Looking to indulge for National Ice Cream Day in Philadelphia? We’ve got the scoop on all the sweet specials, flavors and offerings happening around the city on July 20.
Levain Bakery + Milk Jawn
The popular cookie brand and local fan-favorite sweet shop are partnering up for National Ice Cream Day in Philadelphia. The pair of culinary concepts have already debuted their Cookie a la Mode (Levain’s offering of any cookie served with a scoop of Milk Jawn Double Fold Vanilla ice cream) and affogato this summer. But on July 20, Philadelphians can also nab an ice cream sandwich and a new flavor from Milk Jawn—the Mint Stratciatella.
The flavor features mint ice cream made with locally grown spearmint, ribboned with crunchy bits of dark chocolate. Both the flavor and ice cream sandwich will debut on July 17 at the Rittenhouse Bakery. On the holiday itself (July 20), the first 100 people in line who order a cookie and ice cream combo will also receive a free, limited-edition Levain bucket hat. A full menu of offerings can be found online.
1518 Walnut St., levainbakery.com
Shake Shack
Those looking for a sweet treat this Sunday can head to Shake Shack to get their hands on the brand’s limited-edition Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake. The menu item is limited to just 50 shakes per day and features real pistachio frozen custard blended with toasted kataifi (shredded phyllo), enrobed in a crackable dark chocolate shell, and finished with chopped pistachios and a sprinkling of crunchy kataifi.
Multiple locations, shakeshack.com
Jeni’s
In celebration of National Ice Cream Day in Philadelphia, anyone who orders a scoop from either of Jeni’s city locations can add the brand’s new Sundae Fudge Sauce for free to their order. The rich chocolate sauce with a hint of sea salt was made to pair with the store’s summer menu—which holds options like Popcorn Brittle and Toasted S’mores. While there, guests can also try the brand’s new limited-edition, drumstick-inspired Bomastix Sundae.
The dish layers honey vanilla bean and salted peanut butter ice cream with chocolate flecks, sundae fudge sauce and whipped cream in a buttercrisp waffle bowl. A full menu can be found online.
Multiple locations, jenis.com
HipCityVeg and Bassett’s
HipCityVeg and Bassett’s are partnering up to offer a bit of a healthier way to enjoy the popular treat. The two brands have concocted a new menu of plant-based frozen sips, and for those who can’t celebrate on Sunday, HipCityVeg will launch this collab with a free pop-up outside the HipCityVeg Rittenhouse Square location on Tuesday, July 22. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free samples of the fresh menu items will be served out of a classic Bassett’s ice cream cart.
Options span the Float City (a scoop of Bassett’s mango apricot sorbet with Boylan’s classic ginger ale), the Sunset Swirl Smoothie (Bassett’s mango apricot sorbet, ripe bananas, and pineapple juice made into a creamy base with strawberry purée ribbons), and the Mango Cream Supreme (Bassett’s mango apricot sorbet, organic soy and vanilla bean ice cream, and a splash of orange juice.) All HipCityVeg Philly locations will also offer scoops of Bassett’s mango apricot sorbet.
127 S. 18th St. and other locations, hipcityveg.com
Alice
This pick is for anyone interested in something a little different. Alice is serving up its Absinthe Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream. The adults-only take on mint chocolate chip ice cream blends reduced Pernod Absinthe with crème anglaise, hand-chopped dark chocolate and it’s tinted with a pale green hue. The treat is topped with Chantilly cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. Those who can’t imbibe can also indulge in the restaurant’s strawberry shortcake ice cream, made with French vanilla ice cream base, strawberry purée, macerated strawberries, and brown butter-toasted shortbread crumbs.
901 Christian St., alicephiladelphia.com
Friendly’s
The well-known brand offers an assortment of appetizers, sandwiches, quesadillas and more, but its ice cream assortment is what keeps patrons coming back. In celebration of 90 years in business, Friendly’s is commemorating the sweet occasion with some themed fun from July 18 to 20. Offerings span free cones or dishes for Fan Club Rewards members (on July 20), 90-cent scoops for everyone, a new Mini Scoop Collection for $3.19, limited-edition Friendly’s sunglasses for the first 90 guests on July 18, and a free “Birthday in a Bag” party kit (with every sheet cake purchase).
Multiple locations, friendlysrestaurants.com
