Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Great place to stop in for a cold treat on a hot day. The Italian ices are delicious and loaded with fruit, and the custard is always creamy and sweet. There is no inside dining area, and not too many benches to sit on, so be prepared to take your cold treat back to your car. Service was quick, though, and free parking is readily available.

I just paid $8 for a small vanilla custard with sprinkles. $5.49 for a small drizzle of ice cream plus $1.38 for sprinkles.... Really? It did not compare to Carmen's, Moorenkos or any other local spot and honestly did compare to McDonald's. I was so disappointed

I love this place. I come here all the time with my family, they have great service, amazing options, and reasonable prices. I love the color choices, and the exterior design.

Delicious, I love a west treat and this was most definitely 💯 right up my alley! I got a small ice cream 🍦 strawberry 🍓 and peach 🍑 soft serve 🍦. Fast and convenient.

I did ordered frozen custard with twist of chocolate and vanilla flavor and it was good, service was good and price are little reasonable as well

I am so disappointed with my service today. One person on the register, one taking orders, line down the sidewalk. Then, when I asked for two flavors of custard top and bottom, I was rudely told they don’t do that. Last, they barely filled the cup for $5! See photo. Rita’s, how are you going to retain me as a customer? I’m curious to find out.

Rita's offers Italian ice, a few flavors of custard, milkshakes and toppings from which to choose. They also offer "gelati" (ice and custard combo). It's a local favorite in summer. The Italian ice and custard are both quite sweet, but that's typically what everyone comes for! It's in a parking lot so lots of room for cars. However, there are only 2 benches worth of outdoor seating. So don't plan on lingering.

The women here should get a new job if she doesn't like working there. Extremely rude to me and my daughter. I can't believe how she treated us as new cuatomer at ritas will never go again!

so good!! gelatin mango with vanilla custard & concrete mixed twirl cookies & brownies so yunmmy!! service is fast :) not too crowded

I'm surprised to see all the negative reviews regarding customer service. This was my first time at this location and I had a great experience. The line moved quickly, I placed my order with no issues, the staff were polite and helpful, and I received my order within 2 minutes of paying. No complaints! I got the mango gelatin with vanilla custard, my go to and always delicious! I ordered the small, but could easily take on a large on a hot summer day. I say give this location a chance!

Frozen custard is way better than Carmen's or any ice cream - well Blue Bell Vanilla comes close! Love the frozen custard almost all the ways it is offered. But the chocolate chip cookie sandwiches ruin it. Horrible tasting cookies that are worse tasting than the cheapest store bought kind AND undercooked so the sugar & fat (NOT butter for sure) don't caramelize. The Oreo cookie kind taste good. Furthermore, we bought six packs of the custard cookies three times before both last year & twice recently. Their size has been reduced! Big difference methinks. $28 for the six crappy chocolate chip cookies & $19 for a pint of vanilla custard for delivery. Gouging when Baskin Robbins, Jerry's, & Bruster's is way less. $58 with Uber Eats $7.19 service fee & tip for two items. I ordered the Oreo but my received order is the wrong cookie because nobody wants the CC cookie ones, so the run out of Oreo & foist off the surplus of CC to delivery customers. We are frozen custard beggars, so we use what we can get but doubt we will be ordering the cookies anymore.

I have been going to this Rita's location for many years now, and I have never had a complaint until today. I've always primarily seen the same two women working no matter when I stop by. I'm always greeted with a smile, and my treat always hits the spot. Today I was very disappointed not with my Italian Ice, but with the service. Per usual, I was greeted with service with a smile. However, at the end, when I asked if I could taste the Unicorn flavor, I was told "We don't sell that one here" despite it being posted on their window as one of their available flavors of the day. I asked again to ensure that I'd heard correctly and again I was told "We don't sell that one here" at which time I said "Thank You" and left with the understanding that I would never return again. Little did she know, I've studied behavior by profession for nearly 20 years, so I immediately knew that she was lying straight to my face, which was very disappointing. I guess she "assumed" I would not make an additional purchase (which I planned to if I liked it); either that or she didn't want to make the effort required to simply let me sample the product. To make sure I wasn't reading the matter wrong, I had my coworker call over there less than 10 minutes later at which time she spoke to the same woman who stated that she'd just updated the flavors online. When my coworker asked directly if they had the Unicorn flavor, she said, "Oh yeah. We have that one too, and the Coconut Lime flavor" SMH. So I was right! Very disappointing and a customer now lost for good! This is why it's so hard to support my own people.

Closed at 9:00pm on a Friday night during the summer... Feels kinda weird to me. Apparently that's normal for ice cream store?

I want to start by saying I don't understand why this location has so many bad reviews . I frequent this location on a regular during open season and have not once had a bad experience. The lines of course are always long , but the staff works to move the queue quickly . I ordered my usually mango gelati with vanilla custard and a vanilla custard with sprinkles for my son, and both were good as usual . The lady who took my order was very nice and helpful as well as the lady who gave me my order once it was ready. Don't let the negative reviews deter you, if you area and in the mood for a cold treat this is the spot to go to.

This is my first experience going! It was a fun atmosphere getting the desserts outside and enjoying them on the bench. I noticed it is a popular hangout for kids but adults can enjoy just as well. I got the chocolate + vanilla swirl on a waffle cone. It took me back to childhood and my family had a milkshake and mango gelato. All pleasing for a hot spring day. The customer service was nice. A pleasant elderly lady and her grand children serving. Planning on making it a after pool spot. Somewhere we can cool off as a family. Sign up with email and receive coupons to print for future purchases. I believe they are not open all year round, just seasonally (spring, summer, early fall) and close for winter.

Fantastic service! When I checked in, I couldn't see the staff member behind the window. She was helpful in answering my question if cash was accepted and it is. She was very friendly and efficient! I had the large twisted cake cone... I couldn't take a photo since it was melting all over my hands. I will definitely be back!

Have you ever had a customer service experience that just ruined your day? That was my experience today when I called to inquire the days flavors. When I checked online the website ironically said check the website for todays flavors. No help there. I went back only to have the website say call for todays flavors. So I called. And the level of exasperated attitude I got on the phone was downright distasteful and for a dessert place that's saying something. I simply asked to be read the flavors. I was told to check online. I informed them that the flavors were not listed there and was asked what flavor I wanted. I wanted to hear my options. Well that was clearly not possible and I was handed off to a manager who was even more exasperated with me for my simple questions. She said the exact Same thing. It's on the website. No it isn't. What flavor do you want. I want to be read what's available. I was told that they were busy helping guests, I said I'd wait. It took her less than 10 seconds to ramble off the list of flavors. By the time we finished I felt like this clearly isn't a place to give my business to. It's too bad because the product is lovely but being treated like a nuisance is unacceptable..

My last visit in a nut shell: *Pretty good ice cream *Pretty rude staff *Pretty conflicted Yelper We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and I remembered instantly why I disliked this location. It's basically in a parking lot and there's a lot of traffic. Once you walk up to the stand you'll find minimal benches and no tables. On this particular visit I noticed an employee becoming extremely agitated with a woman whose primary language was Chinese. As someone who grew up with Mandarin as a child I did my best but was taken back by the aggressive tone staff used. I literally let someone go in front of me to not deal with the employee again. The woman who helped me was nice and offered a sample of the new mojito but I already knew the mango pineapple was calling our name. We ordered a large misto Shake with mango pineapple and vanilla custard to share. ((The large is less than a dollar more than the regular.)) The Shake was ready in less than four minutes and well worth the money. I'm super torn because I'm a die hard Rita's fan and will take family and friends whenever they come into town. Typically we visit a different location but went with this one today. I'm not opposed to coming back to this location but the staff needs some training.

Nice location with plenty of outdoor space. Custard and other items are all really good. Price point is not he higher side and this location has not adjusted to the current times. Be prepared to wait. Staff was polite and tried to keep the line moving quick. A once in a while option.

Rita's never fails to delight! I had orange ice with vanilla soft serve. It was a warm day and they were adhering to the social distancing guidelines. Their walk-up window was open with a few staff members wearing masks.

Very rude customer service. Always seems to be that way. Italian Ice is good but the staff could be nicer.

The Staff are rude, won't speak up so we can hear them an are just not worth the frustration to deal with. Rita, if you're reading this, I want my money back. We won't return to this location

Great service! The cashier was patient with my request. Their Italian ice is delicious and flavorful but tends to be on the sweet, sweet side. For their frozen custard, it is yummy..kinda of reminds you of eating whipped topping. Though I have to say Kohr Bros Frozen Custard is a tad better but since the closest one is at Ocean City, this will do!

When it's hot, want cool buy See a Rita's, I eye That's amore When the staff, smiles so kind Awesome flavor, I find That's amore My bells ring Really wanna sing, passion fruit has zing Tongue on fling - tropic flava Custards sway Top and bottom lay, fluffy creamy yay Lush display, sweet vanilla When the ice is so smooth Made fresh daily to soothe That's amore When I scoop, both to eat With one bite, tickle feet I'm in love Want a seat - that's a dream Yup, no seating - keep dreaming Say, someday???????????? Excuse me - to MINI Must not melt, 'Gelati' That's amore Would Dino like combo o_O http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Lfv64Grh0gKGy2n3dqZm4w?select=16LJ87FJvTtrk3w9tRrFDA

Lady that works there is so rude!!!!! Everytime I go I have a bad time. Seriously. I'm not going anymore. Looking at the reviews I'm glad I'm not alone, I thought I was tripping.

This location turned away a pregnant woman for not wearing a mask. Not cool! It's outdoor seating and masks are not required. They don't care if you are vaccinated or not!

Poor service. They change the prices and have a limited selection of flavors compared to all other Rita's in the area. They also frequently run out of the correct cups and the preparation is always messy!

The people at this Rita's are so difficult. I have had nothing but problems all summer going here. In the first incident, the people lost their credit card receipt when I paid and they demanded that I pay again. I refused because I had already paid and the charge on my mobile credit card app proved that, but the woman did not listen to me at all. She was ready to turn me away without giving me the ice cream I paid for, but she didn't realize the other worker had already given it to me, so I left. The next incident I ordered one of the Ocean Splash Gelati and you can get gummy sharks or mermaid sprinkles on that. When I was handed my Gelati I said "oh I wanted gummy sharks in that". Instead of her simply adding the sharks on for good customer service, she sat there and argued with me saying that it costs more and that I did not order it correctly. IT'S THREE GUMMY SHARKS! You are going to ruin a customer experience over three gummy sharks? I think you need to get your customer service priorities in check. Next time I am going to skip the drama and go to Dairy Queen. It is right down the street!

Was just refused service because I was not wearing a mask. Not only is this request illegal, this location is a walk up without even an option to go inside. Will not be returning.

It was fantastic! Been to anotherocation but my boyfriend's first time at a Rita's and was more than great considering covid-19 and being out of town. Thanks so much!

Mango with regular vanilla custard is the only thing that I've found to be satisfying off their menu. A lot of people seem to love this place though, so I guess it depends on your taste. On a beautiful, it can get kind of packed (because we all know stupid maryland only has really nice days once in a blue moon...)

Horrible experience, I've never been to a ritas that did not serve a pup cup to my puppy. They had sample cups but didn't want to even give Dixie my puppy one. There was an old African American lady that worked at the front along with a young lady and they both were clueless about the menu. I shared with them what a pup up looks like and what it is and they froze. Then the old lady gave me the most unprofessional attitude I have ever experienced one of the worst experience. If you want ritas go to a dif location for sure.

Rita's is one of the only things I miss about the east coast so anytime I'm over on the right side of the country, a stop here is a must! I've only been to stores before so the stand concept was a little new to me but it gave everything a more summer feel to their custard. Cherry gelati is my go-to when I'm at Rita's so I was bummed they didn't have the standard cherry flavor just pimped out versions like black cherry and sour patch kid red. But all good because the sour patch kid flavor was awesome as expected! The girl helping us was really friendly and let us try samples galore before finally settling on a flavor and that was much appreciated. And now my tummy is growling for Rita's and I'm in Colorado-doh!

Rita's is a tasty treat! I was fortunate enough to discover this place when I first moved here. They are only open in the summer, but it's worth the wait. I usually get the same order of mango ice and the vanilla custard. It's so good! You can either get a small or a large and you will be quite happy. During this particular visit, Beverly took our order and she was super patient and friendly as we navigated through the menu. That made our visit even better! I know I'll be back soon since I have a sweet tooth!

Visited this evening for their first day of spring event. Same lady as every year. Not very pleasant but serves the purpose. I've been going here for years and I've yet to ever see this lady smile. The moved the line swiftly and efficiently so that took all the stress out of that first glimpse at that line but otherwise it's just a regular place that sales Italian ice. Nothing special

Blendini please! On a hot, sticky summer day, Rita's is where it's at! I'll take a blendini with vanilla (or chocolate) frozen custard top with chocolate (or vanilla or banana) Italian ice blended together with Nilla wafers! OoOoO yeah...so delicious! Does the trick every time. There's usually a line when I come here, but it moves pretty fast. Be sure to mark your calendar's for their first day of Spring event, where they give each customer a free, regular sized Italian ice (any flavor you want!).

Do yourself a favor and do not visit this location. The owner bought Rita's to one of the local hospitals for hospital week and when I tell you the owner of this location has been so rude to the staff for the last two years it's a shame and all the staff remembers her from last year and being rude. You do not need to yell you can only have cup to people repeatedly they heard you the first time.

If you've ever been to a Rita's, you know what to expect. I prefer the Gelati so I can have the Italian ice with some of that vanilla custard on top. The pairing is perfection. I prefer the Pear flavor with the custard. I tried it once and I don't think I can bring myself to try anything else because I love it so much. Their service was quick, and although there were a good amount of people there, we didn't have to wait very long. The location is a little awkward though.

Same quality in every way and the same rude person working there. I forgot why I avoided this place and the terrible service is the reason

Went there today to get Italian Ice. I have a moderate gluten-intolerance and was 99% sure the italian ice is okay, but asked the employee at the window just to be safe. She very rudely said "I don't know...............I guess you can look at the nutrition facts if you want." She gave me the nutrition facts, and not the allergens list. I am sorry, but when your window signage says "please ask our servers about any allergens in our products," and I do just that, I expect a better answer than a shrug and a prayer.

I obviously love this place ! I waited for summer so I can enjoy their ice cream and ices! My favorite one is the mango!! Continue with the good job!!

Enjoyed the shake. Extremely rude staffer. Is someone making her work there? It was really so sad for the staff person to be rude. Maybe she owns it--. One Lady was sweet, but the other needs to find something else to do in the business. Dealing with the public not her strong suit. I recommend people find a different location.

UPDATE 5/8/08 - Why is this the only Rita's that hasn't opened yet this season? Anyone have an idea of what's going on here? * * * Rita's is synonymous for happiness. I don't think I need to say too much about the goods (droooool -- enough said), but I'll offer some info about what makes one Rita's different from another. I was ecstatic when this Rita's opened last year because I didn't have to drive 20+ minutes to get fulfill my gelati craving. But with an Italian ice chain that's so successful and opening up branches all over the east coast, I'm surprised that they choose some really awful and dead-end places to set up shop. This Rita's is located in a shopping center with Outback Steakhouse, a Korean grocery store, another miscellaneous store, fill-in-the-blank, and some other no-name place. Get the picture? Anyway, aside from being out of the way on my drive to most places, this Rita's doesn't have any place to sit. It's a converted bank and it's literally in the middle of a pretty dangerous parking lot (and by dangerous, I mean that there are a lot of Asian women who park there...myself included). I've sat on the curb and had my feet nearly run over; I've leaned against the railing and ended up with a sticky back; I've taken my frozen cup of goodness into my car and ended up with a suspicious red stain on my fabric. Not pretty! So what keeps me coming back? It's that raspberry Italian ice with vanilla custard, man! I just can't get enough! I guess Rita's knows that their product will sell, no matter what their location, "atmosphere" or convenience. And it seems to be working on me.

Little disappointed in the owners behavior. She treats her staff (usually younger kids) extremely bad, yells at them while customers wait. We were on of her first customers when she initially opened her doors, now she is even very unpleasant with customers. Hate to see business like this not be super friendly. It doesn't cost anything to be nice.

Outstanding service and great soft serve ice cream! My go to place for a treat. Lots of flavors for Italian ice, custard and toppings. Don't miss this summer time treat.

I agree with one of the other reviews that said the staff here is rude. I took my kids here a couple of week ago and the the lady that served us (an older lady with graying/dark hair) mis-heard one part of what I ordered and gave me the wrong item. What she gave me I couldn't eat because of food allergies, so I asked her for what I had originally ordered. You would think that this wouldn't be such a unreasonable request, but she started arguing with me and giving me all sorts of attitude. When I go to Rita's now, I go to one of the other locations. The Olney location has much nicer staff and the italian ice is just as good!

I'd of given it 5stars but there's a few things they need to work out . I tried 3 times in a week to go here but didn't feel like waiting in line for a half hour . The one time I did go It was still a long wait and all I wanted was the sugar free flavor, which know one posted nor was thoughtful enough to do a shout out they were out . That equates to you wasting a half hour of your time to be told no after you make it to the front of the line, good way to lose a repeat customer . It's this simple , post a sign right away and give a shout out if you have long lines. That being said the custard is amazing !!!! The peach flavor mango sugar free flavor is not that great and has a minty chemical after taste . I wished it was mango on its own niethet of these flavors should compete in the same cup . I wished they get cherry, apple , lemon and carry more then one flavor in the sugar free . I'd of bought 2 obviously it sells out .

This is not necessarily a review about this location, but more the brand of Rita's. This was only my second time having Rita's and will be the last. The flavors of chocolate and vanilla tasted soooo artificial. I also think the "oreo" topping is actually hydrox. Not sure what the hype is.

Its hot outside and its not like the DMV area is known for having waterice joints all over. It's just the reign of Rita's, so in the children and I went. The lines were semi-long but emptied swiftly. The staff is good and the waterice taste good...until an after taste kicked in. I had the wild black cherry, mi hija; the cotton candy, and mi hijo; mango mixed with jolly rancher watermelon. Smooth , cold , and .....wth! Is this after taste? I was already disappointed spending $10 on 3 waterices, but for it to have this "smack smack". I just can't get this...nothing. I'm done with this place. I'd get the supermarket icees first, until I experience a better Rita's location.

Oh, yeah, Rita's! You sooth my sore throat with your wild black cherry ice gelato with vanilla custard. You refresh me with the blast of A/C coming out of the window. Your sugar high gives me the strength to continue shopping. You are pretty awesome.

Big taste and big service! Vanilla custard with mango ice! Their gelatties are out of this world! Even with the temperature and humidity souring at nine o'clock at night, everyone behind the counter kept a positive attitude. They offered samples as well as suggestions. This place is great! First time here and will be coming back continuously when I visit!

Today was my first time ever at Rita's and my last time! We just came from this location stood in the long line to be greeted by a rude helper! It was the slowest service I have ever had and then was not able to order because this establishment because you guys don't take cards with a chip in it! This sign should be posted in a different location other than the window after you wait 20 minutes and then are not able to order! The customer service is terrible and the communication is terrible! Never again will I return!

Service is good. And their quick. Went today at 7:30ish and they got busy really quick. I got a pina colada ice with a bit of sour patch kids and strawberry custard on top. It was good just the sour patch ice was too sour on top of the pina colada. It's 3 stars because the other two previous visits they also did not have cherry ice and that's my favorite. The taste is just perfect but no cherry. Let's see if the 4th visit is the charm.

I was introduced to this place today. It was really good! I had a Gelato which was the frozen custard layered with frozen flavored ice, topped with more frozen custard. Looking at the ice's I thought it was like a Slurpee, but the flavors were really great (I don't care for Slurpees). The wild dark cherry had bits of real cherries in it. The best part was the wonderful lady that helped me. She heard I had never had an ice before and went and got me a sample of every flavor. I am coming back next time I am in the area!

Great customer service at this location. loved the service and I definitely recommended stopping by to get a fill of delicious Italian ice

The ice cream is great and have visited the Georgia Avenue location several times a month during the season for more than 2 years now. We even participate in Rita's Rewards. Need clarification... Generally, my husband and I happily conduct and pay for separate transactions so we can each scan our 'rewards card' app. Last month, a manager/owner who is generally on duty when we stop by, told us we could each scan the QR-code when buying 2 items on 1 transaction. On our recent visit, a different manager/owner was incredulous when we attempted this. We are willing to play by any rules that are conveyed by the purveyors at this location; the terms just need to be clearly and consistently communicated among staff/owners. Thank you.

Dearest Rita's, Every time we try to come get some custard, you are closed....except for yesterday! Alas! You were worth the wait. Your chocolate/vanilla swirl custard is the jam. With sprinkles on the top, of course! It was necessary for me to start out with something simple, since this was my first time. You have peaked my interest and I will be back for more, especially since I know your operating hours. Maybe next time I should consider jogging to you... that would justify the extra delcious toppings.

I went here yesterday and got a Gelati (layers of custard and italian ice). The creamy custard paired with the fruity ice was divine. I don't think I've ever had anything quite like it, but I can assure you, I will be back!! I think this is one of the only "local" establishments that I've been to around here that I might miss if I move.