Gardner's Frozen Treats — Restaurant in Christiansburg

The Italian Ice was delicious; I had a mixture of pina colada and watermelon. Next time I go I'll definitely get a blend of ice cream and Italian ice with a mix-in to replicate the Blendini from Rita's (I think they called this "a Gelato", an odd name choice that could easily be confused with actual Italian gelato). When I went, handmade signs were up saying soft-serve was not available until further notice. I'm guessing an equipment or supplier issue.

At the grill, food is made to order. The Hawaiian Burger was enjoyable with a large disc of pineapple (NOT canned!), good cheese (not American cheese), tasty pan-fried ham, and a woefully flat and overcooked Angus beef patty. There was supposed to be mayonnaise on there but I didn't find any. Fries were only slightly above average: seasoned with salt and pepper-flakes and a little too greasy. Drinks are sold in cans and bottles, but they have a nice selection including some Latino sodas. All seating is outdoors, though with the pool table there I'm pretty sure the grill has walls that can be lowered as needed. The grill seating area is a nice distance from the road and surrounded by trees, so depending on the present customers you may be able to have a nice quiet meal with a gentle breeze and the occasional potato beetle. There were outdoor speakers, but no music was playing.

Staff was very friendly, even when ordering food 30 minutes before close. Service was a tad slow for both dessert and food, so don't go there if...

Gardner’s Frozen Treats are Great!

My first visit to Gardner’s was great! It was a Saturday evening around 7 pm and we timed our visit just right. There were a few people waiting for their order to be prepared at the walk-up frozen treat shop, but no one was in the order line. We stepped right up to the window and perused the long list of available ice cream and Italian ice flavors. We were in the mood for cream, so we skipped the Italian ice this time. Our order was taken quickly and accurately by the friendly staff member at the window. We were instructed to step to the side and wait for our order to be prepared at the next window. While we were ordering, a long line of folks joined in the fun. A short time later we were presented with the wonderful creations.

I had an Avalanche with Heath Bar mix-in. It is basically their smooth and creamy vanilla soft serve mixed with the crumbled candy items. It was just right and delicious. Other in my party chose a variety of cone’s and cups. Play dough flavored ice cream was the hit with the kiddo. Banana with Reese Peanut Butter cups, Cappuccino Crunch, and Coconut Almond were other big hits. Their portions for the ice cream are huge. A small cup would have been plenty for me, maybe even the kiddo cup. Two scoops on a waffle cone were enormous! All...

Had a great experience here! We just moved to the area and wanted to try a local place, and this spot got top marks. Great flavor selections, great value for your money (these are big servings compared to say cold stone), and friendly people. I tried 4 flavors before settling, and changed to a medium from a small right after she entered it, but I just got a laugh and smile from her. I got a medium (2 scoop) banana pudding ice cream and my SO got a large (3 scoops) mango Italian ice. Also they sell quarts and party buckets of this stuff for pretty cheap, what?? The drive thru is going to be dangerous on trips home this summer... 😂

Update: I've been many times and I love it just as much as the first time we came. Also, they have punch cards! Ask for one if they don't offer it so you can get a free 10th ice cream/Italian ice. Also, at the end of summer they have a huge sale on ice cream and Italian ice in take home quarts to help get rid of the last of their inventory. Definitely take advantage of it and stock up before they close...