During our recent Eastcoasttrek our Foodie friend Renie was looking for a legit shaved ice location and remembered Rita's. Normally we stay away from chain/franchise operations, at least when it comes to food/beverages because one of the great things about traveling is experiencing one of a kind places. We had just stuffed ourselves at Oohh's & Aahh's and were in Northeast DC and it was a bit humid but he remembered Rita's. We went to the one on Rhode Island and was not disappointed. The good news about franchise eateries is consistency. We were promptly served and Renie insisted we try the Gelati. It was the perfect treat. Great presentation with quality products. The custard was amazing - tasty and creamy. There is plenty of free parking or street parking if you prefer.
Ricky P.
The Space: This is a no frills establishment. There is parking (about 10 spots), but I see plenty of people park in the neighborhood and walk up. There isn't any indoor seating, just a picnic table to the side. You will have to stand outside to order, sort of like a carnival/fair set up. The Service: Depending on the season and time of day you go, there could be a very long line that wraps around the building. I typically go around noon during the summer and there will be around 5 people in line. The service is alright, nothing spectacular but it keeps the line moving. I would check google to see how busy it is before making your way over. The Food: Again, Ritas keeps it simple but they have enough flavor options to make a million combinations (like strawberry, swedish fish, blood orange, green apple, etc). I personally like to get the mango gelati with vanilla custard. The small size is really filling because custard is heavier than ice cream. They just released a new flavor called "tropical paradICE", which is a mix of guava, mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. They even have dog treats in custard for your dogs, which might start to compete with the pupiccino from Starbucks!
David J.
I took my kids there and in my opinion some of your workers seem to be full of themselfs and rude and I have some people who agreed. We we're waiting in line, with no one behind us, and the workers started getting upset because my daughter couldn't pronounce the flavor she wanted. ABSOLUTE DOG . Looking for the 0 star review option.
Nora M.
Pretty busy location but staff is really friendly and quick. Parking is scarce. They will recommend you some pretty good options too if you ask. They are also one of the only Rita's that I have been to that have 4 custard flavors everyday. (Usually, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan) I love a gelati on a hot day. They typically keep their online flavors accurate too and you can decide before you get there!
Ijeoma M.
Service was a D-, The amount I paid for two kids sundae and one small sundae was outrageous. It cost me $16.57. This Rita's does not give an itemized receipts. This is my first experience with them. Then the manager gives me a unreasonable explanation on why this amount of ice cream was that size. The staff members are very unprofessional. If I am speaking to the manager the responses should only come from the manager. But all the other employees who don't have a managerial role responded with attitudes to my questions. Staff needs to be trained on customer service etiquette.
D. J.
This was the longest wait I have ever had at a Rita's. There were no less than 5 ppl working and it still took over 20 mins to get my order. The employees could be seen doing other things besides filling orders. Worst experience.
Andrew K.
This is a popular location for a reason. Excellent product, lots of choices. It's just a window with a small and busy lot-- I park on the residential street behind it to avoid annoyance.
Rovenia Brock
I recommend the service, fun atmosphere, &
Joyce Lilly
worst customer service ever!!! little old lady that works there was arguing with customers ahead of me and started a argument with me as well. she was rude, nasty, and don't know how to talk to people. won't be patronizing this location any more!!
Chelsea A.
I love ritas, so I love this place =). I also love that they have a parking lot. On a nice sunny day, this is a great place to stop at.
Stopped at this location for a treat for my family. There were 2 lines with about 10 people in each. It took an excruciatingly long time for each person to be served. Seriously, these people were getting soft serve ice cream without toppings. This should be a 3 minute transaction. We left after 30 minutes and the line had moved up 3 PEOPLE. Yep, 3 people in 30 minutes. Sorry Rita's, it just ain't that good!!
Ebony Lea
I asked for a sample of the strawberry because I have not been there in a long time and had not had it. I was told that because too much was going to come out of the machine that I couldn’t have a sample.
Michelle L.
We stopped here after a long hot day at the monuments. The service was great, staff was very friendly and the Italian ice was amazing. Parking was not a problem when we arrived.
During our recent Eastcoasttrek our Foodie friend Renie was looking for a legit shaved ice location and remembered Rita's. Normally we stay away from chain/franchise operations, at least when it comes to food/beverages because one of the great things about traveling is experiencing one of a kind places. We had just stuffed ourselves at Oohh's & Aahh's and were in Northeast DC and it was a bit humid but he remembered Rita's. We went to the one on Rhode Island and was not disappointed. The good news about franchise eateries is consistency. We were promptly served and Renie insisted we try the Gelati. It was the perfect treat. Great presentation with quality products. The custard was amazing - tasty and creamy. There is plenty of free parking or street parking if you prefer.
The Space: This is a no frills establishment. There is parking (about 10 spots), but I see plenty of people park in the neighborhood and walk up. There isn't any indoor seating, just a picnic table to the side. You will have to stand outside to order, sort of like a carnival/fair set up. The Service: Depending on the season and time of day you go, there could be a very long line that wraps around the building. I typically go around noon during the summer and there will be around 5 people in line. The service is alright, nothing spectacular but it keeps the line moving. I would check google to see how busy it is before making your way over. The Food: Again, Ritas keeps it simple but they have enough flavor options to make a million combinations (like strawberry, swedish fish, blood orange, green apple, etc). I personally like to get the mango gelati with vanilla custard. The small size is really filling because custard is heavier than ice cream. They just released a new flavor called "tropical paradICE", which is a mix of guava, mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. They even have dog treats in custard for your dogs, which might start to compete with the pupiccino from Starbucks!
I took my kids there and in my opinion some of your workers seem to be full of themselfs and rude and I have some people who agreed. We we're waiting in line, with no one behind us, and the workers started getting upset because my daughter couldn't pronounce the flavor she wanted. ABSOLUTE DOG . Looking for the 0 star review option.
Pretty busy location but staff is really friendly and quick. Parking is scarce. They will recommend you some pretty good options too if you ask. They are also one of the only Rita's that I have been to that have 4 custard flavors everyday. (Usually, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan) I love a gelati on a hot day. They typically keep their online flavors accurate too and you can decide before you get there!
Service was a D-, The amount I paid for two kids sundae and one small sundae was outrageous. It cost me $16.57. This Rita's does not give an itemized receipts. This is my first experience with them. Then the manager gives me a unreasonable explanation on why this amount of ice cream was that size. The staff members are very unprofessional. If I am speaking to the manager the responses should only come from the manager. But all the other employees who don't have a managerial role responded with attitudes to my questions. Staff needs to be trained on customer service etiquette.
This was the longest wait I have ever had at a Rita's. There were no less than 5 ppl working and it still took over 20 mins to get my order. The employees could be seen doing other things besides filling orders. Worst experience.
This is a popular location for a reason. Excellent product, lots of choices. It's just a window with a small and busy lot-- I park on the residential street behind it to avoid annoyance.
I recommend the service, fun atmosphere, &
worst customer service ever!!! little old lady that works there was arguing with customers ahead of me and started a argument with me as well. she was rude, nasty, and don't know how to talk to people. won't be patronizing this location any more!!
I love ritas, so I love this place =). I also love that they have a parking lot. On a nice sunny day, this is a great place to stop at.
Restaurantji Recommends
Stopped at this location for a treat for my family. There were 2 lines with about 10 people in each. It took an excruciatingly long time for each person to be served. Seriously, these people were getting soft serve ice cream without toppings. This should be a 3 minute transaction. We left after 30 minutes and the line had moved up 3 PEOPLE. Yep, 3 people in 30 minutes. Sorry Rita's, it just ain't that good!!
I asked for a sample of the strawberry because I have not been there in a long time and had not had it. I was told that because too much was going to come out of the machine that I couldn’t have a sample.
We stopped here after a long hot day at the monuments. The service was great, staff was very friendly and the Italian ice was amazing. Parking was not a problem when we arrived.