Step into the charming Franklin Fountain, where retro vibes meet delectable homemade ice cream flavors and nostalgic treats, all served with a cheerful twist.
"During the holiday season, Old City’s classic ice cream parlor offers a celebratory dessert that embodies winter. Its yule log ice cream cake is an iconic twist on the festive log-shaped treat and is available for pre-order. The cake features chocolate cake, crunchy layers, and ganache, with your choice of vanilla, chocolate, coffee, peppermint stick, or caramelized banana ice cream." - George Banks-Weston
"The Franklin Fountain is a classic ice cream parlor and soda fountain that we think is worth visiting whether you're a tourist or you pay taxes to the city of Philadelphia every year. There's going to be a line, and you can't sit down anywhere inside inside. But they stay open until midnight and serve all of their ice cream in old-school Chinese takeout containers. Load up with brownie pieces and the works, unless you hate fun." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"The old-school ice cream parlor in Old City boasts a cult following dating back to 1915. Here, milkshakes are made to order with a full pint of ice cream (in up to two flavors of your choice), and you can jazz them up with toppings like malt powder, whipped cream, and hot fudge." - George Banks-Weston
"Few spots do justice to nostalgic soda shop vibes like the Franklin Fountain, an Old City destination from brothers Ryan and Eric Berley. The business only dates back to 2004 but sits in a lovingly renovated and restored historic building. Go for one of the decadent sundaes, like the Stock Market Crunch with rocky road ice cream (invented in 1929), peanut butter sauce, salted pretzels, and whipped cream. The Berleys also run the Franklin Ice Cream Bar next door, several seasonal shops, and Shane Confectionery, which was founded in 1863." - Ernest Owens, Eater Staff
"Art in the Age @ Franklin Fountain / Saturday, July 20-Sunday, July 31, 3-7pm What's not to like about a boozy root beer float? Nothing. And that's exactly why Art in the Age and The Franklin Fountain are teaming up to bring them to Old City this month. The $17.50 float mixes Franklin Root Beer, Art in the Age's Siege of Wolves Spiced Rum, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try one, or even two, if it's been a hard week. " - candis mclean