Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, located at 7718 City Avenue in Philadelphia, PA, is a beloved seasonal destination that has been bringing "Ice Custard Happiness" to communities for decades. More than just an ice cream shop, Rita's specializes in two iconic treats: their famous Italian Ice and rich, creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. This unique combination allows for a variety of delightful creations, with their signature Gelati—alternating layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard—being a fan favorite.

Originating in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Rita's holds a special place in the hearts of locals across Pennsylvania. The 7718 City Avenue location upholds the brand's commitment to delivering a cool, smooth, and delightfully delicious experience, focusing on fresh flavors and a friendly atmosphere. As a seasonal establishment, opening typically for half the year and closing during the fall and winter months, each opening day is an eagerly anticipated event, signaling the true arrival of warmer weather and the joy of refreshing frozen treats. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Rita's experience, this Philadelphia outpost offers a taste of local tradition and a perfect way to cool down.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is conveniently located at 7718 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of the City Line area, a well-known commercial corridor that borders Philadelphia and Montgomery County. City Avenue (US Route 1) is a major thoroughfare, ensuring excellent visibility and straightforward access for customers coming from various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs.

One of the significant advantages of this location is the ample parking available within the City Line Shopping Center. As one satisfied customer noted, "Plenty of parking in City line shopping center. I parked right in front." This eliminates the typical urban hassle of searching for a parking spot, making visits to Rita's stress-free and convenient. Whether you're making a quick stop for a treat on your way home, or planning a leisurely outing with family, the ease of parking is a definite plus. The location on City Avenue also means it's well-served by public transportation routes, further enhancing its accessibility for non-drivers. Its position makes it a natural gathering point for individuals and families in the surrounding neighborhoods, drawing in customers from both sides of the city line who are looking for a refreshing escape.

• Italian Ice: Rita's signature product, made fresh daily in a wide variety of fruit flavors. Options include classic fruit flavors like Lemon, Mango, Cherry, and Strawberry, as well as unique and rotating seasonal flavors. Sugar-free options are also available.

• Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard: Rich, creamy, and made with high-quality ingredients, available in classic flavors like Vanilla and Chocolate, and often special rotating flavors. It's praised for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Gelati: Rita's most popular treat, combining layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. Available in various flavor combinations, including 5-Layer Gelati for an extra treat.

• Blendini®: A blend of Frozen Custard, Italian Ice, and your choice of mix-ins like candies or cookies, blended to perfection for a customized treat.

• Misto®: A delicious, customizable drink that blends your favorite Italian Ice and Frozen Custard into a cool, creamy beverage, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.

• Concretes: A thick, blended treat featuring Frozen Custard mixed with a variety of toppings and inclusions, similar to a traditional concrete but with Rita's signature custard.

• Sundaes: Build-your-own sundaes with Frozen Custard, topped with your choice of sauces, whipped cream, and cherries, or choose from popular signature sundaes like the Rainbow Sundae or REESE'S Peanut Butter Mudslide Sundae.

• Shakes: Creamy milkshakes made with Rita's Frozen Custard, available in various flavors.

• Frozen Coffee & Lemonades: Refreshing blended beverages, including cold brew frozen coffees and classic or flavored frozen lemonades.

• Custard Cookie Sandwiches & Cakes: Pre-made or custom-ordered frozen custard cookie sandwiches and ice cream cakes, ideal for parties and special occasions.

• "Freezer Fillers": Options to purchase quarts, pints, and bundles of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard to take home and enjoy.

• Delicious, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Frozen Custard: Praised by customers for its soft, cloud-like texture and delicious taste, making it a standout feature.

• Iconic Italian Ice: A core product that has garnered a loyal following, known for its vibrant fruit flavors and refreshing, dairy-free quality.

• Signature Gelati: The combination of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard is a unique and highly popular offering, providing the "best of both worlds" in one treat.

• Seasonal Operation: The store operates seasonally, typically closing during the fall and winter months. This creates anticipation for its opening each spring, marking the unofficial start of the warmer seasons for many locals.

• Ample Parking: Located within the City Line Shopping Center, the store offers plenty of convenient parking, a significant benefit for customers in a bustling urban/suburban area.

• Wide Variety of Products: Beyond Italian Ice and Custard, Rita's offers a comprehensive menu including sundaes, concretes, milkshakes, and take-home options, catering to diverse preferences.

Address: 7718 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151, USA

Phone: (215) 397-4325

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard on City Avenue in Philadelphia is exceptionally suitable for locals for a multitude of reasons, cementing its status as a cherished community staple. Firstly, its core offerings of authentic Italian Ice and creamy Frozen Custard represent a beloved part of Pennsylvania's culinary landscape. For many Philadelphians, Rita's isn't just a dessert; it’s a taste of home, a nostalgic reminder of summers past, and a highly anticipated seasonal tradition. The texture of their ice cream, described as "soft and melts in your mouth like a cloud," speaks to the quality that keeps residents coming back.

The seasonal nature of this Rita's location adds to its unique appeal. The annual opening each spring creates a palpable sense of excitement in the community, signifying the true arrival of warm weather and outdoor activities. This anticipation builds a stronger connection between the store and the local calendar, making it an integral part of summer enjoyment for families and individuals alike.

Practicality also plays a key role in its local suitability. Being located in the City Line Shopping Center, this Rita's benefits from "plenty of parking," a significant convenience that makes visits hassle-free, especially for those driving from nearby neighborhoods or after a day of errands. This ease of access ensures that locals can quickly and effortlessly satisfy their cravings for a refreshing treat.

Moreover, the wide variety of products, from classic Italian Ice and rich Frozen Custard to the popular Gelati and various sundaes and blended drinks, means there's something to delight every member of a family or group. This versatility makes it an ideal spot for a family outing, a quick cool-down after school, or a sweet end to an evening. Ultimately, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard on City Avenue offers a delicious, convenient, and deeply ingrained seasonal experience that perfectly caters to the tastes and traditions of locals in Philadelphia, making it an indispensable part of their community.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

7718 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151, USA