and old-fashioned charm since 2004.

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Must-see attractions
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The Franklin Fountain

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience nostalgia at The Franklin Fountain, a historic ice cream parlor serving handcrafted delights and old-fashioned charm since 2004.
"A sweet step back in time with truly delicious, hand-crafted ice cream in a uniquely historical setting."
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds, try visiting late at night or during weekday afternoons.
Check for Discounts
Visit the nearby chocolate shop for a reciprocal discount.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Ice Cream & Dessert
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Charming Old-School Ice Cream Parlor
Step back in time with vintage decor and bow-tie-wearing staff at this historic ice cream parlor and soda fountain.

Handcrafted Ice Cream & Unique Flavors
Indulge in rich, creamy, and flavorful homemade ice cream with unique soda options and seasonal delights.

Classic Sundaes and Splits
Savor generous portions of ice cream with classic toppings, fruits, and syrups in elaborate sundaes and banana splits.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds, try visiting late at night or during weekday afternoons.
Check for Discounts
Visit the nearby chocolate shop for a reciprocal discount.
Signature Takeout Box
Your scoops or cones are served in a unique, signature Chinese takeout box presentation.
Pair with Handmade Chocolates
Don't miss trying their handmade chocolates from the sister shop alongside your ice cream.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds, try visiting late at night or during weekday afternoons.
Check for Discounts
Visit the nearby chocolate shop for a reciprocal discount.
Signature Takeout Box
Your scoops or cones are served in a unique, signature Chinese takeout box presentation.
Pair with Handmade Chocolates
Don't miss trying their handmade chocolates from the sister shop alongside your ice cream.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Franklin Fountain is lauded for its charming, old-school atmosphere and delicious, handcrafted ice cream. Diners appreciate the unique flavors and generous portions, often finding it a delightful step back in time. However, some find the experience slightly over-hyped or note that the price point reflects the high quality and unique setting.
"Food- 5/5
Service- 4/5
Ambiance- 4/5
Drinks- 5/5 (milkshakes)
Value- 3/5
A Sweet Step Back in Time at Franklin Fountain
Franklin Fountain in Old City Philadelphia is more than just an ice cream shop – it's a delightful dip into history with a side of truly delicious, hand-crafted ice cream. From the moment you step inside, you're transported by the charmingly old-fashioned decor, packed with historical artifacts that add a unique flavor to the experience.
The ice cream itself is the star of the show. With a good array of flavor options, it's clear that care and quality go into each batch. The "hand-crafted" description isn't just a label; the rich and satisfying taste speaks for itself.
Be prepared for a bit of a wait! On our visit, there was a line of about 15 people ahead of us, and it continued to grow behind us. This popularity speaks to the quality of their offerings, but it's something to keep in mind if you're on a tight schedule.
While the ice cream was undeniably good and the historical ambiance added to the enjoyment, I wouldn't necessarily make a special trip just for Franklin Fountain. However, if you find yourself exploring the historical wonders of Old City, a stop here for a sweet treat is an absolute must. It's a lovely way to cap off a day of sightseeing and indulge in a taste of the past.
Overall: Delicious, hand-crafted ice cream in a uniquely historical setting. Worth the wait if you're in the area!"
Jimmy Yen
"Ice cream - 5/5
Service - 4/5
Atmosphere- 4/5
I really loved the ice cream BUT like much or the reviews said the experience was a bit over-hyped. There is no indoor seating and it is difficult to actually interact and watch the bow-tied server concoct your concoctions. I would recommend going if you are in the area but it probably isn’t worth going out of your way just for the ice cream. There are plenty of other high-end artisanal ice cream shops in Philly. It’s cute and kitsch and the serving are huge but it isn’t a must visit while in town."
Allison Young
"This was my first time there . I loved the retro decor and flair. They have a great ice cream selection you can also get soda water or floats. My selection was a scoop from f coconut on a sugar waffle cone. It was delicious!!!! I would definitely recommend this place."
Aminah Amore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's known for its charming, old-school ice cream parlor atmosphere, handcrafted ice cream, unique flavors, and classic sundaes and floats.
There is very limited indoor seating, and ice cream is often served in takeout boxes for enjoying outside.
Popular flavors include honeycomb, chocolate fudge brownie, matcha green tea, strawberry, and seasonal offerings.
Yes, they offer vegan and gluten-free options for toppings and some of their treats.
The Franklin Fountain is very popular, especially on summer nights, so expect lines and potential waits.
The Franklin Fountain's sister shop is Shane Confectionery, located nearby, which also offers handmade chocolates and candies.
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You can’t throw a wet walnut in Philly without hitting an artisanal-ice-cream maker these days, but brothers Ryan and Eric Berley and their charming Colonial-inspired scoop shop have newcomers beat by years. On summer nights, long lines ripple out the door into the warm Old City night, but the wait (half an hour isn’t uncommon in summer) is worth it for the house-made seasonal flavors like fresh peach, brooding black raspberry, and honeycomb made with booty from the Fountain’s rooftop hives. Just down the block, the Berleys also operate Shane Confectionery, a candy shop informed by the same bygone era.
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Be sure to also stop by The Franklin Fountain, the confectionery’s sister business that’s the go-to for locally sourced ice creams in a 1900s soda fountain where Hydrox is king. If you’re feeling a little fancy (and still have room), you might as well skip over to ICI Macarons and get a dozen so you can sample flavors from coffee mocha to honey lavender.
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Owned by two brothers with an affinity for old-school ice cream parlors, the Franklin Fountain opened in 2004 with a mission to “serve an experience steeped in ideals, drizzled with drollery, and sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past.” It’s the kind of place you go when you’re splurging or celebrating with ice cream for dinner or just looking for a fanciful midday treat. Their menu features rotating whimsical flavors like Strawberry Pretzel Crust Ice Cream Pie and Apple Butter, along with more classic favorites like Rocky Road and Butter Pecan. Fill up with sundaes, splits, milkshakes, ice cream sodas, and plenty of other treats for a delicious dinner of champions at this restaurant in Philadelphia!
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Walk back through Old City and stop at The Franklin Fountain, an old-timey ice cream parlor and soda fountain where the bow-tied staff serves up milkshakes meant to be sipped nose-to-nose from two straws. Wind your way through the neighborhood’s historic gardens — The Rose Garden, Signers Garden and 18th Century Garden — dotted between Chestnut and Walnut Streets from 3rd to 6th Streets. At 6th Street and Walnut Streets, enter the Curtis Center for a visit to one of Philly’s hidden masterpieces, The Dream Garden, a massive Maxfield Parrish mosaic comprised of more than 100,000 pieces of Tiffany glass in 260 different colors.
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Franklin Fountain may have opened its doors in 2004, but its refined ice cream and vintage shop interiors will have you believe it’s been around since 1904 — even the shop’s namesake, the Franklin soda fountain (which it still uses), is from the early 20th century and workers wear old-timey soda bar outfits. The Fountain pairs Philadelphia-style ice cream with traditional and must-have flavors, like sea salt caramel and fudge brownie to deliver ice cream classics. Visit the East Market Street shop to be transported back in time.
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Both The Franklin Fountain and The Franklin Ice Cream Bar are full of antiques that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s ice cream parlor (or happen to be on the set of Peaky Blinders). But aside from the time warp, this place is pretty unique—all your scoops or cones come in their signature Chinese takeout boxes, and it’s some of the best ice cream in town. We prefer their soft serve, which you can have dipped in chocolate, covered with sprinkles, or doused in old-school hot fudge.
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It’s not unusual for the line at this tiny shop with an old fashioned soda fountain vibe to stretch around the block on summer weekends, proving that Franklin Fountain is one of the best ice cream shops in Philly. The menu here is extensive—2 dozen traditional and exotic flavors are available. You’ll find standards like vanilla bean and Hydrox cookie as well as flavors like black sesame, peppermint stick, and more that are added seasonally.
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Address: 116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106Phone:+1 (215) 627-1899Website:franklinfountain.comDetails: $$, Ice cream shop. Nestled in Philadelphia’s vibrant and bustling atmosphere, The Franklin Fountain is an enchanting dessert destination that combines nostalgic charm with exceptional ice cream creations. The vintage decor of this old-timey ice cream parlor adds to the overall experience, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
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The Franklin FountainLocated in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Fountain is scooping up the forgotten flavors of the American past with traditional and twisted takes on homemade ice cream. Indulge in classic flavors, like Philadelphia-style vanilla bean, or test your taste buds with green tea ice cream. Not to mention, The Franklin Fountain even features a rotating selection of delicious coconut-based vegan flavors.
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During the warmer months, the lines at this old-fashioned ice-cream parlor and soda counter can stretch around the block. Offering traditional (strawberry and vanilla-bean) and unusual (banana and mint-chewing-gum) flavors, The Franklin Fountain also churns out non-dairy and sugar-free scoops, as well as seasonal sorbets. If you're thirsty, you can choose from a selection of 25 soda flavors or indulge in an ice-cream float.
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Suitably located in Old City, Franklin Fountain transports you back in time to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Every part of the shop is authentically designed with such attention to detail that waiters wear bowties, sprinkles are called “jimmies,” and all the ice cream and fudge are handmade. I am not one to frequent long lines, but this one, which was out the door and down the block, was undoubtedly worth the wait.
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No list of things to do in Philadelphia at night would be complete without trying ice cream at the Franklin Fountain. The place is all decked out in fancy 19th-century trimmings and they’re open until midnight so you can satisfy that late-night sweet craving. They’ve got all the classic ice cream stuff—cones, sundaes, shakes—but what makes Franklin Fountain special is their flavors.
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Franklin Fountain, a retro soda fountain in Philly's Old City dishes out plenty of housemade scoops and sundaes but unsurprisingly, the chef created her own signature flavor. "My fiancé and I discovered the most delicious combination milkshake flavor is peanut butter and coffee," she said. "I grew up with peanut butter milkshakes, so it's a nostalgia thing for me.
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The retro soda fountain in Philly’s Old City dishes out plenty of housemade scoops and sundaes, but unsurprisingly, the chef has created her own signature flavor. “My fiancé and I discovered the most delicious combination milkshake flavor is peanut butter and coffee,” she says. “I grew up with peanut butter milkshakes, so it’s a nostalgia thing for me.
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There’s always a line out the door at this ice cream parlor and soda fountain — for a good reason. Opened by brothers Eric and Ryan Berley in 2004 in a turn-of-the-century building, the shop is old-timey, down to the servers in whites and bow ties. They serve homemade sodas, sundaes and unique ice cream flavors and baked goods made from scratch.
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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!
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Franklin Fountain exists like a museum-grade reproduction of a turn-of-the-last-century soda fountain, complete with ice cream sundaes, floats, phosphates, milkshakes, and more. The Cherry Bomb (bittersweet chocolate ice cream dropped into a cherry soda) is amazing, and the cult favorite honeycomb ice cream might be even better.
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If you’re a couple with a sweet tooth, head to a quintessentially Philadelphia dessert spot – Franklin Fountain. It’s an old-fashioned ice cream shop and soda jerk with bow-tie clad service staff and the most delicious frozen treats. There’s a sit-down area indoors to enjoy your ice cream desserts as well as take-away options.
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If you're looking for a taste of nostalgia, then Franklin Fountain is the place to be. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain takes you back in time with its vintage decor and classic treats. The shop offers a variety of homemade ice creams, sundaes, and milkshakes made with locally-sourced ingredients.
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Franklin Fountain: After your steak at Sonny’s walk down the block to this ice cream shop where you’ll be transported back in time once again to the way things were done in the 1950’s. Go for the banana split for the full experience. Yes, it’s enormous but plan ahead and bring a friend or even better, a date.
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This Old City shop is proof that sometimes, the old fashioned way is the best way. Brothers Eric and Ryan Berley’s historically accurate parlor serves handmade Philadelphia-style cream in flavors both traditional and exotic. Don’t miss the custom sodas from the suspendered “jerks” behind the counter.
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In the Historic District you have to make a detour to either Franklin Fountain or Shane Confectionary, which always decorates its windows for Halloween, Christma, Valentine’s Day and Easter. They’re on market Street near Penn’s Landing, not far from the Betsy Ross house. It’s okay to stop at both.
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I told them of my allergies and they went through the whole process with me of what they will do just for me!. They didn’t even bat an eye, they are used to accommodating people’s allergies, which makes me feel even better about eating here.”. More reviews for Franklin Fountain.
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Yes, it’s true that Franklin Fountain is a go-to tourist dessert shop in Philadelphia, but for good reason. I’ve tried the Mt. Vesuvius sundae, which is an absolute treat for chocolate lovers. It’s quite an extravagant mix of ice cream, brownies, hot fudge, and whipped cream.
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The Franklin Fountain is that most wonderful of things, an old-fashioned American ice cream parlour. Yes, I know this is the Coffee Spot, but every now and then I’m allowed a little indulgence and this is one such occasion. Besides, The Franklin Fountain serves coffee.
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Suppose you're craving classic soda fountain treats and ice cream parlor treats. In that case, you're going to love Milkshakes at Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia. The menu includes a selection of classics, including a variety of sorbets, milkshakes, and floats.
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End the day by treating yourself to an old school scoop from a turn-of-the-century style ice cream parlor, The Franklin Fountain. This ice cream shop sits just a few doors away from the nation’s oldest continuously operating candy store, Shane Confectionery.
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If your family would enjoy eating delicious frozen treats served by someone wearing a bowtie, The Franklin Fountain is for you. This legendary ice cream parlor is old-school in the best of ways, and it proves that fantastic desserts never go out of style.
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The Franklin Fountain is an old-timey soda shop that has a ton of delicious ice cream and sundae choices. You can also grab a soda float or try one of their fun flavored sodas. This is a fun place to grab a sweet treat, especially on a hot day.
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Franklin Fountain -- This old-fashioned ice cream "saloon" is for after the kids clean their plates. Open daily until late in the heart of Old City, the polished parlor offers throwback sundaes, banana splits, egg creams, and plain ol' scoops.
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A soda fountain and ice cream parlor, The Franklin Fountain is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The menu features a variety of old-fashioned sodas and ice cream flavors. 116 Market Street, Philadelphia
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116 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106(215) 627-1899 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps. Established in 2004, the Franklin Fountain has been serving Philadelphia with handmade old-timey ice cream.
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The cotton-candy ice cream is delicious, and it feels like taking a time machine back to the 1950s." — Adam Grant, Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; author of ‘Think Again’
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Over in Old City, check out The Franklin Fountain, which has earned four stars out of 1,794 reviews on Yelp. You can find the spot to score ice cream and frozen yogurt and desserts at 116 Market St.
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They serve up their luscious flavors in cute little to-go boxes that make the traditional cup look so last year. Try one of their ice cream cakes for your next event!. The crowd will go wild.
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This old fashioned ice cream parlor and soda shop is located in the heart of Old City Philly. There’s old-timey decor, homemade ice cream, and vegan options. Expect a line on a hot day.
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Philly has some great soda shops, including the Franklin Fountain, The Pop Shop and Nifty Fifties. A soda fountain makes a perfect inexpensive and casual date spot in Philadelphia.
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- Rating: 4.1/5 (2301 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 116 Market St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts- Read more on Yelp
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116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106Phone: 215-627-1899 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Franklin Fountain (@franklinfountain)
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Another cold dessert to try is the iconic eggless Philadelphia-style ice cream, which you can find at The Franklin Fountain.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit