The Boston Area is known for amazing artisanal ice cream. It is not known for artisanal frozen custard. Amazing artisanal ice cream can now be found all over the United States. Frozen custard is frozen custard. My chocolate frozen custard was boring. My waffle cone was slightly stale. An espresso frozen custard was significantly more interesting ... But still not even remotely up to the knock-you-to-the-moon experience That an artisanal coffee ice cream can be. read more

Abbott's has gone considerably downhill. The last 3 times we visited, every cone (cake cones) was stale. Each visit produced custard more watered down than the previous visit, to the point of consistency closer to frozen ice! And worst of all, prices have hiked up while the servings have shrunk down to ridiculously minuscule sizes. Just paid over $6 for a small cone that was half a scoop. When I asked if I was mistakenly served a kiddie size, the server confirmed it was a small. My audible surprise was met with a shrug. Give me Anderson's custard any day! Half the price, double the size, superior creaminess, and double the satisfaction. What a disappointment. read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - Ridiculously miniscule small serving - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

Service from the young staff was courteous and friendly, but the owner (an older gentleman, I assume) was quite rude. We stopped by after the Harvest Fair because of a promotion; otherwise, we usually skip Abbott's. I accidentally left the coupon in the car my husband was driving, but he took a photo to show we had it. The owner refused to honor it. His dismissive attitude was disappointing -- especially over something so minor. He had every right not to honor it but the attitude was not needed. We still bought the ice cream but would we come back? NO. read more

Absolutely delicious custard and even better custard sundaes. I went for the PB sundae and was delighted at how generous the portion was and how tasty it was. They load it up with peanut butter and fudge, which I absolutely love, and don't skimp you at all. You're definitely getting the bank for your buck here. I went for a small, and the cup was what most places use as a medium/large. The sundae was overflowing with ingredients. Rarely ever see this at ice cream shops. 10/10 I'll be back! read more

If you haven't had frozen custard before, you should definitely try it. Abbott's has delicious custard. It's richer and creamier than normal ice cream. If you come on a hot summer day there will most likely be a line but it moves very quickly. They also have a wide variety of custard novelties like chip wheels, pies, chocolate covered bananas, and more. Abbott's doesn't have that many flavors but you can never go wrong with vanilla and rainbow sprinkles! read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - an ice cream cone with sprinkles - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

My first time having custard did not disappoint! The stand was so cute - exactly what you'd picture a New England summer shop to be. I love thick and creamy ice creams and these flavors were just that. The mocha joe dough was chocolate with coffee mixed in and delicious globs of cookie dough. The girls working where so nice and also helpful. I can't wait to go back! read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

I always look forward to grabbing a hot fudge sundae here. All the flavors I've tried have been great

Excellent custard ice cream... all homemade flavors... I'm hooked on it now like ice cream crack... 8 bucks a pint in line price wise for a pint. Coffee something flavor I wish they would make more often and more in their fridge for choosing. Butterscotch flavor excellent, strawberry cheesecake outstanding... all the young girls/guys employees all are great respectful employees and all a class act handling customers... my diet needs to stop eating other calories to allow me to keep eating this custard.... read more

Best custard around, hands down. You can't go wrong with any of the flavors and you have really nice and friendly staff to help you decide if you're stuck! read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - Coffee flavor - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

Glorious frozen custard, always better than ice cream. Lots of options and flavors. However, limited seating options right now due to COVID--plan accordingly. read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - two scoops of ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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We ordered a large custom ice cream cake for my daughter's birthday. It was sooooo delicious. My guests were very impressed.

Best custard around! Custard isn't super popular in the area and Abbotts fills that craving! Every flavor is so creamy... might be better than ice cream. Some of my favorite flavors are the black raspberry and coconut... so creamy and the coconut has small grated pieces of coconut! They have a variety of toppings, and do shakes as well. AND THEIR PIES!!! Their pies are a classic! By myself, I'll order one of the individual ones but their bigger ones are great for a group and easily feed more than 7 people. Staff is always super friendly. And they have a window so you don't even have to go inside to order (and town center just across the street has a huge outdoor tent with seating and lights for night). A must visit for dessert in Needham! read more

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After my first visit here, which was lackluster, I avoided this place for a long time. However, I decided to give it another try, seeing that my next trip to Rochester is uncertain. Maybe it was just the kid I had to deal with the first time but things have been significantly better my last few go-arounds. The portions are more in line with Rochester stores and the custard still has that rich creaminess that you'd expect from Abbott's on Jefferson in Henrietta or at Charlotte Beach...or whenever in Rochacha. I went for the peanut butter sundae the last visit and it's loaded with crumbled peanut butter cups and whipped cream. Maybe if I had to complain, I'd rather have more custard than the other two things but it was still pretty good. For $1.50, a wheel, which is pretty much an ice cream sandwich, is a good deal. The chocolate wafers that act as the "bread" was really hard when I first bit into it and everything was rock solid. It softened after time, however. Eat it on a super hot day. Various Rochester products such as Zweigles (yum) and Country Sweet Sauce (blech) are sold here as well. read more

Great custard. Yummy yummy yummy. Friendly staff and just love it. Don't get here often enough

UGH there is nothing like delicious homemade custard to cool you off on a hot night. Abbott's is home made, they have a bunch of great flavors, though I am partial to classic vanilla! They are located in a busy area in Needham (walking distance from a large handful of restaurants) so it can be hard to find parking at times but its worth it. Its relatively expensive, but the portions are very large! And you have to remember that its homemade and you are paying for the love that goes into it. I usually head in to grab a few pints to bring home and keep in the freezer :) read more

Located in the very upscale neighborhood of Needham Massachusetts, Abbott's does not disappoint. They give a generous scoop for a single sized cone or cup, but again prices are steep. Just over $9 for a single scoop cup and a single cone w/ sprinkles. Like most places you can sample before committing. I compare it to Ted Drews in St Louis which is and always will be number ONE. At home we have the runner up, "Van's" which is also pretty amazing. Anyway, this was the only frozen custard place around, so it's worth it if you want something pretty good. read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - Single cup of rich and creamy vanilla frozen custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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Terrible. Local ice cream shops are far superior. Never again. Overpriced and poor service.

Ice cream is great and staff has always been friendly! We love walking over and then treating ourselves to a chocolate almond frapp with Oreos and whipped cream! read more

OMG, I died and went to food heaven. First off, I used to enjoy frozen custard during summer vacations on Nantucket, years ago. Flash forward, I found this chilly treat at a place in Hatteras. That was the last time I had a taste. For years, I have dreamed of custard. Finding frozen custard on Cape Cod, forget it. I recently learned there is a place in Brighton and Needham serving up ambrosia. On our way back from the coldest snowboard sesh of my life, we stopped in Needham. I saw photos on Abbot's Instagram of their eggnog special with cinnamon and nutmeg. My boyfriend knew I have long dreamed of some custard so we made a beeline on our way back to the Cape. The store is located on Great Plain Ave, nestled amongst lots of cute stores and dining spots. Of course the place was empty on a frigid Sunday night. We ordered a small eggnog and a kiddie size coffee Heath. The young sales girl sprinkled on the cinnamon but there was no nutmeg. A slight disappointment but I dug in. Ahhhh..a little spoon of heaven. My man loved his Heath treat. Cannot wait to go back when the days are warmer. Custard bliss! read more

I drove a long way to try this highly rated frozen custard. I ordered peanut butter crunch and expresso. After I bit into an oversized chunk of OREO COOKIE, I told the counter person she gave me the wrong flavor. She insisted that it was peanut butter crunch. A few more bites, and I was POSITIVE it was Oreo Cream. She showed me the container it came out of and said, 'See'. What I saw, was Oreo Cream with a faint swirl of a caramel colored sauce. Trust me, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PEANUT BUTTER FLAVOR TO THIS FROZEN YOGURT. Felt like I got served a 'bait and switch'. Although better, the Expresso lacked any Expresso quality, but at least it did have a coffee flavor to it. Both were too soft, melting too quickly. There are no tables to sit at and enjoy your frozen yogurt, just 2 communal benches against a wall. Big 0 for ambiance. Don't recommend the frozen yogurt or shop, wouldn't go back. read more

My favorite since childhood! Wonderful memories and delicious custard! So happy it is Needham

I've heard of frozen custard, but had never had the opportunity to try it before, so I was pretty excited when the birthday girl made a special request for a frozen custard birthday cake. Therefore, this review will span over 2 separate days - day 1 when I placed the order, and day 2 when I picked it up and we went at it. Day 1 - I called Abbott's at 781-444-9908 and left a message in the morning about my wish to order either a cake or pie, and received a call back from the owner, Mary Pat, maybe two hours later shortly after noon. She was friendly and helpful, asking me the number of people this would be for. For 6, she said either a pie $17 or small cake $22.50 (7 inches, which actually can serve 8-10) would work. I asked if she could handle the flavors we were thinking about: Banana, Coconut, Mango, Peanut Butter. She said yes, but that her peanut butter was actually vanilla custard base with something swirled in (I forget if she said peanut butter or peanut butter cups or what). Pies are generally a single flavor, while the cakes are two. So, me, being the lover of variety that I am, selected the banana coconut cake with their normal layer of cookie crunch sandwiched in between. Doesn't that sound good? I mentioned that I had heard (thanks Yelp!) that she has chocolate covered bananas... any chance some of that could be used as a garnish? She wasn't sure, but she'll see. It isn't like my heart was set on it, so that was fine with me. They only have street parking and store opens at noon on the day of pick up, so till then... (four stars for now, just to keep the current rating as it is...) Day 2 - street parking wasn't hard to find since a car pulled out a few storefronts away AND left me half an hour on the meter - nice! Abbott's has a window out front for take-out, and the store itself is small and long with the counter to your left. I don't recollect any seats inside. Two teens were inside manning the shop; with no other patrons commanding their attention, they packed my cake quickly enough. A card was slipped into the cake box window instructing me to take the cake out of the freezer 15-30 minutes before serving. I took a peek into the box - the cake was sprinkled with shredded coconut and surrounded by a ring of chocolate dipped banana slices. Nice! Okay, I like cookie crumble centers, so the thick layer of crumbles were a nice treat - and a nice surprise to the rest of the diners, whom I did not give a head's up to. Both the coconut and the banana frozen custards were nice and creamy and smooth and with great flavor. But between the two flavors, banana was better. The birthday girl said it was a little easier to cut than past ice cream cakes. The only negative was the short brown hair I found in my slice. I'll keep the four star rating. *** 3/2017 *** My turn! Didn't realize before, but their hours are rather short. Store Hours: Sun: 1-8:30 Mon: Closed Wed-Thurs: 1-8:30 Fri: 1-9:30 Sat: 12-9:30 So I wised up and called them in the afternoon to order the cake - a small cake for $24 that feeds 8-12. Their pies are now $20. I asked them to decorate it with chocolate covered bananas, but sadly they couldn't make banana custard for me, so I settled upon Pistachio and Butterscotch. Results - I liked the Butterscotch more than the Pistachio. It had a nice flavor and was smooth while the Pistachio was a bit icy. Maybe I'll consider the Butterscotch paired with Vanilla should they be unable to handle a banana request in the future. I still like their cookie crumble. read more

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I was so shocked to see an Abbott's in Needham as someone from Rochester (where the chain started) as I didn't realize it existed outside of western NY. Same quality custard as the Rochester locations- amazing! For anyone wondering the difference between regular ice cream and custard is the addition of egg yolk which makes it nice and thick and creamy (less ice-y if that makes sense). Wish it wasn't so pricey but I don't go too often so I can justify it. Loved the Rochester-area college penants hanging on the wall as it reminded me of home. There are plastic Adirondack chairs outside to sit on but it'd be nice if there were some tables and more chairs. read more

I never knew the difference between ice cream and frozen custard was eggs! I really can't taste the difference anyway.... The place was very good! My friend ordered a Mexican Sundae and I ordered the Old Fashion Float. It was YUMMY!! I really liked the Mexican Sundae though, especially with lots of peanuts. I'd definitely come back and taste their other flavors. Quick service and friendly workers! Thanks for having us. read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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Love it...much richer than ice cream. Very decadent! Even their "lite" versions are pretty darn good though. My husband is from Rochester and that is where I first tried Abbotts...on the lake :) I was so surprised to see one open in my hometown. So when I bring the kids to see their g'parents...we always stop here! My parents, oddly enough don't care for the frozen custard. they are more Brigham's sort of folk. Go figure! read more

We tried Chocolate, Purple Cow, Peanut Butter Lite. They were all very flavorful and the Kiddie size was plenty. The lite was lacking the ultra creamy texture of the others however so I would go for the original next time (I only chose for the flavor anyway). The service was very friendly and helpful. You can special order ice cream pies. They have cones, sundaes, floats, smoothies, Nutty Buddies, cookie ice cream sandwiches and homemade ice cream turtles. read more

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I heard about frozen custard on one of those travel shows called Ice Cream Paradise last year. Ever since seeing the program I have set out to sample frozen custard before I die! We set out to find ice cream and lo-and-behold we found Abbott's Frozen Custard in Needham. The store front is tiny and has a chalkboard with today's flavors. We tried the coffee with a bit of hot fudge and a vanilla (as you can never go wrong with vanilla!). What is frozen custard you ask? It's sort of like soft serve ice cream BUT BETTER, MUCH BETTER! It was creamier, smoother, denser than soft serve! If you are a fan of soft serve ice cream, you will love frozen custard! The servers are real friendly. Can't wait to go back and get more! BTW, they have frozen chocolate covered bananas!!!! read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

Poorly managed store with mediocre frozen custard. First my son couldn't get a malted because they were out of malt powder (how about a run to the market when your supply gets low?). Then I ordered a small mint chip. Silly me, should have asked to taste it before ordering. But once I took a single bite and realized I really didn't like it (tasted like chemicals, fake mint), I politely asked if it could switch the flavor and was told no, because I had already taken a bite (as if they would put it back in the freezer if I hadn't!). They still charged me, I left with nothing, and my son left with his second choice. And I'd go back again why?? read more

Stunned with this small, little shop. Tucked in Needham Center, on Great Plain Avenue, lies the first frozen custard place in Massachusetts. It's really a great place to go for frozen custard (a sequel to ice cream, yet thicker), and definitely a place to stop if you're in Needham Center (which is ok...... Wellesley center is MUCH better though!). Anyway, the girl working here was very kind and offered samples and and explained the process they have. Everything is made daily and homemade, which is good. They have different flavors, and are open year round, which is amazing (as nowhere else in the immediate area is, I think....). Anyway, great place. Highly suggested. read more

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So many good flavors to try. Expect a line up. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They offer gluten free cones. The ice cream is delicious. Full of flavor and very creamy. You can also get waffle cones or cups filled with your favorite flavor. I saw ice cream cakes in the display. Parking is on the street. read more

Abbott's Frozen Custard - Store front. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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Pretty good frozen custard. Not as good as Leon's or Kopp's, but this isn't Milwaukee. Nice texture, good flavor. Not enough egg for my taste. The best I've had in Boston. But Boston's an ice cream town, not a place for frozen custard. Yet. read more

Abbott's is A M A Z I N G. I don't mean to brag but I'd like to think of myself as a frozen treat aficionado. I'm upset I haven't heard of this place sooner. Creamy, smooth, rich, and utterly delicious. If I could, I'd eat it for every meal for the rest of my life. My brother's girlfriend had the genius idea to pick up a frozen custard pie for my brother's birthday at Abbott's (conveniently located close to my brothers shoe shop) after I had told her that my boss said she heard it was good. Good was a serious understatement. This pie (really? who would've thought?)was made up of so many elements that I was in heaven. Chocolate sauce layered over a shortbread crust, vanilla frozen custard on top (and I could've sworn there were peanut butter cups that were strategically placed in the custard at the bottom), smothered with a peanut butter and chocolate sauce swirl, and then some peanut butter cups on top of that?? I couldn't believe it. I'm salivating right now just thinking about how much I want another slice. I seriously can't wait to go back for more. read more

Anything less than 5 stars for Abbott's vanilla custard is a travesty. There is no difference between this frozen custard and what you would get in Rochester by the lake. I'm so happy I no longer have to drive 6.5 hours to have Abbott's. My poor sister in Fairport ... one less reason for me to go home to visit her. read more

One of the few frozen custard places in New England and its great. Not the same level of custard awesomeness of Kopp's or Culver's in the midwest, but pretty good. If you haven't had frozen custard before its not the same as ice cream. Its much thicker and richer. This place offers it in an assortment of flavors which are all good. They also have a range of toppings and mix ins. The portions are pretty decent although the prices are a bit high. read more

This is one of the few frozen custard places I enjoy here in the northeast. Their flavors are limited but the vanilla custard is amazing. I suggest getting a sundae there. It's really small inside and there is only one worker but they are really nice. There is no seating but that shouldn't be a problem if your getting it to go. read more

I'm pretty sure someone wrote an earlier review comparing this to an overpriced Dairy Queen. I'm not sure that I disagree, except that I would say this is the best Dairy Queen on the face of the earth. I've been several times, but I always get the same thing--double of half vanilla, half chocolate. The frozen custard is creamy without being too rich. It has a perfect consistency of soft serve, smooth but still firm. I went on a beautiful Sunday which meant a lot of kids in varied athletic uniforms. I could feel my anxiety level inch ever upward, but when I sat down on a plastic chair outside and took that first bite, I knew it it was worth the drive (traffic circles and all!) and being overtaken by youngsters. The people working were courteous and managed the steady instream adeptly. Even if they were miserable though, I'd still drive out to Needham for that sweet, creamy, frozen goodness. read more

Another transplanted Rochestarian here. There is a certain taste to that custard you can't find anywhere else. The Needham location now gives me one less reason to return to Rochester. I'll bring home three pints, since it's a bit of a drive for me. Years ago, I tried to bring it back by car and by plane, but sadly the trip was too long to survive properly. My parents always took us to Charlotte on the hottest day of the summer, to stand in the line, 20 to 40 strong. It was always worth it. We usually had stopped by Schaeller's burger joint down the road first. I prefer to eat mine plain, unadulterated by mix ins and topping. I was concerned at first, but Mary has the formula for making it just right. Beats the metro-NY Kohls custard hands-down. Looked for myself in the 1965 photo, but alas no go. But I did discover that Mary knew an old high school friend. Small world. read more

Reminds me of custard from back home in Wisconsin! One of the saddest things about living in Massachusetts is all the good food I had to leave behind in the Midwest... cheese curds, beer brats, New Glarus Beer, Chicago Style Pizza, Frozen Custard, etc etc. But lucky for me, I work down the block from Abbott's... so I can have my tasty custard once again. (And just a note to all you yelp reviewers and readers out there... ice cream and frozen yogurt are NOT the same as custard!! Custard has more egg yolk in it, making it richer and thicker, and I think, creamier and more delicious!) I've been here three times now... I've tried chocolate custard with almonds and marshmallow (a special flavor), chocolate custard with marshmallow (something I just made up), and vanilla custard with almonds, coconut and chocolate (almond joy special flavor). The custard is smooth,creamy and delicious and they have a good amount of toppings to add. Unlike Culvers, which has two flavors and lots of toppings, this place does several different flavors and lots of toppings. A small size is plenty, just a little pricy, but totally worth it. The lady who I've seen working there all the time is pretty friendly. Also just heard that they are opening a location in Brighton right near where I live. Very cool. I do find it eerie and ironic that their sign and colors are the same as Culvers. read more

Yum,yum,yum!I love Abbott's!Whenever I go fishing at Needham Reservoir I always make a point to stop here on the way home and pick myself up a little treat.Great custard and pretty much the only place around for it.Hopefully they stay in business for decades to come! read more

Cute place, good location. Average prices. good homemade waffle cones. Friendly staff. The custard was perfectly smooth but neither the chocolate or vanilla had much flavor. It is not as good as Ritas water ice or the places I've been out of state. What a shame read more