Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

Welcome to your guide to a local Baltimore favorite: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. Nestled within the vibrant community of The Rotunda, this sweet shop is more than just a place to get a frozen treat—it's a destination for families, friends, and anyone looking to brighten their day. Known for its freshly made Italian ice and creamy frozen custard, Rita's has become a staple for many Maryland residents, offering a delightful escape from the everyday hustle. From the moment you step up to the counter, you're greeted with a friendly atmosphere and a menu brimming with a variety of delicious options, ensuring there's a perfect treat for every palate. The commitment to quality is evident in every scoop, with Italian ice made fresh daily and award-winning frozen custard crafted from high-quality ingredients.

The unique combination of classic Italian ice and rich frozen custard has been a hallmark of the Rita's brand since its founding in Bensalem, PA, back in 1984. This particular Baltimore location continues that tradition, offering a wide array of signature treats that have earned a loyal following. Whether you're a long-time fan of the brand or new to the experience, the extensive menu promises a journey of flavor. The staff is known for being polite and patient, ready to help you navigate the many choices and find your ideal combination of flavors. This dedication to excellent service, combined with a clean and inviting atmosphere, makes Rita's at The Rotunda a standout spot in the local dessert scene.

One of the most praised aspects of the Rita's experience is the signature Gelati, which layers the famous Italian ice with creamy frozen custard. This "best of both worlds" creation is a local favorite, providing a perfect balance of refreshing fruit flavor and decadent creaminess. For those who prefer a different texture, the shop also offers Blendinis and Concrete creations, which mix custard with various toppings to create a thick, delicious treat. The ever-changing selection of Italian ice flavors, which includes over 95 options, means there's always something new to try, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.

The shop also caters to a range of tastes and dietary needs, with options like sugar-free Italian ice available on a rotating basis. This thoughtful approach ensures that more people can enjoy a cool, sweet treat. Furthermore, the location often features seasonal or limited-time-only flavors, such as a Rocket Pop or Glittery Gummy Bear Gelati, which adds an element of fun and discovery to each visit. This constant innovation, while still maintaining the classics, keeps Rita's a go-to spot for those seeking a sweet indulgence in the Baltimore area.

Finding Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is a breeze for anyone in the Baltimore area. Located at 711 W 40th St, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA, the shop is a prominent part of The Rotunda, a well-known mixed-use development that's easy to spot. The Rotunda's central location makes it accessible from multiple neighborhoods and major roads, including Falls Road and I-83.

The surrounding area is a bustling hub with other retail and dining establishments, making Rita's a convenient stop whether you're running errands, grabbing a meal, or simply out for a stroll. The presence of ample parking facilities at The Rotunda means you can easily find a spot without the stress of city parking. For those who prefer public transportation, the location is also well-served by local bus routes, making it a viable option for many residents.

The layout of the shop, with its tables and an inviting "artificial grassy area," provides a welcoming space to relax and enjoy your treat. This outdoor seating is a particularly nice feature on a sunny day, allowing you to linger and soak up the atmosphere. One customer review highlighted this aspect, noting that the outdoor space is perfect for bringing a blanket and unwinding, suggesting it's a great place to spend a warm afternoon.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard provides a range of services designed to make getting your favorite treat as easy and enjoyable as possible.

• Dine-In and Takeaway: You can enjoy your treat on-site at one of the available tables or take it with you to enjoy on the go.
• Delivery Services: For those who prefer the convenience of home delivery, Rita's partners with popular delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, bringing their treats right to your door.
• Catering: While not specified for this exact location, Rita's as a franchise often offers catering services for events, parties, and special occasions, allowing you to bring the joy of Rita's to your next gathering.
• Freezer Fillers: You can purchase quarts of Italian ice and pints of frozen custard to take home and stock your freezer, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand.

The reason locals keep coming back to Rita's is the unique combination of high-quality products and a great atmosphere.

• Freshly Made Italian Ice: Their famous Italian Ice is made fresh every day on location, giving it a smooth, refreshing texture and vibrant flavor. Flavors rotate regularly, with a selection of over 95 options available throughout the season.
• Award-Winning Frozen Custard: The Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard is rich, creamy, and made with high-quality ingredients. It's the perfect complement to the Italian ice or a delightful treat on its own.
• Signature Gelati: The Gelati is a fan favorite, featuring alternating layers of Italian ice and frozen custard. It offers the best of both worlds in one delicious cup.
• Variety of Treats: The menu extends beyond Italian ice and custard to include Concrete and Blendini creations, milkshakes, sundaes, and even classic soft pretzels, offering a wide variety of options for different tastes and cravings.
• Outdoor Seating: A major highlight of the location at The Rotunda is the availability of tables and an artificial grassy area, providing a pleasant outdoor space to relax and enjoy your dessert, as noted by a positive customer review.
• Friendly Staff: Customer feedback often points to the professional and polite nature of the staff, who are known for being patient and helpful, particularly when customers are undecided on their flavor choice.

If you'd like to reach out to Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard at The Rotunda, you can do so using the following details:

Address: 711 W 40th St, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA

Phone: (667) 429-5172

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard at The Rotunda is a perfect destination for Baltimore locals for several reasons. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop during a busy day or a planned outing. The welcoming atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating, provides a fantastic space for families and friends to gather and enjoy a treat together. The vast and rotating menu of fresh Italian ice and creamy frozen custard means there is always something new to try, keeping the experience exciting and preventing flavor fatigue.

The store's commitment to friendly, professional service creates a positive and memorable experience for every customer. Whether you're a long-time Baltimore resident or just passing through the area, Rita's offers a taste of happiness that feels both familiar and special. It’s more than just a dessert shop; it's a place to create memories, celebrate everyday moments, and enjoy a delicious, high-quality treat that has become a local tradition. From the classic Gelati to a personalized Concrete, every visit to this Rita's location is a chance to indulge in a little bit of happiness, solidifying its place as a cherished spot in the Baltimore community.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

711 W 40th St, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA