Rita’s

When you’re in West Campus at the Rancho Rio Eatery, trying that new Korean food truck on a Monday night, and realize Cow Tipping Creamery is closed that day, sometimes you just have to get your «soft serve» fix. That’s where, if you’re early enough, a stop at Rita’s comes in.
As we passed initially, we noticed a very empty parking lot at around 7:30 right in front of Rita’s. Parking on the Drag can be like spotting Bigfoot. So, we called.
«Hello, are you still open?»
«Well. We might close early. We often close early when it’s not busy.»
«So, what time are you thinking of closing?»
«I dunno. Some time before 8.» (8pm is the current normal closing time)
«Are you open right now? We’re like right outside…»
I only add this conversation because of the «owner’s comment» on another review stating that they «…have closed early ONCE in three years.» I get closing early when it makes business sense. But don’t act shocked if it annoys a would-​be customer.
I’ve been to the Rita’s north location on Parmer, near my work, and remember really enjoying the Italian ices from there. The Drag location seems to have a lot of home grown flavors, covering several diverse cultures. We sampled several of them, and none of them really excited me too much. To be fair, maybe it would be different on a hot day instead of a cooler evening.
We stuck with the custard, which that night came in three flavors: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Pretty standard stuff, and similar variety to the custard stands «back East». I assume there are those that mix in bits of candy, or unicorn horn shavings, or whatever, to spruce up their custard. I just got a simple mix of vanilla and strawberry WHICH COMPLETELY MADE THE STOP WORTHWHILE! I would put that creamy custard against any custard I’ve had before, as would the person I was with who lived where your weekend often involved a stop at the custard stand. Not sure about the reviewer who felt it «has the same problem of many ‘diet’ foods» and «lacks creaminess». We did not find that to be the case at all. Also, we found the «regular» to be plenty big enough.
If this review was based solely on the ices, and the initial contact with staff that didn’t exactly make us feel welcome, and all the chairs already being upside-​down on the tables when we arrived making us feel even less welcome, then this would be a three-​star review. Due to the patience of the staff member AFTER we arrived, discussing the flavors, volunteering to give us samples he thought we’d be interested in even if we hadn’t asked, and the quality of the custard, I’ll bump it to 3 ½ stars (where are our half-​stars, Unilocal?). So, round up to 4.

One of my guilty pleasures! Im from the east coast and was happy to see a place from my hometown. I love the custard and itailian ice. Black cherry and red sewdish fish is my favorite. The custard is a must!

I love ice cream, gellato, frozen yoghurt, and frozen custards, however, I will likely never go back to Ritas. The service was good, but the product is underwhelming. There are many good choices for ice cream, this is not one of them.
I tried a sample of one of the ices. The sample was not smooth, there were several large pieces of ice in my small sample, and the overall texture was ‘gritty’. I had the coffee, which should have had a strong and rich flavor, instead, it was weak and thin. I almost left without making a purchase based on that sample.
I bought some of the custard. It is over whipped, like a meringue, and has a mouth feel very different from other frozen desserts. It lacks the richness and creaminess that makes other frozen custards and ice creams so good. You can tell immediately it is low fat, and has the same problem of many ‘diet’ foods, a lack of flavor and richness of the real thing. I cannot say I enjoyed my custard, I didn’t even finish mine, and no one in my family was impressed.

Another place I regret not trying during my UT undergrad years. Why did I just now drop into Rita’s after so many years of passing by?! It’s unacceptable!
Their Italian Ice is phenomenal; the shaved ice is dense and the flavors are one-​of-​a-​kind. Since it was my first time I had to sample all the flavors. The staff was patient and friendly while I sampled each flavor. At one point I looked behind me and saw a long line form… oops. That just shows how unique their flavors are to the point where you have to try them all. The newest flavor was the Starburst Cherry flavor, which I tried and loved. I also liked the Cookies N’ Cream.
There’s ample seating space inside this colorful building including a 2^nd floor. I think I’ll be enjoying more of Rita’s during the summer while I sit outside with a Starburst Cherry flavor ring around my mouth.

A creamier version of frozen yogurt, I had my first custard experience here. Light and refreshing, my coffee custard was awesome.
Definitely try custard when you’re in Austin.

Pretty much like any other Rita’s but its right in central Austin. (Unlike other TX locations… all in suburbia) Plus, they have parking! Not much, but better than nothing :)
What is this place? Think JimJim’s water ice + likkity’s frozen custard. Drooling yet?
Their custard is creamy, dreamy, delicious. And love pairing it with their Swedish fish Italian water ice!!! Literally tastes like the red Swedish Fish gummies. Thanks for sharing Hannah :)
Lots of options: ice, cream ice, custard, toppings, blended or not. (Don’t be intimidated by the fancy names like Misto or Blendini…) FYI: You can also sample a few flavors before ordering.
About $ 4 – 6 depending on what you get.

I am a huge fan of custard and this was great. I have never had the Italian ice and that was awesome to. I came in for the first time ever today and there was a family in front of me. There was an older man behind the counter who was giving them the schooling on how it all worked. He gave them lots of suggestions. Then it was our turn. I tried the Red velvet ice and it did not have much flavor then i tried the leche and that was awesome. The owner i believe was the one helping us. He suggested that we do half custard and half Ice. So I did half coffee custard and half Leche ice and he put some peanut butter cup in it. Oh I am in heaven. I wish i would of found this place sooner when it was 105 degrees out. Oh i will be a regular

I was shopping across the street and needed something sweet.
There was quite a line when we came in! It passed fairly quickly and the girl at the counter was apologetic for the wait.
The BF and I both ordered the galati which comes with a choice of italian ice and custard. I opted for pineapple ice and vanilla custard and the BF chose mango ice with orange/​strawberry twist custard.
We really enjoyed our selections. But we both agreed that the combination was pretty heavy. After we finished our dessert… we went straight for a nap! For now we are just gonna stick to the italian ice only.

How did I attend UT for 4 years and never go here?! I saw and passed by this place for years, and never once did I make an effort to stop by and try something. Now that’s a travesty.
I recently returned to Austin and a friend suggested this place to us. We went in on a hot sunday afternoon, and Rita’s is exactly what we needed. Tried their italian ice/​frozen custard mix, and it was delicious. Their italian ice is great — similar to Jim Jim’s if you’ve had it. Their frozen custard, however was amazing. It had the consistency of a light, unbelievably airy mousse. Really glad someone finally made me come here. Great place if you’re in the mood for frozen desserts — and in Texas, more often than not, you are.

I recently went to Rita’s because I’d been nagging my friends like the child that I am when I have a craving. It was not at all what I expected.
First of all, having only one employee working during a hot summer day, in one of the only custard places that I’ve heard of is ridiculous. We waited in line a good 10 – 15 minutes.
I ended up getting a mixture of italian ice and custard, because custard by itself was ridiculous expensive. It was a mistake. I believe it was red velvet italian ice, and chocolate custard. It made my mouth feel numb within 3 bites.
The only reason I finished it was because I’d paid over 4 dollars for it, and it was ridiculously hot outside.
I don’t think I will ever go again. The only reason I’m giving it 2 stars is the employee was extremely sweet.

It’s all my fault.
I was in a Sandy’s mood.
But we were at Antone’s Records on the Drag, and there, right THERE, so tantalizingly close, was Rita’s.
And I’d never tried Rita’s.
And now, I have.
Perhaps, had I stuck to the Italian ices, things would have been different.
But, as I said, I was in a Sandy’s kind of mood. So, I went for a chocolate/​vanilla frozen custard twist.
Blah.
What’s more, blah and expensive. Two cups = $ 6.67. Really???
Next time, I’ll trek to Sandy’s, or up the ante, and go for it at Teo.

I’m a big fan of frozen custard, so I had to check out Rita’s. Their frozen custard, or as I like to call it, fro-​cu, is thick, creamy, and pretty yummy, my favorite is the strawberry. Rita’s is a good place to stop for dessert or just an afternoon treat.

I have to admit that I never gave this place a fair chance-​it does not seem very striking from the outside. But we had already tasted some questionable lemonade from a little kid’s lemonade stand so Rita’s seemed like it would be a treat. And it beat my expectations.
I got the lemonade ice (made with real lemons!) and I should’ve gotten the custard on top of it. Custard+fruit ice = happiness. My experienced companion got watermelon+vanilla custard and I ended up scooping her custard into my ice. I will most definitely be back.

Quick tips: Swedish fish in an ice flavor — Yes please! Also good is Blue Raspberry and if you are looking for lighter alternatives, they always have a daily sugar free option. Their custard is also delicious. You can sign up for the their frequent buyer program and get an instant buy one get one free coupon. Free parking. Their sizes are very generous, I could never eat more than a small.
Food: If you are looking for an alternative to snow cones, that is open year round, Rita’s is your place! They change their flavors daily. The Sugar Free mango peach was a light alternative and had a minimal Splenda taste.
Ambiance — They have benches right outside for a cute relaxed way to end a date or the night. Also a good place to stop on a walk for a refreshing treat!
Service: The owner’s father is so nice! He was explaining about bringing his son to Rita’s when he was younger and how they wanted to share Rita’s Italian Ice and custard with Texas.

Really terrific ices and custards. The majority of the ices are made with real fruit (what a concept!) — I found big chunks of watermelon in my watermelon ice, and we’re pretty sure we found evidence of real pumpkin in the pumpkin. Delicious, and not ridiculously sweet, the flavor really shone through. And the custard was velvety and lovely — not soft serve, but custard. We got the mix of layered custard and ice, and it was fantastic. Warning, if you get a large, have an empty belly, because these are huge and filling.
Also, if you’re from Rhode Island, try the Alex’s Lemonade — it reminded me a LOT of my beloved Del’s Lemonade back home (don’t worry, family back home, not EXACTLY the same, just a pleasant reminder). We took a quart home (we believe it will also make an excellent alcoholic treat).
I’m only bummed that it took me this long to try it. I can see a perfect evening spent in that little corner of the drag hitting local favorites like Toy Joy, Oat Willie’s, Vulcan Video, Conan’s Pizza, topped by Rita’s. I love Austin. Seriously.

Overpriced but delicious. The Florida Orange Italian Ice was so so so good.

Cheap, fast & delicious!
If you’re craving for a different type of dessert to beat the Texas heat, this is the right place. The Gelati is the perfect way to cool down. The heavenly combination of italian ice & frozen custard will leave you wanting more. Be sure to try the Black Cherry ice & Vanilla frotard – delish!

I might not be an expert on Italian Ice, but boy is it a great way to beat the summer heat.
I never thought it would really be possible to find a place in Austin that could match up with sno beach, but man this makes it so hard to decide when I want to cool off.
The texture of the ice is nice and fine, smooth flavor, and very fruity, just the way I like it. It is on the rather sweet side, but the flavors are simply amazing. Strongly suggest the florida orange if you like sweet, and the lemonade if you like tangy.
Bad news is seating is somewhat small at the moment until they fully finish converting the upstairs.

Right across the street from Toy Joy they are dishing up Italian Ice and Custard at Rita’s. Sometimes with both ice and custard in the same cup. We stopped in because we had never had Italian Ice and knew there was a Grand Opening promo for a free regular size. I had a mouth-​watering Mango and the Mister had an equally tasty Raspberry Lemonade.
The franchise is owned by two local guys, Brian and Eric Jensen who grew up eating this magical snack as kids in Philadelphia. The brothers always dreamed of opening a Rita’s and now have the rights to all central Texas locations which extend from San Antonio to Cedar Park. The employees are friendly and helpful and will scoop samples of ice or custard for you to taste.
Rita’s promo ends after closing tomorrow so get your butt on down there and try something new, refreshing and delicious. Flavors include Mango, Raspberry Lemonade, Vanilla, Wild Black Cherry, and Pina Colada. Parking is available in front of the store and there is a picnic table for gathering with your friends in a covered outdoor area.

Rita’s Custard just opened in West Campus, directly across the street from Toy Joy. Limited free parking is available in the small parking lot.
I took my son and his friend there yesterday afternoon to try out their Italian ices. We entered a clean and cheerful store, and were encouraged to sample different flavours. The employee helping us was friendly and patient. We decided on mango, tropical island and vanilla ices. As a bonus, I did not have to pay as ices are free all this week!
RIta’s ices are comparable to 7 – 11’s Icees. Unfortunately, here the similarity ends. I love Icees. I tried to love these. But after about ten bites or so, I stopped eating as I found it overly sweet. Both the boys said theirs were too sweet as well… what? Usually, little boys just scarf down all manner of frozen treats, no questions asked.
We won’t be back for these sugar bombs. Maybe we’ll return for the custards.