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Ray's Italian Water Ice

4.3 (85 reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated a few days ago

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Ethan C.

Got here around 6:50ish on a Saturday with good weather, so understandably a long line. (iI would expect this is the norm) They have a LOT of options for flavors, and some specials that can help you make a decision if needed. I ended up getting the "Rocket" which is a frozen custard on top of a water ice. I got a Lime water ice layered with an orange vanilla swirl soft custard. The custard was sooooooo soft, and the water ice was solid. I very much enjoyed the layers because once you've had enough of one flavor, it is really easy to switch to eating more of the next layer to mix it up. I would definitely come again to try their other flavors, and it's a nice vibe atmosphere for a summer evening to get some water ice.

Strawberry watermelon water ice
Liz D.

The water Ice was delish. Tasted Fresh and not syrupy. It also didn't melt fast. Was able to sit and enjoy. Recommend especially on a warm October day!

Cookie dough & midnight craving dark + extreme peanut butter cup
Yvonne G.

The custard here is super delicious. The cookie dough and brownie bits taste like fresh batter. Big portion size for the shake - the large is too much for one person so recommend splitting it.

Jazlene G.

When I asked my friend from Richmond about dessert spots we should check out, he recommended Ray's! Kind of like Rita's, but local business version. it was poppin' when we were there! At this location you order and pick-up by the window. They have a good amount of outdoor seating as well to enjoy your treat. We tried their Rocket, Rockslide, and Water Ice desserts.

Maria T.

Is it possible to have warm soft serve? I walked up to the little window and I ordered a chocolate vanilla twist with chocolate sprinkles. The clerk at the window handed me a cone with rainbow sprinkles, no worries, she remade it. I got my treat which looked good and was a decent size for the price... but when I went to dig in, the ice cream temperature felt tepid, not cool or even chilled. Weird, right? I thought it may have been just the top, but after a few bites, I tossed it. My hubby tossed his too. My feelings about this place? Tepid.

Outside
Gracie D.

Ray's is always my first choice when picking out an ice cream spot! There are tons of parking spots surrounding the Lauderdale location. They currently are having all orders placed online (raysrva.com) - click on "ordering instructions" and then once you have your order, it will give you a time the order will be ready to pickup at the window. They have so many options - Italian ice, frozen custard, hand scooped custard, shakes, sundaes, and so many others. I usually get the Ray's Rockslide which is frozen custard (vanilla, chocolate, or twist (van/choc.)) mixed with any candy or topping you want. No matter what you get, your ice cream will be perfectly rich, creamy, and full of delicious flavors that leave you wanting more!

Dana B.

I have wanted to try Ray's frozen custard for a long time and finally made a point to stop there after eating dinner at "The Other Ray's". It was a rainy evening, so they were not real busy and there wasn't a line. We went completely unprepared so we stood and stared down the menu for quite some time, it was appreciated that the young lady working inside did not rush us, and there was nobody pushy behind us. I finally decided to keep it simple and just go with a small cone of custard, vanilla and chocolate swirled, and at the last moment I decided to have it dipped in peanut butter. I wish I'd just kept it plain because the peanut butter didn't have much flavor and did not add to the enjoyment of the Frozen Custard. My mom loves pistachio ice cream, it's her absolute favorite, she decided she would get a small cone of the hand-scooped pistachio, which she admitted she might regret because she really is a pistachio ice cream snob, but she loved her pistachio custard, it had real pistachio nuts in it, which impressed her greatly. The custard is so smooth, light, and for a small cone, portions are generous. It was just over $6 for the two if us, for what you get it is totally worth it. They have the patio area decorated with chairs and beautiful potted plants, this transforms a corner walk-up window service "ice cream shop " into a community gathering spot with a touch of old world charm. I can't wait to return and try the Italian water ice!

Mango Rocket
Andrea C.

I love this place and cokes the closest to the water ice you can get up north! I love the Mango water ice and occasionally get the rocket which also has the custard. My boys usually just get soft serve with rainbow Jimmies. Kinda disappointed today I asked for a Large and it was small but honestly I was so full after. Definitely recommend

Shannon W.

This is by far the best frozen custard place ever. If I could recommend anything I'd recommend frozen custard not hand scooped custard b/c its creamier and it comes in vanilla, chocolate or twist. In case you're interested they have the normal sprinkles in chocolate and rainbiw but they also have cotton candy and mint chocolate chip too (they are green and brown). They can hand dip the cone in chocolate, cherry and cotton candy coating too. Yummy. Also had the ice rocket (top of the menu chart-think that's what it's called) where they do a scoop of soft serve frozen custard and some frozen water ice (highly recommend vanilla soft serve custard with lemon water ice-so yummy). They have various sizes. You can also get milkshakes in various yummy flavors and blends of soft serve custard and a frozen water ice flavor (sort of a milkshake in a way). YOU CANT GO WRONG HERE. GO THERE. GO THERE NOW. NO OTHER ICE CREAM SHOP COMPARES.

Vanilla with pumpkin pie
Ariel B.

One of the best ice cream (custard) experiences I've ever had. A no frills place just to stop by and get ice cream. A friend brought me and I was so happy to have my first proper frozen custard experience here. I got a vanilla with pumpkin pie (made with real pie!!!) and it was so delicious. The custard itself was perfectly flavored, and the accompanying pie was just as delicious. Will be coming back if I end up back in Richmond!!!

Ray's Rocket
Andy N.

The custard was the thick, creamy, and flavorful! It was absolutely delicious. Although, the Italian ice tasted a bit weird--maybe because I got chocolate flavor but it tasted cheap and watered down. I would come back for the custard but as for the Italian ice, it was a bit underwhelming. Lastly, for the tiny thing of custard and Italian ice I ordered, it took almost 40 mins for it to be ready.

Menu!
Zena K.

If you like soft serve but a way creamier, more delicious version, you'll love this!! I love their custard!!! It's so creamy! My favorite is just the plain vanilla but sometimes I'll start experimenting and get myself a swirl of chocolate too. I've also had their banana split called the "Evil Twin" and boy is that delicious. Their peanut butter is out of this world. You really cant go wrong with anything that you order! Their prices are fantastic for the portion. A kids size is almost too big for me and its under 3 bucks!

Medium vanilla custard with caramel  and moon pie!!!

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10 months ago

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8 months ago

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2 years ago

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10 months ago

The custard is phenomenal and the service is quick and easy and it's a cute little outdoor place!

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5 years ago

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9 years ago

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2 years ago

Chocolate frozen custard dipped in chocolate in a cone is awesome. Great customer service too!

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

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3 years ago

I love the rockets! The lemon flavor does not taste artificial, which is a plus! It's a drive for us, but worthwhile.

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

Never a summer goes by without having a Ray's Rocket, or two Can easily say it's a summer tradition

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I had been hearing so much buzz around town about Cookie Chris, and with their new location off…read moreMechanicsville Turnpike, I went in this evening with high expectations and a serious sweet tooth. Unfortunately, the service left me incredibly disappointed. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted rudely by the worker. While inside, we witnessed her having two other unpleasant interactions with other customers snapping, tapping her nails impatiently, and even aggressively pointing at where she wanted people to stand (causing confusion because her "right" and their "right" weren't the same). There was still plenty of time left before closing, so the rush and frustration didn't make sense. When it was finally our turn, I tried to order a sugar cookie. She snapped at me that they didn't have sugar cookies and pointed to the counter display with that evening's options. My friend and I both noticed the sign did clearly list sugar cookies. When I pointed this out, she became even more dismissive. Between two cookies and three scoops of ice cream, I ended up spending $26, which felt overpriced considering the attitude that came with it. Now for the positives: the shop itself is spotless very clean, and clearly well-kept. The aesthetics are bright, though I personally found them a bit overwhelming. Overall, while I wanted to love this Black-owned business that so many people recommended, the customer service completely ruined the experience. A sweet treat should come with a smile, not hostility.

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Ray's Italian Water Ice - icecream - Updated May 2026

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