J.P. Licks

12/07/06

Really Gross.

by smmckay

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

10/16/06

Comforting perfection in a dreamy-creamy cone, house-roasted coffee or inventive ice cream cake at this beloved Coolidge Corner stopover.

by Contributor

At this popular meet-up spot, families and young professionals stand in long lines, regardless of the season, for their favorite flavors. The cow-spotted seating area can get packed, so many choose to sit on outdoor benches and watch their cones drip away. Patrons choose from a wide assortment of creamy ice creams, nonfat frozen yogurts (hard and soft) and sorbets. Besides the obligatory flavors, there's usually something along the lines of cucumber or ginger for the more adventurous. Large sundaes and banana splits are finished off with homemade hot fudge and marshmallow. Prices are high across the board, but generously portioned. The home-roasted coffee is exceptional and--surprise--comes in numerous blends.

Photo by Christine Liu

08/24/06

Highly overrated grotty ice cream joint - avoid always

by sailorboy05

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

03/18/05

So good!

by cl_foodie

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!

07/17/03

Awesome

by aggi

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