Annie's Italian Ices — Restaurant in Jupiter

Went here last night with my boyfriend because I was in the mood for Italian ice. It's been a long time since Maria's Italian Ice in Lake Park closed down, and my family used to love going there because it was the best. It's been hard to find anything that came close to the same quality, but Annie's Italian Ices brought all those memories flooding back. The flavors for the Italian ices are the perfect balance of strong and delicate, and they're incredibly smooth almost to the point of being creamy. Most places leave large chunks of ice because they don't shave it down as finely as Maria's did and Annie's does. I got the "melon ball" flavor and chocolate. (The flavors didn't mix well together but it was easy enough to enjoy them individually haha.) They layer custard in the middle and on top, which was a pleasant surprise! The creamy custard with the flavored ice is a lovely combination. The ladies behind the counter were kind and patient with us sampling all the flavors we were curious about. We had asked to sample a flavor that I didn't know was actually ice cream and not an Italian ice, but I wasn't complaining! They even recommended their "Graham Central Station" ice cream. My boyfriend and I loved that flavor and have never had anything quite like it ever before! The ice cream base tasted of honey and cinnamon, there were soaked/soft (not at all soggy) graham cracker pieces to enjoy, and there was also what seemed like super tiny pieces of a Crunch bar in there (crispy chocolate bits). He got that with either cookies and cream or chocolate chip cookie dough (we were so impressed with the graham cracker one that I don't even remember the second flavor haha). The ice cream looked like it's going to be hard or too firm, but instead it's so silky and velvety and soft. Not "soft-serve" soft, but like how the perfect futon mattress is firm yet soft. Other places' ice cream is usually too hard/stiff/iced over and it's not a great experience when that happens. The quality of the treats at Annie's is absolutely out of this world! Not to mention that the staff are extremely kind, considerate, patient, and overall pleasant. After working food service myself, I can tell they were just genuinely, sincerely nice people and weren't just putting on a fake smile. They seemed really delighted to do what they do. They made the first-time visit for me and my boyfriend absolutely unforgettable, he was so happy to see me tear up with delight as we got to share something that was always such a special treat for me growing up. I will absolutely make many return trips with each of my friends and family members. This place is a gift for my soul and has honestly restored my faith in humanity a little bit with, especially with everything that's been going on in the world these past few years. Thank you so much, ladies! ♥

(One of the times I visit, I hope there will be vanilla chip Italian ice since I haven't been able to find it anywhere...

The gelati are incredible. The smoothness of the custard with the interesting Italian ice flavors (which you can customize by mixing) is absolutely amazing. And their custom ice cream flavors are really good as well. If I were to rate them on food (dessert) alone they would be 5/5. But there are 3 major issues that keeps it from being 5 stars:

Almost no parking or seating. The parking lot that once was behind it no longer exists and there is only a strip of about 8 spaces within the Shell station next door that seem to be shared. And as far as seating the indoor section no longer exists leaving literally 2 benches total to sit at. Why is there no other outdoor seating for customers behind the store in the green area that was the original parking lot?

All 3 times we were there this last week they were out of something. 1st night it was custard which is pretty major since you cant make a gelato without it. Next night were several of the major ice flavors. Last night was napkins. Super odd how low stock they seem to be on various things so consistently.

Cleanliness. I get the outdoor area is the outdoor area but when you have bugs or ants literally all over the ordering counter it feels like that should be handled somehow. Feels like if orders were placed on the counter and not picked up immediately they would instantly have ants...

Wow , worst service anyone could ever Incounter! Today is May 13,2016 , time 9:28 p.m. The woman working today was horrid. My family and I walk in excited for my brother in law to try his first Annie's ice experience. As I walked up to the counter the woman asked "what do you want" I replied with what I would like . The woman continuously slammed everything she touched like I was a bother to her. She then continued to slam my cup down on the counter. Being the polite person that I am , I decided to politely ask her to make the ice to go. She then shook her had repeatedly. I told her it was alright she could just throw my cup in a larger one thinking I would be doing her a favor. She then decided to say " these cups cost money" and slammed my ice down once again. I was so tuned off by her actions and her disgusting attitude and was about to walk out. I decided to bite my tongue and order the five more ices from Annie's. She continuously slammed and huffed and puffed. When I was about to pay she never told me my total took my card asked debit or credit , handed me my reciept and turned around. What a horrible woman to work in such a yummy place . My family and I will never return , and we will be sure to spread the word. Note to the woman working one may 13th at 9:28 pm. If you hate your job then...