CJ'S Water Ice & Ice Cream

It took a while after moving to Delco for me to find a water ice spot that I really enjoyed. There are many, but you have to find one that fits you like a glove. It's kind of like your favorite bar....there are many requirements and one size does not fit all. From the outside, places like this often get that label, but any true water ice fan knows that not all are made the same. While I have other places that I enjoy for cold desserts, whether they be custard, hard ice cream, gelato, or something else, for me, nothing can top CJ's for water ice. Maybe it's because of the variety of absolutely outrageously wonderful flavors, or that many of them have tiny little bits of fruit in them, or the icy yet creamy texture, or even that a kid's small is only a dollar and is way more than enough. It could be any one of these things or maybe all. There's even more I COULD be though too. It could be the upbeat Caribbean music playing from the windows every time I'm there, or the positive attitudes and honest opinions of everyone I've met working there. Or possibly the fact that they don't just have desserts and also have Jamaican beef patties, empanadas, and other awesome street-style foods to grab if you want something quick before inhaling that sweet sweet water ice. More than likely, and to be honest, I know it's all of these things combined that make CJ's a wonderful place beyond just their water ice. So make it a point to stop here and pick your favorite flavor, sit down and enjoy. You'll keep coming back time after time, sometimes having a beef patty probably, because why wouldn't you?

I'm usually a fan of Richman's Ice Cream locally. But last night, I found myself in Collingdale with a wife texting me that she wanted ice cream right away. Not wanting to drive to Prospect Park, I gave this place a shot on the ride home. Now, I'm comparing the soft serve here to Richman's, which is some of the best I've ever had. This soft serve is pretty much the same quality you get everywhere else, which is to say ok, but not as good as Richman's. But how's this for an upset win? My wife has deemed the chocolate hand dipped ice cream here better than Richman's. So I have a feeling she will be sending me here more often.

Had A Funnel Cake From Here. The Guy That Made It Did It With Love. Had Powder All Over Me Like A Feen, But It Was Worth It.

The service is always good here. It always seems to be the same young man working. I've asked him before and he says it's his relatives that own the place. Sometimes when you go there there are large groups of kids hanging out and it doesn't seem as though any of them have made a purchase. Kind of makes it difficult for me to want to take my younger children there. Especially when you constantly hear profanities coming out of their mouth. I wonder if the store would be more successful if they stayed on top of situations like this????

The Gelato was the best I have ever tasted! The lady working there was super sweet. It had some benches and wasn't a loud area. Sadly, CJ's only accepted CashApp and cash. I recommend going here whenever you are in the area.

What is there to say about the water ice? It reminds me of being in Philly as a little kid. There he had a truck That's where your root beer and vanilla take me back too

I went here a second time and was able to try the gelati shake and a few food items. Everything was so good. I'll definitely go back soon.