We recently shared a roundup of 11 great spots for ice cream and water ice in Delco, but with summer finally here, we thought, Why stop there? Seeing as we’re neighbors with Philadelphia County, which has a long and rich history with ice cream and water ice, Delaware County is also home to so many amazing spots for frozen treats, we couldn’t pack them into just one blog post!
Whether you like to kick it old-school with a scoop of vanilla or cherry water ice, or go all in for over-the-top sundaes, or prefer vegan ice cream, Delco’s many ice cream shops and water ice stands have got you covered. Here are 8 more to add to your summer sweets roster:
Photo: Pexels
While we love a precious little ice cream parlor, there’s something that just speaks to the soul of Delco about a no-frills water ice stand. Big Var’s is just that: Both of its locations in Chester keep it refreshingly simple, with fruity scoops of homemade water ice (strawberry daiquiri, blueberry and banana are all fan-favorites), ice cream sandwiches, fresh juices, soft pretzels and a handful of other salty snacks, all at super-affordable prices. Big Var’s also has a water ice truck that can be rented out for private parties!
Both of Big Var’s Water Ice locations are open 7 days a week from noon to 9 p.m.
2201 Edgmont Ave., Chester, (610) 333-0747; 721 W. 10th St., Chester.
This Latin-owned sweets shop offers horchata, decorated cakes, flowers, gifts and plenty of frozen delights! Choose from smoothies, sundaes and scoops, or try one of the paletas (Mexican popsicles), made from fruity flavors, like kiwi and pineapple.
N’ice Cream Latin is open Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
53 Long Ln., Upper Darby, (484) 352-9519.
Photo: Pexels
This casual, walk-up window is a fun place to stop for dessert — everyone in your group will find something to love. There are carnival-style fried treats, like deep-fried Oreos and funnel cake, hand-dipped and soft-serve, ice cream sundaes, including bubble waffle sundaes, gelati shakes, milkshakes, and savory foods, too!
Tasty Scoopz is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
5 S. Oak Ave., Clifton Heights.
Photo courtesy of Blue Cherry
Calling all adventurous eaters! Blue Cherry is the place for you to indulge your senses with extra-inventive ice cream creations. We’re talking gourmet milkshakes positively stuffed with toppings (think: cookies, lollipops, marshmallows, cereal and cotton candy), candy-topped waffles, ice cream sundaes, and Twisters (ice cream spun with candy or toppings). Sure, you can get a regular scoop in a cup, but why would you when there’s so much else to try? Bonus: They offer doggy sundaes for your pup!
Blue Cherry is open 7 days a week from 1 to 9 p.m.
3376 Chichester Ave., Boothwyn, (610) 492-1717.
Photo courtesy of Chill Out Ice Cream
This family-owned ice cream parlor is indeed the perfect place to chill out on a sweltering summer night. Choose from dozens of ice cream flavors, or go for a scoop of house-made water ice, or get ready to battle some major indecision as you try to pick from the … wait for it … 125 flavors of soft-serve! Don’t forget about the 30+ toppings, too! If that wasn’t impressive enough, there are limited seasonal ice cream flavors, like lemon bar and salted caramel cold brew, sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and ice cream cookie sandwiches.
Chill Out Ice Cream is open 7 days a week from noon to 10 p.m.
12 Acres Dr., Ridley Park, (484) 494-4601.
This is the quintessential neighborhood scoop shop, staffed by friendly teenagers always working quickly to help the lines, which spill out onto the sidewalks on summer evenings. The first thing you’ll notice in Koffmeyer’s is the heavenly aroma, which comes from their old-fashioned cookies that are baked on site. The hand-dipped ice cream served there comes from Leiby’s Ice Cream and Yogurt, locally made in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, with many flavors and toppings to choose from. Other offerings include soft-serve, water ice, milkshakes, sundaes and much more.
Koffmeyer’s is open 7 days a week from 1 to 9 p.m.; fall/winter hours may differ.
7 Brookline Blvd, Havertown, (484) 454-3526.
Photo courtesy of Sweet Spot
Sweet tooths, rejoice! This charming shop offers gelato, vintage and novelty candy, craft soda, edible cookie dough, chocolate confections and more. It’s truly a one-stop-shop for all things sugary and delicious! On the frozen side of things, choose from Hershey’s ice cream or imported gelato from Italy, or get a little wild with one of the loaded milkshakes or decadent sundaes (we like the one topped with a mini cannoli!). There are colorful, unique sprinkles and other toppings, like Nutella and whipped cream, available with any ice cream order. For a grown-up treat, try an affogato, which is a scoop of gelato with a shot of espresso poured over it!
Sweet Spot is currently closed and relocating to St. Alban’s Circle in Newtown Square.
Photo courtesy of Sweet Spot
Located right on bustling State Street in downtown Media, Scooped has won over the hearts of the borough with its homemade ice cream, made with organic dairy, in a variety of delicious flavors, ranging from the familiar to imaginative flavors, like Bailey’s Irish Cream, Peanut Butter Oreo and Lavender. Regulars know that one of the best ways to enjoy a scoop at Scooped is atop a freshly made liege waffle! Vegan options are also available, and there are always a few crates of vintage vinyl records for sale.
Scooped is open Tuesday through Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m.
25 W. State St., Media, (484) 445-4476.
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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.
— Emily Kovach
Featured photo courtesy of Chill Out Ice Cream