Itgen Ice Cream

- 211 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

Introduction / Overview

For Long Island residents and New York families seeking a true taste of old-school Americana, Itgen's Ice Cream Parlour stands as an irreplaceable landmark in Valley Stream. More than just an ice cream shop, Itgen's is a classic restaurant and soda fountain, blending the charm of a bygone era with a menu full of comforting, high-quality food served all day. Operating from a location that has housed an ice cream shop or soda jerk since the 1920s, Itgen's itself has been an institution since Walter Itgen, Sr. opened it in 1967. It has continued to be a treasured community spot, even after a change in ownership in 2017, maintaining the commitment to its famous homemade ice cream and generous portions that patrons have loved for generations.

The true magic of Itgen's lies in its dual identity: a full-service, American-style diner and a nostalgic ice cream parlor. New Yorkers visit for everything from hearty breakfast combos and classic lunch counter sandwiches to elaborate, overflowing sundaes. Everything about the establishment evokes a "feel good" kind of place, characterized by its "kitsch old-school decor," swivel stools, and cozy booths. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and particularly family-friendly, with staff frequently receiving high praise for their kindness and ability to treat patrons, especially children, with genuine care and attentiveness.

Testimonials from long-time and returning customers consistently highlight the commitment to quality and service. One reviewer noted that the establishment has "upped their game" and praised the "excellent" food quality and "very generous & tasty" ice cream portions. Another family enthusiastically recommended it, describing the food as "absolutely amazing—fresh, delicious, and full of flavor," and stressing that the prices are "totally affordable for the quality and portions." Whether you’re stopping in for a quick, delicious burger, a full-on seafood plate, or one of their legendary desserts like the FLAT CAR (a custom-made dessert featuring warm house-made pound cake), Itgen’s promises a genuinely enjoyable and satisfying dining experience. It is a must-visit destination for anyone in the New York area seeking high-value, comfort food with an authentic, friendly, and nostalgic backdrop.

Location and Accessibility

Itgen's Ice Cream Parlour enjoys a highly accessible location in Valley Stream, Long Island, making it a convenient trip for residents across the New York region, including Queens, Brooklyn, and Nassau County.

The restaurant's address is:

211 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA

Situated directly on Rockaway Avenue, a major local thoroughfare, the parlor is easy to find by car. It is strategically positioned near the border of Queens, New York City, and Long Island, facilitating access via key routes like the Southern State Parkway. For those traveling by air or connecting through transportation hubs, the location is particularly convenient, noted in past reviews as being just five miles away from JFK Airport, making it a perfect first or last stop for travelers.

For public transit users, Valley Stream is served by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), providing direct connections to Manhattan and other parts of Long Island. The restaurant is located in a bustling commercial area, suggesting good local access via public bus routes and easy access for local taxi services. The centralized location ensures that this nostalgic gem remains within comfortable reach for families throughout the wider New York metropolitan area.

Services Offered

Itgen's Ice Cream Parlour operates as a full-service restaurant and classic soda fountain, providing a diverse range of menu options and flexible dining services.

• All-Day Breakfast: Serving a comprehensive breakfast menu featuring eggs, omelets, pancakes, French toast, waffles (including Chicken & Waffles), and various combos available from morning until evening closing.
• Full American Diner Menu: Offering an extensive selection of savory items for lunch and dinner, including classic burgers, specialty burgers, hot open sandwiches, triple-decker clubs, wraps, salads, and seafood plates (such as the Fisherman’s Plate and Fried Shrimp).
• Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts: Specializing in homemade, French-style ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, malts, banana splits, and specialty dessert items like the legendary FLAT CAR (warm pound cake topped with ice cream and hot fudge).
• Scratch-Made Toppings and Syrups: All ice cream accompaniments, including hot fudge, whipped cream, syrups, marshmallow sauce, and 'wet nuts' (walnuts in sticky syrup), are made fresh on the premises.
• Beverages and Fountain Drinks: Serving a variety of classic and modern beverages, including Lime Rickeys (made with fresh-squeezed limes), Egg Creams, bubble tea, coffee, and specialty sodas.
• In-House Dining: Providing a classic, old-school diner environment with swivel stools and booths, ideal for a nostalgic sit-down experience.
• Takeout and Delivery: Offering convenient services for customers, including in-store pickup and delivery (often available for orders over a minimum amount, such as $25+), ensuring their delicious meals and treats can be enjoyed at home.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: Featuring a dedicated kids' menu, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff who are notably patient and kind to children, making it an excellent spot for family outings.

Features / Highlights

The defining features of Itgen's Ice Cream Parlour are its authentic, nostalgic atmosphere, the quality of its homemade sweets, and its commitment to generous portions of scratch-made comfort food.

• Homemade Ice Cream Excellence: The primary highlight is the rich, high-quality, homemade French-style ice cream, which forms the basis for their legendary sundaes and shakes.
• Everything Made from Scratch: A key feature is the bakery’s dedication to making toppings from scratch—including the hot fudge, whipped cream, and syrups—ensuring unparalleled flavor and freshness in every dessert.
• Generous Portions: Itgen’s is known for its large, generous portions, especially with ice cream. Patrons frequently note that a "One Scoop size is more like 2-3 scoops elsewhere," and sundaes are known to be "HUGE."
• Nostalgic, Old-School Diner Charm: The establishment maintains a classic, kitschy old-school décor with swivel stools and cozy booths, offering a warm and nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to families and those seeking a trip back in time.
• Exceptional Comfort Food: The savory menu features delicious, fresh, and generously portioned items, with standouts like the "excellent" Country Style Cheeseburger, crispy onion rings, and highly recommended Waffle Fries.
• Friendly, Family-Oriented Service: The staff consistently receives high praise for being "awesome & very welcoming," treating families with kindness, and contributing to the overall "feel good" energy of the restaurant.
• Signature Specialty Drinks: Offering classic soda fountain drinks like the Cherry Lime Rickey, often made with "fresh squeezed limes," and the affectionately named Cooling Gorilla.
• Historical Long Island Landmark: As a fixture in Valley Stream since 1967, and in a location with a history dating back to the 1920s, the restaurant holds significant historical and community value.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place a takeout order, or inquire about the current schedule, please use the following contact details:

Address: 211 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA

Phone: (516) 825-7444

Mobile Phone: +1 516-825-7444

What is Worth Choosing

Itgen's Ice Cream Parlour is an essential choice for New York residents for several compelling reasons, extending far beyond the typical quick-service stop. It is worth choosing for the complete, authentic, nostalgic dining experience that is increasingly rare in the region.

The main draw is the high-quality, homemade aspect of its specialty items. In a world saturated with mass-produced desserts, the commitment of Itgen's to making its ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and syrups entirely from scratch sets it apart. The generous portions—where a single scoop is often equivalent to three elsewhere—ensure excellent value and a truly indulgent treat. For anyone craving a genuine, rich, old-fashioned sundae or a creamy milkshake delivered with a frosty aluminum shaker and extra gulp, Itgen's is the premier destination on Long Island.

Beyond the sweets, the establishment is a reliable and affordable source of "fresh, delicious, and full of flavor" comfort food. Itgen's allows New Yorkers to satisfy any craving at any time of day, whether it’s a full American breakfast combo with steak and eggs, a classic deli sandwich, or a "must-try" burger, all delivered with the consistency of a well-loved local diner. The menu's expansive nature means there is truly "something for everyone to indulge in," making it the perfect choice for families or groups with varied tastes.

Finally, Itgen's should be chosen for its atmosphere and service. The combination of its historic, retro decor and the genuinely friendly, welcoming staff creates an inviting environment that is perfect for a relaxing, no-fuss meal. It is a place where every customer is made to feel "right at home," an experience that fosters the kind of good energy and community connection that is invaluable in the busy pace of New York life. Itgen's isn't just a restaurant; it’s a local institution that provides quality comfort and cherished memories.

Itgen Ice Cream

211 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA