Philadelphia’s dessert scene is vibrant, especially for those with a penchant for sundaes. From classic flavors to creative spins, this city offers an array of icy delights that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
One standout local favorite is found in Bella Vista, where a casual Filipino BYOB serves only one sundae: the ube sundae. This unique dessert features sweet and creamy purple yam ice cream, lavishly topped with coconut caramel and crispy pops of puffed rice. Patrons rave about it being the best ube soft serve in town, and its popularity means it disappears quickly from tables. Savoring it feels like a brief yet joyous encounter—brief, but memorable.
In the bustling neighborhood of Rittenhouse, the French restaurant Friday Saturday Sunday keeps dessert innovative and exciting. Their menu features a rotating selection of sundaes including banana sorbet, Teddy Graham crackers, and tangy rhubarb. With its ever-changing offerings, dessert lovers can indulge daily, each time discovering new flavors perfectly balanced in creaminess and taste.
Meanwhile, 1-900-ICE-CREAM has locals from Fishtown to Rittenhouse eagerly lining up for soft serve that is nothing short of whimsical. Their sundaes can resemble creations from childhood fantasies, featuring combinations like strawberry and cream soft serve topped with fluffy pound cake and colorful Fruity Pebbles, as well as the delightful Frosted Animal Cookie Sundae. With a commitment to creative presentations, every visit promises an excellent, line-worthy treat.
For those who prefer a more savory approach to dessert, the Truffle Sundae at Friday Saturday Sunday presents a sophisticated option. This dish pairs tangy goat’s milk ice cream with thinly sliced white truffles, crunchy candied chestnuts, and brown butter wafers, offering a unique taste sensation that strays from typical sweet selections.
La Guerrerense in Passyunk Square is a Mexican ice cream shop that takes the classic banana split and elevates it in exciting directions. Customers can mix traditional flavors with unique options such as Gansito—a chocolate cake filled with strawberry and cream—alongside nutty piñon and sweet mamey. The addition of toppings like passionfruit wafers and Tajín dust enhances every scoop, making every dessert an adventure.
Middle Child Clubhouse in Fishtown serves up sundaes that are as indulgent as they are visually stunning. After enjoying savory dishes, diners are greeted with a dreamy presentation of ice cream scoops served atop caramelized bananas, lavishly drizzled with dulce de leche and crowned with a sparkler, elevating both taste and experience. With flavors that regularly rotate, including a delightful strawberry cream cheese option, dessert is a much-anticipated course at this popular spot.
For a classic yet charming experience, The Franklin Fountain in Old City offers a nostalgic journey back to the past. This vintage-style ice cream parlor, reminiscent of a 1915 establishment, delivers a menu filled with classic sundaes and splits. Among the favorites are the Peach Melba and banana split, each topped with high-quality, housemade toppings like raspberry compote and silky peanut butter sauce. Presented in a takeout container, these sundaes are perfect for a leisurely stroll on sunny days.
D’Emilio’s on Passyunk Avenue is a relatively new staple, quickly making a name for itself since opening in 2019. Its appeal lies in the extensive and creative toppings that can be added to their ice cream. Customers have the freedom to request combinations like sensuous Reese’s, cinnamon-sugar donuts, and strawberry cheesecake. D’Emilio’s captures the essence of variety, giving patrons endless possibilities to personalize their sweet treat.
Lastly, El Merkury in Rittenhouse offers sundaes that might draw the disapproval of dentists everywhere. Starting with refreshing vanilla soft serve, their desserts are generously topped with chocolate sauce and unique toppings, including crunchy pretzel bits and cinnamon churros. The Salted Cajeta Crunch Churro Sundae, featuring a salted caramel blend, stands out as a particularly tempting option to indulge in.
Philadelphia’s sundae scene is undoubtedly diverse, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. From classic renditions to inventive twists, dessert lovers are sure to find their perfect match in this city’s numerous ice cream parlors and restaurants. Whether enjoyed casually on a sunny sidewalk or as a grand finale to a gourmet meal, every sundae promises to delight.
image source from：theinfatuation
