There is always a line at Carl's regardless of when you drive by. We decided to make the trip and circle the block for parking. This is an ice cream stand with no inside seating. There were a lot of families enjoying their ice cream cones, sundaes and milk shakes before the heat melted them. Even though there was a line, it moved pretty quickly. My soft serve cone was good! I really like that they stay open late. It makes it so easy to stop by to have a delicious treat when you are craving something special after dinner.
I just happened to stop by on a short trip to Fredericksburg from Northern Virginia. I heard about this treat from a local cousin, and thought I'd stop by to see what all the hype was about. I was pleasantly surprised after the first mouthful. WOW! This is some of the best custard in the world hands down!! This soft serve parlor is historic, iconic and voted the best in Virginia! The building is actually on the National Historic Register, and this family-owned business has been around, through the generations, since 1947! Remember to bring cash only, as they do not accept credit cards. They open most months of the year, however, take a break to close just before Thanksgiving for a couple months. I tried the custard and a pineapple shake, and would say either is a party in the mouth. The custard recipe is thick, creamy, satisfying, and has that old fashioned custard taste one seldom can find these days. Some of the secrets are that custard has more eggs and a little richer than ice cream, and they use a very unique old-fashioned machine that whips the product without air, which gives it a unique smooth texture, unlike any other. The taste is phenomenal!! I just wish they had more than one location, for God's sake! Kudos to you all at Carl's. It will now become one of my favorite places to stop when traveling through Fredricksburg, Va.
By far the best frozen custard I have had! Really creamy and sweet custard. Better than Freddy's. Will come back again!
Frozen custard, shakes and sundaes, dishes and cones. That is what is on the menu at this landmark 1947, ice cream stand, that has of fans far and near. Lines and limited parking during peak operating.
Now that I've been here I understand why they're so busy. Delicious!! They don't have a lot of fancy options like some places do but what they do have is very good. A little pricier than some places but worth it. I had a Large cone which is their medium at the cost of 5.25. I will definitely be going back again
This place is a classic in style and quality. It remains busy and is still worth stopping at to try their frozen custard. Be warned though, their pricing is very modern and no bargain. The young staff is pleasant and moves people quickly.
The best milkshake I had. I didn’t get to taste there ice cream this time because I got a milkshake.❤️
Swung by for the first time after moving to Fred. on a Saturday, was highly recommended and they absolutely delivered on every front! The place had a line wrapping the patio area (great 1st sign) but every minute like clockwork we marched forward. Service was excellent and the custard incredibly delicious! I was not expecting such an easy price ($5 for a mountain on a cone). Definitely a perfect place for a cold treat with a cool classic style.
Carl's is a local staple. I have never had a bad experience here. The ice cream is delicious and the service is wonderful! Prices can be high but it is worth every penny.
Never had better ice cream in my life. I have no idea what they put in there but whatever it is, it's worth every cent. I can't go to other ice cream places anymore because they're all mediocre in comparison. I only wish I lived closer so I could have this more often