Bruster's Real Ice Cream

Hello, Marylanders! When the craving for a truly satisfying sweet treat strikes, finding that perfect ice cream spot can make all the difference. In Hollywood, Maryland, Bruster's Real Ice Cream stands as a well-known establishment, offering a range of frozen delights that have earned both high praise and some notable critiques from local patrons. This article aims to provide you with a balanced, factual, and engaging overview of Bruster's, helping you, as a local user, understand what to expect and why it might, or might not, be your next go-to for a scoop or a shake.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream prides itself on making "real ice cream" the "old-fashioned way," with a proprietary homestyle mix delivered fresh to each shop. This commitment to fresh, in-house production is often highlighted as contributing to their "creamiest ice cream you've ever had," a sentiment echoed by many satisfied customers. The brand is known for offering a rotating selection of over 24 flavors made fresh daily from a menu of over 150 signature recipes, including classics and seasonal specials. This dedication to variety ensures there's often something new to discover.

However, customer experiences at this specific Hollywood, MD location have been quite varied. While some rave about the "delicious" normal flavors and encourage trying "seasonal specials like Pumpkin or Apple Pie," other reviews point to significant inconsistencies in basic flavor availability and, more critically, in customer service. One reviewer expressed extreme frustration with staff being "rude and abrasive" and claims of being told "they do not serve" common flavors like chocolate. This discrepancy in customer feedback is important for potential visitors to consider, as it highlights that individual experiences may vary significantly. Despite these contrasting views, the underlying quality of the ice cream itself often receives high marks for its "super thick and creamy" texture, suggesting that when the product and service align, Bruster's offers a truly enjoyable treat.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream is conveniently located at 23825 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636, USA. This address places it within the community of Hollywood, Maryland, a part of St. Mary's County. For residents of Southern Maryland, this location is a familiar landmark, often integrated into local commutes and errands. Hollywood itself offers a community-oriented atmosphere, making Bruster's a local stop rather than a far-off destination.

Accessibility to the shop is generally straightforward, situated on a well-trafficked road. While specific details on parking aren't provided in the reviews, local businesses in areas like Hollywood typically offer ample on-site parking for customer convenience, or at least accessible street parking. Being in a suburban setting rather than a dense urban environment usually means less hassle with parking compared to city locations. Its position on Mervell Dean Road makes it an easy drive for those living in Hollywood and surrounding areas, including Leonardtown, California, and Lexington Park. Whether you're heading home from work, running weekend errands, or simply taking a drive, Bruster's location makes it a convenient spot to pull in for a quick, cold treat.

• Handcrafted Ice Cream: Bruster's prides itself on making fresh, "real ice cream" daily in each shop. They utilize a proprietary homestyle mix to achieve a signature creamy texture.
• Wide Variety of Flavors: The chain boasts over 150 signature recipes, with over 24 flavors rotating daily. This includes a mix of classic and unique, often seasonal, options. Examples from other locations' menus include Banana, Black Raspberry Cheesecake, Cherry Creamsicle, Peanut Butter Cookie, and Pumpkin or Apple Pie seasonal specials.
• Sundaes: Customers can choose from a range of sundaes, including popular options like the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, Banana Split, Peanut Butter Cup Sundae, Regular Sundae (customizable with choice of topping), Turtle Sundae, Strawberry Shortcake, and kids' options like Dino Sundae and Dirt Sundae.
• Milkshakes: Bruster's offers milkshakes in various sizes (small, medium, large), blended to be "thick and creamy." Flavors are customizable based on the ice cream available.
• Blasts: These are mix-ins whipped into vanilla ice cream, allowing for further customization with various candies (e.g., M&Ms, Oreo, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Butterfinger).
• Take-Home Options: Ice cream is available for purchase in pints, quarts, and half-gallons, perfect for enjoying at home.
• Waffle Cones and Bowls: Freshly baked waffle cones and bowls are available to complement your scoops.
• Italian Ice, Sorbet, Sherbet, and Non-Dairy Options: Bruster's also provides alternatives to traditional ice cream, including Italian ice, sorbet, sherbet, and non-dairy oat milk-based options, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
• Promotional Programs: Bruster's offers promotions such as "Sweet Rewards" loyalty program, "Banana Thursday" where customers bring their own banana for a half-price split, and free "Doggie Sundaes" for canine companions, and "Baby Cones" for children under 40 inches tall (participation may vary by location).

• Exceptional Creaminess: A consistent highlight from positive reviews is the "creamiest ice cream you've ever had" and "super thick and creamy" texture, which is a signature of Bruster's.
• Daily Freshness: The commitment to making ice cream fresh in-house daily ensures a high-quality product.
• Extensive Flavor Rotation: With over 150 recipes in rotation and 24+ flavors available daily, customers can always find something new or a seasonal favorite.
• Variety of Dessert Formats: Beyond scoops, the availability of sundaes, shakes, blasts, take-home containers, and specialty items caters to diverse preferences.
• Family-Friendly Promotions: Programs like free Doggie Sundaes and Baby Cones demonstrate an effort to create a welcoming environment for all family members.
• Potential for Excellent Service: While reviews are mixed, positive feedback suggests that when the service is good, it significantly enhances the experience.

For more information on flavors, current specials, or any inquiries, you can reach Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Hollywood, MD, using the contact details below:

Address: 23825 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636, USA

Phone: (301) 373-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 301-373-5000

For Marylanders, particularly those in the Southern Maryland region, Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Hollywood presents a unique and often rewarding option for a sweet treat. While the customer experiences are notably varied, understanding its core strengths and potential areas of concern can help you decide if it's the right fit for your ice cream cravings.

The primary allure of Bruster's lies in its commitment to "real ice cream" that is exceptionally "thick and creamy." This is a consistent highlight for patrons who enjoy a rich, indulgent frozen dessert. The extensive rotation of flavors, including delightful seasonal specials, means there's almost always something new to try, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for regular visitors. The availability of various formats, from classic scoops to elaborate sundaes, thick milkshakes, and customizable "Blasts," ensures that every preference can be met. Moreover, the family-friendly promotions, such as free Doggie Sundaes and Baby Cones, show a genuine effort to cater to all members of the community, making it a potentially ideal spot for a family outing.

However, it is crucial for local users to be aware of the significant concerns raised by some reviewers regarding inconsistent flavor availability (specifically for basic options like chocolate and coffee) and, more importantly, reports of "rude and abrasive" staff. These experiences suggest that while the product itself is highly praised when available, the service quality can vary. For those who prioritize consistently excellent customer interaction and a guaranteed availability of specific staple flavors, it might be wise to manage expectations or call ahead.

Despite these mixed reviews on service, the underlying quality of Bruster's ice cream often persuades patrons to return, with one even stating, "How could ANYONE dislike Bruster's? Their normal flavors are delicious with the creamiest ice cream you've ever had." If you're willing to navigate potential service inconsistencies for the sake of truly creamy, fresh ice cream and a diverse menu, Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Hollywood, MD, offers a distinctive local flavor and a treat that many consider a genuine indulgence. It remains a local staple for its product quality, making it a compelling option for Marylanders seeking that perfect scoop.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream

23825 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636, USA