Eddie's Sweet Shop

- 105-29 Metropolitan Ave #1, Flushing, NY 11375

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a true taste of nostalgia and unparalleled quality in their sweet treats, there is one destination that stands above the rest: Eddie's Sweet Shop in Queens. Tucked away on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills, this cherished establishment is widely recognized as one of New York City’s longest continuously operating and oldest ice cream parlors. With roots stretching back to 1925, and operating under the Citrano family ownership since 1968, Eddie's is more than just a place to get dessert—it is a living, breathing time capsule.

Walking into Eddie's Sweet Shop is like stepping off the busy streets of modern New York and right into a 1920s or 1930s soda fountain. The commitment to preserving this authentic, vintage ambiance is a core part of its charm. The interior remains largely unchanged, featuring original details like the pressed tin ceilings, hexagonal tile floors, the polished marble counter, and the worn, cast-iron swivel stools. Even the cash register and an old-fashioned Frigidaire refrigerator—reportedly over 80 years old—contribute to the atmosphere of a bygone era.

This century-old tradition is powered by a simple philosophy: quality comes first. The Citrano family, now spanning multiple generations in the business, makes almost everything from scratch. This includes all 18-20 rich ice cream flavors, their legendary hot fudge, caramel, butterscotch, marshmallow toppings, and the all-important hand-whipped cream. For New Yorkers tired of mass-produced sweets, Eddie's offers an authentic, handcrafted, and deeply satisfying alternative. It’s a cherished gathering spot where generations—from grandparents who went there on dates to their grandchildren visiting after school—come together to enjoy ice cream "the way your grandparents did." This dedication to traditional recipes and genuine service has made Eddie's Sweet Shop a Forest Hills fixture and a treasured culinary landmark across the entire city.

Location and Accessibility

Eddie's Sweet Shop is perfectly situated in the charming, leafy neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, serving as a cornerstone of the Metropolitan Avenue community. The specific address is 105-29 Metropolitan Ave #1, Flushing, NY 11375, USA, at the corner of 72nd Road.

While Forest Hills is known for its quiet, residential feel, the shop remains accessible to visitors from across the city. Patrons often find easy street parking available in the vicinity, which is a major convenience in New York City. The shop is also located conveniently near the Forest Hills theater, making it an ideal spot for a pre- or post-movie treat, turning an ordinary outing into a classic date night or family event. Its location draws a diverse crowd—from local residents who treat it as a daily staple to ice cream enthusiasts traveling from other boroughs to experience the historical ambiance and quality.

Services Offered

Eddie's Sweet Shop maintains a focused menu of classic, time-honored soda fountain delights and ice cream treats. The service is friendly, attentive, and often includes the classic "table service" experience, which is increasingly rare in modern shops.

• Onsite Services: The shop offers full dine-in service, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in the vintage atmosphere while enjoying their desserts at the marble counter or in a booth.
• Takeout: All menu items, from scoops to shakes, are available for convenient takeaway.
• Handcrafted Ice Cream: A selection of approximately 18-20 homemade, traditional flavors are made from scratch on the premises, ensuring a creamy, rich texture and authentic taste.
• Custom Sundaes: Customers can choose from a variety of ice cream flavors, homemade syrups, and classic toppings to create their perfect sundae or classic Banana Split.
• Milkshakes and Malts: Expertly mixed-to-order Milk Shakes, Malted Milks, and Thick Shakes are staples of the drink menu.
• Soda Fountain Classics: The menu features old-school treats like Ice Cream Sodas, Floats (including the classic Root Beer Float), and the iconic, egg-and-cream-less New York Egg Cream.
• Hot Beverages: A selection of warm drinks is available, including regular Coffee/Tea, Herbal Teas, Hot Chocolate, Espresso, and Cappuccino (also available iced).
• Special Orders: The shop occasionally hosts private parties and prepares made-to-order cakes, as well as educational class trips about the shop’s history and ice cream making.

Features / Highlights

The enduring appeal of Eddie’s Sweet Shop lies in its successful blending of historical preservation, uncompromising quality, and family tradition.

• NYC's Oldest Ice Cream Parlor: Dating back to 1925 (or earlier), Eddie's is widely regarded as the longest continuously operating ice cream parlor in New York City, a true testament to its staying power.
• Authentic Vintage Ambiance: The decor creates a genuine 1920s time warp, complete with original hexagonal tile floors, pressed tin ceilings, antique fixtures, marble countertops, and cast-iron swivel stools. The shop has been featured in over a dozen films and TV shows because of its perfectly preserved look.
• Homemade Quality: All ice cream flavors, syrups, and signature toppings—including the famous, substantial hand-whipped cream and rich hot fudge—are made from scratch in-house using cherished family recipes perfected over generations.
• Family-Owned Tradition: The shop is run by the Citrano family, who have been at the helm since 1968. Current owner Vito Citrano, along with his family, continues the tradition of handcrafted quality and old-school customer service.
• Classic Menu Focus: Unlike many modern shops, Eddie's focuses strictly on classic, traditional flavors and concoctions, avoiding fleeting trends to deliver the nostalgic, high-quality experience its customers expect.
• Signature Sundaes and Egg Creams: The classic hot fudge sundae (often served in the original metal dishes) and the perfectly mixed New York Egg Cream are house specialties that customers rave about.
• Cash-Only Policy: Maintaining a cash-only policy is one of the ways the shop deliberately preserves its vintage, old-school business practices, further adding to the authentic retro experience.

Contact Information

To plan your visit to this historic Queens gem, here is the essential contact and location information.

Address: 105-29 Metropolitan Ave #1, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA (Note: Although the full address includes Flushing, the shop is a fixture in the Forest Hills neighborhood.)

Phone: (718) 520-8514

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing what to order at Eddie’s Sweet Shop is a delightful dilemma, but the ultimate decision should always lean towards an item that showcases their generational commitment to quality and tradition. The homemade aspect is the key distinguishing factor that makes this establishment a New York icon. The secret is in the dedication of the Citrano family to meticulously prepare every component from the ground up, ensuring a richness and authenticity rarely found today.

Start with any of the classic ice cream flavors. The base ice creams, such as Coffee Chip, Butter Pecan, or the indulgent Rum Raisin (made with real rum), are renowned for their incredible creaminess and depth of flavor. These flavors have been staples for over half a century and are a must-try for any newcomer. The simple yet flawless Vanilla is also highly recommended, as its quality speaks directly to the freshness of the ingredients and the perfection of the traditional whipping method.

However, the full Eddie's experience is truly achieved by ordering a grand fountain creation. You must try a Sundae with Topping. It is non-negotiable that you select the Hot Fudge—this homemade topping is thick, rich, and often described as tasting like melted candy rather than a thin syrup. Top your choice with their famous, hand-whipped whipped cream, which is spooned out of an old-fashioned container and is substantial, fluffy, and a world apart from the aerosol varieties.

Another essential New York classic that must be sampled is the Egg Cream. Made with homemade syrup, milk, and seltzer, Eddie's rendition of this traditional, non-egg, non-cream beverage is considered one of the best and most authentic in the city. Finally, for those looking for something fruity and vibrant, consider one of the sherbets, like the Orange Sherbet, which is intensely refreshing. Whether you are craving the classic Banana Split or a simple cone, you are choosing a piece of New York history, a carefully preserved legacy where the quality and taste have been perfected across a century of sweet service.

Eddie's Sweet Shop

105-29 Metropolitan Ave #1, Flushing, NY 11375, USA