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    J.P. Licks - Cambridge

    3.9 (553 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order J.P. Licks - Cambridge Takeout or Delivery

    J.P. Licks - Cambridge Photos

    J.P. LICKS - CAMBRIDGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Two scoop strawberry on waffle cone
    Rich W.

    Delicious ice cream with steady stream on patrons out the door. The staff is friendly and allows you to sample their homemade ice cream for you to make your choice.

    Lixwich
    Adam H.

    Fantastic little stop on our wandering/walking tour of Cambridge. Such a lovely area the Harvard Square is. Lots of activity from locals, students, and tourists. I could never get any of my kids interested in Harvard, so I never got the official tour. This was my chance, LOL. Well, no school tour, boo... Inside this ice cream shop is like a mixture of punk rock vibe, pink, black, and lovely sweet treats. I kind of like it. It's not like most ice cream shops in the south that I am used to seeing. ANYWHO! I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! That's my motto basically so let's get it in me. If you pair that ice cream desire with a shot or two of expresso, things really start to look up! Behind the counter folks were ok. No real superstars to speak of. Paid so I did mint have a lot of interaction. This place served its purpose. I am glad we stopped. It looks like it's a chain when I searched it on Yelp. The affogato was really good. Nice and sweet with a big espresso bang at the end! Just lovely. The ice cream sandwiches are good too!! Stop by if you have a chance!!! '26 - 5

    Peanut Butter Cup Sundae
    Kit D.

    This is a great option for ice cream in the Harvard Square area. My girlfriend and I stopped here on a cold winter day (true Bostonians) and each ordered a small peanut butter sundae. We subbed chocolate ice cream for vanilla ice cream, and it was great. It had peanut butter sauce and hot fudge. The guy behind the counter really hooked us up! I couldn't even finish my ice cream! It was a little pricey at $20 for two sundaes, but well worth the treat!

    Coffee cookies 'n cream
    Maggie W.

    J.P. licks is (I think) unique to Massachusetts. Their menu includes ice cream, shakes, coffee, and many other options. They have some unique flavors (e.g. Celtics Pride), while also having their own take on classic flavors for their ice cream. I got the coffee cookies 'n cream and I think it's probably one of the better coffee-related ice creams I've tried. The coffee flavor is rich without being overpowering. The ice cream melts in your mouth and is just the right amount of creaminess. I also got a FroJo, and I think if you like your coffee sweet this is a great option for you! The coffee notes carry throughout, but are a bit overwhelmed by whatever else they add to the drink. I liked that they also had cow-related products for sale, such as cow-shaped bowls and mugs. The barista / ice cream servers made and scooped my order very quickly. There's limited seating inside, but there are also tables outside of the inside is full.

    Jason C.

    I don't know what else to say other than it is a cute little ice cream shop! the flavors weren't anything unique or special but it was definitely good and creamy ice cream. I think think its local so thats why It was recommended to us but I do remember it tasting really good even though it was 20 degrees outside.

    Richard D.

    Conveniently locared in Harvard Square, J.P Licks is steps away from Harvard University! With a large variety of flavors for ice cream, yogurt, and sundaes, there's something for everyone. Service was quick, efficient, and includes samples. We got the black raspberry and coffee cookies and cream. Unexpectedly, the mixture worked. Definitely coming back to try other flavors and get the coffee cookies and cream again!

    Latte
    Mito I.

    Brief Summary: - Ice cream has creamy flavor but light like a sherbert - Coffee is not sour - Indoor and outdoor seating - Along the streets close to the Harvard University The weather that day started off cold and rainy, and then the rain died down in the afternoon. However, the clouds remained, so as the sun shown its strength, it grew humid and warm. Earlier was a day for warm dishes and soups, now it became more of craving cold drinks and desserts. Along the rows of stores and food places, there was one place that felt new to me and it was J.P. Licks. The message of having coffee and ice cream lured us inside. There were a small amount of tables and chairs inside as well as out, and we found a bar styled seating near the store windows. They offered different types of cup sizes and waffles options, but for starters we chose the second to the smallest cup and ordered the mint chocolate chip. I also got a relative a latte because they don't eat ice cream. We enjoyed the ice cream's texture, almost like a sherbert. It's almost like eating iced milk and cream, that was how strong the creaminess was. The mint and chocolate chip was refreshing; a soft touch of the mint was tasted within it

    Cookie dough
    Jenny T.

    Food: First JP Licks ever in my 7 years here, and after a random ice cream craving, I will say it was good! They let you try samples which is really nice! I was debating between mint cookies and cream and cookie dough. Service: It's ice cream, so it's fast (obviously). The worker was nice for letting me try samples :) Ambiance: I love how there is both indoor and outdoor seating, and Harvard Square is a lovely area to have a JP licks.

     a person holding a cup of ice cream
    Samantha C.

    Came in at a slow time of the day so I can't speak on service during busy hours which a lot of the reviews here do however, the employees were great when we were there. We got to sample flavors (there was 5 of us) and they were really attentive. I just wanted a little something sweet after lunch and they had the perfect mini cup size. It was also a cold day (for us Floridians) and we all ended up ordering hot chocolates. Everything was tasty and we had no complaints!

    Christine H.

    So good! Expensive ice cream, but so creamy. Many flavors to choose from. It is a fairly small store located on the street with other stores and restaurants. We were looking for a place to have dessert after dinner and JP Licks hit the spot!

    Froyo

    Food: 6/10 Service: NA Ambiance: Nice college town vibe Got the froyo. Much better than yogurtland and quite refreshing, but it's not significantly different.

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    No line and fast service midafternoon on a weekday. The summer peach flavor was delicious. Standards ice cream place otherwise

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    2 years ago

    Yummy ice cream. Definitely a local spot to check out. Big scoops even for their smallest cup. Trust!

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    1 year ago

    While it's a bit expensive it's known in the Boston area for a reason. Good ice cream, sundaes, and toppings

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    2 years ago

    Ice cream was okay. This location has outdoor patio seating which could be nice on a summer night.

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    Page 1 of 14

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    Yafa Bakery & Cafe

    Yafa Bakery & Cafe

    4.9
    (202 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    What a gem of a bakery in Somerville! Every dessert on display at this cozy, Palestinian-owned…read morebakery looked so scrumptious. We had such a hard time choosing and settled on the walnut baklava roll and the muska kataifi pisatchio. Everyone working there was so friendly and helpful and even with a line out the door, they were able to keep things moving smoothly. They also gave us small chai samples while we waited to be helped (the chai was spicy and not overly sweet). The baklava and kataifi were perfect -- no notes. Baklava had a great ratio of flaky pastry layers to walnuts. Each bite had the right about of crunch and nuttiness. The amount of syrup used was just right also. Kataifi struck a similarly great balance: a crunchy and sweet shredded wheat exterior rounded out by the richness of pistachios. I wish I could come here all the time and try everything. Definitely keeping this place bookmarked for any future trips to Boston.

    I'd walk past this bakery every now and then to find out it's been featured in Boston's Best…read morearticle so I added it to my list. Finally got to try them recently. Walked in and was greeted with a sample of chai and 2 sample desserts. Ordered the chocolate pistachio cake, This was like Dubai chocolate styled cake with the kataifi in the pistachio. This was nice, I personally could have done without the layer of chocolate on top since it's so hard to break evenly and it was thick in texture to the rest of the cake. The pistachio ricotta cake was phenomenal. I wasn't expecting it to be so light and airy, I had to hold myself back from inhaling the whole thing at once. Both were shared and I got a baklava for my personal treat. I'll be back again very soon!

    Photos
    Welcome
    Welcome
    Gorgeous presentation  Desserts
    Gorgeous presentation Desserts
    Turkish Delight!

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    Turkish Delight!
    Vinal Bakery

    Vinal Bakery

    4.8
    (161 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    This small bakery boasts a 4.9 rating on Google Maps, specializing in freshly made New England…read moremuffins daily. It's truly unique! G.O.A.T.: My first time trying it, I opted for the Classic English Muffin. The crust is pan-fried, not baked, giving it a slightly crispy texture without being hard, reminiscent of cornbread in a Northeastern Chinese tieguodun鐵鍋燉 (iron pot stew). The inside is soft, chewy, and perfectly moist, with a slightly sticky texture when combined with the sauce. A muffin unlike any I've ever had! The goat cheese butter flavor is rich, the pesto provides a mild nutty aroma, and the unique fragrance of arugula instantly evokes the slightly excessive sunshine of the Mediterranean. Latte: Just okay, but you absolutely need a drink with it.

    I love a top tier gourmet breakfast sandwich, so this place was high on my list while I was back…read morehome in Boston for a few days. I was staying with my sister, who had never been here but had seen it featured on Phantom Gourmet. My TikTok research had also put this spot in the top two for breakfast sandwiches, and it was only the next town over, so we had to give it a try. We lucked out and found parking right in front, then headed inside. I was immediately intrigued by the Anadama English muffin because it reminded me of a brown bread I grew up with in Massachusetts. If you've had the brown bread at Cheesecake Factory, it's somewhat similar, but less sweet, less dark and more complex (an "adult" version if you will). They also had a rotating monthly special, a Portuguese English muffin, which was very tempting. In the end, we stuck to our original plan and ordered a breakfast sandwich on the Anadama muffin with egg, ham, and cheese. Whoa. This thing was rich, hearty, and absolutely delicious. It was one of those sandwiches that makes you stop talking for a minute and just appreciate what you're eating. Honestly, I almost wished I had a hangover because it would have been the ultimate cure. The Anadama muffin completely lived up to my expectations. If I lived nearby, I would absolutely buy a four pack once or twice a month and keep them in the freezer. A fantastic breakfast sandwich and well worth the trip. Sadly there are no bathrooms, which seems strange for a coffee shop, but luckily the general store next door is same owners and opened just as we were leaving and could not have been nicer about letting us use the facilities.

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    Vinal Bakery
    Sam-I-Am +turkey sausage
    Sam-I-Am +turkey sausage
    Vinal Bakery

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    Mike's Pastry

    Mike's Pastry

    3.9
    (578 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $

    Mike's Pastry in Cambridge brings the famous North End bakery experience to Harvard Square, making…read moreit easy to enjoy their iconic pastries without heading into downtown Boston. Located on Dunster Street, the shop is designed for efficiency, with a straightforward layout that keeps the line moving even during busy hours. There are a few counter seats inside, but it's primarily a grab-and-go destination where most people leave carrying one of the bakery's signature string-tied pastry boxes. The cannolis are the main reason to visit, and they certainly live up to their reputation in terms of size. The classic chocolate chip cannoli is generously filled from end to end with a rich, sweet ricotta cream, while the crisp shell provides just the right amount of crunch. If you're looking for something a little different, the Florentine cannoli is an excellent choice. Its honey-nut shell adds an extra layer of texture and a subtle caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. Beyond the cannolis, the bakery offers an impressive selection of Italian pastries, cookies, cakes, and other desserts. The lobster tails are another popular option, with flaky layers surrounding a rich cream filling, and the display cases are filled with enough variety to make it difficult to choose just one item. Prices are a bit higher than your average neighborhood bakery, but the portions are generous enough that many pastries can easily be shared. Service is quick and efficient, with staff focused on keeping the line moving throughout the day. Since seating is limited, it's worth taking your pastries to nearby Harvard Yard or the Charles River, where you can enjoy them at a more relaxed pace. Mike's Pastry may be best known for its North End flagship, but the Cambridge location delivers the same oversized cannolis and classic Italian desserts in a much more convenient setting. Whether you're craving the original chocolate chip cannoli or one of their many other pastries, it's an easy stop whenever you're spending time around Harvard Square.

    A return trip to Harvard demanded a visit to Mike's Pastry at Harvard Square. Mike's has been a…read morefixture in Boston since Mike Mercagliano opened his first shop in the North End at the end of World War 2. Anyone who has spent time at the Widener Library knows that you have to wrap up before 10 p.m. to get a late night fix of sugar at Mike's (how many bakeries stay open that late, I ask you?) Mike's has an outstanding selection of pastries and gelato but the star here is the carrot cake. We ordered the Boston Cream pie as well and while it is delicious it is the carrot cake that carries the day. Any visit to Boston demands a stop at Mike's for the carrot cake!

    Photos
    Florentine Cannoli
    Florentine Cannoli
    Mike's Pastry
    Amaretto cannoli

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    Amaretto cannoli
    Petsi Pies

    Petsi Pies

    4.3
    (462 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Went to Petsi's for the first time based on a recommendation from a co-worker and I enjoyed it! My…read morehusband and I ordered a medium spring chicken pot pie to go, frozen, to bake at home. It was a bit dry but still very delicious and flavorful. My only suggestion would be to include a bit more gravy, and more herbs; the lemon and dill didn't really come through. That being said, it was still really great and we were so excited to dig in to the leftovers the next day. Would absolutely recommend

    Not sure how I've never stumbled across this gem before! As a Southern CA native, pie is no…read morestranger to me. Growing up we would often get pie with my grandma at Marie Calendars or Cocos. Since moving to Boston, I hardly see pie on the menu....well today I found a new pie place!!! As soon as I walked in I was met with friendly faces. The pastry counter was filled with fresh baked goods and they even had samples out. This is strictly a pick-up and go, it's not setup like a cafe with tables. I bought the banana cream for a work event and a few minis to take home for me and my hubby. The banana cream was good-admittedly, it was more on the sweeter side than I expected. I really enjoyed the crust - it wasn't too buttery and cooked perfectly. It was def a hit. My hubby and I enjoyed sampling the blueberry, apple, and cherry crumble. Of the three, the apple was my favorite which actually surprised me. The blueberry was OK, not as sweet as I would have liked - opposite of the banana cream. And the cherry was perfectly tart-I really appreciated the crumble. All in all, I will def be back. Can't wait to follow their social media to see what the monthly specials are. Street parking is tough, I rec parking in star market if you're quick. You can also order ahead for a quicker pickup and they deliver within a 6-mile radius as long as you place the order by noon the day before.

    Photos
    Banana cream pie
    Banana cream pie
    Petsi Pies
    Petsi Pies

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    J.P. Licks - Cambridge - icecream - Updated August 2026

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