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Bow-tie-wearing staff dispense house-made ice cream parlor & soda fountain treats in a space featuring original turn of the century details and antiques. Ice cream, sodas, and toppings are made onsite with local dairy and carefully selected ingredients.
Bow-tie-wearing staff dispense classic ice cream parlor/soda fountain treats in an old-timey space.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 627-1899
Website: https://franklinfountain.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
The Franklin Fountain: Philadelphia Ice Cream Parlor & Soda Fountain
A recreation of a 1915 ice cream parlor, serving ice cream, baked goods, and sodas, made on-site using local ingredients, in Philadelphia.
The Franklin Fountain (@franklinfountain) · Philadelphia, PA
1900s Soda Fountain. Products made on-site using local ingredients. Skip the line and visit our auxiliary shop Franklin Ice Cream bar 112 Market st
The Franklin Fountain | Visit Philadelphia
Franklin Fountain serves up handmade ice cream in an astounding number of flavors including standards like vanilla bean, chocolate and Franklin mint chip.
Reviews
Joshua McCauley
This gets 2 stars because the staff were nice and the ice cream was good. Otherwise it would be 1 star for how horrible my experience was.
This is a old tyme-y ice cream and soda parlour: it very much looks the part and had the age for it. The decor is set up to reflect this. But it is operated like an ice cream stand. Your sundae is shoved in a Chinese take-out box and you’re told you have to eat outside. This is in direct contrast to the glass dishes put on display inside, and the very clear bar setup for standing or sitting to eat. I wish I could get my money back, so if this review stops someone from going then I’ll consider it even. If you want ice cream in a box, just go to your grocery store. At least there they are honest about what they’re selling.
The owner can’t even argue that they can’t afford to wash dishes for sundaes like they used to because of “staffing issues” like most food establishments tout. There was very clearly 4 staff members for the two customers inside, being me and my wife. The shop was completely empty. If the owner just wants to push product out the door they should close this shop and just do wholesale. What they’re doing is a disgrace.
And I really feel bad for the staff. They are given no creativity or artistic freedom to create beautiful sundaes and floats in open dishes or glasses. They have to just shove ice cream and soda in take out containers. I feel bad for them, but know they don’t do this by choice. The owner has no business making the staff and customers sad.
… moreThis is a old tyme-y ice cream and soda parlour: it very much looks the part and had the age for it. The decor is set up to reflect this. But it is operated like an ice cream stand. Your sundae is shoved in a Chinese take-out box and you’re told you have to eat outside. This is in direct contrast to the glass dishes put on display inside, and the very clear bar setup for standing or sitting to eat. I wish I could get my money back, so if this review stops someone from going then I’ll consider it even. If you want ice cream in a box, just go to your grocery store. At least there they are honest about what they’re selling.
The owner can’t even argue that they can’t afford to wash dishes for sundaes like they used to because of “staffing issues” like most food establishments tout. There was very clearly 4 staff members for the two customers inside, being me and my wife. The shop was completely empty. If the owner just wants to push product out the door they should close this shop and just do wholesale. What they’re doing is a disgrace.
And I really feel bad for the staff. They are given no creativity or artistic freedom to create beautiful sundaes and floats in open dishes or glasses. They have to just shove ice cream and soda in take out containers. I feel bad for them, but know they don’t do this by choice. The owner has no business making the staff and customers sad.
Amanda Champlin
I visited after seeing this place featured on the Cooking Channel, where they highlighted the New York Egg Cream made from the old-style fountain. I came specifically for that and was very happy. The brownie was also delicious. The restaurant has an old-fashioned feel, and no indoor seating.
… moreAllison Young
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.
… moreService – 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.
Justine Hulbert
If you look at the reviews for this place and the photos online you’re thinking you’re about to have the best experience and ice cream sunday or banana split of your life. Not the case. Rather your wooed by the ambience and old-fashioned atmosphere, the signs for the homemade whipped cream, house made sodas etc….and then you get your order. My “banana split for my baby” didn’t have one singular slice of banana in it, not one spanish peanut, was drowning in store-bought whipped cream and had two cherries on it (which were not listed as a part of it on the menu). My husband’s hot fudge Sunday was below average and overall we spent $32 on two items. Wish the product lived up to the overall cool vibe of the place. I loved the phone (that still works) and all the old school knickknacks. Maybe next time we’ll stick with a waffle cone and flavored ice cream.
… moreLaura M
The price is insane! I paid about $17 for a two scoop plus a waffle cone. The waffle cone alone was $5!
I will say, The waffle cone was the best part of this trip. These cones are thick and tasty. The ice cream was ok. The ice cream was too soft and was melting faster than one could lick. The pumpkin flavor had a great pumpkin spice taste but the aftertaste wasn’t pleasant. The chocolate fudge brownie was rich in chocolate and brownie.
The portions are large so prepare yourself if you get two scoops.
… moreI will say, The waffle cone was the best part of this trip. These cones are thick and tasty. The ice cream was ok. The ice cream was too soft and was melting faster than one could lick. The pumpkin flavor had a great pumpkin spice taste but the aftertaste wasn’t pleasant. The chocolate fudge brownie was rich in chocolate and brownie.
The portions are large so prepare yourself if you get two scoops.
Jimmy Yen
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!
… moreService- 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!
John Y
The ice cream was ok, thought it would be something amazing being they have such a long history there. Not much space in this corner lot. There are only a few customers that are allowed inside at one time and ifs the summer you have the close the door behind you to keep the AC from escaping. Your ice cream is served in a take out box. There is no seating inside, only outside
seating.
… moreseating.
Sharidan Coleman
Such a lovely ice cream shop with even better service. The Franklin fountain has such an antique feel to it but the ice cream options are fresh and creative. Tiana was extremely helpful and made our experience memorable by allowing us to sample flavors until we found the right one. She was kind, attentive and efficient which is a rarity these days. This will be my go-to dessert spot from on now, whenever i’m in Philly!
… moresharon
Been to Franklin Fountain a couple times. Its classic. But quite expensive. Definitely a special occasion type of place. Large variety of flavors. Very small shop but its beautiful inside. My go to is the matcha green tea and strawberry. Someone else in my party got root beer float and ice cream sundae. Were all great.
… moreDan Afl
Great place to get ice cream and look at the vintage decorations. Ice cream was excellent and staff was super friendly and helpful. Happy we stopped here while in the area visiting the national Park area. Definitely recommend the shop to others I really liked the green tea ice cream.
… more