Black Ice

For residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and especially those in the bustling West Philly area, a visit to 52nd Street offers a vibrant mix of culture, commerce, and delightful culinary finds. Among these, Black Ice stands out as a unique and welcoming destination that caters to a wide range of cravings, from cool, refreshing desserts to satisfying savory bites. While its name might immediately suggest frosty treats, Black Ice is a multi-faceted establishment that provides an "all-around great experience" for its patrons, making it a true gem in the heart of the city.

Black Ice is celebrated for its diverse menu, offering "ice cream, water ice, pretzels, kebabs and hot dogs." This eclectic mix ensures there's something to please everyone, whether you're in the mood for a sweet indulgence or a quick, tasty snack. Beyond the food, the business is noted for being a "Black-owned, Family-run business with an amazingly friendly staff." This dedication to community and excellent service is a hallmark of Black Ice, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. Reviewers consistently highlight the "clean interior with food made-to-order, fresh, & great tasting," emphasizing that dishes are "presented professionally, a lot better than a lot of other chain eateries."

This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Black Ice on 52nd Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from the perspective of local users. We'll explore its prominent location, the extensive range of services and products it offers, and the standout features that make it a cherished part of the West Philadelphia community. Our goal is to illustrate why Black Ice is an ideal choice for anyone in the Pennsylvania region seeking a delicious, convenient, and friendly spot for both sweet treats and savory delights.

Black Ice is conveniently located at 137 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139, USA. This address places it squarely on South 52nd Street, a major commercial corridor in West Philadelphia, particularly within the bustling "52nd & Market" business district. This area is known for its vibrant street life, diverse shops, and strong community presence.

The accessibility of Black Ice is a significant advantage for locals. South 52nd Street is easily reachable via SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line, with the 52nd Street Station just steps away, making it incredibly convenient for those relying on public transportation. Numerous bus lines also serve the area, further enhancing its accessibility. While the shop itself is described as a "cute take out dessert place" with "no place to eat in the store," there are "couches and chairs to sit if there's a wait" and "indoor seating with a table and even more seating and tables outside as well." This thoughtful provision of seating, both indoors and out, offers flexibility for customers who wish to enjoy their treats immediately. Additionally, the entrance is designed to "accommodate a wheelchair," ensuring inclusivity for all patrons. Its central location within a densely populated area means it's a natural stop for residents running errands, commuting, or simply exploring the neighborhood, adding "welcomed character to the shopping corridor."

Black Ice offers a diverse and appealing menu that extends beyond typical ice cream shop fare, providing both sweet and savory options to satisfy various cravings. Their commitment to freshness and quality is evident in their made-to-order items.

• Ice Cream: They serve "Super Premium Deliciousness" ice cream, indicating a focus on high-quality, rich flavors. Popular ice cream offerings listed include various classic and specialty flavors, with some examples like vanilla, chocolate, and options for waffle bowls with multiple scoops. They also offer "Ice Cream Bundles," "Ice Cream Bars," and "Ice Cream Sandwiches."

• Water Ice: A staple in Philadelphia, Black Ice offers refreshing water ice with choices such as Cherry, Pineapple, Sour Apple, Swedish Fish, and Mango. This provides a lighter, dairy-free frozen treat option.

• Gelati: A popular combination of ice cream and water ice, allowing customers to choose their preferred flavors of both for a layered, delectable treat.

• Pretzels: A classic Philadelphia snack. They offer a "Pizza Pretzel," specifically noting that the only pepperoni available is turkey.

• Hot Dogs: A savory comfort food option.

• Kebabs: Offering meat kebabs, described as "made-to-order, fresh, & great tasting." Their menu mentions "Kabob Single" (1 Chicken Kabob each with green peppers, yellow peppers, orange peppers, red onions, and pineapple) and "Kabobs Combo Deal" (3 chicken kabobs with chips and drink).

• Meatball Sub: Featuring homemade meatballs (choice of Beef or Turkey), topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and spinach.

• Sausage: Dietz Watson Beef mild sausage is available.

• Cakes & Desserts: Beyond ice cream, they offer baked goods like "Carrot Cake (Carrot Cake Man)," "Oreo Cinnamon Roll," and "Large Slice Cakes," suggesting a variety of moist cakes and rich frosting. They also mention "Large Fresh Baked Cookies."

• "Pound Town": A unique dessert combination featuring cake, an ice cream scoop, a cone, and toppings.

• Beverages: A selection of drinks to complement meals or treats.

Black Ice on 52nd Street stands out in Philadelphia for several notable features and highlights that contribute to its positive reputation:

• Black-Owned, Family-Run Business: This is a significant highlight, fostering a sense of community pride and support. Customers appreciate knowing they are supporting a local, family-operated establishment, which often translates to more personalized service and a vested interest in customer satisfaction. This aspect is explicitly noted and praised by reviewers.

• Amazingly Friendly and Professional Staff: The staff at Black Ice consistently receives high praise for being "amazingly friendly," "helpful," and "kind." They contribute significantly to the welcoming atmosphere and ensure a pleasant customer experience. The professionalism in food presentation, described as "presented professionally, a lot better than a lot of other chain eateries," further enhances this positive impression.

• Clean Interior and Fresh, Made-to-Order Food: Customers value the "clean interior" of the shop. Coupled with the fact that "food made-to-order, fresh, & great tasting," it assures patrons of quality and hygiene. The attention to detail, ensuring food isn't "rushed & just slapped together," reflects a commitment to culinary standards.

• Diverse Menu Catering to Multiple Cravings: Unlike many specialized ice cream shops, Black Ice offers a broad spectrum of items, including ice cream, water ice, pretzels, hot dogs, and kebabs. This variety makes it a versatile stop for both sweet treats and savory meals, appealing to different family members or satisfying multiple cravings in one visit.

• Reasonable Pricing: Reviewers note that the "Price was also reasonable for what you get," indicating that Black Ice offers good value. This affordability makes it an accessible option for frequent visits by locals.

• Comfortable Seating Options: Despite being described primarily as a "take out" spot, the availability of "couches and chairs to sit if there's a wait," as well as "indoor seating with a table and even more seating and tables outside," provides convenience for customers who wish to enjoy their food on-site. This thoughtful amenity enhances the customer experience.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The explicit mention that "the entrance can accommodate a wheelchair" highlights their commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the shop is welcoming to all members of the community.

For those in Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding areas eager to visit Black Ice and experience their delicious offerings, here’s their contact information:

Address: 137 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139, USA

Phone: (610) 659-6909

Black Ice on 52nd Street in Philadelphia is exceptionally well-suited for locals, offering a compelling blend of community spirit, diverse offerings, and high-quality service that makes it a true neighborhood asset. For residents of West Philadelphia and beyond, this establishment stands out as more than just a place to grab a quick bite or a sweet treat; it's a welcoming hub that embodies the vibrant character of the area.

Firstly, and significantly for the Philadelphia community, Black Ice is highlighted as a "Black-owned, Family-run business." This aspect resonates deeply with locals who appreciate supporting independent, community-rooted enterprises. The inherent dedication often found in family businesses translates into a warm, personalized customer experience, with an "amazingly friendly staff" that ensures every visit is pleasant. This sense of personal connection and commitment to the neighborhood fosters loyalty and trust, making Black Ice a cherished part of the local economic and social fabric.

Secondly, the broad and appealing menu makes Black Ice an ideal destination for a variety of cravings. Unlike highly specialized shops, Black Ice expertly serves "ice cream, water ice, pretzels, kebabs and hot dogs." This versatility means families and groups with diverse preferences can all find something they love in one convenient location. Whether it's a refreshing water ice on a hot summer day, a hearty kebab for lunch, or a satisfying scoop of "Super Premium Deliciousness" ice cream, Black Ice covers a wide spectrum of comfort food and dessert needs. The consistent praise for their "made-to-order, fresh, & great tasting" food, presented "professionally," assures locals of quality no matter their choice.

Furthermore, the accessibility and thoughtful amenities enhance the experience for locals. Located prominently on the bustling 52nd Street corridor, it's easily accessible via public transport (SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line) and offers convenient seating both inside and outside for those who wish to linger. The wheelchair-accessible entrance also underscores their commitment to serving all members of the community, fostering an inclusive environment.

Finally, the combination of reasonable pricing and the overall "great experience" reported by customers makes Black Ice a highly recommendable spot. It's the kind of place where locals feel valued, receive quality products, and enjoy the convenience of a diverse menu right in their neighborhood. Black Ice isn't just an ice cream shop; it's a multifaceted eatery that adds "welcomed character" to 52nd Street, solidifying its role as a beloved and essential part of the West Philadelphia community.

Black Ice

137 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139, USA