Whit’s Frozen Custard in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and searching for a rich, ultra-creamy dessert, Whit’s Frozen Custard is one of the better-known spots where you can get classic Midwestern-style frozen custard without leaving the city. This guide walks through what Whit’s serves, how it’s different from ice cream, what to expect at Atlanta-area locations, and how to make the most of your visit.
What Is Whit’s Frozen Custard?
Whit’s Frozen Custard is a dessert shop concept built around freshly made frozen custard, a style that’s denser, smoother, and richer than typical soft-serve or ice cream.
Key traits of Whit’s-style custard:
- Made fresh daily in-store
- Uses egg yolks, cream, and sugar for a silky texture
- Served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, which keeps it soft and dense
- Focus on simple base flavors (usually vanilla, chocolate, and a rotating flavor of the week) plus mix‑ins and toppings
In Atlanta, people often visit Whit’s after dinner at nearby restaurants, as a weekend family treat, or as a quick dessert stop after school or sports.
Where You’ll Find Whit’s Frozen Custard Around Atlanta
Whit’s locations can change over time, but they typically open in busy, walkable neighborhoods or retail centers. In the Atlanta metro area, you’re likely to see Whit’s in:
- Intown neighborhoods with lots of foot traffic
- Suburban shopping centers with other casual dining options
- Areas near schools, parks, or sports fields, which draw families and teens
Because addresses and phone numbers can shift with new openings or relocations, the most practical approach is:
- Check the “Locations” or “Find a Store” page on Whit’s official site.
- Search “Whit’s Frozen Custard near me” in your map app while you’re in Atlanta.
Once you find the nearest shop, you can see exact address, hours, and contact number right in the map listing. This is especially helpful in Atlanta, where traffic and parking vary a lot by neighborhood.
Frozen Custard vs. Ice Cream: What’s the Difference?
Atlanta has no shortage of ice cream shops, gelato counters, and shaved ice stands. Whit’s stands out because of the frozen custard style itself.
How Whit’s-Style Custard Differs
Ingredients
- Frozen custard: cream, sugar, and egg yolks
- Traditional ice cream: usually cream and sugar, may or may not include egg
Texture and taste
- Custard:
- Denser and smoother
- Less icy, more velvety
- Often feels richer and more filling
- Ice cream:
- Can be more airy
- Sometimes icier or lighter in body
Serving temperature
- Custard is held slightly warmer than ice cream, which helps keep it soft and scoopable, even on a cooler Atlanta evening.
If you’re used to standard soft‑serve from fast-food chains, Whit’s will typically feel thicker, creamier, and more dessert-forward.
What’s on the Menu at Whit’s Frozen Custard in Atlanta?
While each location chooses some of its own options, most Atlanta-area Whit’s shops follow a similar structure.
Core Custard Options
You’ll usually find:
- Vanilla (daily)
- Chocolate (daily)
- Flavor of the Week – rotates and is often posted in-store and on social media
- Sometimes a Seasonal Flavor – for Atlanta, that might track with:
- Spring: fruit flavors like strawberry or lemon
- Summer: berry blends or key lime
- Fall: pumpkin spice, apple pie-inspired flavors
- Winter: peppermint or richer chocolate blends
Treat Styles
Most Whit’s locations offer a set of base formats you can customize:
- Cups and Cones – simple scoops of custard in a cup or cake/waffle cone
- Whitsers – similar to a blended treat where you pick your custard and mix‑ins (like candies, cookies, or nuts)
- Sundaes – custard topped with sauces (hot fudge, caramel, fruit) and add‑ons
- Shakes and Malts – drinkable versions blended with your choice of flavors
- Floats – custard with soda (often root beer)
Mix‑Ins and Toppings
Exact choices vary, but a typical Atlanta shop might carry:
- Candy pieces (chocolate candies, toffee, peanut butter cups)
- Cookies & brownies (Oreo pieces, chocolate chip cookie dough, brownie bits)
- Nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts)
- Sauces (hot fudge, caramel, butterscotch, strawberry, pineapple)
- Classic toppings (sprinkles, whipped topping, cherries)
Some Atlanta locations may incorporate locally popular flavors or nods to Southern tastes, such as:
- Pecan-based combinations
- Dessert profiles reminiscent of banana pudding or peach cobbler (especially in summer)
Quick Snapshot: What to Expect at a Whit’s in Atlanta
| Feature | What You’ll Typically Find in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Dessert type | Frozen custard made fresh daily |
| Core flavors | Vanilla, chocolate, rotating flavor of the week |
| Customization | Whitsers, sundaes, shakes, cones, and toppings/mix‑ins |
| Atmosphere | Casual, family-friendly, often counter‑service only |
| Indoor/Outdoor seating | Varies by location; some have small indoor seating and/or outdoor tables |
| Payment | Most accept cards and contactless; cash usually accepted |
| Best times to avoid lines | Weekday afternoons; earlier in the day on weekends |
Visiting Whit’s as an Atlanta Local
For people who live in Atlanta, Whit’s can fit easily into your regular routine.
After-Dinner Dessert Stop
Many Atlantans pair a Whit’s visit with:
- Casual restaurants in the same shopping center or nearby
- Weeknight outings on the way home from youth sports practices or games
- Date nights where you want dessert but not a full sit-down restaurant
If you’re already out in places like neighborhood retail hubs or family-oriented districts, keeping an eye out for Whit’s makes dessert planning simple.
Family-Friendly Hangout
Whit’s shops often draw:
- Families with younger kids
- Teens meeting friends after school
- Adults stopping by after errands
Expect:
- Order at the counter
- Simple, easy-to-read menus
- A relaxed atmosphere where kids and adults are both welcome
If you’re worried about crowds, Atlanta locations are usually busiest:
- On warm evenings
- Weekend nights
- Right after local events (youth sports, festivals, school performances nearby)
Visiting Whit’s While You’re in Atlanta
If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to add Whit’s to your itinerary, a little planning helps.
Pair It with Nearby Activities
Common pairings include:
- Adding Whit’s as the dessert stop after a casual dinner in the same commercial area
- Stopping by after visiting parks or local attractions nearby
- Using it as a treat after a long day of sightseeing when you’re already driving through that part of town
Because traffic patterns can change significantly by time of day, checking your map for real‑time drive times to the nearest Whit’s location is useful, especially if you’re crossing from one side of the metro to the other.
Parking and Access
Most Atlanta-area Whit’s locations tend to be in shopping centers with surface parking, which is generally easier than street parking in denser intown neighborhoods. When you pull up the location in your map app, you can usually see if:
- Parking is in a shared lot
- There’s dedicated accessible parking nearby
- Public transit stops are close enough to walk
If you’re relying on MARTA or rideshares, checking the area in satellite or street view can give you a quick sense of walkability and lighting, which some visitors find useful at night.
Dietary and Ingredient Considerations
Whit’s custard is typically a dairy-based dessert with egg yolks, so it’s not naturally dairy-free or egg-free. People in Atlanta commonly ask about:
- Nut-containing toppings or mix‑ins
- Gluten in cones, some mix‑ins, or specialty treats
- Egg and dairy content in the custard base
If you have dietary needs, practical steps include:
- Ask the staff which toppings contain nuts or gluten
- Request your custard in a cup rather than a cone if you’re cautious about gluten
- Ask about any sorbets or non-dairy alternatives that may be offered at that particular location (availability can vary)
Most shops keep ingredient lists for their base custards and common toppings, and staff can often show or explain them when asked.
Pricing, Portions, and Value
Prices at Whit’s in Atlanta are typically in line with other specialty dessert shops in the city. While exact costs can change, you can expect:
- Smaller cups and cones at lower prices, good for kids or light desserts
- Larger Whitsers, sundaes, and shakes that can be more filling and sometimes shareable
Portions are often described as generous, especially with mix‑ins and sundaes. For cost-conscious visits, many locals:
- Choose a small cup or cone with one simple topping
- Share a larger Whitser or sundae between two people
- Skip extras like additional toppings if budget is tight
You can check menu boards in the store for the most current sizes and prices.
Tips for a Smooth Whit’s Experience in Atlanta
A few practical pointers make your visit easier:
- Check hours before you go – closing times can differ by day and location.
- Look up the Flavor of the Week if you like trying something new.
- If you’re ordering for a group, decide on formats first (cups, cones, Whitsers, shakes) to speed things up.
- On hot Atlanta days, consider eating on-site or in your car rather than taking custard on a long walk or drive, since it melts quicker than hard-packed ice cream.
- If you have allergies, ask staff before ordering which options are safest for you.
How Whit’s Fits into Atlanta’s Dessert Scene
Atlanta has a wide dessert and international cuisine landscape, including:
- Ice cream shops with global-inspired flavors
- Gelato spots emphasizing Italian-style preparation
- Bubble tea and shaved ice shops, especially around international dining corridors
- Bakeries and cafés with dessert menus
Whit’s adds a distinct frozen custard option to that mix. It doesn’t replace the city’s other dessert traditions but gives locals and visitors another texture and style to choose from—especially if you prefer something richer and creamier than standard ice cream.
When Whit’s Frozen Custard Might Be a Good Fit for You in Atlanta
You might want to seek out a Whit’s location in or around Atlanta if:
- You enjoy dense, creamy desserts and want to try frozen custard specifically.
- You’re looking for a casual, kid‑friendly dessert stop after dinner.
- You like the idea of customizing your treat with lots of mix‑ins and toppings.
- You want a dessert spot that’s easy to reach by car with straightforward parking.
If those points line up with what you’re looking for, checking for the nearest Whit’s Frozen Custard in the Atlanta area and planning a visit can be a simple way to add a satisfying dessert stop to your day.