Overview
Located at 1332-1356 Pratt St, Philadelphia, PA 19124, United States, Fred's Water Ice is a neighborhood favorite known for its refreshing frozen treats and welcoming local atmosphere. This spot has built a strong reputation for serving some of the most flavorful water ice around, attracting visitors who are happy to wait in line for a taste of its classic Philadelphia summer tradition. The menu highlights the simple joy of smooth, sweet water ice with rich flavors, including popular choices like the Rainbow water ice, which blends different flavors together for a colorful and nostalgic treat. Unlike some frozen desserts with fruit pieces mixed in, Fred's focuses on a smooth texture and bold syrupy flavors that bring back memories of warm-weather days.
Beyond water ice, Fred's Water Ice also offers satisfying snack options, including pretzels that pair well with the cold treats. The combination of a refreshing cup of water ice and a warm, soft pretzel creates a casual experience that feels familiar and comforting. Many visitors appreciate the friendly service and neighborhood feel, where guests are greeted with kindness and treated like regulars. The lively atmosphere, sometimes accompanied by music and a busy crowd, adds to the character of this local stop.
Fred's Water Ice stands out as a place where people come not only for a sweet treat but also for the sense of community surrounding it. Whether stopping by on a hot summer afternoon or visiting to enjoy a classic Philadelphia-style dessert, guests can expect flavorful water ice, simple food options, and a relaxed experience. Its reputation as a worthwhile destination in the Frankford area comes from the combination of delicious flavors, quick service, and the nostalgic feeling that makes each visit memorable.
Amenities
- Takeout
- No Delivery
- Quick bite
- Dessert
- No Table service
- No Restroom
- Casual
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Good for kids
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pricing
Pretzels
Price
- 1 Pretzel $
- Pizza Pretzel $
- Pepperoni Pretzel $
Toppi
Price
- Pineapple $
- Cherries $
- Wet Nut $
- Dry Nut $
- Chocolate $
- Caramel $
- Butter Finger $
- Strawberry $
- Oreo $
- Reese Cup $
- M&M $
- Cinnamon Toast C $
- Peaches $
Water Ice Flavors
Price
- Blueberry $
- Cherry $
- Pineapple $
- Pina Colada $
- Pistashio $
- Lemon $
- Grape $
- Watermelon $
- Sour Apple $
- Strawberry Lemonade $
- Tangerine $
- Rainbow $
- Cotton Candy $
- Swedish Fish $
Flavors
Price
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough $
- Strawberry Short Cake $
- Cookies & Cream $
- Butter Almond $
- Mint Chocolate Chip $
- Classic Chocolate $
- Butter Pecan $
- Strawberry $
- French Vanilla $
Other
Price
- Beef Patties $
- Hot Dogs $
- Hot Sausages $
- Funnel Cake $
- Cinnabon $
- Banana Boat $
Milk Shakes
Price
- Cookies & Cream $
- Vanilla $
Location
Customer feedback
Add Review
0 / 5
183 Reviews
Latasha
Jul 20, 2026
You can tell just by the crowd of people standings in line, waiting in heavy, moist heat that you are on the right street. I park my vehicle in-between two SUV’s and I jump out, careful to wait until the is clear before I exit my car. Music is the first thing that kisses your inner ear. Jamaican music, the dancehall type, popular songs that young men sing to young women they will party with, and then call for breakfast in the morning. The young man at the end of the line, winding his hips takes me back to my youth before responsibilities, before bills, and a 40-hour work week. I am only in line for 3 minutes before it is my turn to order. I ask for a large Rainbow water ice and a cheese pretzel—-which comes right up! The Rainbow is a delicate blend of every single flavor on the menu that day and the first bite taste transports me back to the 6th grade. Sugary. Syrup. Flavors. There’s not of the chunks of fruit you’d find over at Rita’s either. Fred’s is too smart for that. The pretzel is not a Philadelphia pretzel and the cheese whiz is a preference thing. I’m hungry, so down the hatch the warm and soft pretzel goes. No complaints. On my way back to the car, I can’t help but look back over my shoulder at a part of my childhood that I get to revisit every summer. Thank you, Fred. (I was also short a dollar and the soft spoken gentleman who took my order said to me, “worry about it next time.”) Rita’s would never!
Natasha Sedova (Tasha)
Jun 01, 2026
I love this place & it's right around the corner from me. I went there few times before with my family of 6.But for the past 3 days can't get enough & getting ready to go soon again. Nice people so kind they even bring out your order for you if you in the car. I couldn't do it in this heat but they doing. Can't thank them enough i really appreciate it.
Jean Stuart
May 22, 2026
The best water ice ever reminds you of back in the day. I haven't had a water ice like it since until now. Fred’s is the best; no other water ice place can touch them. They are the best in the city ever.
ErkTurner
Jun 02, 2026
Best water ice in the city hand down.. good people and good vibes….had it every other day summer 2025 I’m going for everyday summer 2026
Dil Dil
May 28, 2026
Bought chicken sticks "pinchos" for the first time today and OMG!! He said it THE BEST CHICKEN IN PHILADELPHIA
Teresa Dobney
Jun 21, 2026
Nice neighborhood water ice place that sells food and pretzels too.
Stanford Gable
Jun 02, 2026
Simply the most flavorful water ice I’ve ever had. Frankford doesn’t have much, but this spot is worth visiting.
Tracey Berry
May 09, 2026
Really good water ice but the pretzels lately taste stale. Won't be getting pretzels there anymore. Love the water ice and the employees.