Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

For many in the Pittsburgh area, especially as the warmer months arrive, the craving for a refreshing and unique frozen treat inevitably leads to one place: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. The location at 6154 Steubenville Pike in McKees Rocks stands as a familiar and often-visited spot for locals seeking a cool escape. Rita's has carved out a special niche in the dessert landscape, known for its distinctive combination of smooth, fruit-flavored Italian ice and rich, creamy frozen custard.

Rita's Italian Ice originated in Pennsylvania in 1984, founded by a former Philadelphia firefighter, Bob Tumolo, who sought to create the best-tasting, highest-quality Italian Ice. This heritage of fresh, daily-made products is a cornerstone of the Rita's experience. Unlike traditional ice cream, Italian ice offers a lighter, dairy-free alternative bursting with real fruit flavors, while their frozen custard provides a denser, richer, and creamier texture than typical soft-serve ice cream, thanks to the inclusion of egg yolks. This unique pairing allows for a wide array of delicious combinations that cater to diverse preferences.

The McKees Rocks Rita's location embodies this brand philosophy, striving to deliver "Ice Custard Happiness" to its customers. It's a place where you can find familiar favorites and explore new flavor combinations, making it a versatile destination for a quick pick-me-up or a delightful family treat. For those living in or visiting the western suburbs of Pittsburgh, Rita's offers a taste of a classic Pennsylvania-born frozen treat experience.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is conveniently located at 6154 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, USA. This address places it along a significant and well-traveled roadway in the McKees Rocks area, making it highly accessible for residents of McKees Rocks, Kennedy Township, Robinson Township, and other surrounding communities in the western suburbs of Pittsburgh.

Steubenville Pike is a key commercial corridor, ensuring that the Rita's location is easy to spot and straightforward to reach, whether you are coming from residential areas, local businesses, or major routes like I-79 or the Parkway West. The design of most Rita's locations typically includes dedicated parking, allowing for convenient stops. This is crucial for a business where customers often make quick trips to grab a treat. The ease of access helps ensure that this Rita's remains a popular choice for spontaneous dessert runs or planned family outings.

For those in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, including those who may recall Rita's from other regions or have a long-standing appreciation for the brand, this McKees Rocks location provides a readily available and familiar spot to indulge in their unique offerings. Its strategic placement on a main road contributes significantly to its integration into the daily routines and leisure activities of local Pennsylvanians.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers a specialized menu focused on its two signature products and various creative combinations thereof. The McKees Rocks location provides a full range of these beloved treats.

• Italian Ice: This is Rita's flagship product, made fresh daily on location. It's a sweet, smooth frozen treat available in a wide and rotating selection of fruit and candy flavors. Options include classic fruit flavors (like orange and strawberry mentioned in reviews) and numerous other varieties (over 95 in the brand's repertoire), with Mango and Cherry often cited as most popular. It's typically dairy-free and served hand-scooped.
• Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard: A rich, creamy, and denser alternative to traditional soft-serve ice cream, made with high-quality ingredients including egg yolks. Available in core flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and sometimes light vanilla or coffee.
• Blendini®: A signature Rita's creation that blends Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Italian Ice, and a chosen topping (like Oreo cookies mentioned in reviews) into a delightful, spoonable dessert. This allows for a unique combination of textures and flavors.
• Gelati: Rita's signature layered treat, combining alternating layers of famous Italian Ice and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. The 5-Layer Gelati offers an extra layer of custard in the middle for an enhanced experience.
• Misto®: A drinkable version of the Gelati, where Italian Ice and creamy Custard are blended together.
• Concretes: Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard blended with delicious toppings, similar to a traditional concrete shake. Examples include Cookies 'n' Cream Concrete with Oreo® pieces.
• Sundaes: Classic sundaes featuring frozen custard topped with a variety of sauces, whipped cream, and a cherry. Options include Create Your Own Sundae with two toppings.
• Shakes and Milkshakes: Creamy beverages made with frozen custard, blended in various flavors and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
• Frozen Coffee: A blend of Italian Ice, vanilla custard, and cold brew coffee.
• Ice Blenders: Italian Ice blended into a cool and flavorful drink for on-the-go refreshment.
• Take-Home Treats: Customers can purchase frozen custard in pints to enjoy at home. Other take-home items may include quarts of Italian Ice or specialty items like Misto® shakes.
• Pup Cups: A special treat offered for canine companions, indicating a pet-friendly approach.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in McKees Rocks, PA, offers several distinctive features and highlights that draw in its local clientele, alongside some areas that, according to recent feedback, could benefit from improved consistency.

• Unique Product Combination: Rita's stands out by specializing in both Italian Ice (a smooth, fruit-based frozen treat) and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard (a richer, denser soft-serve). This dual offering allows for a wider appeal and unique combinations like the popular Gelati and Blendini®.
• Freshness Commitment: The brand is known for making its Italian Ice fresh daily on location, ensuring vibrant flavors and a smooth texture. This dedication to freshness is a significant draw for quality-conscious customers.
• Consistent Flavor Profile (generally): One reviewer noted "consistent flavor" in their Blendini, indicating that when executed properly, the taste remains true to the brand's standards. This consistency is key for returning customers who have favorite combinations.
• Wide Array of Flavors: Rita's offers a vast rotating selection of Italian Ice flavors, ensuring there's always something new to try or an old favorite to enjoy, catering to diverse tastes.
• Signature Treat: The Blendini® itself is a major highlight, allowing customers to combine their favorite Italian Ice, frozen custard, and a topping into a personalized creation, offering a unique textural and flavor experience.
• Pet-Friendly Options: The availability of "pup cups" demonstrates a welcoming attitude towards pets and their owners, adding a charming touch that appeals to local dog lovers.

However, recent customer reviews also highlight some areas of concern that local users should be aware of:

• Inconsistent Portion Sizes and Value: A significant point of disappointment for a recent customer was the "ridiculously small" portion size for what they were charged, particularly for larger orders. This perception of poor value for money could deter repeat visits.
• Training and Order Accuracy: Another customer experienced multiple inquiries about their order and forgotten items, suggesting potential training needs for staff or a lack of attention to detail during busy or even slow periods.
• Customer Service Issues: One review specifically cited an "attitude" from a staff member towards out-of-town visitors who were unfamiliar with the menu, which nearly led them to leave without purchasing. Friendly and patient service is crucial, especially for new customers.
• Flavor Disappointment: While generally known for flavor, one reviewer found the ice cream "a little disappointing on the flavor" during their visit, indicating occasional inconsistencies in product delivery.

For those in the McKees Rocks, PA, area looking to visit or contact Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, here is the essential information:

Address: 6154 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, USA

Phone: (412) 284-2618

Mobile Phone: +1 412-284-2618

It is always a good practice to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, especially as hours can vary seasonally. For specific concerns about orders or service, it's recommended to communicate directly with the store management.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in McKees Rocks offers a distinct and often beloved dessert experience that makes it a suitable, albeit sometimes inconsistent, option for locals in the Pittsburgh area. Its primary appeal stems from the unique product offerings that differentiate it from traditional ice cream parlors. For Pennsylvanians, particularly those in the region, Rita's holds a special place, having originated in the state and becoming a familiar staple for unique frozen treats.

Locals appreciate the refreshing nature of Italian Ice, especially as a dairy-free alternative during hot summer days, and the indulgent creaminess of their frozen custard. The ability to combine these two into signature items like the Blendini® or Gelati offers a customizable and satisfying experience that caters to diverse preferences. The extensive rotating flavor menu also ensures that there's always something new to try, keeping customers engaged and returning to explore seasonal offerings.

The convenience of its location on Steubenville Pike, a main thoroughfare, makes it easily accessible for a quick stop after work, a family outing on the weekend, or a spontaneous treat. This accessibility, combined with the general efficiency of their service in handling lines (as noted in some reviews), contributes to its role as a practical and appealing local dessert destination. Furthermore, the availability of "pup cups" highlights a thoughtful, family-inclusive approach, welcoming all members of the household.

While recent reviews indicate challenges with portion consistency, order accuracy, and occasional customer service issues, the core appeal of Rita's unique product line often outweighs these concerns for many loyal patrons. For locals who are specifically craving the distinct taste of authentic Italian Ice or the rich texture of frozen custard, and who are willing to overlook potential operational hiccups, Rita's in McKees Rocks remains a go-to spot for a familiar and refreshing dessert experience in their own backyard.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

6154 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136, USA