Ice cream. When I think of the word ice cream, I think of JP Licks— which is an ice cream place right by my house. While JP Licks was founded in Jamaica Plain, hence the JP in its name, it has now spread all over the Greater Boston area. The original one in Jamaica Plain, is known for its decor and the hustle and bustle of the store. On the outside, it is immediately distinguished from the other stores in the area by the big cow head on the outside wall of the store. The character does not stop when you go inside either. People go there to eat ice cream with their families, go on first dates, and some even go to do some work. There are many different characters to watch and see, and all of these people bring some of the character the store is known for. At the ice cream bar, all of the toppings are on display, making it hard to just pick one, and with all the flavors on the back wall, it is hard to pick which one to go with. 

Over the years, my family has gone to the one in Hancock Village in West Roxbury so many times, the people working there know who we are and our orders. We all get the same order every time: I get a medium creamy chocolate with chocolate sprinkles, my dad gets a large hot fudge sundae with brownie batter, and my brother gets a large cookies and cream with gummy bears (which doesn’t seem like the best combo, but he loves it). He says that the gummy bears are just the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the cookies and cream. 

The menu features all sorts of ice cream. It includes yogurt, coffee, and even ice cream cake — something my brother has gotten for all his birthdays since he was younger. For each season, there are seasonal flavors. For fall there are many unique and exciting flavors including Carmel Apple, Oatmeal Cookie, Pumpkin Custard, Smoky Maple Bacon Cow Paws, and Pumpkin. 

JP Licks was founded in 1981 by Vince Petryk, around 40 years ago. The first location is in the heart of Jamaica Plain, and it is still there today. There is ice cream for everyone, and everything served by JP Licks is Kosher certified. There are flavors that are gluten free, and even some dairy free ones as well. JP Licks has also won its fair share of awards — over 450 awards. If you are ever looking for ice cream made right in Boston, I suggest you go to JP Licks. With all of its different and unique flavors, there’s a flavor for everyone!

By Elyse Preston ‘25 Staff Writer

25epreston@montroseschool.org