The Penguin

Hello, New Yorkers! When you're venturing through the picturesque landscape of Delaware County, particularly along NY-8, you might stumble upon a charming and intriguing spot known as The Penguin in Masonville. This isn't just an ice cream shop; it's a roadside eatery that has garnered attention for its surprisingly delicious hot food menu alongside its frozen treats. This article aims to give users in the New York region a clear, engaging, and informative overview of The Penguin, highlighting its unique offerings and what makes it a memorable stop.

The Penguin has carved out a niche for itself as a place where you can grab a satisfying meal and then, perhaps, indulge in some ice cream. Reviews frequently commend the freshness and quality of their savory items, particularly their burgers and fries, which have left a strong positive impression on patrons. While their ice cream comes with a certain "surprise" element that might not be for everyone, the overall experience of great food and exceptional customer service makes The Penguin a significant local landmark worth exploring.

The Penguin is conveniently located at 11181 NY-8, Masonville, NY 13804, USA. Masonville is a small town nestled in the western part of Delaware County, known for its scenic rural charm. New York State Route 8 is a state highway that runs through various parts of upstate New York, making The Penguin a readily accessible stop for those traveling along this route.

The shop's placement directly on NY-8 means it's easy to spot and pull into, whether you're a local resident or a visitor passing through. This roadside accessibility is ideal for quick lunch stops, dinner breaks, or just a spontaneous treat. Given the rural nature of Masonville, having a reliable and highly-rated eatery like The Penguin along a main thoroughfare is a significant convenience. It's a perfect spot to break up a long drive through the Catskills or to enjoy a casual meal after exploring the surrounding natural beauty. Its ease of access makes The Penguin a practical and appealing choice for anyone in the New York region looking for a satisfying meal and dessert experience in Masonville.

The Penguin offers a unique combination of savory and sweet items, standing out from typical ice cream-only establishments.

• Freshly Prepared Hot Food: A significant draw for The Penguin is its impressive hot food menu. Customers rave about items like the "Penguin Burger with Fries" and "Grilled Cheese." The burger is specifically lauded for tasting "extremely fresh," with "perfect" seasoning. The fries are described as "absolutely amazing. Thick, fresh cut fries, the kind I love so much! They were lightly salted, perfection at best." Other menu items available for order online include a variety of sandwiches (Hot Chick, Meatball Sub, Philly Cheese Steak, Reuben, Turkey Club), wraps (Chicken Caesar, Chicken Pesto, Turkey Club, Buffalo Chicken), and mains (Baked Mac & Cheese, Chicken Carbonara, Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Pasta Florentine, Pesto Cream Tortellini w/Chicken, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Fish & Chips).
• Soft Serve Ice Cream: As an ice cream shop, they offer soft serve, with flavors like "baby peanut butter" and "baby strawberry banana" mentioned. They allow customers to choose a chocolate or vanilla real ice cream as a base, then blend in a huge selection of ingredients, including real fruit, real nuts, and real cheesecake, without artificial flavorings or extracts.
• Unique Ice Cream "Surprise" Feature: Some customers have noted a unique aspect where there's a "surprise flavor at the bottom of every cone" or dish, such as unexpected chocolate and vanilla at the bottom of a strawberry banana order. While this can be a delightful surprise for some, it's worth noting for those who prefer consistent flavors throughout their order.
• Exceptional Customer Service: A strong point highlighted by reviews is the "AMAZING" customer service. Gwen, specifically, is mentioned as being "the best" and truly caring about customers. This personal touch significantly enhances the dining experience.
• Variety of Dessert Options Beyond Soft Serve: While the reviews focus on soft serve, other online menus suggest they may offer other desserts like "Eggs Waffle Ice Cream" (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Pistachio, Coffee), "Wheel Pies" (Red Bean, Taro, Oreo, Ube, Sweet Potato), and various unique dessert ice cream combinations (e.g., Strawberry Na Na, Thai Lychee, Cookie Monster, Jungle Love, Mango Diamond).
• Bubble Tea and Other Drinks: Online menus also indicate a wide selection of bubble teas (classic, popular, and specialty options like Taro, Thai, Black Sugar, Lavender, Coconut, Lychee milk tea), as well as classic coffee, fruit teas, lattes, frappuccinos, and chai lattes.

The Penguin distinguishes itself through several key features that contribute to its local appeal and unique identity.

• Outstanding Food Quality: The most resounding praise is for their hot food, particularly the "extremely fresh" and perfectly seasoned "Penguin Burger" and the "absolutely amazing," thick, fresh-cut fries. This commitment to high-quality savory items makes it a prime destination for a meal, not just a dessert.
• Superior Customer Service: The emphasis on "AMAZING" customer service, with specific mention of Gwen, highlights a business that genuinely values its patrons. This friendly, caring approach creates a welcoming atmosphere and fosters customer loyalty, turning first-time visitors into regulars for the food.
• Unique Ice Cream Blending Concept: The made-to-order soft serve, where customers choose a base and then have real fruits, nuts, and other ingredients blended in, offers a highly customizable and fresh ice cream experience. This method avoids artificial flavorings, which is a significant plus for many.
• "Surprise Flavor" Element in Ice Cream (Note for Patrons): While it garnered mixed reactions, the "surprise flavor at the bottom of every cone" is a unique feature. For some, this could be a fun discovery, but it's important for new customers to be aware if they have strong flavor preferences or aversions.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond the core ice cream, the availability of hot food, various dessert options like Eggs Waffle Ice Cream and Wheel Pies, and an extensive bubble tea menu showcases a broad appeal. This makes The Penguin a versatile stop capable of satisfying a wide range of cravings throughout the day.
• Scenic Location: Situated on NY-8 in Masonville, the area itself often provides scenic views, potentially enhancing the overall dining experience, especially if there are outdoor seating options. Reviews mention "picnic tables overlooking meadows and mountains," suggesting a pleasant environment to enjoy your meal.

Ready to experience the fresh burgers, amazing fries, and unique ice cream at The Penguin? Here’s how you can connect with them:

Address: 11181 NY-8, Masonville, NY 13804, USA

Phone: (607) 467-1119

Feel free to call ahead for inquiries about their menu, hours, or any other questions before your visit to this Masonville gem.

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in or regularly passing through the charming town of Masonville, The Penguin stands out as a uniquely suitable local establishment. Its appeal for locals is deeply rooted in its unexpected culinary strengths, exceptional customer service, and versatile offerings.

Firstly, The Penguin provides a truly exceptional hot food experience that goes well beyond typical ice cream stand fare. The "extremely fresh" and perfectly seasoned "Penguin Burger" and the "absolutely amazing," thick-cut fries offer a high-quality meal option that locals can rely on. In a less densely populated area like Masonville, having a dependable spot for delicious, freshly prepared food is an invaluable asset to the community.

Secondly, the "AMAZING" customer service, with specific praise for individuals like Gwen, fosters a strong sense of community and personal connection. Locals appreciate businesses where the staff genuinely "care about their customers." This welcoming and attentive approach makes every visit a pleasant experience, building loyalty and encouraging repeat business, especially for those seeking a friendly face and reliable service.

Furthermore, while the ice cream's "surprise flavor at the bottom" might be a point of discussion, the ability to customize soft serve with real ingredients, alongside an extensive menu of other desserts, bubble teas, and even hot food, means The Penguin caters to a wide array of cravings throughout the day. This versatility makes it a comprehensive local eatery suitable for various occasions, from a quick lunch to a leisurely dessert outing.

In essence, The Penguin is a distinctive local establishment that excels in providing delicious, fresh food with remarkable customer care. While its ice cream has a unique characteristic, its overall appeal, particularly for its savory items and friendly atmosphere, makes it a highly suitable and cherished destination for the residents of Masonville and a worthwhile stop for any New Yorker exploring the region.

The Penguin

11181 NY-8, Masonville, NY 13804, USA