Rita’s Italian Ice

Love the water ice many flavors my fav is mango, pineapple, any flavor is good on a hot day or night they never fail me.

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Water ice and pretzels… I’m a happy girl.

It’s hot outside and Rita’s is nearby and has cold custard and water ice. If you’re not from the northeast, water ice is similar to a slushy or an Icee. Not being a Philly native, I had no idea what in the world water ice was when I moved into the area.
The custard isn’t the best I’ve ever had, but it’s good. They usually have three flavors of custard each day: vanilla, chocolate, and another one (usually strawberry or coffee). The water ice always comes in many interesting flavors, about ten different ones that change regularly. It’s incredibly sweet though, so I can’t even finish a child-​sized cup of it. Well, unless it’s the cotton candy flavor, because cotton candy is just too delicious even if it is sickeningly sweet. Some flavors I’ve seen offered at this location include black cherry, root beer, Swedish fish, watermelon, and Peeps (like the Easter marshmallow candy).
I recommend the gelati which is custard on the bottom, water ice of your choice in the middle, and custard on top. That way the water ice isn’t as sweet when you eat it with some of the custard.
The prices are low and you might get lucky and find a coupon in your mailbox or might be given a coupon when you purchase something which makes it even cheaper. The girls that work here are all very friendly, and you can sample any water ice before you buy it. Oh and at the risk of sounding like a twelve year old, they have rainbow sprinkles you can add to anything. I don’t think I’ll ever outgrow those little pieces of happiness.

Look, there’s nothing wrong with Rita’s. The water ice is generally good. The service is generally good. They try to come up with interesting flavors. And their presence overall has made water ice more popular in general. I have no major problem with Rita’s.
But honestly, I can name two water ice places in short driving distance that are better quality and less corporate, also far cheaper. That’s just fact. On top of that, the last water ice I got at Rita’s was just a little too slushy for my taste.
But, if someone handed me a Rita’s water ice, I certainly wouldn’t say no.

Nice Rita’s location just outside the city. Staff is very friendly. The offer some kosher flavors for our Jewish friends. large parking lot. Rest is pretty much standard. Good ice, good prices, everything you’d expect from a Rita’s Water Ice. Plus its the closest to my work so I’ll probably be back.

Absolutely love Rita’s!!! But, I’m a bit disappointed they didn’t have my 2 favorite flavors… watermelon & bubble gum. They still have the best treat on a hot summer and humid day in Philly. Wish they had more than one location in DallasTexas. There’s one in Flower Mound.

I know that Rita’s has gone corporate. My friend no longer makes their signs. They don’t even have water ice in the name anymore! I still dig their wares, though. Nothing hits the spot on a hot day like a big cup of water ice. I really like the chocolate, eventhough that flavor is nowhere near traditional. Also, please note that this location is in Collingdale, not Darby.
And now, everyone sing along:
Everybody wants to be cool
Everybody wants to be happy
Everybody wants to put a smile on your face
Real fruit
Real fresh
The ice is Rita’s
Be cool eat a Rita’s
Be cool eat a Rita’s
etc.