Home of the $1.50 ice-cream cone

After reading several five-star reviews, one even claiming they drove just as many miles as I would have to, just to get the Ultimate Ice Cream, I decided to give the place a try.

What did I find? Amazing prices paired with delicious ice cream.

The trip cost me more in gas than it did for the cone, but it was well worth it. Locals should feel lucky to have this gem at their fingertips, and I am sure they do, because as I enjoyed my cone, I witnessed several people stop by for a quick—and reasonably priced—treat.

Coincidentally, I chose a 90-degree day, and the cold cone hit just the spot. After being served through the window, I noticed the ice cream was not only perfectly sweet with good flavor, but it was also considerably cold and held up to the heat; even still, it didn’t last long. I chose to pair it with the traditional wafer cone, though customers do have the choice of putting it in a cup. For an additional .75 cents, you may also get it dipped in one of four flavors, including cherry and blue raspberry—my children chose “the blue one.” This place is sure to please people of all ages and is a must-stop after any long, hot day. 

Owner Bernadette Kosinski purchased the business with her husband, Eric, in 2017, from founder Patty Keller when she decided to retire. Kosinski worked for Keller since 1997 at the former video store in the same location as the ice cream parlor, which it was turned into, when, well, video stores were quite frankly no longer needed. Kosinski, a Mastic Beach native, decided to purchase the businesses, wanting to keep the local favorite alive.
“I enjoy what I do, and I honestly love Center Moriches,” she said of seeing all the locals and getting to know them by working at the shop. “I didn’t want to see it shut down and turned into something else.”

When asked how she was able to maintain the old-fashioned $1.50 price, she said it’s not because her costs haven’t gone up, but because it’s what brings the community in. The prices keep loyal customers coming daily, and parents bring their kids for our special price cones and end up buying different things, she said.

“My prices on my end have gone up, but I will still keep that,” she promised.

Located at 252 Montauk Highway in the heart of Center Moriches, this place is certainly a must-try. Aside from Hershey’s ice cream and Corona King ices, they also serve gourmet coffee supplied by the local Shirley Tend Coffee Co. and supply cakes for any occasion. The store, solely run by the couple, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. For more information call 631-909-3304.