Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Introduce
In Philadelphia, the arrival of spring and summer is often marked by a simple yet profound tradition: a trip to Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. It's a cherished local institution, and the location on Frankford Avenue is a perfect example of why the brand holds such a special place in the hearts of Pennsylvanians. This specific Rita's serves as a hub of seasonal joy, offering a delicious escape from the city heat and a chance to indulge in a treat that is deeply woven into the local culture. The brand's signature water ice and creamy frozen custard are more than just desserts; they are "the official water ice of Philly," as one customer so aptly put it. This location, like many others, is a place where "memories every spring and summer" are made, underscoring its role as a backdrop for countless happy moments for families and friends. The friendly and fast-paced nature of the service, combined with the high quality of the products, makes this Rita's a reliable and popular choice. The Frankford Avenue location embodies the spirit of the brand, which is built on providing a wide variety of refreshing, high-quality frozen treats in a welcoming environment. The commitment to consistent quality means that customers can always expect a delicious experience, whether they are grabbing a classic water ice, a creamy Gelati, or a blended Concrete. The menu is a playground of flavors, with something to satisfy every craving. For many locals, a visit to Rita's is a ritual, a signal that warmer, brighter days have arrived. This article will provide a comprehensive look at the Frankford Avenue Rita's, exploring its location, services, and the specific qualities that make it such a cherished part of the Philadelphia community. It's a place that brings people together, offering a simple yet profound way to celebrate the best parts of the season. The shop’s ability to create a sense of nostalgia and tradition is a testament to its enduring appeal and its significance in the local landscape.
The Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard location is conveniently situated at 8601 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136. This address places it directly on a major thoroughfare, making it highly accessible for residents of Northeast Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. The location on Frankford Avenue is well-known and easy to find, which is a significant advantage for customers. The presence of ample parking is a notable feature, as mentioned by a satisfied customer, which makes a visit to Rita's a quick and stress-free experience. This ease of accessibility is a key factor in its popularity, as it allows for spontaneous visits to satisfy a craving without the hassle of a long search for a parking spot. Whether you're driving home from work, running errands, or simply looking for a fun family outing, the Frankford Avenue Rita's is a convenient and logical choice. Its central position in the neighborhood solidifies its role as a local go-to spot for a frozen treat. The familiar address and easy-to-navigate location ensure that both long-time residents and newcomers can find the shop without any trouble. This accessibility is not just about physical location; it's about making the entire customer journey as smooth as possible, from the moment a craving strikes to the first delicious bite. The shop’s presence on a well-traveled street also means it's a visible and familiar landmark, further cementing its place in the community. The convenience of this location is a major reason why it has become such a beloved part of the local scene, offering a reliable and accessible destination for a taste of frozen happiness. The fact that the process is designed to be fast and efficient means that a quick stop for a treat is always a possibility, adding to its appeal. This location truly embodies the brand's commitment to making its products easily available to the community.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers a wide and delicious range of services and products that have made it a favorite for generations. The menu is a testament to the brand's variety and commitment to quality.
- A diverse selection of Italian Ice flavors, often referred to as "water ice" in Philly, which are made fresh daily.
- Rich and creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, available in classic flavors and a special "flavor of the day."
- The signature Gelati, a popular layered combination of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard.
- Blendinis and Concretes, which are thick, blended treats with various toppings mixed in.
- Classic milkshakes made with your choice of creamy frozen custard.
- A variety of toppings for sundaes and other customizable treats.
- Food items like pretzels, which are often paired with the frozen treats for a perfect salty-sweet combination.
- Take-home options, including pints and quarts of Italian Ice or custard.
- Catering services for events, parties, and celebrations.
What truly makes the Frankford Avenue Rita's a standout are the specific features and highlights that are consistently praised by its customers. These elements contribute to its status as a local institution.
- A long-standing reputation for having "good custard" and being a "Philly" tradition.
- The shop's deep connection to the local community and its role as a signal of warm weather.
- The fast and efficient service that ensures a quick and easy visit, which is a significant highlight for customers.
- The availability of ample parking, making the location convenient and stress-free to access.
- A nostalgic and memorable atmosphere that makes every visit special.
- The availability of classic Philly pairings like pretzels, which a customer specifically mentioned for dipping.
- A wide variety of flavors and products that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
For those looking to visit or get in touch with the Rita's location on Frankford Avenue, the contact information is as follows.
Address: 8601 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136, USA
Phone: (215) 331-1133
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard on Frankford Avenue is an ideal destination for locals for a variety of reasons. It is more than just a place to get a frozen treat; it is an institution that marks the changing of seasons and a source of happy memories for countless residents. The shop’s convenient location and fast service make it an easy and reliable choice for a spontaneous treat or a planned outing. The deep connection to the community, as evidenced by its reputation as "the official water ice of Philly," gives it a sense of local pride and authenticity that is hard to replicate. While one review highlighted a rather unusual and humorous interaction, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the quality of the product and the role the shop plays in the community. The combination of classic water ice, rich custard, and the option of a salty pretzel for dipping creates a perfect and quintessentially Philadelphian experience. For anyone in the Northeast Philadelphia area, Rita's on Frankford Avenue is not just a place to get dessert; it's a place to participate in a local tradition, a place to make new memories, and a place to simply enjoy the good things in life. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality, its convenience, and its deep-seated role within the local community. It is a place that feels like home, a welcoming spot for a delicious moment of happiness.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Food & drink
Drinks
- Twisted Cola Blender - Limited Time Only! $6.99
Cola Ice blended into a drink, topped with Cocolime Cream
- Ice Blender $6.25
Your favorite flavor of Ice blended into a cool and flavorful drink, perfect for on-the-go refreshment!
- Frozen Coffee $7.49
Our Cold Brew Frozen Coffee is a sweet and indulgent pick-me-up, available in original Cold Brew, Caramel, and Mocha
- SKITTLES® Ice Blender Topped With SKITTLES® POP'D - Limited Time Only! $6.99
SKITTLES® Ice blended into a drink, topped with SKITTLES® POP'D
- Witches' Brew-Berry Ice Blender Topped With BABY NERDS™ - Limited Time Only! $6.99
Witches' Brew-Berry Ice blended into a drink, topped with BABY NERDS
- KOOL-AID Tropical Punch Ice Blender - Limited Time Only! $6.99
KOOL-AID Tropical Punch Ice blended into a drink
- Frozen Lemonade $6.25
Our Frozen Lemonades are the ultimate portable refreshment, available in classic Lemon, Strawberry and Mango flavors.
- Gelati Blender $6.75
Your favorite flavor of Ice blended with Vanilla or Chocolate Custard Mix. It is like a Gelati you can drink!
- Raspberries N' Cream Gelati Blender - Limited Time Only! $6.99
Raspberries n' Cream Cream Ice blended with Vanilla Custard
- Rocket Pop Ice Blender - Limited Time Only! $6.99
Rocket Pop Ice blended into a drink, topped with Firecracker Glitter
- Bottled Water $3.50
Refreshing spring water.
- KOOL-AID Sharkleberry Fin Ice Blender - Limited Time Only! $6.99
KOOL-AID Sharkleberry Fin Ice blended into a drink
Shakes
- OREO® Cookies N' Cream Milkshake $7.99
Vanilla Custard blended with OREO® Pieces with whipped cream and a cherry.
- REESE’S Peanut Butter Mudslide Milkshake $7.99
Vanilla Custard blended with Peanut Butter Sauce & Hot Fudge with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Apple Butter Dream Milkshake - Limited Time Only! $7.99
Vanilla Milkshake blended with Apple Butter
- Chocolate Coconut Milkshake - Limited Time Only! $7.99
Chocolate Milkshake blended with Coconut
- Specialty Milkshake $8.99
Rita’s take on a classic milkshake but richer and creamier –this beverage combines milk and our Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard; blended in a variety of unique flavors, then topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Concrete & Blendini®
- Create Your Own Blendini® $8.99
Our Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, your favorite Italian Ice, and a delicious topping blended.
- Cookies N' Cream Concrete $8.99
Vanilla Custard blended with OREO® Pieces & stuffed with Hot Fudge.
- Pumpkin Pie Concrete - Limited Time Only! $8.99
Vanilla Custard mixed with Pumpkin Crème and Vanilla Wafers
- Create Your Own Concrete $8.99
Our Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard and delicious toppings blended.
- Apple Butter Concrete - Limited Time Only! $8.99
Vanilla Custard mixed with Apple Butter, Vanilla Wafers and stuffed with Apple Pie filling
- Apple Pie Concrete $8.99
Vanilla Custard blended with Apple Pie filling, Vanilla Wafers & stuffed with Apple Pie filling.
- Birthday Cake Concrete $8.99
Vanilla Custard blended with Vanilla Wafers & Rainbow Sprinkles.
- Mint Cookie Crunch Concrete - Limited Time Only! $8.99
Vanilla Custard mixed with Andes® Mints and OREO® Cookies
- Peanut Butter & Toffee Concrete - Limited Time Only! $8.99
Vanilla Custard mixed with Almond Toffee Crunch and REESE'S Peanut Butter Sauce
- Apple Butter & Pumpkin Concrete - Limited Time Only! $8.99
Vanilla Custard mixed with Apple Butter and Pumpkin Crème
- REESE’S Peanut Butter Mudslide Concrete $8.99
Vanilla Custard blended with REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, REESE’S Peanut Butter Sauce & stuffed with Hot Fudge.
- Strawberry Shortcake Concrete $8.99
Vanilla Custard blended with Vanilla Wafers & stuffed with Strawberry Topping.
Gelati
- 5 Layer Gelati $7.49
A plus-up of our signature Gelati, 5-Layer Gelati is served in a clear cup with layers of your favorite Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, and an extra layer of Custard in the middle!
- Gelati $6.25
Best of both worlds in Rita’s signature treat –alternating layers of our famous Italian Ice and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard.
- SKITTLES® Gelati Topped With SKITTLES® POP'D - Limited Time Only! $6.75
SKITTLES® Ice layered with Vanilla Custard, topped with SKITTLES® POP'D
- Raspberries N' Cream Gelati - Limited Time Only! $6.75
Raspberries n' Cream Cream Ice layered with Vanilla Custard
- KOOL-AID Tropical Punch 5-Layer Gelati - Limited Time Only! $7.50
KOOL-AID Tropical Punch Ice layered with Vanilla Custard, topped with rainbow sprinkles
- Rocket Pop 5-Layer Gelati - Limited Time Only! $7.50
Rocket Pop Ice layered with Vanilla Custard, topped with Firecracker Glitter
- Cola Float Gelati - Limited Time Only! $5.00
Cola Ice layered with Vanilla Custard
- Glittery Gummy Bear Gelati - Limited Time Only! $6.75
Gummy Bear Ice layered with Vanilla Custard, topped with Unicorn Glitter
- Witches' Brew-Berry Gelati Topped With BABY NERDS™ - Limited Time Only! $6.75
Witches Brew-Berry Ice layered with Vanilla Custard, topped with BABY NERDS
- KOOL-AID Sharkleberry Fin 5-Layer Gelati - Limited Time Only! $7.50
KOOL-AID Sharkleberry Fin Ice layered with Vanilla Custard, topped with rainbow sprinkles
Freezer Fillers
- Custard Cookie Sandwich 6-Pack $10.00
A 6-pack of delicious Frozen Custard Cookie Sandwiches
- Hand-Scooped Custard Pint $10.00
Freshly packed Hand-Scooped Custard.
- 4 Quart Bundle $39.99
Four Quarts of Italian Ice
- 3 Quart Bundle $29.99
Three Quarts of Italian Ice
- Frozen Custard Pint $10.00
Freshly packed frozen custard.
Frozen Custard
- Create Your Own Hand-Scooped Custard Sundae $5.00
Two toppings with whipped cream and a cherry.
- REESE’S Peanut Butter Mudslide Sundae $6.99
Vanilla Custard topped with Hot Fudge, Peanut Butter Sauce & REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Mint Fudge Sundae - Limited Time Only! $7.50
Twist Custard topped with Andes® Mints and Hot Fudge
- Rainbow Sundae $6.99
Vanilla Custard topped with Gummy Bears & Rainbow Sprinkles with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Frozen Custard $6.50
Our award winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard is rich and creamy –made with high quality ingredients
- Create Your Own Sundae $7.50
Two toppings with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Hand-Scooped Frozen Custard $5.00
Hand-Scooped Frozen Custard
Complete the Treat
- 3 Pretzel Bundle - Pretzel Braid $10.00
A bundle of 3 delicious salty snacks that go great with Italian Ice.
- Philly Pretzel $1.49
A delicious salty snack that goes great with Italian Ice.
- 3 Pretzel Bundle - Philly Pretzel $4.25
A bundle of 3 delicious salty snacks that go great with Italian Ice.
- Toppings On The Side (To Go) $1.99
Add toppings on the side to any treat.
- Cheese Pretzel $10.00
A delicious cheesy and salty snack that goes great with Italian Ice.
- 3 Pretzel Bundle - Classic Soft Pretzel $4.25
A bundle of 3 delicious salty snacks that go great with Italian Ice.
- Pretzel Braid $10.00
A delicious salty snack that goes great with Italian Ice.
- Classic Soft Pretzel $10.00
A delicious salty snack that goes great with Italian Ice.
Italian Ice
- Italian Ice $4.59
A sweet, smooth frozen treat made fresh daily on location and hand scooped to order.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Details
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Dining options
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Photos










Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Location
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
8601 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136, USA
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Reviews
pricesflavorspretzelsmangocupscherrysatpoliteroot beerhair
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Rita's is officially the acknowledgement of nice weather. Good custard and the official water ice of Philly. Everything is always good. Lots of memories every spring and summer. There's always parking at every Rita's since they are fast. Gotta get a pretzel too to dip with each bite
April 28 · sidddharth sThose poor girls have to deal with my crazy questions like can I get a trash can for this new Kool-Aid water ice.... $354.96. so I did with any grown-up would do and said okay hold on one second I got to get my card out of my car n left..... Then I set my dog to go get my paul giamatti and he came back in record speed but this is how I found them and I still didn't get ice cream so I just made Kool-Aid ice cubes and put whipped cream on top 📠
June 26 · OBCENE 215Horrible Experience - Smelly Cups and Poor Customer Service.A visit to this Rita's Water Ice resulted in a disappointing experience. The cups used had a strong, unpleasant odor, similar to wet dog and mold, making the water ice and other items unappetizing.Upon returning to Rita's to requesting a refund, staff initially denied being able to smell the issue. After insisting that another person smell the cups, the odor was confirmed. * I asked a patron at the establishment to smell it as I offered to have someone else smell it and they said if I can find someone who will.* A partial refund was the only resolution offered, which was inadequate considering the circumstances. (*Note two items did have a little missing.)The initial denial of the smell and the refusal to offer a full refund for the defective products are unacceptable. This level of poor quality control and customer service is a serious concern. A return to this location is unlikely.Edit for clarification: We bought 5 items for $38.29 at the locations and brought them home, the two items that had missing product was drank through a straw. It was not until we got home and my husband went to eat the ice cream out of the cup, that the smell was noticed. Upon further inspection it was found that all the lids/cups smelled like this. We immediately had the two stop consuming the products and brought them back to the store.
June 17 · Patti RyanI’m assuming this blonde girl is the key holder horrible the way she was acting so rude walked up asked if it was okay to order both girls attending customers looked scared of the other blonde she sat outside on the bench so rude u need to have her fired the job is clearly not for her like it’s Italian ice it’s not that hard to close up especially when there’s 3 of you I’d review ur camera footage for 5/8 8:55pm-9:10pm horrible shaking her leg looked like she had to be elsewhere like so young looking that miserable get a new job you know who u are did not speak words to the girl I would have popped off but seriously fire this girl should not be a keyholder girls bashing the counter looked scared
May 08 · Carmen MPlease for the love of God change your info on Google. It says you are open to 10:00 p.m. but you most definitely are not, and I found that out the hard way. Please save other people the frustration and change it. Thanks.
April 07 · Joe Roesner
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