Philadelphia residents are finding a taste of Mexico in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood with the growing popularity of Ay! Chihuahua Ice Cream Shop. The establishment, located at
7961 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19152, offers a diverse menu of both American and Mexican-inspired treats, ranging from traditional ice cream and crepes to more unique offerings like Mangonadas and Dorilocos.
The shop’s appeal appears to be rooted in its ability to cater to a wide range of palates. Customers can choose from classic ice cream scoops, creamy Fresas con Crema (strawberries and cream), and elaborate milkshakes. Beyond the sweets, Ay! Chihuahua also serves savory snacks such as loaded street corn and the popular Mexican street snacks, Tostilocos and Dorilocos. The menu also includes Aguas Frescas, refreshing fruit-infused water, and fruit cups featuring watermelon, pineapple, mango, and jicama.
A recent post on the shop’s Instagram account, translated from Spanish, highlights a focus on providing a warm and comforting experience during the colder months. The post emphasizes the availability of hot beverages and comforting flavors, positioning Ay! Chihuahua as a welcoming destination even as winter temperatures persist. The shop encourages customers to make it their “favorite plan” for enjoying a treat.
The business has garnered positive attention online, with a 4.7K+ following on Instagram and 218 likes on Facebook as of today, . Yelp reviews also indicate a positive customer experience, with one reviewer praising the shop as “cute and clean” and noting that “Everything is made fresh and taste very flavorful.” Another reviewer highlighted the generous portion sizes and excellent service, stating they would return, especially during warmer weather. A third reviewer simply expressed their love for the establishment.
The shop’s origins weren’t without hurdles. A post on Reddit from May 7, 2024, indicates that Ay! Chihuahua faced a year-long delay in opening due to bureaucratic challenges with the city. Despite these initial obstacles, the business has successfully launched and is now contributing to the growing availability of Mexican cuisine in the northeast Philadelphia area.
Ay! Chihuahua’s menu features several signature items. The Mangonada, a popular Mexican shaved ice dessert, combines mango sherbet, lime, chamoy, tajin, Mexican candy, and fresh mango cubes. The Fresas Con Crema consists of strawberries, homemade cream, granola, pecans, coconut flakes, whipped cream, and wafers. The shop also offers a Nutella crepe filled with banana, strawberries, chocolate, condensed milk, and powdered sugar. For those seeking a classic milkshake, the Malteadas are swirled with chocolate and topped with whipped cream.
The business operates seven days a week, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, providing consistent access to its offerings. Health inspection scores are currently listed as 100 out of 100, according to data powered by the Health Department Intelligence, suggesting a commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
While Ay! Chihuahua’s primary focus is on providing a unique and flavorful experience, its success also reflects a broader trend of increasing demand for authentic Mexican cuisine in the United States. The shop’s ability to blend traditional Mexican flavors with American favorites appears to be a key factor in its growing popularity. The establishment’s presence in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood adds to the diversity of culinary options available to residents and visitors alike.
The shop’s online presence, including its website (https://www.aychihuahuaicecreamshop1.com/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aychihuahua.icecreamshop/?hl=en), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/aychihuahuaicecreamshop/), and Yelp (https://www.yelp.com/biz/ay-chihuahua-philadelphia) pages, allows customers to easily find information about the menu, location, and hours of operation. Online ordering is also available, providing added convenience for those seeking a quick and easy way to enjoy Ay! Chihuahua’s treats.
