Fred’s Water Ice

The best water ice in Philly. I will be back!!!
Size? Small water ice and small gelati are probably enough (and still maybe too much).

Other than the original home made water ice from the Italian Market on 9^th Street, Fred’s is the best bar none. The rich variety of flavors will keep you coming back for more. It’s hard to settle for others after you’ve had Fred’s!

The water ice is mediocre. The ice cream is just as bland. And the various carbs available (Pizza pretzels, etc.) can be found anywhere in Philadelphia.
From the product we slip down to service, where the customer is asked «Whatcha want?» It took me ten minutes to get my water ice and there wasn’t a line.
Fred’s is great for people watching. In ten minutes sitting at Fred’s I saw a fist fight between two very classy ladies over a man whose name seemed to be «Butter». Also, as the line got longer, the various one liners from impatient customers were hilarious.
But it’s not a place you leave your own neighborhood for. I was visiting relatives and thought, why not ?
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only in philly youll get something called a «gelati» cause i know for damn sure i never heard that in san jose
why havent anyone thought of doing this in the west coast?!
for 2 dollars you can get this icee mixed with soft served ice cream?!
.75 cents for a cheese pretzel
1 dollar for a water ice?!
you must be insane to be charging people that cheap for something soo good.
i bet its better in the summer time. too bad i have wrong timings
FRED you really know what youre doing with those water ice

I tasted Fred’s Water Ice while attending the Dollar Stroll on Baltimore. While there were some deals to be had for a buck, this was not one of them. This was a case of capitalizing on an opportunity to make money, not just market their product.
I regularly get a large cup of water ice for a buck in this neighborhood, and smaller ones sell for fifty cents. His cup, which cost a buck, was much closer in size to the smaller ones. On a whim, I tried it anyway thinking maybe it’s a special water ice. And, besides, it’s not like I am breaking the bank with a buck.
The water ice was okay. I’ve had better, and in fact better from the places that give me twice as much for my money. When I stroll Dollar Days I expect to sample something for a buck that I can not usually get at that price. This was overpriced for t he sample size I got.
It’s not the worst water ice, but don’t overpay for it.

«In West Philadelphia, born and raised at Fred’s is where I spent most of my summer days» hehe. Love Fred’s! Miss this place now more than ever, now that I moved out of state. Such a variety of flavors and cheap prices; Sit back, cool out, and enjoy Fred’s on a hot summer day

its the best water ice of the city

Not only do they have 20 flavors of water ice, and pretzels, and all kinds of food at their 3 locations.
But they have all the supplies at the Chester St. location so that people can start their own neighborhood business.
BTW Mango is my favorite!

Fantastic water ice for cheap! Best in the city!

Franks Water Ice: he makes it, you’ll love it! The best water ice in the city — lemon is my favorite! In Clark Park every day — eat it and cool down in the hot, hot summer.

best water ice in town! highly recommended. btw, this is not the only location. there is another one in Darby right near the intersection of McDade Blvd. and Wycombe!

the best in philly!!!

Emily did such a great job of reviewing our trip there that I am not sure what else to add, but seriously: if you are in search of quality homemade water ice west of the Schuykill, this is the place.
Sugary, sweet, and just right. Prices are absolutely reasonable — a $ 1 small comes in what seems to be a pretty tiny plastic cup, but they sure know how to pack a ton of water ice in the thing. I decided on the Strawberry Lemon flavor — and was not disappointed. Strawberry with a bit of tang, and some chunks of real lemon here and there.
Next time I stop by I’ll make sure to mix a couple flavors, as Emily did. I’m also intrigued by what sounds like the disgusting Fried Oreos. We shall see.

Well worth the trip out to southwest Philly, the neon signs of Fred’s welcomed me from an aerobic bike ride. The place had come highly recommended to me by a pretentious hipster friend who was so moved by their water ice that he started telling everyone «that shit is the chronic.» Naturally, this was a compelling endorsement, and as a self-​proclaimed water ice fanatic, it was my sworn duty to check it out.
I arrived to find a crowd of several families and about 7 cops in line — and with good reason: the water ice is made fresh on the premises and better yet, it’s cheap. A small (about 8 oz) is $ 1, and it’s all you need. The workers moved the line exceptionally fast and were happy to prepare my bizarre request for strawberry + sour apple. The texture was perfect, they’ll mix any flavors you ask for, and the outdoor patio seating is PERFECT for a summer’s evening.