Dense egg-yolk-rich frozen custard served at stands across the Rochester metro from late April through October. Lower air content than soft-serve, higher egg percentage, warmer serving temperature. The Lake Ave original is the place to start.

Abbott's Frozen Custard opened its Lake Avenue stand in 1926 and has operated continuously from that site ever since. The product differs structurally from commercial soft-serve: custard uses a much higher proportion of egg yolk, is churned at a lower overrun (less air), and is served at a warmer temperature that produces a creamier, denser texture. Abbott's operates multiple locations in the Rochester area, all closed November through March.

2 editor picks for Abbott's Frozen Custard in Rochester, ranked by editorial score. All Rochester signature dishes · Abbott's Frozen Custard across every city.

Abbott's Frozen Custard ★ 4.3

$Frozen CustardPark Avenue

Abbott's Frozen Custard on Lake Ave has served Rochester since 1926 and opened its 100th season in 2026, the city's most-enduring dessert tradition.

TipSeasonal hours, typically open spring through fall. The Turtle (a chocolate-dipped frozen custard bar with Spanish peanuts and fudge) is the classic novelty order. Lines move quickly even when long.

DirectionsView

Pittsford Farms Dairy and Bakery ★ 4.2

$$Ice Cream and BakeryPark Avenue

Pittsford Farms Dairy on Park Ave in Rochester serves house-made ice cream and pastries, the Park Avenue outpost of a beloved Monroe County dairy institution.

TipThe main Pittsford location at 44 N Main St is worth the 15-minute drive for the full bakery and dairy experience. Park Avenue location for convenient city-side ice cream.

DirectionsView

Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide

Abbott's Frozen Custard makes more sense with someone from Rochester explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

Book food experiences in Rochester

See all 20 bookable experiences in Rochester