Carmen's Italian Ice

Used to come here all the time when I was a kid and always loved the Italian ice and the friendly service. Went recently after lunch not knowing they didn't open until 2. One of the employees checked if the machines were ready and took my order anyways. Recommend!

Great selection of Italian ice and custards. The staff was kind and worked well under the pressure of a Saturday evening rush!

YESSSSSSSS for an amazing neighborhood business that is just doing GREAT THINGS! Since i moved back to this area a decade ago, Carmen’s went from their original location to expanding into several locations AND offers their products at the National Zoo!! The quality, however, has NOT CEASED. First, what everyone wants to know about Carmen’s, the Italian ice and custards! They are SO GOOD! The menu changes often so there is a strong chance that you find a new favorite everytime. I love their smooth rich custards & just yesterday discovered their Jersey Shore Mocha - which is both dangerous and delicious!!! The ices are so awesome with some of our family’s standouts of mango, strawberry Matt, Rocket Pop, cotton candy, etc. Some favorite custard flavors: ube, Nutella, mudslide, marshmallow, etc. What I love most is their sense of community. They employ a ton of our local high schoolers (current and alum). They support our local cluster. Every 8th of the month is Jayden Day where you can score some awesome specials as well as in the dead of winter too. They no longer offer dine-in but you can take your dessert and hangout outside at the various outdoor tables or go across the street to the park. The owners are amazing and kind people and just are great for our community. Our family LOVES supporting this amazing local business.

I give this 3stars not because there’s anything wrong with it but because for 3years I looked at the queue for the ice cream and couldn’t wait to give it a go. I finally decided to go join the queue and see what the hype is about. The ice cream is ok nothing out of the ordinary, the custard ice cream isn’t actually custard. No they don’t serve alcoholic ice cream as advertised on their website. The toppings are limited and you don’t really have unique ice cream flavors like desserts mixed in the ice cream. Nothing with fruit toppings or anything that stood out to my palette it’s your average ice cream with basic toppings(sprinkles, Oreos etc) No hate but personally I’d prefer my Ben and Jerry’s. I guess it’s a good social hangout spot if you have nothing better to do 👍🏽

What I got was either not special or I just don't like ice cream. Others obviously disagree as I see this place packed with people all the time. They have a ton of options, and can have nut free ice cream and shakes (ask from the servers).

This is a great place if you're craving some sweet or even savory desserts/snacks. Wife and I came here for the custard, but ended up trying out the cinnamon pretzel bites and the mango shake too. Pretzel bites came out freshly fried and were a good size, crisp texture on the outside, and soft inside. Not sure if I'd get the mango shake again. The staff are friendly, professional, and courteous!

I wish I was kidding when I tell you that we stopped at Carmen’s 3 times last week. We just moved to the area and this has become our favorite spot! We’ve tried a couple of locations, this one is definitely our favorite.

Came in for the name game on their Facebook page with my kids, of course they loved it! The customer service was good, the girl at the register explained the sizes and different flavors. Nice lace overall, will come back. Price wise, not too bad.

It was my turn to pick out lunch with coworkers today--Z&Z it was! Secretly, I selected it knowing it was next to Carmen's (hehee). As we had a pep-in-our-step to Carmen's ordering window we noticed they were CLOSED. I was so upset that I messed up with timing! As we turned to get back to our car, the sweetest lady said to come on over and I was able to order even though they didn't open until 2:00pm! She was so incredibly nice--she did not have to do that! Watermelon ice with Pina Colada Custard for the WIN.

Such a joke tricking parents in to buying sugar water for their kids by saying they give %20 to your school. This guy is a great conman, I mean business man, but so terrible for the community. It's a huge scam and I'm shocked how many people fall for it. The only people in the neighborhood who enjoy this scheme are the ones who don't realize it's a tax scam that makes you rich by selling sugar water to our kids.

Carmen's opened up the year I was born, so I always get a little nostalgic when going to their original Rockville location. I've been a fan of their custards and Italian ice for decades. They change custard flavors often and offer 50+ Italian ice flavors. If you're not into that, they also have solid milkshakes and sundaes. I'm a huge supporter of Carmen's so I definitely recommend checking this place out! (Ps, every 9th of the month, they offer 50% off on their ices and custards!)

Carmen's was delicious. We were out and about looking for a good soft serve after hiking all morning at Great Falls in Potomac. We took the detour home to stop at Carmen's after the great reviews and it did not disappoint! The flavors were all so unique and fun, the texture of the italian ice was sweet but not too heavy on syrup like some chain places can be. The custard wasn't too heavy or sticky, it was a perfect consistency and satisfied the craving for soft serve. Absolutely amazing and if we're ever in the area again, we will be returning customers :)

Delicious Italian ice and custard! The custard is so thick and smooth and they have so many exciting flavors for the ice. Clearly a very popular place, but even with a line, it moves quickly. Great for a summer night!

YUM - the re-do visit at Carmen's was a much better one than what I had years back - This time, I stuck with the Italian ice and chose 2 flavors: the Strawberry Lemon and the Green Apple - this was well infused with the flavors and it was super delicious! It was a nice cold treat, any time of the year. Staff were friendly, and this place is a walk-up. +good Italian ice +friendly staff!

45 minutes before closing on a rainy evening and there was no line! I walked right up and ordered my blueberry and mango custard swirl with cotton candy ice for my gelati. It hit the spot. The worker was friendly and worked quickly to provide my order. Love this place!

This is the best place in the neighborhood for a sweet treat! We have been going for years. They always have a lot of great flavors. Staff is friendly and efficient.

Delicious ice cream especially I'm in love with mango coconut ice cream. They have a bit pricey, but it's worth it sometimes it's very busy when you get there, but the customer service is very good and it's so much fun to be there.

Fabulous treats! Reasonable prices Friendly service 30 years in the neighborhood The best soft serve custard Ample parking

Fun place, just like the boardwalk and always a line (fast line). Plenty of chatter, of course everyone is having fun and sugar. Back to school special on the chalkboard is called 'Cry Baby' so that's awesome. Everyone liked their food... especially me because I got a medium cappuccino that's better than Starbucks and cost less. Good vibe... seating all over the outside of the place. A bit hard to find!

The ice cream is perfect, shaved ice is even better. I would give it 5 stars but, there are not as much flavors and some think it's too expensive.

The best Italian Ice ... EVER! My family has been fans of Carmen's since it opened over 20 years ago - it's our go-to dessert spot and fun treat, so I naturally have to get it every time I come home. They've expanded so much over the years, but I stay pretty consistent with what I get. I got a mini gelati with mint chip ice and vegan chocolate ice cream. The mini is perfect for me now that I'm not as into heavy large desserts but still want a treat - it's one layer of ice and one layer of ice cream. So good!

Mom and pop store. We have to support small businesses. I used to ride my bike here all the time to get myself a treat from Carmen's! I left a previous rating of 3 stars because they didn't have dark cherry consistently... but that seemed unfair. Because their service and staff are amazing. So I'm giving them 5 stars because they deserve it. My favorite all time spot for icecream! Their custard and Italian ice combo is perfect.

Friendly and fast service! They have vegan and dairy free options. Gelati have two layers of custard (can be different flavors) and a layer of ice. They can also do a reverse gelato with two layers of ice and one custard. The mini size is just one layer of each. For June they have a lemonade pride pop. It's a beautiful rainbow color.

So so good. The perfect place for a treat to beat the MD It's perfect location across the street from the park. Lines can be long at times but it goes by quickly. The staff were extremely nice and helpful. You can't go wrong with your choice combinations of ice and soft serve. There is only outdoor seating no indoor seating. Say good bye to Rita's!

My first time here. So many yummy options for Italian ice, frozen custard and so much more! After sampling a few flavors of custard I settled on salted caramel with a warm brownie in the middle! So delish! Sue was at the window serving with a sunny and helpful disposition! I look forward to next time!

In terms of flavors they beat ritas ... in both ice, custard and gelato. Workers were really nice about free samples and it's located in a nice shopping center with plenty of seating. The small is a tad overpriced so I recommend getting a medium and mixing flavors since it's free!

I've been going for years with my family. Service is great lines move fast menu is fantastic always something for everyone. Inside and outside seating. Prices are very reasonable for what you get.

Petitioning to have one open in frederick because my oh my that flavor!!! Was in the area this weekend and it was a day for italian ice. First of so much flavors extremely overwhelming from the pops, soft serve, italian ice, and many more! I was in a fruit mood and went with guava strawberry. The lingering flavor or guava i had for the rest of the day made me want to turn around and drive back for more. I ordered a small thinking it was enough maybe next time i'll go with a medium but it did it's job. The people i was with ordered as well; a small blue raspberry (rich in flavor) and a half and half of sour apple and cherry. So reasonably priced and friendly staff. Super clean area and they take cash and card as well.

My go to Italian ice place for years! I love all of the flavors of the ice and soft serves. Really can't go wrong with any of them. We also catered from here for our wedding and they were so on top of it - they brought extra ice and soft serves in case they ran out. It was a hit! One of my favorites times of the month is Jayden day!

Yum! This place feels just like summer on the beach! Delicious custard, expansive ice flavors, and great staff! There are lots of places to sit, or for nostalgia's sake you can open your trunk and sit there just like in high school. This place rocks!

Carmen's Best shaved Ice I ever Had In my life I say this because It was just so soft and smooth. The service was Really good The co workers were very patience with me I was so Indecisive Cause they have so much flavors. I love how they let me pick 2 flavors with no charge too I wish it was closer to Frederick. I think Carmen's Italian ice is way better then Rita's to be honest.

It's been about 9 years since I reviewed Carmens... and there arn't any earth shattering changes to the model. Although, it seems that they've done away with the inside portion of Carmen's during the pandemic and have completely reconfigured their space so now you go up to one of 2-3 windows to order. It's very smart, it makes a lot of sense, and it allows the line to more naturally form outside. This most recent time as Carmen's I decided to get their dairy free coconut custard in their "gelati" style with horchata flavored Italian ice. It was quite good! FYI, if you don't know what "Gelati" style is... it's basically when they sandwich whatever Italian ice you'd like between two layers of soft frozen custard. It's... freakin' delicious. I don't think I've seen any other place do Italian ice in this style... but then again... I haven't been to a ton of Italian Ice places. They have a laundry list of Italian Ice flavors available for you to choose from. And also a significant amount of custard flavors as well. So plan your attack accordingly, cause the young workers at Carmen's are surely ready to take your order with proper haste. They can work a line down pretty quick! Carmen's is a staple in Rockville and more so the MD Burbs in general. Definitely worth a visit, and they have espresso drinks if you're craving coffee... which I am just about 99.999999997 percent of the time.

Whats not to love about a place with nifty creative flavors served up as gelato and frozen custard and cones and shakes and so much more (including other sweet treat options)... for good prices... and amazingly friendly staff... highly recommend! (And I will be back!).

I always like supporting local businesses and Carmen's is my go-to spot. Came on Jayden day which always has great discounts like half price gelatis. Line moves pretty fast and service is always good.

My friend who grew up in Rockville said Carmen's was the place to go for Rockville locals. I'm not a huge fan of Italian Ice (maybe I prefer the creamy texture when eating something frozen and sweet). GELATI (SMALL) - 5 A gelati here is a two layers of custard with a layer of Italian ice in between. I saw that there was blueberry custard and my heart was sold. I hardly see blueberry flavored ice cream/gelato at most ice cream shops but, blueberry custard??? Heck yeah. My friend also said the coconut Italian ice was popular so I got that. I thought the blueberry custard was extremely delightful with a good amount of blueberry flavor every bite. It was amazing. However, I wasn't a huge fan of the coconut Italian ice. While I appreciated the coconut flakes mixed in, I just wasn't a fan of the consistency and taste. Next time, I'll just order a custard instead since I really enjoyed that. I also love that they do samples here! There's also a lot of interesting flavors to try for both the Italian Ice and custard if you're interested in being adventurous.

Vanilla does not taste the same. something changed and completely makes a difference in the Gelati. I was a fan on this but not anymore as long as Vanilla continues to taste this way.

Finally made it out to Carmen's. I want to thank the lovely dude who helped me out with my order positive additive and totally chill. Kudos.. Also I still don't know what a snozzberry is..but if it's blue that's cool. Although according to the cashier it was sweeter then the blue raspberry. Either way it was good refreshing and was perfect with my peach Italian ice nicely topped with vanilla custard. Custard is thick and creamy not overly sweet complements the Italian ice which is full in flavor not overly icey and very smooth in texture. Overall love that everyone here is friendly and upbeat totally would come back for all the fun flavors and combinations.

This place has the Best Ube icecream in town! I recommend their Rockville location because it has the most variety.

Every time I come here, it's a pleasant experience. Everybody is nice, helpful and fun. Boody and Jayden always knock it out of the park. I don't like sweet, I prefer the tangy ices. Taking kids there is a problem, too many great choices, but always a good time. Keep up the great work.

Nestled in a little strip mall off of W Montgomery Ave (Exit 6 off I-270), this is a TRUE Montgomery County staple - anyone that has had the privilege of trying something here, you know very well that this is one of the BEST places to get dessert in the county. Period. I started coming here in 2011, and even when I moved to Seattle in 2018, whenever I visit home, I always make it a point to visit here. It is truly one of my go-to spots in the county. They serve a TON of flavors of italian ice and soft serve, and I haven't even come close to trying them all. If I'm in the mood for italian ice during a hot summer day, my go-to flavors are mango pineapple, mango, or pineapple. However, more often than not, I'm going to get a fall gelati, which I haven't found anywhere else I've been to. It consists of a layer of smooth custard, a warm pastry, then topped with another layer of custard. My go-to combination is vanila custard with apple pie - a very classic combination, but they do both components exceptionally well here. The vanilla is just sweet enough and very smooth texturally, while the apple pie provides a slight crunch. Other options that you can get here include milkshakes and pies, and if you REALLY want to, you can buy quarts of their italian ice and frozen custard. I remember that you could sample flavors pre-COVID, but not sure if they still allow you to do that. If they do, definitely do it. The staff are always SUPER nice, so you shouldn't feel bad. Pricing is comparable to other dessert spots. Pre-COVID, the inside of the store was open to walk-in and eat inside, but I think they've since converted to just being a walk-up window to order from. There are some tables outside for you to eat at though, as well as a park across the street if you want another option to eat at. Being in a strip mall, there's plenty of parking available. Be sure to check them out, either at their store front, or at any of the many school events that have them cater!

Man, I wanted to love Carmen's. Italian ice, and not from that big chain? But, I found it to just be meh. The Italian ices come in 3 sizes, all of which are $5-6. The price difference is small, so get a large. They have 3719 different flavours, but I generally found the menu impossible to read -- they have cluttered the front of the restaurant with umbrella carts, which -- while festive -- block the menus. Even the higher up menu is blocked from nearby. The ice flavours are... off. My mango didn't taste like mango, and my fiancée's strawberry lemonade had strong notes of watermelon, but not much of the strawberry. You order at the window, and pick up on the other side. We didn't know this, and stood around after ordering. A young woman popped her head out, asked "what can I get you?" and then snapped "go to the other side" when we said we'd already ordered. All in all, I'll go visit Rita next time. Ice was okay, but not quite right, price was a little high, and service... not good.

Possibly one of my favorite places for dessert in the area. This place offers so many different options to satisfy your cravings. From their traditional Italian ice to their milkshakes to their chocolate covered popsicles and my favorite, the fall Gelati, what really makes them special is that they have so many different flavors and they are constantly changing them and coming up with new ones. The service is amazing and always has a family friendly atmosphere. It is currently a window pick-up style, so families usually gather at the tables in the area after a soccer game or karate. Plenty of parking..

Love this place. They have fresh and unique flavors. Noticeably better than your average Ritas. Though the economy has not been friendly with the prices. But I keep coming back. Started going back when they were still a small shop around 2012. One of my friends who lives in Rockville comes here regularly. I always get a variation of the mango ice/ vanilla custard gelati. There was one time they had ube custard as well so I had half vanilla and half ube custard with my mango ice (see photos). For gelati (their most popular item), you have the option of two flavors of custard and two flavors of ice. So you can really mix and match. Their most specialty flavor offerings can change daily. Their small is usually adequate for me. I tried their medium before and felt like it was just too much. They have a monthly 50% discount on the 8th of every month, which get a long line out the door as you can imagine. There isn't much seating indoors so most people just eat outside. There are a few chairs right outside the shop but the location is near a park so you could also eat there. Overall: fantastic Italian ice shop. Love the unique flavors! They just need a loyalty program.

Taste like boba tea in ice cream form! Nice and creamy. Great service. Right next to the dumpling testy so grab this right after you get lunch!

Found another moco gem and probably one of my favorite ice cream spots. I got a large cup of vanilla custard with Oreo pieces and it was AMAZING. I got a brownie that they warmed up which was much appreciated and that brownie was great as well (really really good with the ice cream). I tried the mango pineapple Italian ice flavor and it was okay (could just be cause I don't really care for Italian ice).

12/2/21 I stopped by while dropping off items next door at the cleaners. It was a beautiful day so I decided to treat myself and have my gelati at a table outside. I had Carmen's Italian Ice two years ago when they came out to my office. I didn't know they offered a mini size, which was perfect because I was planning to work out in an hour and didn't want to be full. In addition to Gelati and Italian Ice, they also sell Pops, Popsicles, Shakes, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Warm Snacks (Mini Donuts, Funnel Fries, Churros, Pretzel Bites, and Custard Pies). I placed an order of Gelati with Salted Caramel Custard and Root Beer Italian Ice at one window and picked it up at another window after they called my name. It was a winning combo. I especially loved the Salted Caramel. So creamy and delish. IMO, it is the best flavored custard I have ever had. When I pick up my dry cleaning next week, I will have to cave in and get another treat. I'm thinking about the Pops, a Warm Snack, or a Shake. It's a good thing I don't work or live nearby or I would be coming back frequently.

So many flavors with awesome workers. You can ask for samples before you pick your flavors. The mango and lemon Italian ice was very bland. The lemon had real lemon bits that made it hard and icy. That being said the custard was soo good. The classic vanilla and the almond one was intriguing. The flavor was quite strong and a couple bites were good but after a little it was too much. It was pretty breezy and chilly today but I couldn't stop eating it while shivering. I hate to be that person but I think Ritas has better Italian ice, but i'd come here for the custard. They really do pile it on ;)

Pretty good, no complaints. Got a few cups while a game was playing nearby. The lines were a bit chaotic, but whatever.

Neighborhood italian ice place that I've been going to for at least 10 years. They have seasonal flavors and specials on certain days. My favorite italian ice flavors are sour apple, mango, lemon and I like the horchata and vanilla custards. The gelati is great if you want both. They are always nice when I visit and let you try different flavors.

Having went to college at UMD and following the crowd to the nearby Rita's for the free gelati at the start of every Spring, I never even thought to explore other similar places in the area. But then Carmen's entered the picture. As I was sitting nearby eating some yummy food from Z&Z, I saw a never-ending line nearby, and people were walking away with colorful cold treats. I was there for hours and the line seemed to never die down... and it continued to look so delicious! When I finally did walk on over, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of flavors of both custard and Italian Ice --- especially the latter. I could've spent a long time sampling different flavors, but I decided to make it easy and go with what's essentially a no-brainer for me -- a dark chocolate and peanut butter twist. I got a Small thinking it wasn't going to be too much to eat or be messy, but YO, that thing was dripping the instant I got it and my hands got stickier than a fresh batch of that slime that my nieces made in a science class last summer. But you know what? Mess aside, that was some GOOD custard. And it took me quite a while to eat it. Despite my decision on the twist, I did also give the spicy mango Italian Ice a sample, and whoa --- that's a unique one that's inspired from a local guy who used to make a mango hot sauce... and apparently hot sauce is what made this flavor spicy. It may sound weird, but trust me, TRY IT! I've got a lot more menu to cover, and it'll take several trips to get through it. Btw... all the Italian Ice is vegan, and they have two vegan custard flavors... so there's something for everyone!

I love that the menu has so many different flavors that are dairy free! They also had vegan soft coconut ice cream. I got the horchata flavor which was delicious. I wish it wasn't so far from me, but maybe it's a good thing otherwise I'd be gaining lots of weight!! Lolol

This shopping center that houses this parlor is a hidden gem for foodies. On a hot day, I treated myself to a vegan coconut custard. The custard was delicious and the coconut flavor was pronounced throughout the dessert. It's worth mentioning that the flavor tasted natural and was not overly sweet. I definitely felt Caribbean vibes while devouring the custard. Treat yourself!

So good, my son and I each got a medium with the mango and soft serve. A medium is filling and though it was 30 degrees out we still enjoyed it. I didn't see a spot to eat inside so we just ate in the car. Amazing!

Always great service with a smile, delicious treats at a fair price. My son and I love coming here after his soccer games or just when we want a sweet treat.

Wow. This is a hot spot! This was my first time however I didn't let the long line deter me from ordering. (Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it!) And it moves pretty quickly. It's a hidden shop off of I-270 in a quiet neighborhood. You place your order from the service window. There is outdoor seating available. Now, let's get to the good part... I found this place on Google because I wanted a funnel cake. However, they only sell funnel sticks (regular or loaded). So, I ordered the loaded funnel sticks with vanilla & caramel gelato, peanuts, caramel & whipped cream! I was pleased! It was delicious!! Highly recommend! The prices are reasonable with hefty portions!! Kiddos to The staff, they were so sweet! Amazing service from ordering to pickup!! Sorry, no pic. I ate that wonderful creation almost immediately!

Food is GREAT love the Italian ice other stuff is good but the highlight is the ice. They are very friendly and get you your food very fast. They vibes or of a old store plus they have outdoor seating

Fun and energetic staff. Great selection of flavors of ice cream and miscellaneous snacks ( milkshakes, Italian Ice, and smoothies. It was refreshing to see everyone (workers ) happy.

Always refreshing. Always deelish! Always got great suggestions in a super friendly manner!