You’ve probably seen the line. It snakes down the sidewalk in Old Town Alexandria, past the red brick buildings and the historical markers, ending at a massive 1950s-era van or the window of an old mutual ice house. People aren't waiting for a burger or a tourist trap gimmick. They are waiting for Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats.
It’s just frozen custard, right? Wrong.
Honestly, calling it just "ice cream" is a fast way to get corrected by a local. Custard is its own beast. It’s denser. It’s smoother. Because it’s made with egg yolks and kept at a slightly warmer temperature than hard-pack ice cream, it coats your tongue in a way that feels almost like velvet. Brandon Byrd, the founder and "Chief Custard Officer," didn't just open a dessert shop; he built a time machine. Everything about the brand screams mid-century Americana, from the soul music playing in the background to the pristine 1952 Metro van named "Old BAE."
What Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats Gets Right (That Others Miss)
Most dessert spots try to do too much. They’ve got sixty flavors, neon toppings, and weird liquid nitrogen clouds. Goodies takes the opposite path. They focus on the Wisconsin-style custard tradition. This isn't the airy, icy stuff you get at a drive-thru. It’s rich.
The menu is tight. You’re looking at legendary items like the "Boogie Woogie" or the "Juke Box." But the real star—the thing that people actually lose their minds over—is the Donut Wich. Imagine a warm, glazed donut from a local bakery, sliced open and stuffed with cold, creamy vanilla custard. Then they top it with a caramel drizzle and maybe some pecans. It’s a temperature contrast that shouldn't work as well as it does. It’s messy. You will get sticky. You will not care.
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The venue matters too. For years, Goodies was mobile, appearing at events and street corners. Now, the permanent home is the historic Ice House on Commerce Street. Built in 1932, it’s a tiny, triangular building that literally used to store blocks of ice for the city. It’s the perfect irony. A building that once held the cooling power for the pre-refrigerator era is now the hottest spot for a cold treat.
The Legend of the "Old BAE" Van
Before the Ice House, there was the van. If you’ve been around the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) for a while, you know that 1952 International Harvester Metro. It’s polished to a high shine. It represents a specific type of Black-owned business excellence that leans heavily into nostalgia while staying incredibly relevant.
Byrd’s vision wasn't just about the food. It was about the "Goodies" experience. He’s often seen in his signature paper soda jerk hat, moving with a rhythm that matches the Motown playing from the speakers. It’s theater. You aren't just buying a snack; you're buying into a vibe that feels like a 1950s summer afternoon, even if it's a humid Tuesday in 2026.
Why the Wisconsin Style Matters
So, why Wisconsin? Most people think of dairy and immediately go to Vermont or California. But Wisconsin is the undisputed king of custard. To be legally called frozen custard in the United States, it has to contain at least 1.4% egg yolk solids. If it doesn't, it's just ice cream.
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Goodies follows this strictly.
The result is a product that has less air (overrun) than standard ice cream. When you eat a pint of supermarket ice cream, you’re often eating 50% air. With Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, you’re eating pure density. That’s why it doesn't melt into a puddle immediately. It holds its shape. It lingers.
The Famous Menu Hits
- The Juke Box: This is your classic sundae, but elevated. You get that thick vanilla bean custard topped with pecans and a rich chocolate or caramel sauce.
- The Boogie Woogie: Think of this as the ultimate turtle sundae. It’s got the crunch, the salt, and the sweet.
- The Apple Pie A La Mode: This isn't always on the menu, but when it is, get it. They use real crust, real spiced apples, and the custard acts as the creamy glue holding it all together.
Don't expect 50 flavors. Usually, it's Vanilla Bean. Sometimes there’s a seasonal rotation. But vanilla is the benchmark. If you can't make a perfect vanilla, the rest doesn't matter. Goodies makes a perfect vanilla.
The Cultural Impact in Alexandria
Alexandria is a town obsessed with its history. From George Washington’s townhouse to the cobblestones of Captain’s Row, the city looks backward to move forward. Goodies fits this ethos perfectly. When Byrd took over the Ice House, he didn't tear it down to build a glass box. He preserved the character.
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It’s become a community hub. On any given Saturday, you’ll see families, couples on dates, and dogs waiting patiently for a "pup cup." It’s one of those rare places that bridges the gap between the "old" Alexandria and the new, vibrant culinary scene. It’s also a massive success story for Black-owned businesses in the region, proving that a high-quality, specialized product with a strong brand identity can become a local landmark in just a few years.
What to Know Before You Go
First, check the hours. This isn't a 24-hour diner. They often close when they run out, or they have specific seasonal hours.
Second, the line is part of the deal. Don't show up if you're in a massive rush. Part of the enjoyment is the anticipation and the music playing while you wait.
Third, parking in Old Town is a nightmare. Don't try to park right in front of the Ice House. Use one of the garages on King Street or walk from the King St-Old Town Metro station. It’s a bit of a hike, but you’ll need the steps to justify the Donut Wich anyway.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to check out Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, do it right. Here is the move:
- Check Social Media First: They are active on Instagram. If they are closed for a private event or sold out of a specific treat, they usually post it there.
- The "Pro" Order: If it's your first time, get the Donut Wich. If you’re a purist, get a simple cone. The custard is so rich that a "small" is usually enough for most humans.
- Walk the Waterfront: Once you have your custard, walk the three blocks down to the Potomac River. There’s no better way to eat it than sitting on a bench watching the boats go by.
- Napkins are Non-Negotiable: Grab more than you think you need. The Donut Wich is a structural marvel, but it is prone to "custard leakage" once the warm donut starts doing its thing.
- Bring the Vibe: Be patient. The staff is working hard to maintain that 50s charm. A little kindness goes a long way.
Goodies isn't just a shop. It’s a reminder that some things are worth doing the slow way, the old way, and the rich way. Whether you're a local or just passing through Northern Virginia, skipping this spot is basically a culinary crime. Grab a spoon and get in line.