When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Goodberry's Frozen Custard
Why Goodberry's Frozen Custard is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Goodberry's Frozen Custard, established in 1988 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a treasured local creamery known for its dedication to authentic, high-quality frozen custard made fresh every hour. It offers a welcoming environment that makes it an excellent place to meet up with friends and enjoy a delicious treat. The business prides itself on using wholesome ingredients such as fresh milk, cream, eggs, honey, and pure cane sugar while avoiding artificial additives. This commitment to quality results in rich, creamy custard with natural flavors that delight customers seeking a nostalgic, handcrafted dessert experience. Goodberry's features multiple locations in Raleigh and Durham, each designed to offer ample exterior seating and a friendly atmosphere. Guests can build their own Carolina Concrete by selecting from vanilla, chocolate, or a flavor of the day base with a vast array of toppings including rich chocolates, fresh fruits, and roasted nuts, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. The prompt and courteous service emphasizes community spirit and joy in every serving, making it a vibrant spot for casual gatherings, celebrations, or a simple outing. Its pricing is reasonable, adding to its accessibility for repeat visits. Overall, Goodberry's sustains a tradition of genuine craftsmanship and warmth that invites customers to savor quality desserts while enjoying good company.
Here's what people think of Goodberry's Frozen Custard
As of recent, Goodberry's Frozen Custard holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1135 reviews.
Customers widely appreciate Goodberry's Frozen Custard for its fresh, delicious offerings and reliable quality across multiple locations in the Raleigh and Durham areas. Positive reviews highlight the rich and creamy texture of the custard, the generous variety of toppings, and the friendly, prompt service by staff members. Many visitors note the authentic, wholesome ingredient philosophy as a key factor that makes Goodberry's unique compared to other frozen dessert chains. The welcoming atmosphere and ample outdoor seating are also praised, making it a favorable spot for groups and families. Conversely, some negative feedback centers on occasional inconsistencies in the smoothness of the custard and an impression of too much candy mix in some creations, which some customers found overwhelming. A few employee reviews mention challenges such as poor management and limited growth opportunities, occasionally affecting the customer experience indirectly. Despite these critiques, the overall customer sentiment remains positive, reflected in the strong 4.6-star average from over 1,100 reviews. The balance of high-quality products, attentive service, and community value sustains Goodberry's reputation as a beloved neighborhood creamery and destination for frozen custard enthusiasts.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mariss
Goodberrys is a classic frozen custard shop here in Raleigh that serves rich and delicious flavorful custard. I have visited the Strickland location but today was a humid Saturday, so I decided to stop in for custard with family on Spring Forest Road. This location has the friendliest staff! Service was excellent !!! My daughter had chocolate custard on a cone and my mother decided on the flavor of the day with two scoops of Butter Pecan. All very rich, fresh and delicious. I enjoy the beautiful bright clear lights on the business sign and cute red outdoor seating. I can't wait to return for a concrete, sundae or a Float. Excellent customer service at this location time and time again. They are also quick ! Better than Strickland. I returned for the Tin Roof sundae and tried the salted caramel was so delicious!!!
deborah drew
This place is what it is because of Andre Starks! He’s a fantastic GM, Friendly, highly efficient, Customer service skills that are amazing. Always has a smile on his face greeting everyone that he encounters. Hang on to this one as I am sad to know that Key is gone! You’ve lost a good one and you should have tried harder to keep him. He too brightened up the place with his CS skills and was a good employee! I will cross town to come to this exact location! Seeing Andre work hard and hold the store front down makes me and my family constant customers! Keep up the good work Andre! Thank you for always making our experience a great one!
Erika
So glad this place is still around. It gets pretty busy weekend evenings but they move things along pretty fast. Love their ice cream. Wish they still had the same sizes as they did back in the day.. if I want bigger than a mini, it shouldn't have to be in a regular drinking cup
Rodney Plummer
The lady willow was very Quick but also very sweet with greeting us! We're from Virginia & she made our first experience super welcoming! We'll definitely be back when we visit again!
Fal E
Very little pleasantries. The staff sat my order out uncovered while other customers were hovering over it. The names were not called out loud enough for orders, so I never even noticed my order was there. The orders weren't fulfilled in the order they were received(paid). We ordered soft drinks that came out after several people who were behind us. When we asked the staff for a tray to carry out things to the table the staff seemed unsure if he had that. No apology was given. When we expressed how our ice cream was melting all over the place and the staff had no response or empathy. Why not keep it away from customers? The presentation was poor. I will not return.
How to reach Goodberry's Frozen Custard
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Why Goodberry's Frozen Custard may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Goodberry's Frozen Custard with your friends?
Goodberry's Frozen Custard is a vibrant and inviting destination that makes for an ideal spot to gather with friends and family. With a stellar 4.6-star rating based on over 1,100 reviews, it clearly resonates with locals and visitors alike. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with fresh, all-natural frozen custard served daily, sets the stage for a memorable social experience. Whether you're catching up after a long week, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a casual hangout, Goodberry's offers something everyone can enjoy. The quality and variety of custard flavors, including daily specials and classic favorites, provide delicious conversation starters. Its accessibility with multiple locations ensures convenience, while the cheerful, prompt service adds to the overall positive vibe. Having a spot where you can relax, laugh, and share sweet treats together is often what makes meetups special — Goodberry’s delivers exactly that, making it a perfect rally point for all ages.
What activities are available at Goodberry's Frozen Custard for groups?
Goodberry’s primarily focuses on delivering an exceptional frozen custard experience but does so in a way that fosters fun group interactions. The core activity is, of course, enjoying a rich variety of frozen custard flavors made fresh hourly and served with a wide array of toppings and mix-ins. Guests can personalize their orders, choosing from classic options such as vanilla and chocolate, or seasonal and unique offerings like pumpkin or s’mores flavors. This customization invites groups to compare favorites, sample each other's creations, and share recommendations, which enhances social engagement. The casual, walk-up style ordering promotes friendly conversation, and the store’s layout with seating areas encourages groups to gather comfortably. Additionally, many Goodberry’s locations host events or community nights occasionally, where groups can enjoy themed experiences or live entertainment. While primarily a custard shop, the environment supports lingering and chatting, making it a low-pressure, enjoyable meetup venue.
Why is Goodberry’s Frozen Custard perfect for group meetups?
Goodberry’s is perfect for group meetups for several reasons beyond just its delicious frozen custard. First, its friendly customer service makes groups feel welcomed and valued, with fast and courteous staff ensuring everyone gets served promptly — a critical factor for gatherings that include children or larger crowds. The all-natural ingredients and homemade quality provide peace of mind that the treats are fresh and wholesome, an important consideration for health-conscious groups. The variety of daily rotating flavors keeps repeat visits exciting and offers everyone in the group something new to look forward to. Goodberry’s also offers a reasonably priced menu, making it accessible to groups on different budgets without compromising on quality. Its multiple locations across several cities provide convenience and accessibility, so groups can pick the most suitable spot nearby. Finally, the relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering and socializing, turning a simple dessert stop into a joyous event to make lasting memories.
How does Goodberry’s Frozen Custard cater to different tastes and dietary preferences?
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard caters impressively to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, which is essential for group meetups where everyone’s preferences can vary. Their menu includes classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate but also features creative daily specials such as Nutella, pumpkin, cheesecake, mint chocolate chip, and s’mores, appealing to adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike. For those watching their sugar intake, Goodberry’s offers sugar-free vanilla, allowing diabetics or those minimizing sugar to indulge safely. The custard’s ingredients are all-natural, with milk, eggs, cream, pure cane sugar, honey, and natural extracts, ensuring an honest treat free from artificial flavors and chemical fillers. This transparency supports guests looking for high-quality, natural foods. On top of flavor variety, customers can customize their treats with countless mix-ins and toppings, such as candies or fruits, allowing individuals to tailor their custard exactly how they like it, which enhances enjoyment for groups with very diverse tastes.
What kind of ambiance and service experience does Goodberry’s offer?
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard prides itself on delivering a cheerful and friendly ambiance that instantly makes you feel welcome when you arrive. The staff’s willingness to serve promptly with a smile creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, which is essential for encouraging groups to feel comfortable and relaxed. The store design generally features bright, casual interiors with enough seating to accommodate families and friends who want to chat over dessert. Unlike formal dining spots, the environment is informal, so guests can drop in for a quick treat or stay and enjoy the company without feeling rushed. Many patrons comment on the consistent quality of service regardless of how busy the location is, reflecting well-trained and attentive employees. This combination of great product and top-notch service ensures every visit leaves groups satisfied and eager to return.
How accessible and convenient is Goodberry’s Frozen Custard for meetups?
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard is very accessible and convenient, which makes planning meetups with friends or family easy and stress-free. With multiple locations in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Wake Forest, Goodberry’s offers a nearby option for a wide region, reducing travel time for guests coming from different places. The hours are generous and flexible, opening around 11 a.m. and closing as late as midnight on weekends during spring and summer months, allowing both afternoon and late-night meetups. This makes it a versatile choice whether your group prefers to enjoy a dessert after dinner or during a casual daytime hangout. Ample parking is typically available, and the walk-up service speeds ordering, which is important for groups that want to minimize wait times. Their online presence, including daily flavor updates on the website, enables groups to plan their visit with excitement, knowing what delicious custard flavors await them that day.
What makes Goodberry’s Frozen Custard stand out compared to other dessert spots?
What truly sets Goodberry’s Frozen Custard apart from other dessert venues is its commitment to quality, freshness, and simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The custard is made fresh every hour in each store using a carefully developed recipe that is free of artificial additives or preservatives, ensuring each cup or cone is as fresh and flavorful as possible. Unlike many ice cream shops that serve generic frozen treats, Goodberry’s focuses on an all-natural product made from scratch, providing a richer custard experience with the creamy texture of traditional frozen custard. Beyond its products, the friendly and welcoming culture makes guests feel like part of a community. For groups, this translates into an experience that is more than dessert — it’s about connecting over something genuinely delicious in an atmosphere that invites return visits. This quality-conscious approach, combined with an inviting vibe, makes Goodberry’s a standout choice for anyone looking to host a fun, tasty meetup.
How does Goodberry’s Frozen Custard support socializing and group bonding?
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard supports socializing and group bonding through an environment and menu designed to be enjoyed collectively. Sharing frozen custard and toppings naturally encourages interaction as group members compare their flavor choices and talk about their favorite combinations. The venue’s casual setting eliminates pressure or formality, making it easy to relax and be yourself in good company. Seasonal offerings and daily flavor changes add an element of surprise and anticipation, perfect for sparking conversations and shared excitement. Additionally, because Goodberry’s typically operates in convenient locations frequently visited by locals, it fosters a sense of neighborhood connection, adding to the warmth of group gatherings. This combination of great food and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect backdrop for friends or family to strengthen relationships, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy time together.
What should groups know before visiting Goodberry’s Frozen Custard?
Before heading to Goodberry’s Frozen Custard for your group meetup, it’s helpful to know a few practical details to enhance your experience. First, the menu features a limited number of flavors each day—usually four rotating options—so checking the daily offerings online can help your group plan what to expect and prepare to try something new. The custard is made fresh frequently, meaning you’ll always get the peak of flavor and texture. While the seating is ample, larger groups should consider coming during off-peak hours to ensure enough space to spread out comfortably. Prices are very reasonable, but it’s good to know that toppings and mix-ins may add to your final bill, allowing you to budget accordingly. Lastly, the friendly staff is always eager to accommodate special requests and dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance to maximize your group’s enjoyment.
By choosing Goodberry’s Frozen Custard for your next friends or family gathering, you’re selecting a place that values quality, freshness, and a fun, social environment. Its combination of delicious frozen custard made fresh daily, friendly service, and casual ambiance makes it an excellent venue for groups seeking a sweet, satisfying way to connect and celebrate together.