When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream
Why Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream is a unique ice cream destination that offers an authentic New Zealand-style soft serve experience, blending creamy vanilla bases with fresh, real fruit to create naturally refreshing flavors. Founded by University of Texas at Austin alumni Matt Potter and Caleb Schmidt, Zeds has expanded from its Portland origins to multiple locations in Austin, including East Austin, Tarrytown, and Bee Caves. What sets Zeds apart is their commitment to all-natural ingredients and the option to customize each order by choosing a base—vanilla or non-dairy—and selecting from a rotating menu of fresh fruits, which are then blended together on the spot. Customers can enhance their treat with a variety of drizzles and toppings, making every visit a personal and delicious experience. Its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, paired with the freshness of the ice cream, makes Zeds an excellent spot to meet up with friends for a casual, joyful outing. Whether you're seeking a cool dessert on a warm day or a healthy indulgence with fruit wholesome enough to count as a snack, Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream offers a memorable, flavorful retreat in Austin’s lively dessert scene.
Here's what people think of Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream
As of recent, Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream holds a 4.7-star rating based on 726 reviews.
Customer reviews of Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream highlight the novelty and quality of their all-natural, fruit-blended soft serve. Many patrons appreciate the freshness and authenticity of the ice cream, particularly praising the creative combinations of seasonal fruits and the smooth texture of the New Zealand-style soft serve. Positive reviews often mention the friendly, accommodating staff who help craft personalized treats and the inviting atmosphere of the shops in East Austin and Tarrytown. The unique concept of blending fresh fruit with soft serve is frequently celebrated as both delicious and healthier compared to traditional ice cream options. On the downside, some reviewers have noted occasional inconsistencies in wait times during busy periods and a desire for more variety in fruit toppings. A few mention that the delicate fruit flavors can sometimes be subtle if not paired optimally. Overall, the strong majority of feedback is enthusiastic, underscoring the quality of ingredients and the refreshing taste as standout features. Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream is widely regarded as a delightful destination for those seeking a creative, fresh take on classic soft serve.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ronald Kelley
We happened to drive by Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream and noticed a long line out front—which usually means something good—so we decided to stop. Zeds offers a unique New Zealand-style ice cream experience where real fruit like strawberries or blueberries is blended into the ice cream on the spot. You can even watch the whole process through a window, which adds to the fun. We tried a few different combos, including some with coconut and cream cheese toppings—absolutely delicious and super refreshing after lunch. Prices are reasonable and the quality is great. The only downside is parking—it’s pretty rough. We had to park a couple blocks away and walk in. But if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth the stop. Great treat, friendly vibe, and a unique twist on fruit ice cream!
Neil Eisenberg
The ice cream at Zed's Real Fruit Ice Cream Store in Austin is good, but so good that lines form to pay $7.50 for a single medium scoop of okay ice cream? Maybe I'm an ice cream snob, but I've tasted better for much less, and not having to wait 20-30 minutes to get to the front of the line. Not being from Austin, I'm guessing that Zed's is just the next "flavor craze," and once people realize that $7.50 for a medium cup is a bit too much, the craze will subside. However, it has a phenomenal backstory for marketing. People are drawn to just about anything new or unique.
Sanjay Singh Negi
You can get a really good experience if you eat ice cream here, especially the line makes it worth the hype. I got a strawberry flavored ice cream which was a little too sweet for my taste and it also seem like they mix real fruits in vanilla ice cream so that's quite interesting. There were some flies that are expected when sweets are around, but it does made me a little wanting to leave the restaurant and find more cleaner area to eat. Staff is amazing!
C Crosby
Ridiculously delicious fruity ice cream! Ice cream mixed to perfection with fresh fruit and your choice of toppings. Bunuelo crunch was my fave! Lots of seating and a play area for kids. Always buzzing but there is nearby parking along streets
Gabriella Jaffee
Zed’s is one of my favorite places in Austin. The ice cream is amazingly creamy and I love that you can customize it to whatever you want! Cute outdoor seating area that now has a covered playground for the kiddos. My go-to is always strawberry vegan with toasted coconut and chocolate sauce - delicious!
How to reach Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream
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Why Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream with your friends?
When considering the best places to gather with friends or family for a joyful and refreshing experience, Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream in Austin stands out as a prime destination. This vibrant ice cream shop offers a unique twist on the classic treat: instead of just scoops of traditional ice cream, you get a blended-to-order soft serve that highlights the natural sweetness and freshness of real fruits. Imagine choosing your base—whether classic vanilla or a non-dairy option—and then personalizing your dessert with fresh fruits, drizzles, and toppings, all crafted in front of you. This interactive process sparks great conversation and excitement, turning a simple ice cream run into a shared event.
Beyond the delicious and healthy offerings, Zeds exudes “authentic vibes,” with a welcoming atmosphere where good times and good service come naturally. Rated an impressive 4.7 from over 700 reviews, it shows that visitors consistently enjoy their visits there. This makes it an ideal spot to relax, catch up, and create warm memories. Whether you have a large group or just want a cozy setting for a few friends, Zeds can accommodate with a laid-back environment and fresh, vibrant menu choices that appeal to all ages and dietary preferences. Rallying here with friends means indulging in a unique treat while enjoying easygoing social time in a lively, colorful setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream?
Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream is much more than just a place to grab a dessert; it offers a full sensory experience tailored for groups. The first activity is, of course, building your own custom ice cream creation. Guests get to choose from a variety of fresh fruits—strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, and more—combined with their preferred creamy base. Watching the staff blend your concoction live adds a bit of entertainment and anticipation to the dessert-eating ritual.
Additionally, the shop’s welcoming and vibrant setting acts as a social hub. You and your friends can lounge, chat, and share your ice cream bowls, making it perfect for prolonged gatherings. Zeds encourages mingling and tasting, turning the visit into a relaxed social event. Occasionally, they host specials or limited-time fruit blends, which offer a fresh adventure for return visitors.
Moreover, Zeds caters well to diverse dietary needs with their non-dairy and gluten-free options. This inclusivity means everyone in your group can partake without worry, making meetups stress-free and enjoyable. Their fresh ingredient philosophy also ensures that the ice cream is refreshing rather than heavy, which keeps the group feeling energized and happy rather than sluggish after indulging.
Why is Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream perfect for a group meetup?
Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream is perfectly suited for groups due to its interactive and customizable service combined with a cozy, friendly environment. You get to bond by picking and personalizing your own desserts, which acts as a natural icebreaker and conversation starter. The shop’s commitment to fresh, high-quality fruits and natural ingredients means everyone can find a flavor profile they’ll love, from classic vanilla-based blends to inventive fruit medleys.
The layout and ambiance are designed to accommodate socializing rather than quick eat-and-run experiences. Comfortable seating and a lively vibe encourage groups to linger, making it easier to have long conversations or catch up after a long week. Also, the shop’s multiple locations in Austin offer convenient meet-up points whether you live in Tarrytown, East Austin, or nearby neighborhoods.
Furthermore, the impressive high rating (4.7 stars from 726 reviews) reflects consistent customer satisfaction, particularly around quality and service. This reassurance means hosting your friends or family here will likely be a hit. The uniqueness of the New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream also turns an ordinary meetup into something memorable, something that stands out from typical gatherings at generic cafes or chain dessert shops.
What makes Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream unique compared to other dessert places?
Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream’s uniqueness lies primarily in their blended-to-order method that incorporates real, fresh fruit into every single cup, a tradition inspired by New Zealand-style ice cream. Unlike traditional ice cream parlors that serve pre-made flavors, Zeds gives you creative control paired with fresh ingredients. This approach results in a light, fresh, naturally sweet ice cream that tastes vibrant and satisfying, free from excessive artificial ingredients or preservatives.
The range of fruits they offer—a rotating selection depending on season and availability—keeps the menu exciting and fresh. By using Tillamook dairy and other high-quality ingredients, Zeds puts a local Austin twist on a New Zealand classic, ensuring both authenticity and regional flavor. This provides a rare blend of cultures in every bite, making it an adventure for your palate and a great talking point for social gatherings.
Additionally, their inclusive menu with dairy-free bases allows more people to enjoy the experience regardless of dietary restrictions, which is not always the case in other ice cream shops. The casual, friendly atmosphere complements this uniqueness, as it feels like you are stepping into a community spot rather than a large commercialized franchise.
How does the atmosphere at Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream enhance group experiences?
The atmosphere at Zeds is carefully crafted to foster connection and comfort, key components for any group gathering. You walk into a lively yet relaxed space with colorful decor echoing the freshness and vibrancy of the products they serve. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, creating a warm environment where customers feel welcomed and valued.
This positive atmosphere encourages guests to stay, relax, and enjoy extended conversations rather than rushing through their orders. The seating arrangements encourage mingling but also provide cozy niches for more intimate groups. Because the ice cream is made fresh on-site with visible blending stations, the environment is interactive and fun, making waiting for your order part of the overall experience.
Moreover, the ambient music and general buzz of conversations add to the feeling of being in a happy community hub — a perfect place to celebrate casual occasions, reunions, or midweek meetups with friends or family. The combination of quality treats and delightful surroundings helps make your time at Zeds memorable and special.
What should you know before visiting Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream for a meetup?
Before heading to Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream with your group, it’s helpful to know a few practical details to maximize your visit. The shop offers a variety of bases including traditional vanilla and non-dairy options, so be prepared to customize your order and coordinate with friends on choices. Given the shop’s focus on fresh seasonal fruit, the menu may vary slightly depending on availability, which also adds a pleasant surprise element to your meetup.
Zeds is popular and well-rated, so visiting during off-peak hours can ensure more relaxed seating options for larger groups. Since the experience is about personalized ice cream creations, it’s perfect to plan your meetup around a time when everyone is ready to enjoy a slow, shared conversation rather than just a quick dessert fix.
Finally, the shop’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic vibes means it is a great spot not just for children and families but also for adult social groups looking for a healthier, more refreshing alternative to heavy sweets. Whether it’s a casual weekend hangout or a special treat day, Zeds offers a well-rounded venue catering to a diverse crowd looking for a memorable and tasty group experience.