Lexington Candy Shop — Restaurant in New York

Eating here I couldn't help but think that this is what food used to taste like. Oh sure the decor recalls an old time candy shop but thats not what the throwback comment is about. The actual food tastes like what I imagine food used to taste like, just fresh, well made and not trying to be complex, what food was before they started adding fillers and hormones. They clearly source their ingredients from quality sources (beef used in burgers is angus, they used Bassets ice cream an amazing Philadelphia ice cream company in their milk shakes, etc) but they let the ingredients speak for themselves and don't complicate them. We ordered a tuna melt to try and wouldn't you know the celery in the tuna salad tasted as fresh as could be, it hadn't been sitting in some fridge for a week. As a diner aficionado, is such a thing can exist, I lament a bit what has happened to diner food. Most diners these days just order from one or another outside source and just do the finishing touches at the diner. Clearly most diner hamburger patties are ordered frozen and grilled onsite not here. About the freshest and homemade thing at a diner these days is the eggs, which you still have to crack and cook at the source, thats what distinguishes the food here. It tastes like what I imagine a diner in the 1930's-50's used to taste like, or like I had a chance to visit Mcdonalds when it was a stand alone burger shop. The milk shake was $10 dollars but what a great milk shake and came with what used to be standard at all diners, a side car (the metal glass) with any leftover shake. (which was enough to refill my glass almost twice!) The shake itself tasted like chocolate throughout. Most diners use inexpensive ice cream so you sip and the first taste is just generic sweetness then a hit of chocolate, but here it was rich dark chocolate on every sip. The cherry coke was made on site, they didnt just serve you a canned cherry coke but rather used what I imagine where marachino cherry juice added to regular coke, it makes a difference! About the only complaint I had was with the french fries, which were good, but air fryed and so were never going to be as good as deep fried fries. Oh and they dont come standard with a jumbo burger, they have to be ordered on the side. (and are a little small portion wise) Overall the prices are a bit steeper than you might pay but considering how high diner prices in Manhattan have gone, its actually fairly comparable. Sure you get slightly smaller portions but what you do get is fresh and tasty, and well worth the price. Add to that the old time decor, and you have an...

For nearly a century, Lexington Candy Shop has been a beacon of culinary excellence and nostalgic charm in the heart of New York City. Since opening its doors in 1925, this iconic establishment has remained a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a culinary journey through the decades.

Stepping into Lexington Candy Shop is like stepping back in time. The retro décor, complete with chrome-trimmed counters, vintage signage, and cozy booths, evokes the ambiance of a classic 1950s diner. Every detail, from the soda fountain to the jukebox, pays homage to the shop's storied history and enduring appeal.

The menu at Lexington Candy Shop is a testament to its commitment to quality and tradition. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches, each dish is prepared with care and served with a side of nostalgia. Breakfast staples like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and farm-fresh eggs are served alongside piping hot coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice, ensuring a delicious start to the day.

For lunch, diners can indulge in a variety of classic sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made with the finest ingredients and served with a smile. Favorites include the classic BLT, the savory tuna melt, and the hearty turkey club, each bursting with flavor and served with a generous side of nostalgia.

No trip to Lexington Candy Shop would be complete without sampling one of their famous milkshakes. Made the old-fashioned way with real ice cream and topped with whipped cream and a cherry, these creamy concoctions are a true indulgence and a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

In addition to its delicious food and charming ambiance, Lexington Candy Shop is also known for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. The staff, many of whom have been with the shop for years, treat every guest like family, ensuring that each visit is a memorable one.

Overall, Lexington Candy Shop is more than just a restaurant—it's a living piece of New York City history. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, a trip to Lexington Candy Shop is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to a simpler time. So why not stop by and experience the magic of this timeless institution...

The Lexington Candy Shop is a real Old School diner experience located in the Upper East Side! The diner is decorated as it would have been back in the 40's and the cooks are friendly and chatty! It was pretty quiet when we arrieved so we were able to look around and choose a seat of our choosing. The diner serves all the usual options that you would expect from pancakes, to burgers, to sandwiches with fries! But what you really need to come here for is the Coca-Cola! The drinks are made by hand in an old fashioned traditional way with a couple of pumps of syrup, some seltzer and then mixed with a spoon! I loved the taste of the Coca-Cola served here and its distinctly dofferent to the mass produced products we all know! We also got a Chocolate Malt milkshake and it was good buy not as good as the Coca-Cola! Other customers were getting Coca-Cola icecream floats while we were there and if that is your thing I bet these ones are really good! We decided to get some food while we were here. So we got a BLT, a Lexington Butter Cheese Burger and some fries! The BLT was nice and I have to say the butter burger was an experience. I did not expece to find a lump of butter in the middle of my burger as I thought the bun was going to be buttered and grilled. I'd definitely get the BLT but I might skip the butter on the burger next time😅. It is a bit pricey, but it is located in the Upper East Side so its to be expected and also preserving such an old school classic diner experience such as this is worth paying that little extra in my book. I would say that the only negative was the attitude of the one wiat staff that was working. They could have been a bit better as they mixed up our order twice and also put mayo on the BLT which we specifically asked for it to be without. I specifically say the wait staff as the cooks behind the counter were great! Overall, the Lexington Candy Shop is a great little taste of old school american diners with a unique Coca-Cola experience! Definitely a thing to do in...