Remember the sweet taste of homemade ice cream? That taste is what made Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor a New York City treasure. Jahn’s began in the Bronx in 1897. It soon became a local favorite with multiple locations. Today only one remains in Jackson Heights Queens.
Jahn’s was known for its old-fashioned charm. Dark carved wood tulip lamps ceiling fans and upholstered booths created a cozy atmosphere. Many remember the no-longer-used equipment with spigots for different syrups. Coffee chocolate and other flavors once flowed freely.
But Jahn’s was more than just a pretty place. It was famous for its ice cream. Jahn’s offered the finest homemade ice cream in many flavors. The signature treat was “The Kitchen Sink”. This massive sundae was loaded with ice cream. It was large enough to feed a group of friends.
The Kitchen Sink remains legendary. It is a monumental ice cream creation. It is not served to fewer than eight people. It features two scoops of every flavor Jahn’s offers. Vanilla chocolate strawberry coffee butter pecan cherry vanilla pistachio almond cookies and cream vanilla fudge chocolate chip mint chip and sherbet. Fudge caramel sauces bananas pineapple nuts whipped cream sprinkles and cherries top it off. One might even find a graham cracker lit on fire stuck into the sundae.
Jahn’s also served other treats. The Boilermaker the Suicide Frappe Screwball’s Delight the Joe Sent Me and the (#”&’$/) Special were all popular. People celebrated birthdays reunions graduations and Little League games at Jahn’s. It was a place for making memories.
The last remaining Jahn’s is a special place. It is a faithful spot from another era. You can grab a seat at the counter under Tiffany-style lamps. Enjoy breakfast or slip into a red booth for apple pie a la mode.
Nick Moukas and his brother Peter own Jahn’s today. Their father Tom bought it in 1970. He transitioned it from an ice cream parlor to a diner. Jahn’s now serves breakfast lunch and dinner.
Despite changes Jahn’s still offers that taste of nostalgia. It is a reminder of simpler times. It is a place where stories are shared. And the Kitchen Sink still brings people together. So come to Jahn’s. Experience the magic for yourself.