Italian Ice Season Begins On The Upper East Side

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Is it springtime yet?

According to the calendar, it is still February. And for an extra day this year, too.

The weather is slated to hit the 60's on Wednesday — yet, on Thursday, temperatures dip back into the 40's.

But for some, regardless of fluctuating temperatures, the first sign that winter is actually coming to an end is the start of Italian ice season.

Just in time for the one-day of errant warm weather is the official kick-off of the Italian ice season at Ralph's Italian Ices at 1588 First Ave. near East 83rd Street, in Yorkville.

The location, which first opened in September 2019, kicks open their seasonal doors on Feb. 28, welcoming eager customers to try their "famous" Italian ices, ice creams and drinks.

Ralph's location in Gramercy also start their 2024 season Wednesday, making it and the Yorkville spot the first two New York City locations to open for the year, according to their instagram.

The longtime Italian ice shop was started by Italian immigrant Ralph Silvestro, who sold what would become the store's "famous" ices in Staten Island, their website reads.

In 1949, the shop opened their first retail location on Port Richmond Avenue in Staten Island and has since expanded to dozens of locations in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.