Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

- 1243 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

When the summer heat hits New York, or really any time you’re looking for a delightful sweet treat, few places capture that quintessential, cooling dessert experience quite like Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. Situated right in the heart of the energetic Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn, this shop offers a unique combination of refreshing Italian Ice and rich, creamy Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. For locals and tourists making a trip to the beach or the famous boardwalk, Rita's is a convenient and highly-rated stop for a scoop of happiness.

Rita's, which originated as a small Italian Ice business in a Philadelphia suburb back in 1984, has grown into a well-known chain celebrated for its commitment to fresh, daily-made Italian Ice and its signature, blended treats. The store in Brooklyn acts as a local dessert destination, providing a colorful and flavorful break from the bustling city streets. The menu is expansive, designed to satisfy any craving from a light, fruity refreshment to an indulgent, rich frozen dessert. Whether you're a first-timer or a lifelong fan, understanding the offerings and location details of the Coney Island shop at 1243 Surf Ave is essential for planning your next treat adventure.

This professional content guide is designed to provide you, the New York resident, with all the necessary details to enjoy the Rita's experience in Coney Island, focusing on their distinct menu items, accessibility, and unique product highlights.

Location and Accessibility

The Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard shop is perfectly positioned to serve the high traffic of the Coney Island area. You can find this sweet spot at 1243 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224. This address places it near key attractions and local transit options, making it a very accessible destination whether you are coming from other parts of Brooklyn or elsewhere in the city. The location is easily identifiable within the vibrant, seaside community.

In terms of accessibility for all patrons, the store provides practical amenities that ensure a comfortable visit. This commitment to inclusivity is important, especially in a bustling area like Coney Island.

Accessibility Features include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

The location is noted for being close to local rail stations, which makes arrival and departure straightforward for those utilizing New York City’s extensive public transportation system. While some customer feedback mentions limited seating, the prime location and quick service make it ideal for grabbing a frozen treat to enjoy while strolling along the boardwalk or by the beach.

Services Offered

The Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard location in Brooklyn offers a variety of ways for customers to get their favorite treats. The services are designed for convenience, accommodating New Yorkers' busy lifestyles.

Available Services and Dining Options:

• Takeout service for quick and easy ordering.
• In-store pickup for orders placed in advance.
• Dine-in option for customers who wish to enjoy their treats on-site.
• Delivery options are available through popular delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash, serving the local New York area.
• Payment methods accepted include Credit Cards and Debit Cards for a seamless transaction process.
• Wi-Fi access is available as an amenity for customers.

Estimated Operating Hours:

While hours can fluctuate, particularly with the seasons in a seaside location like Coney Island, delivery platform data suggests hours of operation are approximately 12:00 pm - 9:40 pm on some days, though individual store hours should always be confirmed via a call or their official channels before visiting, especially during the off-season or poor weather days. The variety of service options ensures that whether you’re visiting the neighborhood or relaxing at home, a Rita’s treat is never far away.

Features / Highlights

Rita's stands out in the crowded New York dessert scene by focusing on two main, high-quality products and combining them into signature creations. The store is famous for its namesake treats, which form the basis of a rich and customizable menu.

Key Product and Store Highlights:

• The Signature Gelati: Rita's most popular offering, the Gelati, is the perfect marriage of Italian Ice and Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, layered in a cup. It's often highlighted as the "best of both worlds" and a must-try for new visitors.
• Fresh, Daily-Made Italian Ice: The Italian Ice is a cornerstone of the brand, made fresh daily on location. The texture is sweet and smooth, offering a distinctly different experience from traditional shaved ice.
• Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard: Described as rich and creamy, the frozen custard is made with high-quality ingredients and is the perfect complement to the refreshing Italian Ice, or delicious on its own as a sundae, milkshake, or in a pint.
• Rotating Flavors and Variety: Rita's offers an enormous selection of flavors, with over 95 rotating options for Italian Ice, ensuring there's always something new to try. Popular flavors often include Mango, Cherry, and Lemon, known for their authentic and vibrant tastes.
• Specialty Blended Treats: The menu features custom creations like the Concrete (custard blended with toppings) and the Blendini® (custard, Italian Ice, and a topping blended together). Favorites include the REESE'S Peanut Butter Mudslide Concrete and the OREO® Cookies n' Cream Milkshake.
• Frozen Drinks: For those on the go, the Gelati Blender (Ice blended with custard) and the Ice Blender offer portable, satisfying refreshment.
• Freezer Fillers: Customers can purchase Frozen Custard Pints or take Toppings on the Side to enjoy Rita's treats at home.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding hours, daily flavors, or services at the Coney Island location, you can reach out directly.

Address: 1243 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA

Phone Number: 917-301-3093 (As per a business listing, though confirmation upon calling is recommended)

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers looking for a standout frozen dessert, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Coney Island offers a unique value proposition that is hard to find elsewhere. It combines the refreshing, non-dairy nature of traditional Italian Ice with the decadent richness of frozen custard, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

The consensus among popular choices clearly points to the Gelati as the definitive Rita's experience. This item perfectly showcases the brand's expertise by layering their famous, smooth Italian Ice with the Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. For a classic choice, coupling the ever-popular Mango Italian Ice with Vanilla Custard is a combination frequently hailed by fans. Alternatively, for those craving a decadent dessert, the Concretes—especially the REESE'S Peanut Butter Mudslide or Cookies n' Cream options—are substantial and satisfying, blending the rich custard with popular candy and cookie toppings. The seasonal flavors and limited-time offerings also provide an exciting reason to return, ensuring the menu always feels fresh and innovative.

While a customer comment noted an observation about the ingredients, the brand proudly markets their Italian Ice as being "made fresh daily" and their custard with "high quality ingredients," and their popularity suggests a product that customers consistently enjoy. The convenience of their location near public transit, coupled with a full suite of service options—from dine-in to a variety of delivery platforms—makes Rita's a hassle-free and joyful choice for a treat. Whether you need a quick, cool-down refreshment after a day at the beach or a richly blended dessert to cap off an evening, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard at 1243 Surf Ave is a Brooklyn destination well worth the visit. The experience is rooted in their core mission: Ice + Custard = Happiness.

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

1243 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA