Long Island in the summer is the best place to be when you are surrounded by beaches. Here are some of my favorite locations to get desserts on Long Island. And, if you have never been to any of these sweet-treat hot spots – you need to visit them all as soon as possible!
1. Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices
This famous hot spot is only open during the summer months of the year. They are usually little hole-in-the-wall spaces but because of its popularity, they have people waiting on lines all the way around the block. Ralph’s became Instagram-famous when Long Islanders would post a picture with a caption saying, “First of the season”. With Long Island’s big Italian population, it’s only natural for an Italian ice shop to be everyone’s summer go to. They have every flavor and combination of ices that anyone can ever think of such as cannoli, chocolate chip cheesecake, and peanut butter fudge pretzel! It’s a place only found in New York so if you are visiting the area – you don’t want to miss out!
2. Marvel Ice Cream
Now here’s a place you need to try if you are visiting Long Island for the summer! Marvel is also only open in the summer months but definitely, a favorite to many Long Islanders who love soft serve ice cream. The perfect LI summer day would be spending it at the beach and then before going home, stopping by Marvel for some frozen deliciousness. They have everyone’s favorite flavors and then you can add sprinkles, nuts, dip it in chocolate, and much more. The best part about Marvel is how thick and creamy the soft serve is – once you’re done, you’ll be wanting more! Marvel is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Diner by the Sea
For anyone who knows a Long Islander, you know that our favorite hang out spots is at the many diners we have here. Well, this particular diner likes to spice up their menu with colorful milkshakes (and now rainbow pancakes)! It all started with the colorful milkshakes that people were posting about on Instagram but now, these milkshakes even have special toys hidden in the whipped cream on top for kids such as funky sunglasses, rings, rubber ducks, and more. Diner by the Sea is open year-round and is also another go-to dessert place after a day at the beach. They are open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
4. International Delight Cafe
Once again, the Italian population rules the food business on LI. International Delight Cafe is known for their Belgium waffles topped with scoops of gelato in every flavor you can possibly think of. Their most famous dessert is called “The WORLD” which is their huge sundae with over two gallons of gelato, their homemade Belgium waffles, and unlimited toppings. Only brave and hungry souls can finish this monster dessert and because of its size, anyone who orders it will be featured on their social media platforms. International Delight Cafe is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour
If you love homemade ice cream, you are going to want to try Krisch’s. They serve all different types of ice cream flavors and are open year-round. The inside of the parlor has the 50s themed diner look to it and their most famous dessert is “The Kitchen Sink.” This sundae literally comes in a metal sink and is filled with 10 huge scoops of ice cream, your choice of any three toppings, two sliced bananas, waffle wedges, whipped cream, sprinkles & cherries! So if you’re looking for a cute first date dessert place to visit – this is the perfect spot. Krisch’s is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
So there you have it, if you are a Long Island native, chances are you already know about these sweet hot spots during the summer but if not, then you seriously haven’t lived and should go visit them right now.