Gruto’s website welcomes you with the phrase, “Welcome to Gruto’s, Serving up joy.” And indeed, they do! This charming ice cream shop, founded in 2007 by Julie and Steve Pologruto, has become a beloved destination in Purcellville and Leesburg, VA. Originally opened in Purcellville and operating from March through October, Gruto’s eventually came under the ownership of locals Don and Erin Wilson, who fell in love with the small-town feel and delicious offerings. In 2018, the Wilsons expanded Gruto’s presence by opening a second location in Leesburg.
Both locations offer a cozy, to-go ice cream experience with just a chair or two inside, making outdoor seating a staple for enjoying your treat. The small-town charm of both Purcellville and Leesburg is mirrored in the atmosphere of Gruto’s, with both shops offering similar menus of soft serve ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and specialty items. While there are subtle differences between the two, they are just enough to warrant a visit to both for the full Gruto’s experience—or at least that’s a good excuse to indulge!
Conveniently, both Gruto’s locations are near other great eateries. In Purcellville, it’s nestled between Bia Kitchen and Market Burger Fries & Shakes, while in Leesburg, it’s neighbors with bkd Bagels and the former King Street Coffee. This makes it an ideal stop for dessert after a delicious meal, or as a sweet treat during a day out.
Gruto’s primarily offers soft serve ice cream, available in a variety of flavors by the cup or cone, with the option to swirl different flavors together. They boast an extensive selection of toppings and sundaes, perfect for customizing your creamy delight.
Whether you’re cooling off after a great dinner or a Purcellville Cannons baseball game, Gruto’s Soft Serve is a fantastic spot for a family outing or a personal treat. Because sometimes, you just deserve a little joy in the form of ice cream.
