San Maximum: Rhea’s Ice Cream

By Austin Cowan
Assistant Web Content Director

Rhea’s Ice Cream may be small in size, but it is a big part of the San Marcos experience. This little ice cream shop is within walking distance of both the San Marcos Square and the Quad at Texas State University. So, people often times stop here to get ice cream while walking around town. People return frequently to Rhea’s, when trying to please their ice cream cravings, which is one of many reasons why this shop has made it onto our list of things that make up the maximum San Marcos experience.

Rhea’s Ice Cream is located at 318 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666. However, there is also another location in New Braunfels, 283 S Union Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130.

The Ice Cream

The ice cream at Rhea’s can best be described as uniquely delicious. San Marcos is represented through their homemade ice cream and the inspiration for their recipes comes from the local community. Many frequent customers are a fan of the texture of Rhea’s ice cream because it is slightly rougher than cream served by other ice cream shops. The ice cream flavors change depending on the year but my two favorite flavors are Big Red and the caramel sea salt. Big Red is one of my favorite sodas so having it combined with my favorite desert is a dream come true. As for the caramel sea salt, the caramel is mixed throughout the ice cream, so customers can enjoy both in every bite. Rhea’s tries to make unusual (yet delicious) ice cream flavors to stand out amongst their competitors. Don’t just take my word for it, check out their Yelp to hear what other people have to say.

The Atmosphere

Rhea’s is almost always buzzing with activity but must people do not stay inside the shop for very long. Sitting is limited so many people take their ice cream to go. It is very common to see people walking the San Marcos square with an ice cream cone in hand, especially during the summer months. However, some people do stay in the shop when enjoying their ice cream. The shop has light blue walls with white furniture which create a cute and homey vibe. There is a booth for customers to sit in and a bar as well. The booth is where larger parties like to sit simply because that is where the highest density of seats are located.

The booth is good for large crowds, however, (here’s a tip for the guys) if someone is trying to find more intimate seating at Rhea’s they should sit at the window bar. The window bar is the two bar seats that look outside the only window at the front of the shop. The best place to sit when taking a girl on a date to Rhea’s is at the window bar. Here’s why; first, the window bar separates two people from other customers within the shop because they are located furthest away from other seating. The second reason is because an endless stream of ice breakers are created by stuff going on outside the restaurant. The constant ice breakers will help a couple maintain a conversation with one another instead of having an awkward conversation. Rhea’s ice cream is a cute dating spot all around.

Rhea’s Ice Cream is a San Marcos gem– small yet desired by many. Go to Rhea’s next time you find yourself craving some ice cream, because Rhea’s is does not only have good ice cream, they are part of the San Marcos experience.

Featured image by Austin Cowan.