J.P. Licks

The {only | best} around!

by VocalLocal , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

I know it's taboo to comment on other reviews, but really? You won't get crabs from a stray arthropod. Besides, after a lifetime of visits I've never seen this place anything but clean. It's this sterility that's Licks' greatest fault-- it feels like a killing floor, what with the slate tabletops, metal railing, steel machinery, and cows.

So here's the trouble: if you want real ice cream between Kenmore and Washington Square, it's J.P. Licks or bust. Dante's got gelato, Berry Freeze rocks the soft-serve, and Trader Joe's has those funky mochi balls (caution: teeth-sticking). But only Licks dishes the hard stuff.

The cream's plenty good, with flavors range from daring, like sun-dried tomato, to, well, "vanilla." They can be worth exploring, although none stand out to be as being particularly exceptional.

Pro-tips:

* Lay off the over-unders, like sprinkles and brownies. The prices for familiar toppings are unconscionable while the baked good taste of grade school cafeteria.

* Bring a water bottle. Ice cream demands water, milk, or rich, frothy root beer. J.P. Licks offers free water, but serves it in conical paper cups that require constant attention to keep upright.

* Don't bother with the free wifi . There is only one power outlet. Finish your coffee and leave.

* They serve espresso beverages. Remember this at 10:30 when you need a pick-me-up and Peet's is closed.

Udders.

• Pros: selection, free samples, friendly staff
• Cons: prices, atmosphere, dinky paper cups that don't stand freely

Really Gross.

by smmckay at Citysearch

Insects were everywhere, later I noticed even in the toppings. The fudge wasn't warm and had a taste that was gritty and very unpleasant... This was my first time going to JP Licks and my last, I wouldn't even return with a free sundae coupon. The store was very dirty and not busy, still the staff was impatient and unfriendly. I worked at a Friendly's before and during college, and the quality of their ice cream and cleanliness surpasses JP Licks. I had a banana split, a treat I am willing to spend $8 for only every few years, and it was really just disgusting. I took about 5 bites and walked out. Every time I walk past JP Licks or see someone eating their ice cream, I shiver in disgust.

• Pros: none
• Cons: everything

Highly overrated grotty ice cream joint - avoid always

by sailorboy05 at Citysearch

What the hell is the fuss over JP Licks? Average ice cream, hideous (and I mean nausea-inducing ghastly black and red) decor and the 3 locations I have tried (because friends want to go) all have dreadful staff (surly with attitude at Brigham Circle, over-the-hill crusty/grungy types in Coolidge Corner and frankly unsanitary in Jamaica Plain). Additionally the customers can be really annoying- too-old parents with their out of control brats and horrid Birkenstocks in JP and smug, thick-rimmed eyeglass wearing wannabe pseudointellectuals and urban hipsters in Brookline. Add to that the contingent of fat frat boys and their trashy sorority chick girl friends in flip flops and sweat pants. If the staff and clientele aren't enough to put you off the ice cream try the smell of congealing dairy on the floors, mysterious sticky patches that you can only feel and not see and irritating flyers for things like "organic weave-your-own yoghurt chakra balancing tap-dancing guru therapy group". And having survived all that, you then pay a hefty whack for mediocre ice cream with silly names.

• Pros: They don't seem to be opening any more locations
• Cons: Staff, clientele, ice cream

So good!

by cl_foodie at Citysearch

The ice cream here is so good - very rich and smooth. They've got the best varieties and they also have low-fat kinds as well. If you like peanut butter, definitely get the peanut butter ice cream or the yogurt- both are fabulous!

Awesome

by aggi at Citysearch

The ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet is just incredible! And the flavors... they have your regular flavors like vanilla and chocolate, but where else can you get cucumber, peach, sangria sorbet, and cinnamon latte frozen yogurt? The ice cream is creamy. The frozen yogurt tastes incredible, who would know that it was low in fat?

Plus, the JP location has scones, muffin tops, croissants, and bagels that would finish any breakfast/brunch.

Plus, all the locations they have make it an easy place to go wherever you are in greater Boston!

• Pros: Great locations!, Incredible service, Wide assortment