I recently found a love for shaved ice at Kauai’s Wishing Well (a tropical icy-creamy treat I still day dream about). So I was curious when I found Joe’s Ice in Garden Grove. Tucked in the middle of Disneyland and Anaheim Convention Center hotels is a little ice shack with a red awning and a pick-up window. Upon first glance I would have probably walked right by, but then I saw the line. If people are standing in line to get a shaved ice you know it must be something special. My curiosity grew when I read that Joe’s serves “authentic Philly style water ice.” Water ice??? Whaa?
Water ice is similar to Italian shaved ice, and is made with fresh fruit. Joe’s makes their water ice fresh daily, and flavors are fun, including blood orange, tangerine, passion fruit, granny smith apple, and the list goes on. When we walked up to the counter the friendly lady behind the window asked if we’d ever been to Joe’s before. After saying no she provided several samples of the water ice… she literally lined up 10 mini cups! It was so fun to try the different flavors and I found the water ice to be very different than a plain ice cone topped with syrup. This ice is flavorful all the way through and even includes chunks of fresh fruit.
We ordered the Joe Latti, which came recommended and includes choice of Philadelphia style water ice (I chose the Bada Bing Cherry), layered with real soft ice cream, which they ship in from Pennsylvania.
The ice was flavorful and the soft serve was dense and creamy. Just like my experience at the Wishing Well, it was all about the melt factor. Next time I’m near the happiest place on earth or the convention center (the latter being the more likely) I’m making a mandatory pit stop at Joe’s.
Joes
12302 Harbor Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 750-1076
Diane {createdbydiane.blogspot.com} says
I love water ice and custard style ice cream, before we moved to Ca, there were plenty of Rita’s Italian Ice stands near me. I’m so glad to learn about Joe’s. I will be stopping by the next time I’m out that way!