Andy's Frozen Custard: Fresh Custard and Concretes Across South Carolina
What Andy's Frozen Custard Serves
Andy's Frozen Custard makes its custard fresh throughout the day, which means the texture is thicker and richer than soft-serve ice cream. The chain operates locations across South Carolina where you can order custard by the cup or cone, or get it blended into a Concrete—their signature item where custard is mixed with mix-ins like candy, cookies, or fruit right in front of you.
The daily flavor menu rotates, so the vanilla and chocolate bases stay constant, but specialty flavors change. You might find Turtle (pecans, caramel, and chocolate), Mint Oreo, or seasonal options depending on when you visit. Concretes are thick enough that they're served upside down in a cup to prove they won't fall out.
Beyond custard, Andy's locations serve burgers, hot dogs, and cheese curds—items that pair with the frozen desserts rather than compete with them. Most South Carolina locations are standalone buildings with drive-through windows and outdoor seating, making them casual neighborhood stops rather than sit-down restaurants.
Key Takeaways
- Andy's makes fresh custard throughout the day, creating a denser texture than standard soft-serve ice cream.
- Concretes—custard blended with mix-ins—are the signature item and are served upside down to demonstrate their thickness.
- The daily flavor menu rotates beyond the permanent vanilla and chocolate options, so specialty flavors change regularly.
- Most South Carolina locations have drive-through windows and outdoor seating, designed for quick visits rather than long dining.
- The menu includes savory items like burgers and cheese curds alongside frozen custard desserts.
Where to Find Andy's in South Carolina
Andy's has multiple locations across South Carolina, concentrated in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The chain has grown steadily, and new locations open periodically, so checking their website or calling ahead confirms current addresses and hours before you drive.
Each location operates independently in terms of hours and seasonal closures, so a location open year-round in one town might close for winter in another. Summer hours are typically longer than winter hours, and some locations adjust their schedules around school calendars or local events.
Concretes and Mix-In Options
A Concrete starts with fresh custard and adds your choice of mix-ins blended in. Standard options include Oreos, brownies, candy pieces, nuts, and fresh fruit. The staff blends everything together using a flat spatula, and the result is thick enough that it barely moves when turned upside down.
Portion sizes run large—a regular Concrete is substantial enough to share, and a large is genuinely filling. Prices vary by location and by which mix-ins you choose, but Concretes generally cost more than a simple cup of custard. Seasonal mix-ins appear and disappear, so asking what's available that day often reveals limited-time options not listed on the menu board.
Seasonal Flavors and Limited Offerings
Andy's rotates specialty flavors on a daily or weekly basis depending on the location. The rotation might feature flavors like Raspberry Cheesecake, Turtle, Mint Oreo, or Peanut Butter Cup, but the exact lineup changes. Checking the location's social media or calling ahead tells you what's available on the day you plan to visit.
Seasonal items appear during specific times of year—pumpkin-based flavors in fall, peppermint in winter, and fruit-forward options in summer. These limited flavors draw repeat customers who want to try each one before it rotates out, so arriving early on days when a new flavor debuts often means shorter lines.
Savory Menu Items Beyond Custard
While custard is the draw, Andy's serves burgers, hot dogs, and cheese curds as substantial menu items. The burgers are made to order, and the cheese curds—fried breaded cheese—pair well with a frozen custard dessert. These items are priced competitively with casual fast-food restaurants and are meant to round out a visit rather than be the main event.
The savory menu keeps families and groups satisfied if not everyone wants dessert, and it gives you a reason to linger on a warm evening. Many South Carolina locations have outdoor seating areas where you can eat and watch traffic, making them informal gathering spots in their neighborhoods.
Drive-Through and Outdoor Seating
Most Andy's locations in South Carolina feature drive-through windows, letting you order and pay without leaving your car. This setup works well for quick trips or for families with young children. The drive-through menu is the same as the indoor menu, so you're not limited in what you can order.
Outdoor seating areas—picnic tables or small patios—are common at South Carolina locations. These spaces fill up on warm evenings and weekends, especially during summer. The casual, open-air setup makes Andy's feel like a neighborhood gathering spot rather than a chain restaurant, and many regulars have favorite tables or times they visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Andy's custard and regular ice cream?
Custard is made fresh throughout the day and contains egg, which gives it a denser, richer texture than soft-serve ice cream. It's churned at a slower speed, so it has less air whipped into it. The result is creamier and heavier on your tongue, and it melts more slowly.
Can I order a Concrete with multiple mix-ins?
Yes. You choose how many mix-ins go into your Concrete, and staff blend them all together. Pricing may increase with each additional mix-in, so ask about the cost before ordering if you're combining several options.
Are there vegan or dairy-free options?
Traditional custard contains dairy and egg, so it's not vegan or dairy-free. Check with your local Andy's location about whether they offer non-dairy alternatives, as menu options vary by store.
Do Andy's locations stay open year-round in South Carolina?
Most do, but some close seasonally or reduce hours in winter. Call ahead or check the location's hours online before visiting, especially if you're traveling during off-season months.
What time should I arrive to avoid long lines?
Weekday afternoons and early evenings typically have shorter waits than weekend afternoons or summer evenings. Arriving right when a new daily flavor debuts can mean a longer line, so plan accordingly if you're chasing a specific flavor.