While many ice cream shops have come and gone, one has been serving scoops for more than a century and continues to win over customers every day.
This legendary spot has survived major historical events and generations of families, all while sticking to the creamy recipes that made it famous in the first place.
From classic favorites to unique flavors you might not find anywhere else, every visit offers a chance to taste a piece of American food history.
If you’re looking for a dessert stop with an incredible story and plenty of delicious reasons to come back for another scoop, this is one place you will not want to miss.
Where Is It?
Bassetts Ice Cream is conveniently located inside Reading Terminal Market at 45 North 12th Street, Philadelphia.
It’s about a 25-minute drive from King of Prussia, 40 minutes from Trenton, New Jersey, and roughly 1 hour 45 minutes from both Harrisburg and New York City.
If you’re exploring Philadelphia, the shop is just a 10-minute walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and a 15-minute walk from the Liberty Bell.
About
Walking up to the Bassetts Ice Cream counter at Reading Terminal Market is one of those Philadelphia experiences you do not want to skip if you have a sweet tooth.
It is best known as America’s oldest ice cream company, serving handcrafted ice cream in one of the city’s busiest and most famous public markets.
You can enjoy your ice cream in a cup, cone, pint, quart, milkshake, float, or sundae, so there’s something for every craving.
The menu features dozens of flavors, including classics like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan, Coffee, and Cookies and Cream.
There are also unique options like Salted Caramel Pretzel, Raspberry Truffle, Rum Raisin, Pumpkin, and Pomegranate Blueberry Chunk.
One of the biggest draws is the company’s rich Vanilla, which has earned a loyal following for its smooth texture and bold flavor.
If you have trouble picking just one flavor, you can sample before ordering, making it easier to discover a new favorite.
Beyond the ice cream itself, Reading Terminal Market adds even more to the experience.
The market is home to over 75 merchants offering everything from Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods and fresh produce to specialty foods and groceries.
That means grabbing a scoop from Bassetts can easily become part of a full afternoon of eating your way through one of America’s best public markets.
History
Bassetts Ice Cream traces its roots to 1861, when Lewis Dubois Bassett began making ice cream by hand in his Salem backyard using a mule-powered churn.
After building a loyal following, he opened his first Philadelphia shop at Fifth and Market Streets in 1885.
Seven years later, Bassetts relocated to the newly opened Reading Terminal Market, where it has remained ever since.
Today, the original stand has been a fixture in the market for more than a century, making it one of its longest-running merchants.
Still family-owned after six generations, the business has expanded beyond Philadelphia without compromising the recipes and quality that built its reputation.
Know Before You Go
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
Bassetts Ice Cream is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to stop by for a scoop while exploring Reading Terminal Market.
The counter is almost always busy, especially during weekends, holidays, and lunchtime when tourists and locals fill the market’s narrow aisles.
To avoid the biggest crowds, visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon, when the market is generally less crowded.
If you do visit during a busy time, the line usually moves quickly thanks to the experienced staff serving scoop after scoop throughout the day.
Getting There and Parking
Reading Terminal Market is easy to reach by public transportation.
Jefferson Station sits right next to the market, while SEPTA Headquarters is just a 5-minute walk away.
If you’re driving, several paid parking garages are available within a few blocks, including Parkway Parking at 12th and Filbert.
What Else to Eat at Reading Terminal Market
Plan to bring your appetite because the market is filled with famous food stalls.
Popular stops include Tommy DiNic’s for its legendary roast pork sandwich, Beiler’s Doughnuts for freshly made treats, and Dutch Eating Place for Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food.
Nearby Attractions
Once you’ve finished your ice cream, several of Philadelphia’s top attractions are just minutes away.
Independence Hall is about a 5-minute drive away, where you can see the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
From there, the Liberty Bell is right next door, giving you the chance to see one of America’s most iconic symbols of freedom.
If you have more time, visit Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, or explore the Museum of the American Revolution to round out your day.
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