Benfaremo- The Lemon Ice King Of Corona

- 52-02 108th St, Corona, NY 11368

Introduction / Overview

When the weather heats up in the city, New Yorkers know there is only one true destination for the quintessential summer frozen treat: Benfaremo- The Lemon Ice King Of Corona. More than just an Ice cream shop, this Queens landmark is a treasured slice of New York history and tradition, having served up authentic Italian Ices since its founding by Nicola Benfaremo in 1944. For generations, this iconic establishment has become synonymous with summer, community, and an unbeatable quality that has earned it a permanent place in the city's heart—and even on its television screens, having been featured prominently in the opening credits of the sitcom The King of Queens.

What sets The Lemon Ice King apart is its unwavering commitment to tradition and quality. The shop exclusively offers traditional Italian Ices—a treat that is naturally dairy-free and achieves its signature creamy, semi-solid texture through small-batch churning of fresh ingredients, water, and flavorings. This classic recipe ensures a smooth, intensely refreshing experience that perfectly captures the essence of real fruit flavors.

The operation maintains a charmingly old-school vibe, primarily serving customers from a walk-up window, upholding a legacy that spans over 80 years. It’s an easy, Casual, and Trending spot, making it ideal for a Quick visit or a stop with Groups and Children after a day in the park. As one customer aptly put it, there’s a reason it’s “been around forever—it’s simple, iconic, and unbeatable.”

Location and Accessibility

The Lemon Ice King of Corona is located at its historic address: 52-02 108th St, Corona, NY 11368, USA. This location is key to its identity, firmly placing it in the heart of the Corona neighborhood of Queens, making it a focal point for the local community and a pilgrimage site for visitors. The cross street is near 52nd Avenue, putting it in a highly recognizable and accessible part of the borough.

Accessibility for New Yorkers is straightforward, particularly via public transit. The shop is easily reached by taking the 7 subway line to the 103rd St–Corona Plaza station, followed by a short walk. For those driving, the surrounding neighborhood is typical of Queens street parking, but nearby municipal parking facilities or garages can be found a short distance away for added convenience, though securing a street spot can be challenging on busy summer days. The store operates primarily as a Takeout location from a walk-up window, encouraging patrons to enjoy their cool treats while strolling the neighborhood.

A significant convenience highlight is the shop's proximity to one of New York City's greatest green spaces: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Located just a few blocks away, the park provides the perfect destination to enjoy your Italian ice. This proximity enhances the experience, allowing customers to savor their refreshment while watching local activities or relaxing by the Unisphere.

Services Offered

The service model at The Lemon Ice King of Corona is rooted in simplicity, tradition, and efficiency, focusing entirely on delivering a high-quality product quickly and conveniently.

• Walk-Up Window Service: The primary method of service is Takeout via the iconic walk-up counter, maintaining the nostalgic charm of its early street vendor days.
• Seasonal and Extended Hours: The shop typically opens daily, often from 11:00 AM. Closing hours extend into the evening, with hours often listed until 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, catering to the late-night crowds of a vibrant New York summer. Customers are advised to check seasonal hours, especially during the off-season.
• Party and Event Supplies: For special occasions, the Italian ices and candy apples are available for parties and events. The shop sells its ices in large, multi-gallon metal vats, a service popular for family gatherings and block parties across the city and beyond.
• Cash-Only Transactions: Crucially, customers must remember the Pro tip: it’s cash only, so come prepared. This policy maintains the old-school integrity of the business model and ensures quick transactions.
• Flavor Customization Restrictions: In keeping with tradition, the shop adheres to a strict policy: mixing flavors isn't permitted. This encourages patrons to savor the integrity of the ices individually.

Features / Highlights

The Lemon Ice King is defined by its extensive, unique, and consistently delicious menu, offering treats that go beyond the typical ice cream shop fare.

• The Flavor Spectrum: The selection is immense, with over 40 distinct Italian Ice Flavors. While the classic Lemon is the most popular, adventurous New Yorkers can choose from unique selections like Peanut Butter (with real peanut chunks), Licorice, Rum Raisin, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Bubble Gum, ensuring a choice for literally every palate.
• Traditional and Dairy-Free Quality: All ices are made with a traditional family recipe using simple ingredients—sugar, water, and flavoring—and are completely dairy-free. This small-batch process results in a texture that is simultaneously smooth and refreshing, which is the hallmark of authentic Italian Ices.
• Health-Conscious Options: Recognizing evolving dietary needs, the shop offers several Sugar Free Italian Ice Flavors, including popular options like Lemon, Chocolate, Cherry, and Orange.
• Gourmet Candy Apples: In addition to the ices, the shop is famed for its 5 Gourmet Candy Apple Flavors, such as Caramel Butterscotch Crunch and Coconut. These visually striking treats are available for events and add a unique dimension to the shop’s traditional offerings.
• Unbeatable Value and Size Options: The pricing for the ices is celebrated as a steal for NYC, with options ranging from a small cup to multi-gallon vats, ensuring that everyone from the Solo dining local to a family can enjoy the treats affordably. A small is typically $2, a medium $3, and a large $4.

Contact Information

For any inquiries about ordering large vats for parties, checking seasonal hours, or general questions, here is the contact information for this historic Queens institution:

Address: 52-02 108th St, Corona, NY 11368, USA

Phone: (718) 699-5133

Mobile Phone: +1 718-699-5133

What is worth choosing

Choosing Benfaremo- The Lemon Ice King Of Corona is choosing an essential piece of New York City's cultural and culinary landscape. It is worth choosing not just for the quality of the product, but for the authentic, nostalgic experience it provides.

The paramount reason to choose this shop is the Authentic Italian Ices themselves. The unparalleled range of flavors—from the refreshing classic Lemon and the customer-favorite lemon-lime blend, to the surprising but delightful Peanut Butter—guarantees that every visit is a journey of flavor discovery. The ices are consistently described as the perfect balance of tart and sweet, hitting the spot every time.

Furthermore, The Lemon Ice King represents tradition and consistency. Since 1944, it has been serving the same high-quality, dairy-free treat, a true rarity in a city of constantly changing trends. When New Yorkers visit, they are partaking in a generational ritual, a piece of local history cemented by its famous television appearances and its role as a cornerstone of the Corona community. Its proximity to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park ensures the perfect setting for enjoying your purchase. For a casual outing, a quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying treat, or a taste of pure Queens heritage, The Lemon Ice King of Corona is unequivocally the only choice. Just remember to bring cash!

Benfaremo- The Lemon Ice King Of Corona

52-02 108th St, Corona, NY 11368, USA