Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream

- 127 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596

Introduction / Overview

For residents of New York, especially those on Long Island, the name Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream is synonymous with summer, tradition, and an unparalleled selection of frozen desserts. This beloved Staten Island-born chain has been a New York favorite for over 90 years, with its history tracing back to 1928 when founder Ralph Silvestro, an Italian immigrant, began selling his famous Italian Ices. What started as a local Staten Island favorite has blossomed into a cherished regional institution, with locations like the one in Williston Park serving up a colossal menu of over 100 flavors and unique creations. Ralph's is more than just an ice cream shop; it's a nostalgic destination where generations of New Yorkers have gone to cool off with a refreshing, flavorful treat. From the light, fruit-forward Water Ices to the rich, creamy Ice Cream and inventive specialty drinks, Ralph’s has perfected the art of the frozen dessert. Whether you're craving a classic Lemon Water Ice or one of their innovative new items like a Doughnado, you can expect a high-quality product served in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. It's truly a cornerstone of the local dessert scene and a go-to spot for a quick, delicious visit.

The Williston Park location, like all Ralph's establishments, upholds a legacy of using fine ingredients and maintaining high standards for flavor and quality. The atmosphere is generally described as casual and trending, making it a comfortable and exciting spot for people of all ages. It is a perfect place for a quick visit to satisfy that sweet tooth, offering an array of options that cater to every taste, including several no-sugar-added options for those monitoring their intake. Their reputation for great dessert is well-earned, making it a must-visit spot on Long Island.

Location and Accessibility

Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream in Williston Park is conveniently situated to serve the local Nassau County community and surrounding areas. The address is 127 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for residents in Williston Park, Mineola, East Williston, and beyond, located along a main thoroughfare.

Accessibility is a key priority at this location, ensuring that all community members can enjoy their famous treats. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, promoting ease of entry for everyone. Additionally, wheelchair-accessible parking is available, providing convenience for patrons arriving by car. The general atmosphere is casual and designed for a quick visit, though many enjoy staying a moment to savor their chosen dessert. Customers have the option of on-site service to grab their order quickly, or they can opt for convenient takeout or delivery services, ensuring that you can get your Ralph's fix wherever you are in the local area. Payments are easy, with the shop accepting major Credit cards and Debit cards.

Services Offered

The Williston Park Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream offers a remarkable variety of frozen treats and services designed to meet every craving.

• Water Ices: A huge selection of fat-free and cholesterol-free Water Ices in numerous flavors, including Rainbow, Blue Hawaii, Lemon-Lime, Blood Orange, Cherry Cola, and Bubble Gum.
• Creme Ices: A richer, dairy-based Italian ice with flavors such as Peanut Butter Cookie Crumb, Chocolate Hazelnut, Key Lime Pie, Pistachio, Cannoli, and Red Velvet.
• Hard Ice Cream: Classic scoops in flavors like Cookie Craze I.C., Mint Chip I.C., Coffee I.C., and Mississippi Mud I.C.
• Signature Sundaes: Elaborate creations including the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, Strawberry Shortcake Sundae, the specialty Dubai Sundae, and the Ralphie Sandwich.
• Twisters: A popular item featuring a layer of any flavored Italian Ice blended with soft-serve ice cream, available as a Water Ice Twister or Creme Ice Twister.
• Doughnados: A specialty dessert featuring soft-serve ice cream layered with edible cookie dough.
• Arctic Shakes: Thick, premium shakes with unique blends like the Peanut Butter Blast, Cake Shake, and Ralphaccino Mocha.
• Milkshakes: Traditional shakes in flavors such as Chocolate, Strawberry, Black & White, and Coffee.
• Smoothies: Refreshing fruit blends including Mango Smoothie, Blue Hawaii Smoothie, Frozen Lemonade, and Strawberry Banana Smoothie.
• No Sugar Added (NSA) Options: A selection of NSA Water Ices and Creme Ices, like NSA Mint Chip, NSA Chocolate, and NSA Lemon.
• Novelties: Pre-packaged treats such as single or 6-pack Ice Cream Sandwiches and Chocolate Chip Sandwiches.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options to enjoy your favorite frozen treats at home.
• Onsite Service: The option for a quick, casual visit to order and enjoy your dessert immediately.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: Recognized as a great place for children due to the wide variety of fun flavors and options.

Features / Highlights

Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream distinguishes itself with a combination of deep-rooted tradition and modern, creative dessert offerings. The Williston Park location highlights several features that make it a favorite for New York locals.

• New York Tradition Since 1928: The shop carries a rich history as a beloved New York institution founded by Italian immigrant Ralph Silvestro, ensuring an authentic taste of a long-standing local favorite.
• Over 100 Flavor Options: Customers are often impressed by the sheer volume and variety of flavors, which includes dozens of Water Ices, Creme Ices, and hard ice cream choices. This vast selection ensures there is a flavor for every palate.
• The Famous Doughnado: This popular, innovative treat combines edible cookie dough with soft-serve ice cream, providing a decadent and textural dessert experience that has become a must-try.
• Creative Signature Sundaes: Beyond the classics, the menu features unique, premium sundaes like the opulent Dubai Sundae ($13.95) and the local favorite Rainbow Cookie Sundae ($11.95), offering gourmet options for dessert aficionados.
• Dietary Consideration Options: The availability of numerous No Sugar Added (NSA) options in both Italian Ices and Creme Ices, such as NSA Java Chip and NSA Creamsicle, provides enjoyable alternatives for health-conscious customers.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Customer reviews frequently praise the staff for being genuinely kind, welcoming, and calm, contributing to an overall pleasant and enjoyable visit.
• Accessibility: The provision of a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot ensures the shop is easily accessible to all members of the community.
• Quick and Efficient Service: Despite potential lines on hot days, the business is known for a fast-moving process, making it an excellent choice for a quick visit or immediate sweet gratification.

Contact Information

For your convenience, here is the contact information for Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream in Williston Park:

Address: 127 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596, USA

Phone: (516) 294-6911

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a dessert at Ralph's is an adventure in itself, given the unparalleled menu size. For those new to the Ralph’s experience or looking for the best of what Williston Park offers, a few items stand out as essential choices.

The classic choice that defines the Ralph's tradition is a flavorful Water Ice. For a truly refreshing and traditional experience, the Lemon Water Ice or Rainbow Water Ice are top-tier choices. Their water ices are celebrated for their vibrant flavor and perfect icy-smooth consistency, proving incredibly refreshing on a warm New York day. For customers seeking a richer experience, the Creme Ices provide a delightful dairy-based treat that is lighter than traditional ice cream but creamier than a water ice. Popular flavors in this category that are worth trying include Pistachio Creme Ice, Birthday Cake Creme Ice, or the nutty delight of Graham Cracker Crunch Creme Ice.

The shop also excels in creating novel, high-impact desserts. The Doughnado ($10.23) is a modern must-try, offering a decadent combination of soft serve and edible cookie dough. For a more intense, blended beverage, any of the Arctic Shakes are an excellent choice, particularly the Peanut Butter Blast ($9.23) or the coffee-infused Ralphaccino Mocha ($9.23), which are crafted with premium Ghirardelli frappe bases.

Finally, for a full-service dessert presentation, the Signature Sundaes are unbeatable. The Hot Fudge Crunch Sundae ($9.23) is a classic for a reason, but for a truly unique treat, consider the Rainbow Cookie Sundae ($11.95) or the luxurious, multi-textured Dubai Sundae ($13.95). These sundaes, often layered with homemade whipped cream, rich sauces, and premium toppings, exemplify why Ralph’s is renowned for its great desserts. No matter what you select, Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream is guaranteed to provide a memorable and delicious frozen treat experience.

Ralph's Italian Ices & Ice Cream

127 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596, USA