Is it safe to assume almost every native Suffolk County Long Islander knows of, or has been to, Magic Fountain in Mattituck? Though we all know the place with the painted-face ice cream cones and crazy good seasonal flavors, what you might not know is it originally opened at a Dairy Queen in 1966.

Since then, the original owners at the time weren’t willing to compromise taste and made the switch to Magic Fountain. Over the years, it became one of only five surviving independently owned Magic Fountains in the country, including shops in Bay Ridge, New Jersey, and Florida. 

Back in 2007, the current owner, Choudry Ali, known as simply “Ali,” purchased the ice cream shop and brought it back to its roots of selling 100 percent homemade ice cream.

“My wife grew up in Mattituck and we saw the opportunity and bought it,” he said, noting that they currently live nearby in Jamesport. “I always wanted to own my own business and create something unique.”

After working hard for a couple of years, the Magic Fountain was transformed into what everyone currently loves and knows, with over 30 homemade flavors and dozens of seasonal ones, including Beet Ginger, Fig and Honey, Sweet Corn, Coffee Oreo and Caramel Latte. But everyone’s favorite is seemingly the Blue Cookie Monster. 

Ali not only creates the recipes himself, but also handmakes them all on his own. His wife, Journey, who has another career, helps manage the office, and Ali has another employee who is his cake decorator, in addition to several servers.

THIS SUMMER’S FLAVORS

According to Ali, the flavors will include all-time favorites like Cookie Monster for the kids and the North Forker for the adults, but he also plans to create a Lemon Cheesecake, Chocolate Chili, Goat Cheese and Beet, and, of course, the summertime Blackberry and Ginger flavor.

“We make flavors off the beaten path; people see them on the board outside, stop and turn the car right in the parking lot to try,” he said of his popularity. “We have had customers for years. We put in more effort and offer different flavors, researching and caring.”

Magic Fountain offers 50 flavors daily, including five that rotate every couple of weeks.

“People come in to try the different flavors,” he said. “We don’t stay the same every day.”

His secret, other than making all the ice cream by hand himself with some help from his general manger, is getting as many local ingredients as possible, including items from his own backyard as well as local farms.

Summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday to Monday. The storefront is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Come on in—give it a try. We have the best ice cream around!” he added.

THE REVIEWS

Nina Quartuccio

Quartuccio has been visiting Magic Fountain for at least 10 years, she said, noting that the owner is not only kind, but he has, over the years, listened to the people that have special dietary needs as well.

“I love the unique flavors the Magic Fountain has to offer,” she said. “You can’t find these flavors anywhere else.”

Her favorites, though there are so many, include the Kulfi, pistachio and cardamon. Also, once sampled, she said, she couldn’t resist the honey flavor.

“I will admit, I have gone back for a second flavor after finishing the first, more than once,” she said. “There is something for everyone!”

Kelly Abbott

Kelly Abbott has been going to Magic Fountain since vegan ice cream was offered.

“I live in Patchogue and drive to Mattituck for quality vegan ice cream that actually tastes good,” she said. “Knowing the process the owner goes through to make his vegan ice cream and the time it takes to get all of his flavors perfect keeps him standing out above the rest in my book.”

She enjoys the Funky Monkey, Coffee Almond and the Fudge and Oreo. Next, she plans on trying the vegan vanilla with cherry jam topping, which she said is so good she can eat it all by itself.

“I have purchased the jam separately to take home so I can have it during the week,” she added.

Eric Abbott

Eric Abbott has been going for about 10 years as he passed it on his way to work.

“I live in Patchogue and love the variety of flavors they have to offer,” he said. “I look for the seasonal flavors that pop up throughout the year, very different flavors.”

His favorite flavor is coconut, which he said, actually has coconut in it!

“Magic Fountain offers the entire family a choice. My sister-in-law has a gluten allergy, and everything is spelled out for you as far as allergens so you can void what you can’t have,” he added. “Great people, great place, consistently always great!”