Spring has officially arrived in Philadelphia, and the city’s food and drink scene is blooming with flavor.
Franklin Fountain is kicking off spring with an inventive series of ultra-limited, small-batch ice cream releases. Beginning in April, the Old City institution will debut six new experimental flavors each month—four featured in exclusive ice cream flights and two offered as pints—all available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis (and not sold by the scoop.)
The first drop includes a Charcuterie Board Flight with savory-sweet flavors like Moliterno cheese, fig, olive oil, and brie, alongside a Caramelized Garlic Toffee pint (now out) and an Elderberry Goat Cheese pint (available after April 17).
Future releases will explore themes like tea, baked goods, herbs, and new flavors will roll out through August, with highlights including Bastani (a Persian-inspired saffron, rose, and pistachio blend), Caprese-inspired ice cream, and other treats. Pints and flights will also be available at Franklin Ice Cream Bar once it opens for the season.
116 Market St., franklinfountain.com
El Merkury has just rolled out a fresh lineup of seasonal, flavor-packed dishes available at both its Reading Terminal Market and Chestnut Street locations. One stand-out is the strawberry horchata—made with the brand’s signature almond milk and rice water blend, fresh strawberries, sweet cream, and dried strawberries (with an optional espresso shot for a twist).
On the savory side, guests can also enjoy a mango salad with green mango, cherry tomatoes, toasted pumpkin seeds, queso fresco, and a creamy yogurt dressing, or dig into fish tacos made with lime achiote–marinated grouper, beet slaw, cilantro crema, cotija, and fresh cilantro on corn tortillas.
Sabrina’s Café is celebrating 25 years in business this April with a series of anniversary specials across its six Greater Philadelphia locations. While here, visitors can enjoy a nostalgic return to some of the café’s original 2001 menu items, including a Tuscan chicken sandwich, coconut shrimp over soba noodles, an apple and Wisconsin cheddar omelet, and the barking chihuahua breakfast wrap. Plus, a portion of proceeds—25% from select anniversary menu items—will benefit Broad Street Love.
Sabrina’s is also offering a 25th Anniversary Stuffed French Toast Latte made with Lavazza espresso, banana, vanilla, cinnamon, and house-made banana cinnamon foam, served in a collectible mug, alongside an anniversary edition stuffed brioche French toast topped with banana cream, custard, and warm vanilla bean syrup. At the South Street location, customers can also add a vodka shot to any lemonade, juice, or soft drink for just 25 cents from April 13 through Mother’s Day.
Levain is welcoming spring with a fresh lineup of seasonal treats, headlined by its new carrot cake cookie. This limited-time flavor reimagines the classic dessert in Levain’s signature oversized style, blending grated carrots, apricots, white chocolate chips, and pecans into a spice-filled cookie. Also returning for the season is the fan-favorite lemon cookie, and locals can try both bites in their Spring Garden Party Assortment along with their oatmeal raisin and caramel coconut chocolate chip cookies. Rounding out the offerings, Levain is also introducing a limited-edition floral Mother’s Day cookie tin in May.
1518 Walnut St., levainbakery.com
Loews Philadelphia Hotel has introduced Alchemy by Loews, a new beverage program designed to elevate cocktails and mocktails into immersive, sensory-driven experiences. Inspired by botanical apothecaries, the program emphasizes drinks built from house-made tinctures, herbal infusions, and small-batch mixers.
One standout example is the Smoked Rosemary Negroni, featuring pineapple-infused gin, Campari, and Punt e Mes, served in a smoke-kissed glass with torched rosemary and grilled pineapple. Alongside the new beverage offerings, Bank & Bourbon has launched a spring menu with dishes like charred tomato bisque and roasted bone marrow, plus seasonal experiences for Mother’s Day and ongoing monthly Jazz and Art brunches showcasing live music and local artwork.
1200 Market St., loewshotels.com
Surfside recently launched a fresh lineup of flavor-packed RTDs, led by the debut of its Blueberry Lemonade + Vodka flavor. The new release joins the brand’s growing portfolio of spirits-based iced tea and lemonade blends, all crafted with premium vodka, real tea, and real lemonade.
Also new this season is the Surfside Half & Half Variety 8-Pack, which expands on the classic iced tea lemonade combo with three new flavors: Raspberry, Mango, and Blackberry Half & Half + Vodka, alongside the original fan favorite. The Blueberry Lemonade is available now in 4-packs and will also be featured in an upcoming Lemonade Variety Pack. Locations selling the brand can be found online.
Jeni’s Spring Collection features flavors like Basque cheesecake with brambleberry jam (blending caramelized cheesecake ice creams with ribbons of sweet-tart jam); black tie tiramisu (a mix of mascarpone ice cream, mocha cream, soft ladyfinger cookies, and chocolate); and key lime pie (made with real key lime and a graham cracker swirl). Together, the trio delivers a playful, dessert-forward way to welcome warmer days. Flavors are available by the scoop or pint.
Multiple locations, jenis.com
Locals can head to the beach to celebrate spring with the Cherry Blossom Festival at Kuro, located inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Running now through May 10, this seasonal experience has transformed the award-winning Japanese craft kitchen into a garden oasis inspired by Japan’s blooms. While dining here, guests can enjoy a limited-time menu curated by Executive Chef Leslie Daniels, featuring dishes like Hamachi Kama, Sakura Masu Nigiri, and Wagyu Sandos. Or, patrons can check out some cherry blossom-themed treatments available at the resort’s Rock Spa & Salon.
1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, casino.hardrock.com
MORE: Fun springtime events to check out this weekend in Philly
