The 4 Coolest Spots for Italian Ice in Texas
As a dessert, Italian ice is a simple concept — it’s just blended ice flavored with fruit juice. But ask anyone from Philadelphia, where the summertime treat is most famous, and they’ll explain that far more goes into Italian ice than it seems. (They will also tell you it’s called “water ice.”)
The cool Philly craze is relatively new in Texas, but it’s already hot here — especially during the summer, when Texans are looking for any way to beat the heat. Here are our four favorite spots for Italian ice in Texas.
Andrew’s Heavenly Ice, San Antonio
If you’ve ever been to the San Antonio Zoo or any of the city’s YMCAs, you might already be familiar with Andrew’s Heavenly Ice. In addition to 24 flavors of Italian ice, Andrew’s also serves up mangonada (a Mexican sorbet not unlike Italian ice) and other cool treats that are perfect for summer afternoons in the Alamo City. And if you’re planning an Italian ice party at home, Andrew’s has got you covered — some flavors are sold by the gallon.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, multiple locations
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice started as a frozen treat pushcart in front of the Philadelphia Mint, but it’s since evolved into one of the biggest Italian ice chains in the country. There are 130 locations nationwide and more than 20 in Texas, where dozens of flavors (including some with names like Scoop Froggy Frog and P-Nutty) are waiting to help you beat the heat.
Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice, Austin
After learning Philly’s water ice craze hadn’t reached Texas, Jim Moy moved from Philadelphia to Austin in the mid-1990s, bringing his hometown’s recipes with him. Ever since, Jim-Jim’s on East 6th Street has been a summertime staple for Austinites. Jim serves up around 40 different flavors of ice, but if you have trouble deciding, go with one of his most popular: mango, strawberry lemonade, or “dragon’s blood,” Moy’s name for strawberry-coconut ice.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, multiple locations
Rita’s, the Pennsylvania-based Italian ice chain with approximately 600 locations throughout the nation, has 10 shops here in Texas, from Arlington in North Texas all the way to Galveston. No matter what store you’re at, you can’t go wrong with Rita’s rotating menu of nearly 100 Italian ice flavors, which includes classics like cherry limeade and Texas musts like Dr Pepper. Although the blazing summer is the most crucial occasion for Italian ice in Texas, be sure to swing by Rita’s on the first day of spring each year for a frosty cup on the house.
For more sweet spots to hit this summer, check out the ultimate guide to Texas ice cream.
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