Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

- 2791 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572

When the craving for a truly unique frozen dessert hits on Long Island, locals know exactly where to turn: Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Oceanside, NY. This small business has cemented its reputation as a premier destination for those seeking a delightful alternative to traditional ice cream, offering a signature blend of smooth Italian Ice and creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. It’s more than just a dessert shop; it’s a community favorite for a quick, casual, and incredibly satisfying visit that brings families and groups together, especially on a warm New York day.

Rita's is particularly celebrated for its diverse menu and commitment to freshness, with Italian Ice made fresh daily on location and hand-scooped to order. The welcoming atmosphere and focus on quality have earned it a loyal following, with customers often praising the super friendly staff and the consistently fresh products, as noted in customer reviews. Whether you're a lifelong Long Islander or just passing through the Oceanside area, a stop at Rita's is a must to experience the “Best of both worlds” philosophy that guides their famous treats.

The menu selection is vast and designed to appeal to all tastes, from the simple, classic Italian Ice to more elaborate, blended creations. Their star product, the Gelati, is a perfect marriage of texture and temperature, layering Italian Ice with soft-serve custard. Beyond this signature item, guests can indulge in rich Frozen Custard, Concretes, Shakes, and more. This variety ensures that every visit offers a new opportunity to discover a personal favorite or revisit a classic that tastes just as good as you remember. The fact that the location is so accessible, with excellent parking and seating options, makes it a hassle-free choice for an impromptu family outing or a planned group gathering.

Location and Accessibility

The Oceanside location of Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is conveniently situated at 2791 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572, USA. This placement makes it an easily accessible spot for residents across Long Island, especially those in the Nassau County area. The shop is designed with customer convenience in mind, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from arrival to departure.

For those driving to satisfy their sweet tooth, the accessibility features are a major plus. The location offers both a free parking lot and free street parking, eliminating the stress of finding a spot, which is a significant highlight in the busy New York region. Furthermore, Rita’s of Oceanside is committed to being welcoming to all members of the community. They provide a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that every patron can easily access and enjoy their delicious treats. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, perfect for a quick visit, whether you are stopping by after a long day or planning an afternoon snack with the kids. Seating is available for those who prefer to enjoy their dessert on-site.

Services Offered

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Oceanside offers a comprehensive range of services and menu options, categorized as an ice cream shop, dessert restaurant, dessert shop, and sundae restaurant. Their services are structured to provide maximum convenience, whether you want to enjoy your treat at the shop or in the comfort of your home.

• In-Store Ordering and Seating: Patrons can place their orders and enjoy the casual, family-friendly atmosphere with available seating.

• Takeout: Quick and efficient service is available for those who wish to grab their frozen treats and go.

• Delivery: For ultimate convenience, delivery service options are available, bringing the fresh Italian Ice and Frozen Custard right to your door.

• In-Store Pickup: Customers can pre-order their treats for quick and easy pickup.

• Frozen Custard and Italian Ice: The core menu includes the famous Italian Ice (available in traditional, Cream Ice, and Sugar-Free varieties) and rich Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard.

• Signature Treats: Specialties like the Gelati (alternating layers of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard), 5-Layer Gelati, Concrete & Blendini® (frozen custard blended with toppings and/or Italian Ice), and Milkshakes (made with rich and creamy custard) are all available.

• Freezer Fillers: Larger quantities of treats, such as Custard Cookie Sandwich 6-Packs and Frozen Custard Pints, are available for purchase to stock up at home.

• Beverages: In addition to the frozen desserts, the menu often includes items like Ice Blenders and Gelati Blenders, offering a drinkable take on the signature treats.

Features / Highlights

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is distinguished by several key features that enhance the customer experience and the quality of their products. These highlights are what make this small business a standout dessert shop in the Oceanside area.

• Great Dessert Quality: The commitment to quality is a major highlight, centered on Italian Ice made fresh daily and award-winning Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard that is rich and creamy, ensuring a premium treat every time.

• Signature Gelati: The Gelati, a perfect fusion of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, is a fan-favorite and often cited as the must-try item for first-time visitors.

• Family-Friendly Environment: The casual atmosphere and focus on being good for kids make it an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and relaxed outing. Groups are also easily accommodated.

• Extensive Flavor Rotation: With a wide variety of Italian Ice flavors, including classic favorites like Lemon, Cherry, and Mango, as well as Cream Ice and seasonal or limited-time offerings, there's always something new to try.

• Excellent Accessibility: The convenience of a wheelchair accessible entrance and designated wheelchair accessible parking, alongside a free parking lot, makes visiting easy for everyone.

• Multiple Payment Options: The business accepts all major forms of modern payment, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, streamlining the purchasing process.

• Friendly and Fresh Service: Customer reviews frequently highlight the super friendly staff and the consistently fresh products, enhancing the overall experience.

Contact Information

For local residents or visitors looking to contact the Oceanside location for hours, specific flavors of the day, or to place an order, here is the essential information:

Address: 2791 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572, USA

Phone: (516) 415-7330

What is Worth Choosing

If you are new to Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard or simply looking for the most beloved items, there are a few iconic choices that are highly recommended by long-time New York customers and dessert enthusiasts. The reputation of Rita's is built on these foundational favorites.

The definitive "must-get" at Rita's is the Gelati. This signature treat perfectly showcases the two stars of the shop—the Italian Ice and the Frozen Custard—by layering them together. Many customers express that the Gelati, which provides a cool, fruity, and creamy sensation in every bite, is the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) of frozen treats. A specific, highly-praised flavor combination for the Gelati is Mango with Vanilla Custard, a tropical and rich pairing that is a classic for a reason. Customers also rave about the Mango Ice on its own, noting its authentic tropical flavor that is sweet without being overpowering.

For those who prefer the Italian Ice solo, the Cherry Ice (which one customer proudly noted "has real bits of cherry in it!") and Lemon Ice are timeless choices. The Lemon Ice is often described as tart, refreshing, and reminiscent of real, quality frozen lemonade. Other popular Italian Ice choices frequently mentioned by fans include Black Cherry and Pineapple.

Another favorite is the Create Your Own Blendini®, which allows you to take the Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard and blend it with your favorite Italian Ice and a delicious topping. This offers endless customization and a thicker, blended texture similar to a concrete or thick shake. If you are a fan of rich, decadent combinations, the REESE'S Peanut Butter Mudslide Concrete is a top-selling item, featuring Vanilla Custard blended with REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Sauce, and stuffed with Hot Fudge.

In summary, while the wide array of rotating flavors and seasonal specialties encourages exploration, the Gelati (especially in a Mango or Cherry flavor combination) and any of the rich, customized Concrete or Sundae offerings are the true stars of the Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard experience in Oceanside, NY. Regardless of your final choice, the combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and friendly service guarantees a delightful frozen treat experience.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

2791 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572, USA