Overview

Nestled in the heart of Alexandria at 1401 Belle Haven Rd, Custard Shack stands out as a delightful destination for frozen treats. This cozy ice cream shop, true to its name, specializes in creamy custards, gelatos, and refreshing sorbets that cater to those seeking both classic and inventive flavors. The walk-up window setup gives it a charming, casual vibe—perfect for quick stops on warm days or spontaneous cravings.

The menu is a well-curated balance of timeless favorites and rotating specials. Signature dishes like the Banana Split and Brownie Sundae highlight decadent ice cream experiences, while options like Strawberry Frozen Custard and Chocolate Custard with Hot Fudge and Crumbled Reese's Cups showcase the brand’s rich, indulgent side. Sorbets in strawberry and lemon add a zesty contrast, ideal for those seeking lighter, fruit-forward choices.

The customer experience is shaped by friendly service and efficient order handling, with most patrons noting short wait times—even during peak hours. Though the shack’s small footprint means limited shaded seating outdoors, the atmosphere remains inviting, often enhanced by the vibrant street scene and nearby parked cars that lend a summery, relaxed feel.

Readers who appreciate classic flavors with a twist will find the rotating selections intriguing. Past offerings such as cotton candy provide a playful nod to adventurous palates, while staples like cookies and cream draw repeated praise for their rich texture and balanced sweetness. The shop’s appeal extends to a broad audience—from families and neighbors strolling by to ice cream enthusiasts eager to try custard crafted with quality ingredients.

Overall, Custard Shack delivers a satisfying treat that combines simplicity and creativity in a compact, friendly setting. It’s an ideal stop for anyone in Alexandria looking for a cool, flavorful escape without the fuss of larger establishments. Whether you lean toward a refreshing sherbet or a loaded sundae, this local gem offers a genuine taste of summer throughout the year.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Solo dining
Atmosphere
Casual

What Customers Say

AmyReviews
Dec 11,2025
4/5
Their Vanilla highkey tastes like Cool-Whip so I recommend getting chocolate, a sorbet or one of their special flavors they rotate around. - Last time I got cotton candy flavor which was mint green?? No hate but kinda funny and tasted good.
E
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We’ve come here a number of times and recommend this place to all our friends. They typically have chocolate, cookies and cream, and a third rotating flavor. The cookies and cream is by far our favorite. The wait is often less than 5 minutes and food comes out right away. Our most recent order of a regular waffle cone and a regular Sunday was just over $13 with tip.
Nija Lewis
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Heck. Yeah. Inexpensive unlike other popular ice cream shops. The girl that took my order was so nice & patient, being it was my first time there. Ordered this and a pint to-go
Lyn A.
Dec 11,2025
5/5
It was 100 degrees in the shade today -- you know that outdoorsy sauna feeling even your dri-weave shirt has trouble with moisture wicking? Yeah, it was that day. I cut my walkable errands short and searched for ice cream to cool off. I see there's a Custard Shake nearby with rave reviews so I checked it out. THE APPROACH: It is definitely the size of a shack meaning you are standing outside at a walk- up window to place your order. Once you pay, you pick up your order at the second window. The staff are super friendly and they all smile at you. THE MENU: The beauty of this creamery is they may not offer tons of flavors, however, they offer many ways to enjoy them. They have ice cream, sorbet, floats, shakes, etc. I ordered a milkshake with chocolate drizzle and no whip cream -- great treat while walking in the heat! The shake was a nice size, reasonably priced, and soooo delish!! The milkshake was the right consistency and was made with quality ingredients. Another perk to this type of facility is you get to see some cool cars parked curbside. Notice how my milkshake appeared next to a sexy ride -- this screams Summer. ONLY KNOCK: Depending on the weather, the wait will feel longer than it really is. On a day when it is 100+ degrees outdoors, you are roasting while waiting. Even their tables with umbrellas are in direct sun so forget about sitting in shade. On days when there is nicer weather, their outdoor tables are a terrific place to hang with family, friends, or pets. Since many folks drive here, you can always sit in your car until your order is ready.
Cassius Clay07
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Cookies and cream is very good. It was delicious. I ate so much before I remembered to take a picture. It’s a hidden gem in Alexandria.
Marcos Bolaños (The Flavor Analyst)
Dec 11,2025
5/5
The custard is delicious and this place does it really well. It's a hidden spot that is totally worth the trip. High school students work the place and they always do a great job so make sure to thank them. I love the banana splits and the homemade ice cream cookies. It's a great treat after taking a nice walk along the Mt vernon trail.
Keara Artis
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Custard Shack never disappoints!!! It’s always a great sweet treat….especially during the summer! When I saw that they had a custard & chocolate chip sandwich for a limited time….I knew I needed to move quick. The sandwich was a 10/10!! My friend also got a blueberry/chocolate chip milkshake with whipped cream, waffle cone pieces and a cherry on top! I also posted the other custard flavors that they for right now. I would suggest that you add The Custard Shack to your to-do list several times!
Vincent Meli
Dec 11,2025
4/5
Cute little local ice cream place. Reasonably priced, decent selection, and while it gets crowded, they seem to be really efficient in getting through the lines. Went with a small chocolate custard with hot fudge and crumbed Reese's cups. Thought it might be a soft serve, though it was a hard scoop. Looking forward to going back and trying more of the menu.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Friday 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
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