Ralph’s Italian Ices-E. Oside-Merrick Road(Across from J Paul’s)

- 242 Merrick Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572

When the craving hits for an authentic, refreshing New York frozen treat, Long Island locals know exactly where to go. Ralph’s Italian Ices-E. Oside-Merrick Road stands as a beloved community staple, consistently delivering a vast and delectable menu of Italian ices, rich ice creams, and innovative specialty desserts. More than just a dessert shop, this location has cultivated a reputation for impeccable service, a spotless environment, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back year after year. For residents in Oceanside and the surrounding Nassau County areas, Ralph's is the quintessential destination for satisfying any sweet tooth, from a simple cup of Lemon Ice to a decadent, multi-layered sundae.

This particular Ralph's location is celebrated not only for its classic products but also for maintaining high operational standards. According to customer testimonials, the store's dedication to protocol, health compliance, and continuous staff training ensures a smooth, top-notch experience every time. The fabulous owners foster a positive working environment, resulting in a staff that is not only friendly and welcoming but also highly knowledgeable about the extensive menu. The result is a perfect stop for families, friends, and anyone in search of a delightful frozen indulgence.

Ralph's Italian Ices has a history spanning over 90 years, making it a true New York institution. The East Oceanside location proudly carries on this tradition, blending time-honored recipes with modern, creative dessert innovations like the viral 'Doughnado.' Whether you are a lifelong New Yorker or new to the area, a visit to this Oceanside gem is an essential experience for dessert lovers.

Location and Accessibility

Ralph’s Italian Ices-E. Oside-Merrick Road is conveniently situated in the heart of Oceanside, a community in Nassau County, Long Island, NY. Its specific address is 242 Merrick Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572, USA. A key landmark for easy location is that the shop is situated directly across from J Paul’s, making it a simple destination to find for both locals and those traveling through the Merrick Road corridor.

Merrick Road (Route 27) is a major thoroughfare on Long Island, offering high accessibility from surrounding towns like Rockville Centre, Island Park, and Freeport. This central Long Island placement ensures that the shop is an easy drive for a wide customer base. While public transportation options vary by time of year, the location on a main road is generally well-served. The store’s spot offers a perfect opportunity to pull over for a quick treat on a warm evening or to grab a party bucket for a local gathering. The consistently positive feedback on the shop’s clean and inviting vibe further enhances its appeal as a local gathering spot.

Services Offered

• Authentic Italian Water Ices: A signature offering featuring a wide variety of fruit flavors, with some options being fat-free and cholesterol-free, catering to lighter preferences. Popular flavors include Lemon, Cherry, Watermelon, Mango, and Rainbow.
• Cream Ices (Sherbert): A richer, creamier version of the Italian Ice, often referred to as sherbert, which offers a dairy-like smoothness without being traditional ice cream.
• Hand-Scooped Hard Ice Cream: A full selection of traditional hard ice cream flavors, including classics like Vanilla, Chocolate, Cake Batter, Cookies 'N Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
• Soft Serve Ice Cream: Available in classic flavors such as Vanilla, Chocolate, and Twist, perfect for simple cones, cups, or as the base for specialty items.
• Signature Sundaes: An extensive menu of specialty sundaes, including customer favorites like the Peanut Butter Crunch, Hot Fudge Crunch, Hot Fudge Brownie, and the decadent Dubai Chocolate Sundae.
• Doughnados: A specialty item layering Edible Cookie Dough between creamy soft-serve ice cream, available in flavors such as Birthday Cake and Triple Chocolate Brownie.
• Twisters: A signature layered treat combining a customer's choice of Italian Ice, Cream Ice, or Hand Scooped Ice Cream with creamy Soft Serve for a delightful textural and flavor contrast.
• Arctic Shakes and Milkshakes: Thick, blended drinks categorized as traditional Milkshakes or Ralph’s unique Arctic Shakes, which are made from Cream Ices. Options include the Cake Shake, Peanut Butter Blast, and various coffee-blended Ralphaccinos.
• Fruit Smoothies and Icebergs: Refreshing fruit-flavored smoothies, which can also be served as an 'Iceberg'—topped with a float of creamy soft-serve ice cream.
• No Sugar Added Options: A variety of Italian Ices are available with no sugar added, providing an option for health-conscious patrons.
• Dole Soft Serve (Dole Whip): Dairy-free soft serve options like Pineapple and Pomegranate, known for their creamy texture and true-to-fruit flavors.
• Catering and Party Tubs: Offering larger quantities like Pints, Quarts, Fun Tubs (Family Size), and Party Buckets, perfect for home entertaining or larger events.

Features / Highlights

• Vast Menu Variety: The single most prominent feature is the sheer number of product categories and flavor combinations available, catering to every imaginable preference, from light water ices to heavy, decadent sundaes and shakes.
• Iconic Long Island Brand: Ralph's Italian Ices has been a Long Island and New York favorite for over 90 years, embodying a nostalgic, classic dessert experience.
• High Customer Service and Cleanliness: Customer reviews consistently praise the "amazing service," noting that the staff is "friendly and welcoming" and that the store is "always spotless," creating a "nice, inviting vibe."
• Innovative Dessert Creations: The menu includes unique signature items such as the Doughnado (edible cookie dough with ice cream), the Twister (ice layered with soft serve), and the specialty Dubai Chocolate Sundae, which features unique ingredients like pistachio cream and crunchy kataifi.
• Dietary Options Available: The menu is inclusive, offering fat-free/cholesterol-free Italian Ices, no sugar added ices, and dairy-free Dole Soft Serve (Dole Whip) options.
• Strong Community Presence: The store is well-regarded within the Oceanside community, fostering a loyal customer base and a great environment for staff, with some working there for years.

Contact Information

For Long Island residents planning their next sweet visit, here is the essential contact and location information for Ralph’s Italian Ices-E. Oside-Merrick Road:

Address: 242 Merrick Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572, USA

Phone: (516) 678-3101

This centrally located shop is easily reachable and ready to serve its expansive menu of frozen delights.

What is worth choosing

When visiting Ralph's Italian Ices-E. Oside-Merrick Road, several items stand out as must-try options that capture the essence of this iconic New York establishment. The signature offering that gives the company its name—the Italian Ice—is always a top choice. Long Island summers demand the classic, refreshing chill of a perfectly flavored Water Ice. For a true taste of the variety, consider a blend of two flavors like Lemon and Cherry, or perhaps the tropical escape of Mango.

For those who prefer creamy indulgence, the specialty items are what truly set this location apart. Customer reviews specifically highlight the Peanut Butter Crunch Sundae as an absolute favorite. This creation typically features soft-serve ice cream generously topped with peanut butter sauce, peanut butter cups, and chocolate crunch, all finished with homemade whipped cream and extra drizzle. It's a rich, textural experience that peanut butter lovers rave about.

Another highly recommended choice is the Cake Shake. This is a decadent, blended Arctic Shake made with vanilla ice, cake creme frappe, and 1% milk, topped with homemade whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles—a delicious, drinkable version of a birthday cake that captures the fun and spirit of the shop.

Finally, don't overlook the signature Doughnado. This is a modern dessert sensation, marrying edible cookie dough (such as Birthday Cake or Triple Chocolate Brownie) layered with soft-serve ice cream. It is the perfect choice for a trendy, scoopable delight that combines two great desserts into one unforgettable experience. For an over-the-top, gourmet experience, the Dubai Chocolate Sundae offers a truly decadent mix of pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi pastry, and warm Nutella fudge layered with creamy ice cream, making it a spectacular and luxurious treat. Ultimately, whether you are picking up a party tub for a group or enjoying a simple ice by yourself, Ralph's Oceanside delivers high quality, delicious products every time.

Ralph’s Italian Ices-E. Oside-Merrick Road(Across from J Paul’s)

242 Merrick Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572, USA