Overall, great experience. Here's why: I'm not a huge "water ice" connoisseur, didn't grow-up on…read morethe east coast eating it so I don't love it out of tradition or nostalgia, I like it, but don't always love it. I mean, it's right there in the name, it's literally watery ice with some flavoring, so maybe it would peak for me in the crazy heat of summer when the cold is refreshing. However, add some frozen custard to make it a "gelati", and now we're getting somewhere anytime of year. I got the root beer water ice gelati, which means they start with frozen custard in the bottom of the cup (I love the vanilla), add some water ice on top to fill the cup, then add more frozen custard on top above the rim. Check out the pic I posted. My wife got the wild black cherry gelati. My rootbeer water ice was a bit bland, not strong enough tasting, her wild black cherry water ice was really flavorful and good. The frozen vanilla custard on both was excellent, rich, creamy and smooth. Every time I eat at Rita's I want to tell them 90% custard, 10% water ice. And they're always so incredibly nice they'd definitely do it. Next time! I keep saying that, seriously, next time!
The service at this location was extremely welcoming and friendly, it was great. Atmosphere is bright and open, lots of light, colorful light board menus, lots of colorful, fun, happy signs with specials and such. The place is clean and well kept, comfortable, not too loud, with a slow steady stream of customers. Check out my pics of the inside.
I think as far as water ice goes, compared to many other places, and I've had a few, though I'm not a water ice aficionado, Rita's is excellent. As far as frozen custard goes, Rita's is excellent. The choices and toppings are endless. I recommend Rita's.
***FREE WATER ICE DAY is coming up on March 20th. Great time to pop in and give it a shot, worth the extra to add some of that delicious frozen vanilla custard to your favorite flavor water ice.