Does NoVa have any Rita's? I think I've only seen them in DC and MD (and PA of course). I love that damn custard.

I miss Friendly's. The last one was in Oakton. Sad.

I like to support small businesses when I can, so Toby's gets my vote.

OK, I admit it, I can't get over someone calling Toby's mediocre and asking for a dairy-queen like experience

I personally think Toby's has ruined all other ice cream for me, but to each their own.

Are you looking for soft-serve, or more of the experience of driving up and ordering from a walk-up outside like place? I think Carvel is your best option.

Anonymous wrote:Boccato Gelato on Wilson (Clarendon area) or for a more casual experience (and the best pizza around) go to Pupatella, also on Wilson, but in the Ballston neighborhood. They have a decent selection of gelato and their pizza is the best I have had in a long time.

+1

We love sitting outside at Boccato. But I should admit that we're not too picky about ice cream/gelato as long as it's not the gross grocery store brands.

Larry's in Clarendon
Carvel just outside of Clarendon is outdoors.

Toby's on Washington Blvd across from Lost Dog Cafe.

Larry's on Wilson or the gelato and sorbetto at Pete's New Haven Pizza (much better than Boccato) around the corner.

Larry's is pretty good, and there is a Carvel on Wilson near Tenth Street. I don't know if I call Carvel good, it's Carvel, bit if you're jonesing for DQ, it's a similar feel.

Unfortunately there is a dearth of real ice cream places - froyo has taken over the world. They're a little farther out, but Nielson's in Vienna and The Dairy Godmother in Del Ray both have good custard. The Frozen Dairy Bar in Falls Church is also is decent for custard but I'd travel a few minutes further for the former two. Some people seem to like Larry's in Clarendon but I haven't tried it.

Boccato Gelato on Wilson (Clarendon area) or for a more casual experience (and the best pizza around) go to Pupatella, also on Wilson, but in the Ballston neighborhood. They have a decent selection of gelato and their pizza is the best I have had in a long time.

OP here. I hit post before finishing the title -- anywhere within 15 min or so of N. Arlington would be great.

Ideally I'd love an outdoor Dairy Queen type experience, but mostly I just want good ice cream. Toby's in Westover is mediocre at best. Anywhere else in Arlington, FC, or McLean that's worth trying? What about that Mike's Lazy Sundae place in Falls Church? Thanks for any suggestions!