Information
Landmark: Franklin FountainCity: Philadelphia
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
Franklin Fountain, Philadelphia, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
The Franklin Fountain sits at 116 Market Street in Philadelphia’s historic Old City, surrounded by celebrated spots like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, with cobblestone streets adding to its charm.Brothers Eric and Ryan Berley opened the parlor in 2004, giving it the charm of an early 20th‑century American soda fountain, complete with marble counters and gleaming brass taps.Restored tin ceilings rise overhead, marble countertops shine under the light, and antique wooden cabinets line the walls, while glass jars brimming with candy sit beside classic ice cream parlor stools, pulling visitors straight into the charm of the early 1900s.Staff often dress in period-style uniforms, the crisp fabric and brass buttons pulling you deeper into the scene.The Franklin Fountain takes its name from Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia’s celebrated innovator, whose legacy still hums through the city like the crackle of an old printing press.The founders set out to build a spot that celebrated old‑school ice cream and soda fountain charm, the kind you’d find before mass production and fast food took over.From the sturdy oak tables to the hand-lettered menu, every corner of the shop shows a clear devotion to craftsmanship and timeless quality.Menu & Specialties – Ice Cream: Every scoop is made right here, by hand, with fresh cream and ingredients, often from local farms or organic sources when we can.You’ll find everything from timeless favorites-vanilla bean, chocolate, mint chip, butter pecan-to curious or seasonal treats like green tea, ripe banana, teaberry gum, and pumpkin spice warm as a fall afternoon.People love the parlor’s ice cream for its velvety texture and just-right sweetness, the kind that sets it apart from the usual store-bought scoops.At Signature Sundaes and Treats, the “Lightning Rod” steals the show with a warm, fudgy dark chocolate brownie, a scoop of coffee ice cream, a fresh espresso shot cascading over the top, chocolate-covered espresso beans, a swirl of whipped cream, and a crisp pretzel rod for the final crunch.Coffee lovers swear by it, and chocolate fans can’t resist the rich, velvety taste.The “Mt.Vesuvius” sundae piles homemade vanilla ice cream under a glossy pour of hot fudge, a dusting of malt powder, and a cloud of whipped cream, offering a treat that’s both timeless and richly indulgent.You can also dig into sundaes piled high with ripe seasonal fruit, drizzled with homemade sauce, sprinkled with crunchy nuts, and finished with a cloud of whipped cream.At The Franklin Fountain, you can sip a frosty ice cream soda or a rich egg cream, each crafted from time‑honored recipes and fresh, flavorful ingredients.Phosphates-once a favorite at early 1900s soda fountains-blend flavored syrup with fizzy water, and today you can choose from more than 25 varieties, from smooth vanilla or bright cherry to bolder picks like sarsaparilla and deep, jammy black raspberry.“Thirst Ade” is a refreshing beverage made with pressed whole fruit, providing a natural, thirst-quenching option.“Thirst Ade” blends the juice of freshly pressed whole fruit into a crisp, bright drink that hits the spot on a hot afternoon.The parlor invites you to linger, with warm, knowledgeable staff who’ll walk you through the menu or share how the old brick wall ties into the recipes’ history.Families and tourists love it, and locals drop by for a taste of nostalgia or a quirky date-night-maybe sharing a warm slice of pie under the glow of old neon lights.With its vintage charm and shelves of homemade goods, the place often makes visitors feel as if they’ve wandered straight into another era, maybe catching the faint scent of fresh bread in the air.We’re open Sunday through Thursday from noon to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight-perfect for an afternoon gelato, a slice of cake after dinner, or a sweet bite before heading home late.The Franklin Fountain sits in the heart of Old City, making it the perfect stop after wandering cobblestone streets and soaking in Philadelphia’s historic district.Many visitors pair their trip with stops at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, the Betsy Ross House, and even a few smaller museums just around the corner.The parlor doesn’t take reservations-just walk in-but be ready to wait during busy hours, especially on warm weekend afternoons when the scent of fresh waffle cones drifts out the door.The Franklin Fountain sometimes throws special events-think a retro ice cream social or a night featuring handmade truffles from local chocolatiers.Call (215) 627-1899 or visit franklinfountain.com.The Franklin Fountain isn’t just an ice cream shop-it’s a lovingly built tribute to the golden age of soda fountains, where the fizz of a freshly poured root beer meets the charm that draws in both history fans and dessert enthusiasts.
