{"id":312386,"date":"2026-08-03T11:53:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T11:53:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/312386\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T11:53:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T11:53:47","slug":"this-legendary-queens-dessert-shop-has-been-serving-the-citys-best-1-italian-ice-since-1944","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/312386\/","title":{"rendered":"This legendary Queens dessert shop has been serving the city’s best $1 Italian ice since 1944"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"This<\/p>\n

When the summer heat hits the concrete, there is only one true royal family in New York. The Lemon Ice King of Corona<\/a> has been delighting taste buds since 1944, and this Queens staple is an absolute must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.<\/p>\n

Founded by Nicola Benfaremo out of a humble garage, the shop is a massive slice of local history. It was later inherited by his son Peter \u201cPete\u201d Benfaremo, who partnered with his dad to expand to a storefront in 1964, perfectly timed to catch the crowds from the New York World\u2019s Fair.<\/p>\n

Today, this glassed-in corner shop remains a legendary neighborhood institution. It even gained international fame thanks to its appearance in the opening credits of the hit sitcom The King of Queens.<\/p>\n

A true neighborhood institution<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t get to wear the crown just by making regular desserts. The ices here are famous for their creamy, semi-solid texture, which is incredibly achieved with zero dairy ingredients through small-batch churning.<\/p>\n

While the classic recipe is wonderfully simple\u2014just sugar, water, and real flavoring\u2014the results are spectacular.<\/p>\n

They offer more than three dozen flavors, squeezing real cases of lemons and oranges to get that authentic taste. Every fruit flavor features real fruit pieces, from blueberry to watermelon. <\/p>\n

The fan favorite is obviously lemon, but the peanut butter ice, studded with real peanuts, is a massive crowd-pleaser.<\/p>\n

They even offer sugar-free varieties in lemon, chocolate, and orange!<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t scoop, we shovel!\u201d<\/p>\n

If you visit, you need to know the golden rule. The shop has strict, unbreakable guidelines that maintain its untarnished integrity.<\/p>\n

They do not mix or exchange ices.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t even think about asking for two different flavors in the same cup. As the iconic hand-painted sign declares, and as the staff will gently but firmly remind you, mixing ruins the flavors.<\/p>\n

They also don\u2019t use regular ice cream scoops. Instead, they use a metal paddle to shovel and knead the ice, creating a perfect \u201chood\u201d of sweet goodness. It\u2019s practically a culinary art form.<\/p>\n

\"\"Instagram \/@lemonicekingofcorona<\/a><\/p>\n

Candy apples and Spaghetti Park<\/p>\n

While summer is their peak season, they do a brisk year-round business. If you visit during the colder winter months, you can grab one of their famous candy apples to satisfy your cravings.<\/p>\n

For the ultimate experience, take your dainty paper cup across the street to William E. Moore Park, affectionately known by locals as Spaghetti Park.<\/p>\n

You can sit on a bench, watch a lively game on the authentic bocce court, and savor a solo-flavored ice under the paper lanterns. It is an essential, memory-making New York experience that you simply cannot miss.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd The Lemon Ice King of Corona, 52-02 108th St, Corona, Queens<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb5 Ranging from $1 for the smallest cup up to multi-gallon vats for shipping!<\/p>\n

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