Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

- 296 Central Ave, Lawrence, NY 11559

Please note that the review concerning the portion size and reported customer attitude is acknowledged as factual data but does not necessarily represent the overall customer experience, which is framed by the available public information about the business's features and offerings.

## Introduction / Overview: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Lawrence

For New York locals on Long Island craving a cool, refreshing treat that offers a unique alternative to traditional ice cream, **Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard** in Lawrence is a highly distinctive destination. This establishment is recognized as a **Small business** and operates as a dedicated **Ice cream shop, Dessert restaurant, and Dessert shop**, specializing in a unique blend of two core products: authentic Italian Ice and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard.

The signature draw of Rita's is the Italian Ice, a sweet, smooth, water-based frozen treat that is made fresh daily on-site, offering a rotating selection from over 80 vibrant flavors, some made with real fruit. This is complemented by their award-winning, rich, and creamy Frozen Custard. The real magic, however, lies in the combinations. Rita's is famous for its **Gelati**, a perfect marriage of the two—alternating layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard—and its **Concretes**, which blend the creamy Frozen Custard with various toppings. For New Yorkers familiar with the brand's reputation as a "Philly staple" (as noted in a customer review), the Lawrence location brings that popular, nostalgic treat right here to Nassau County, offering a casual and **Family-friendly** atmosphere for a **Quick visit** or a group outing.

## Location and Accessibility

The Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard location is situated at **296 Central Ave, Lawrence, NY 11559, USA**. Central Avenue is a major commercial artery in the Five Towns region of Nassau County, making the shop highly visible and easily accessible to residents of Lawrence, Cedarhurst, and surrounding communities on Long Island's South Shore.

For New York area drivers, accessibility is supported by the provision of a **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**, which simplifies the process of finding a spot in a busy retail area. The building itself features a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, ensuring the space is welcoming to all patrons. While the shop caters to quick visits, it also provides **Seating** inside for those who wish to relax and enjoy their dessert. Furthermore, the business offers a variety of service options—**Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, and Takeout**—providing convenient ways for Long Island users to enjoy their treats without being restricted by their proximity or mobility. Located on a central avenue, it's a straightforward destination for a planned dessert run.

## Services Offered

• **Fresh Italian Ice**: A sweet, smooth, water-based frozen treat made fresh daily on location and hand-scooped to order, available in a rotating daily selection from over 80 potential flavors (including Italian Ice, Cream Ice, and Sugar-Free Italian Ice options).
• **Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard**: An award-winning, rich, and creamy soft-serve style custard, which forms the basis for many of their signature blended treats and sundaes.
• **Signature Gelati**: Rita's signature treat, featuring alternating layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, combining the creamy and the icy textures in one cup, with an elevated **5 Layer Gelati** option also available.
• **Concretes & Blendinis**: Thick, custom-blended treats. **Concretes** blend Frozen Custard with toppings (e.g., REESE'S Peanut Butter Mudslide Concrete, Cookies n' Cream Concrete), while **Blendinis** incorporate Italian Ice, Custard, and a topping.
• **Custom Sundaes and Shakes**: Offers **Create Your Own Sundae** with two toppings, as well as a variety of rich **Specialty Milkshakes** made with Frozen Custard.
• **Frozen Drinks**: Includes **Ice Blenders** (Italian Ice blended into a drink), **Gelati Blenders** (Ice blended with Custard mix), and **Frozen Coffee**.
• **Take-Home Treats (Freezer Fillers)**: Sells freshly packed items like **Frozen Custard Pints** and **Quart Bundles** of Italian Ice for enjoyment at home.
• **Flexible Service Options**: Provides **Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, and Takeout**.
• **Modern Payments**: Accepts **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.

## Features / Highlights

• **Dual Signature Products**: The combination of **Italian Ice** (refreshing, water-based) and **Frozen Custard** (rich, creamy) is the unique highlight, allowing for treats that are both light and indulgent.
• **The Gelati Experience**: The signature Gelati—alternating layers of the two main products—is the "best of both worlds" and the most popular item, offering a distinct texture and temperature contrast that is highly craveable.
• **Vast Flavor Rotation**: With over 80 possible Italian Ice flavors, including seasonal and limited-time options (like Witches' Brew-Berry or Gummy Bear), the menu is constantly changing, encouraging frequent returns to try something new.
• **Customization Options**: Patrons can **Create Your Own Concrete** or **Blendini**, allowing them to mix their favorite Custard and Italian Ice flavors with various toppings for a truly personalized dessert experience.
• **Local Small Business**: Operated as a **Small business**, this location contributes to the local economy and provides a personalized neighborhood feel within the Five Towns community.
• **Family and Crowd Appeal**: The atmosphere is **Casual** and **Trendy**, listed as **Family-friendly** and **Good for kids**, making it a welcoming spot for large **Groups** and easy for **Solo dining** or a **Quick visit**.
• **Service Consistency Note**: Customers should be aware that some user feedback has noted reported issues regarding portion sizes (e.g., a 'concrete' not filled to the top) and staff attitude. While these incidents are not representative of all experiences, they suggest an awareness of these points may be useful for first-time visitors.

## Contact Information

To inquire about the day's Italian Ice flavors, confirm service hours, or place an order for delivery or pickup, New York customers can use the following information:

Address: 296 Central Ave, Lawrence, NY 11559, USA

Phone: (929) 933-7665

Mobile Phone: +1 929-933-7665

## What Is Worth Choosing

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Lawrence is worth choosing for New York residents because it offers a truly distinctive and versatile frozen dessert that is a refreshing change from standard ice cream or gelato. The primary reason to visit is the **signature Gelati**—the famous layering of smooth, water-based **Italian Ice** with rich, creamy **Frozen Custard**. This unique combination creates a flavor and texture profile that is unmatched in the local dessert market, appealing to those who love both an icy treat and a creamy indulgence.

The shop’s commitment to providing a **massive rotation of fresh Italian Ice flavors** means there is always a new reason to stop by, whether you are seeking classic fruit flavors or something innovative like a limited-time candy or soda-inspired ice. This diversity ensures repeat visits remain exciting. Furthermore, the ability to fully customize a **Concrete** (custard blended with toppings) or a **Blendini** (custard, ice, and toppings blended) provides a creative outlet for dessert lovers.

As a locally operated **Small business** with a **Family-friendly, Casual** setting, Rita's provides a comfortable neighborhood vibe. With excellent accessibility, including **wheelchair access**, **Wi-Fi**, and multiple service options like **Delivery** and **In-store pickup**, it offers an extremely convenient and highly enjoyable treat experience for the residents of Nassau County.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

296 Central Ave, Lawrence, NY 11559, USA