Water Ice: Philly's Summer Obsession

Philadelphia-style water ice (never call it "Italian ice" here) is a frozen treat made with fruit, water, and sugar — smoother than a snow cone, icier than sorbet. Rita's was founded in Bensalem in 1984 and now has roughly 600 locations, but locals swear by neighborhood spots like Pop's and John's Water Ice in South Philly. The first day of spring, when Rita's gives out free water ice, is practically a city holiday.