Italian Ices

- 52-04 108th St, Corona, NY 11368

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers, the search for the perfect frozen treat ends at a singular, iconic corner in Queens. Known officially as the location of The Lemon Ice King of Corona, this Dessert shop at 52-04 108th Street is not just a seasonal destination—it is a beloved neighborhood institution and a slice of true New York history. Since its founding in 1944, this spot has been synonymous with summer in the city, building a legacy based on tradition, quality, and a sheer abundance of flavor.

The primary offering is authentic Italian Ices, a time-honored dessert that stands distinct from both ice cream and sorbet. The ices here are homemade using a traditional small-batch churning process with water, sugar, and real flavorings. This method results in a product with a wonderfully creamy, semi-solid texture that is naturally dairy-free and intensely refreshing—the ultimate antidote to a hot New York day.

Its fame extends well beyond the tri-state area. Many locals and tourists recognize the storefront from its appearances, most notably in the opening credits of the classic sitcom The King of Queens. But the real star is the flavor. With over three dozen (around 40) flavors available, the shop consistently delivers on its promise of deliciousness. Customers often speak of the nostalgic charm, with one saying, “My dad used to take us here every summer when I was a small child. Wonderful memories! I remember the workers were so nice and the flavors were delicious!” It is an essential stop for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality Italian ices in the city.

Location and Accessibility

This iconic Dessert shop is precisely located at 52-04 108th St, Corona, NY 11368, USA, firmly rooted in the Corona neighborhood of Queens. Its position on 108th Street, near 52nd Avenue, makes it a central fixture of the community and highly identifiable.

For residents and visitors utilizing New York’s public transit system, the shop is conveniently accessible. The most straightforward route is via the 7 Subway Line to the 103rd St–Corona Plaza station, followed by a manageable walk to the storefront. This ease of access by subway makes it a popular destination for those traveling from other boroughs, as evidenced by loyal customers who “drive once a month from Brooklyn to this place.”

The location is also excellent for enjoying your treat immediately after purchase. The shop is situated directly across from Spaghetti Park (officially William F. Moore Park), a local gathering spot where bocce tournaments often take place. Additionally, the massive green space of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to landmarks like the Unisphere, is just a short stroll away, providing the perfect, authentic New York setting to relax and savor your Italian ice. The venue itself is also noted for being wheelchair accessible.

Services Offered

The service model at this classic Corona establishment is simple, efficient, and focused on delivering high-quality product right out the window, embodying the speed and simplicity of a classic New York food vendor.

• Walk-Up Takeout Service: The primary service option is Takeout via its famous walk-up window. This streamlined approach ensures fast service, particularly vital during peak summer hours, and maintains the nostalgic charm the shop is known for.
• Extended Seasonal Hours: During the peak summer season, the shop often maintains extended hours, typically opening in the late morning and remaining open late into the evening, often until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM on weekends, catering to late-night dessert cravings.
• Cash-Only Policy: Patrons should be aware that the venue only accepts cash payments. This classic policy keeps transactions quick and simple, a hallmark of many long-standing NYC institutions. It is advisable to bring cash when visiting.
• Party and Wholesale Supply: While specializing in individual servings, the shop also provides its authentic Italian ices in large tubs or vats for catering events, parties, and family gatherings, showcasing a service that has delighted generations of New Yorkers.
• Seating Availability: Unlike many walk-up spots, the venue has been reported to provide seating for customers to enjoy their treats comfortably while visiting the neighborhood.

Features / Highlights

The features of this Dessert shop are all rooted in its commitment to flavor diversity and traditional preparation methods.

• Vast Flavor Selection: The shop is famed for its wide variety of flavors, offering over 40 distinct choices. Favorites include the classic lemon, cherry, rainbow, and less conventional hits like peanut butter (often containing real peanut chunks), licorice, blue raspberry, and cotton candy.
• Authentic and Dairy-Free Ices: All Italian ices are made without dairy ingredients, making them a naturally dairy-free and refreshing alternative to ice cream. The tradition of using real fruit pieces, such as squeezing cases of lemons and oranges, ensures the authentic, rich flavor profile customers rave about.
• Sugar-Free Options: Recognizing the need for low-sugar alternatives, the shop provides sugar-free ice options among its selections, allowing everyone to partake in the historic tradition.
• Gourmet Candy Apples: Beyond the ices, the establishment offers 5 Gourmet Candy Apple Flavors, including Cherry Red, Coconut, Confetti, Caramel, and Caramel Butterscotch Crunch. These treats are available for events and are a popular item, especially in cooler months.
• Iconic NYC Status: The dessert shop holds a celebrated place in New York culture, having received awards of distinction from Zagat and being consistently recognized in numerous magazines as a must-visit place, cementing its status as an iconic gem.

Contact Information

The shop is an enduring part of the Corona, Queens landscape, offering a taste of history with every scoop.

Address: 52-04 108th St, Corona, NY 11368, USA

While a direct phone number is not listed specifically for the address 52-04, the renowned establishment at this corner uses the following contact for general inquiries:

Phone: (718) 699-5133 (Associated with The Lemon Ice King of Corona)

What is worth choosing

Choosing this historic Dessert shop is choosing a time-tested New York tradition. It is worth choosing for the unmatched quality and sheer variety that simply cannot be replicated by street vendors or newer establishments.

First, the product itself is the core reason. These are not merely frozen sugar-water treats; they are authentic Italian Ices crafted with a dedicated, generational recipe. The flavor—whether it is the simplicity of lemon, the customer-favorite cherry, the complexity of rainbow, or the unconventional excellence of peanut butter—is authentic and vibrant. As one long-distance patron affirms, “These Italian ice are very delicious.”

Second, the experience is irreplaceable. Visiting is an act of nostalgia for many New Yorkers, recalling childhood memories and connecting to a community cornerstone that has thrived since 1944. It’s an ideal, quick, and affordable destination before or after visiting nearby attractions like Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, allowing you to enjoy your treat while watching local bocce games in Spaghetti Park.

Finally, the dedication to serving everyone is commendable. The availability of both dairy-free and sugar-free options ensures that almost anyone can enjoy this classic New York indulgence. For a taste of history, a blast of delicious flavor, and a genuine, cash-only Queens experience, this iconic ice shop remains the unrivaled King of New York’s frozen treats.

Italian Ices

52-04 108th St, Corona, NY 11368, USA