Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream

Introduction / Overview

For those in Washington, D.C., seeking a truly satisfying sweet treat, Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream stands out as a must-visit destination. This establishment, more accurately described as a dual bakery and homemade ice cream parlor, offers a comforting and indulgent experience right in the heart of the city. Located within the expansive and popular Food Court of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Larry's has garnered a loyal following among downtown workers, federal employees, and tourists alike.

Larry's is celebrated for offering the perfect pairing: thick, soft, and flavorful cookies alongside a remarkable selection of homemade ice cream. The combination of freshly baked goods and a rotating menu of over a hundred seasonal ice cream flavors ensures that there is always something new and delicious to try. From classic chocolate chip cookies—praised by customers for being full of flavor—to gourmet options and exotic ice cream tastes, Larry's elevates the humble dessert experience. The venue is characterized by its fast service, making it an ideal choice for a quick and rewarding visit during a busy workday or a break from sightseeing in the District.

This sweet spot is an institution within the Ronald Reagan Building's vibrant dining scene, known for its commitment to quality and diverse offerings. Beyond the standard cookie and ice cream options, the menu often features unique treats inspired by international flavors, such as flaky baklava and creative ice cream combinations, adding a touch of worldly flair to the D.C. food landscape. Whether you are craving a simple scoop, a decadent milkshake, or a freshly baked cookie, Larry's provides a high-quality dessert experience in a central and highly accessible location.

Location and Accessibility

Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream is conveniently situated in one of Washington D.C.'s most prominent buildings, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA. The bakery is part of the building's large Food Court, an amenity that makes it a central hub for dining in the downtown area.

Accessibility to Larry's is exceptionally easy, catering to both local commuters and visitors to the capital. The location is directly connected to the Federal Triangle Metro Station (serving the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines) via a covered passageway, allowing for effortless transit regardless of the weather. For those traveling by other means, the Metro Center Metro Station (Red line) is also only two blocks away, providing another convenient public transit option.

For drivers, the Ronald Reagan Building offers on-site public parking in the largest underground garage in downtown D.C. While convenient, customers should note that a review mentions the parking rate is typically high, consistent with central D.C. parking costs. The parking garage is accessible via entrances on 13 1/2 Street off Pennsylvania Avenue and two entrances on 14th Street between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. It is important to remember that as a federal building, all visitors must pass through security checkpoints upon entry, even for a quick trip to the food court.

Furthermore, the venue and the surrounding food court are designed with accessibility in mind. Customers have praised the establishment for its wheelchair accessibility. The food court also provides clean toilet facilities and drinking fountains, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons.

Services Offered

Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream provides a focused set of services centered around its core products—homemade ice cream and fresh cookies—designed for speed and customer satisfaction in a high-traffic environment.

• Wide Variety of Homemade Ice Cream: The shop is known for offering an extensive selection of ice cream, boasting over 100 flavors that rotate seasonally throughout the year. Flavors range from beloved classics like French Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, and Strawberry Cheesecake, to more unique and eccentric offerings like Key West Chocolate Fever (orange-chocolate), Fred and Ginger (peach, brandy, and ginger), and Halva with almonds. The menu also includes popular options such as Cookie Dough, Mud Pie, and Rocky Road.
• Freshly Baked Cookies and Gourmet Treats: The bakery side of the business features fresh, large, and soft-baked cookies. Staple offerings include Chocolate Chip Cookies and Oatmeal Cinnamon Cookies, often paired with ice cream. They also offer unique, decadent baked goods, notably an "Incredible Cookie" that is a five-layer creation (chocolate fudge, caramel, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chip cookie) and traditional Turkish baklava.
• Ice Cream Creations: Customers can enjoy their ice cream in a variety of ways, including milkshakes (such as the popular strawberry milkshake), ice cream sandwiches (a rich variety of ice cream flavors sandwiched between soft cookies), and ice cream floats with a choice of soda.
• Takeout Service: The establishment is set up perfectly for quick visits and takeout orders, ideal for busy professionals or travelers on the move.
• Payment Flexibility: To ensure a smooth and fast transaction, the bakery accepts major forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Food Court Dining: While focused on quick service, the location within the Ronald Reagan Building Food Court provides ample seating and a vibrant atmosphere for customers who wish to enjoy their treats on-site.

Features / Highlights

Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream stands out in the competitive downtown D.C. market with several unique features that contribute to its strong reputation:

• Homemade Ice Cream Expertise: A significant highlight is the shop's commitment to making its own ice cream, resulting in high-quality, rich, and inventive flavors. The vast flavor library (over 100 seasonal options) ensures that even regular customers can discover new favorites.
• Gourmet Cookie Selection: The cookies are a major draw, consistently described by customers as thick, soft, and packed with ingredients, such as the praised chocolate chip pecan cookie. The incredible five-layer cookie offers a truly indulgent experience.
• Strategic and Convenient Location: Being located inside the Ronald Reagan Building Food Court in the Federal Triangle area provides unparalleled accessibility via Metro and the largest parking garage in the city, making it a highly convenient stop for a quick, quality dessert.
• Quick Visit Planning: The business model is optimized for speed, ensuring fast service and virtually no waiting time for customers, which is a major advantage during peak lunch or commuter hours.
• High Accessibility Standards: The shop is wheelchair accessible, and the surrounding building facilities, including clean restrooms and drinking fountains, are pram-friendly and designed to accommodate all guests.
• Culturally Unique Offerings: The inclusion of authentic Turkish baklava and other exotic ice cream flavors like Cardamom, Halva, and the brandy-based Fred and Ginger adds a distinctive, culturally rich layer to the menu that sets it apart from typical dessert shops.

Contact Information

For D.C. locals and visitors planning a trip to Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream, here is the essential contact and location information:

Address:

1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

(Located within the Food Court of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center)

Phone Number:

202.682.0080 (as listed for Larry's Cookies & Ice Cream in the Reagan Building dining directory)

Operating Hours (Based on typical Food Court hours):

Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

What is Worth Choosing

When navigating the extensive menu at Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream, there are certain items that consistently earn high praise and represent the best of what the shop has to offer. The perfect experience here often involves combining their two specialties, as many satisfied customers have discovered.

Firstly, the homemade ice cream is the foundation of their success. If you are a fan of rich, creamy, and nutty flavors, the Pecan Praline ice cream is consistently mentioned as a customer favorite and is highly recommended. For the adventurous palate, the unique, Florida-inspired Key West Chocolate Fever (orange-chocolate with chunks) or the complex Fred and Ginger (sweet cream with peach, brandy, and ginger) offer a memorable departure from the ordinary. Given the large selection of rotating flavors, it is worth asking about any seasonal or eccentric tastes available during your visit, as this is where the shop truly shines.

Secondly, no visit is complete without sampling the bakery's signature offerings. The Chocolate Chip Cookie, particularly the chocolate chip pecan version, is a standout—described as thick, soft, and generously filled with chocolate and nuts. For an over-the-top indulgence, the five-layer "Incredible Cookie" with its fudge, caramel, coconut, pecan, and chocolate chip composition is a formidable and satisfying dessert choice. If you prefer a lighter, international treat, the delicate, nutty, and sweet Baklava is a popular, authentic choice.

Finally, for a complete and classic pairing, consider one of their handheld treats. An Ice Cream Sandwich, combining a choice of their homemade ice cream with two soft cookies, provides the best of both worlds. Alternatively, a thick Milkshake, such as the double chocolate chip cookie or strawberry options, offers a cooling and convenient way to enjoy the creamy flavors.

Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream offers a high-quality, fast, and delightful sweet fix in one of D.C.'s most iconic and accessible locations. It’s the ideal spot for a quick but indulgent treat while exploring downtown Washington or simply needing a moment of sweetness during your busy day.

Larry's Cookies and Ice Cream

1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA