Since Italian immigrants brought it to the city, water ice has become a Philadelphia phenomenon, write Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme, Alexandra Jones, and Catherine Smith for Philadelphia Magazine.

Beyond Rita’s, Philadelphia has a number of places that also make homemade water ice with fresh and natural ingredients.

John’s Water Ice has been serving the frozen treat since 1945, with classic flavors like lemon, pineapple, and cherry.

East Passyunk is home to two solid options in D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats and Mancuso & Sons. 

Morrone’s Water Ice has evolved over the years from distributing the frozen treats out of a roving truck. Now, however, folks line up outside their Overbrook shop by the dozens.

Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice, started in 1995 by an entrepreneurial Temple University alumnus, has become a West Philadelphia favorite in Cobbs Creek. Siddiq’s also offers unique flavors like white grape, cantaloupe, coquito, mango-berry, and strawberry daiquiri.

Rose’s Water Ice in Roxborough sets itself apart from the rest, as it’s open year-round rather than just during the spring or summer.

Tranzilli Real Italian Water Ice also has a unique distinction, as it’s one of the few remaining Philly water ice stands still owned and operated by the same family. It was opened in 1969 by Italian immigrants.

Read more about where to get water ice at Philadelphia Magazine.

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