King Kone Ice Cream

For decades, King Kone Ice Cream has been more than just a place to get a scoop; it has been a cherished local institution in Elmira, New York. This classic, family-owned ice cream stand has cemented its place in the community by consistently serving up delicious, high-quality frozen treats and creating countless sweet memories for generations of residents. The moment the weather warms up, locals know it’s time for the seasonal opening of King Kone, an event that unofficially marks the start of summer. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming, with a vibe that perfectly captures the simple joy of a classic ice cream outing. It’s a place where families, friends, and neighbors come together to enjoy a moment of sweetness, chat, and relax. With a reputation for incredibly generous portion sizes and prices that are more than fair, King Kone offers a value that’s hard to beat. The stand is particularly famous for its wonderfully creamy soft serve, a staple that keeps customers coming back year after year. While many customers love to stick to their favorite classics, like a simple vanilla cone, others enjoy exploring the wide array of flavors and unique creations. The dedication to quality and community has made King Kone a true gem in the Elmira landscape, a place where the simple pleasure of an ice cream cone is an experience to be savored.

One of the most notable aspects of King Kone is its commitment to providing a top-notch product without breaking the bank. The generous portions are a constant source of praise from customers, who feel they are getting excellent value for their money. The quality of the ice cream itself is a major draw. The soft serve, particularly the vanilla, is celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and delicious flavor. This focus on a consistent, high-quality product is a key reason for King Kone's enduring popularity. Beyond just ice cream, the stand has also become known for its community-centric charm. The inviting outdoor seating and grassy area provide a perfect place for children to play while adults enjoy their treats. It’s this combination of great food, a welcoming environment, and a deep connection to the local community that defines the King Kone experience. The recent addition of credit card payment options has also made it more convenient for everyone to visit, although many long-time patrons remember it as a cash-only establishment for years. This evolution shows a business that is willing to adapt while still holding onto its classic appeal. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, King Kone offers a taste of nostalgia and a friendly smile with every cone, cementing its status as a must-visit spot in Elmira. It’s the kind of place that embodies the spirit of a small town, where a simple ice cream stand can become the backdrop for a lifetime of memories.

King Kone Ice Cream is conveniently located at 1315 College Ave in Elmira, New York. This central location makes it a highly accessible spot for both local residents and those passing through the area. The stand is easily reachable by car and offers ample parking, which is a major plus, especially on busy summer evenings when the lines can be quite long. The drive-up nature of the establishment adds to its classic charm, making it a quick and easy stop for families on the go. The location on College Ave is well-known to locals, making it a straightforward destination to find. Additionally, the stand is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy a sweet treat. The surrounding area is residential and well-trafficked, meaning the stand is often a hub of activity. While there might be limited seating, the casual, walk-up style of the business encourages a relaxed, community-focused experience. People often gather around the stand or take their cones to go, enjoying them on a drive or at a nearby park. The visual appeal of the charming ice cream stand, complete with its festive decorations, makes it a memorable and easy-to-spot landmark. The Elmira community has embraced King Kone as an essential part of the summer landscape, and its location plays a significant role in this enduring relationship. The easy access and family-friendly environment make it a perfect destination for an impromptu dessert outing or a planned evening treat.

King Kone offers a wide range of services and treats to satisfy any craving. The menu goes well beyond simple cones, providing a diverse selection of classic and creative options. Here are some of the key services and offerings you can expect to find:

• Soft Serve and Hard Ice Cream: Customers can choose from a variety of flavors in both soft serve and hard ice cream, ensuring there's something for every taste. The classic vanilla soft serve is a customer favorite, known for its incredible creaminess and flavor.
• Dipped Cones: A popular choice, King Kone offers a fun selection of dipped cones, allowing you to add a crunchy, flavorful shell to your soft serve. The cherry dip, in particular, comes highly recommended by many regulars.
• Specialty Cones: For those who want a truly unique experience, the shop features specialty soft cones with unique and delicious flavor combinations. A customer mentioned trying a green apple and caramel cone, highlighting the shop's creativity.
• Sundaes and Milkshakes: The menu includes a variety of classic and specialty sundaes, complete with your choice of toppings. Milkshakes are also a staple, offering a thick and creamy option for those who prefer to drink their dessert.
• Popsicles and Kids' Options: King Kone is a great spot for children, with a selection of popsicles and other treats specifically tailored for smaller kids.
• Take-Home Pints and Quarts: For those who want to enjoy their favorite flavors at home, the shop offers pints and quarts of their hard ice cream, perfect for sharing with the family or for a personal treat.

King Kone is a standout in the Elmira community for several key features that set it apart from other ice cream shops. These highlights are what make it a beloved local spot and a must-visit destination:

• Generous Portions: King Kone is famous for its massive and generous portion sizes. Customers consistently rave about the large scoops and cones, feeling they get excellent value for their money. A medium here often feels like a large anywhere else.
• Fair Pricing: Despite the large portions, the prices remain very reasonable, making it an affordable treat for families and individuals alike. This combination of size and value is a major selling point.
• Creamy Vanilla Soft Serve: The quality of the soft serve is a highlight, with the vanilla flavor receiving particular praise for its rich, smooth, and delicious taste. It’s a classic done exceptionally well.
• Unique Flavor Combinations: While the classics are excellent, the shop also offers unique flavors and specialty cones, like the green apple and caramel, which provides an exciting and different taste experience. They also have a wide variety of hard ice cream flavors that rotate frequently.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The outdoor seating and spacious grassy area make it an ideal spot for families with children. It’s a casual, fun environment where kids can enjoy their treats and have a place to play.
• Accepts Credit Cards: While the shop was known for being cash-only for a long time, it has recently started accepting credit cards, making it more convenient for customers to pay.

You can find King Kone Ice Cream at the following address:

1315 College Ave, Elmira, NY 14901, USA

Please note that hours of operation are seasonal and may vary. It is a good practice to check their official channels for the most up-to-date information before visiting.

King Kone Ice Cream is the perfect spot for locals in the Elmira area for a number of reasons. Firstly, its long-standing presence as a family-owned business since 1973 has made it an integral part of the community’s fabric. It's more than just an ice cream stand; it's a place where childhood memories are made and where the tradition of a summer evening treat is passed down through generations. The value proposition is another key factor. With its famously generous portions and fair prices, it’s a treat that feels both indulgent and accessible, making it a go-to choice for families on a budget. This combination of quality and affordability ensures that everyone can enjoy a moment of sweetness without hesitation. The atmosphere is also perfectly suited for local life. The casual, walk-up style and outdoor seating foster a sense of community, encouraging people to gather, socialize, and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. The addition of credit card payments is a thoughtful update that makes the experience even more convenient for regulars. Whether you're craving a classic vanilla cone, a specialty dipped flavor, or a delicious sundae, King Kone delivers on taste, value, and nostalgia. It's a true local treasure, a place that embodies the spirit of Elmira and continues to be a highlight of the season for all who live there. From the creamiest soft serve to the most unique specialty flavors, King Kone is a testament to the idea that some of the best things in life are simple, classic, and always worth the visit. It’s the kind of place that truly belongs to the people it serves, and its continued success is a clear reflection of the community's deep affection for it.

King Kone Ice Cream

1315 College Ave, Elmira, NY 14901, USA