A couple months back, I read on Fork in the Road that Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices would be coming to my neighborhood. While I never heard of Ralph’s before, it is a chain dating back to 1928 mostly located on Long Island and Staten Island(that explains why I never heard of them). I am familiar with Rita’s which is very similar and has locations near where I grew up and also where I went to college. Maybe Ralph was Rita’s brother???
CT and I decided to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Park. While it wasn’t especially hot out, we both were in the mood for some Italian ices so we made a pit stop before the park.
The menu was HUGE. Between the plain ices and adding soft serve, the combinations were endless. We decided to forgo some of the more interesting artificially flavored Malibu Bay Breeze and Berry Burst for two of their “Sugar Free” options. It was interesting to see that while the flavors may not have sugar they list a couple of additives that may or may not be “healthier.”
CT got a small Cherry and I got a small Lemon. They were $3 each and quite sizable for “small.” The flavor of each was good, nothing mind blowing. Just a refreshing treat! CT found a couple bits of actual cherry in her ice which she liked. The lemon was pretty standard, more sweet than tart.
All in all, Ralph’s is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. NYC is in a bit of a gelato craze, so it’s a nice alternative that’s lighter on the wallet and the waistline. For the hot Summer days ahead, be sure to cool off with an Italian ice.
CT says
What a good week for this reminder – I may have to head there in this overwhelming heatwave!
Marcia says
Ralph’s, Rita’s, iceberg, Goldberg?
TT says
Haha. Nice.
Hungry says
Ooooh! Thanks for reminding me of this. I totally forgot. I love Italian ices and grew up on them. But it’s really difficult to find good ones these days. Ralph’s in Manhattan? Nice.
Feisty Foodie says
I love Rita’s even though I think it’s a bit overhyped. I think there’s a Ralph’s near FeistySis, will have to look 🙂
Carol says
Thanks for the review. It’s been on my list of places to vist. Did u try the ice cream?
TT says
Hi Carol! No we didn’t try the ice cream yet. Let me know how it is if you do.
T.C. says
Ralph’s is awesome!! Def. been to them in LI.
I really enjoyed Rita’s Water Ice in Philly.
There used to be a Ralph’s in FH apparently but I have not seen that one open for business. An Uncle Louie G’s is around instead.
BeerBoor says
Is Ralph’s the one in Freeport on the Nautical Mile? If so, Ralph’s is a lovely addition to your neighborhood.
T.C. says
Me believe so:
http://www.ralphsices.com/locations.htm
I’ve been to the one in West Babylon and another part of LI. They are all over. It’s a really good addition to have in the City.