Lexington Candy Shop New York
Period 1925 Luncheonette
The ascension to recently lost ubiquity of NYC luncheonettes and soda fountains began in the 1920s when places like S&P Luncheonette (on Broadway opposite the Flatiron building at Madison Square), the Lexington Candy Shop (Lexington Avenue at 83rd Street) and Eddie's Sweet Shop in Forest Hills originally opened.
This Lexington Avenue luncheonette —an uncommon survivor of many on that avenue—has altered nearly nothing since its most recent renovation in 1948. Even nearby Orwasher's Bakery—where bread is still made by hand and without preservatives—still provides the sandwich and French Toast ingredients.
As places to eat breakfast and lunch such luncheonettes face intrepid competition from restaurants offering menus based on more modern thinking, but for classic menu items and simply, the experience, there is no alternative.
Here, the white smocked soda jerks still utilize syrups and seltzer to fabricate all their soda fountain creations such as Chocolate Egg Creams, Malteds, Ice Cream Sodas, Frosted Floats, Orange Freezes, Creamsicle Freezes and Floats.
Or, for a first experience, coffee and pie á la mode might be the way to go.
The restaurant has—as one would expect— vinyl booths and a long formica counter with backless spinning stools, and in the Lexington avenue window, a collection of vintage glass Coca-cola bottles, above which hang original storefront neon signs which themselves may be landmarked.
This place is so original the phone number is still listed as BUtterfield 8-0057, the same exchange as for the John O'hara novel, Butterfield 8 and movie, starring Elizabeth Taylor.
About this spot
1226 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10028,
- Mon - Fri 07:00 – 18:00, Sat 08:00 - 18:00, Sun 08:00 - 16:00
Pie and Coffee:
US$
15
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
John's Pizza / Times Square
Pizza Tabernacle
John's Pizza is situated inside a former tabernacle with a domed stain glass ceiling about 50 feet above, and ‘sliced’ into 8 sections, just like a pizza.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
'Fearless Girl'
Wall Street History
On Broad Street stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Hungry and Healthy Marketplace
Comedy / Deli
The space functions day to day as a bright and modern-looking upscale deli and on certain evenings, it doubles as a performance space for stand-up comics.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Manhattan Community Boathouse
Free kayaking
It’s all free, on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll get a life jacket, a paddle, a 'kayak', and a locker, for a session of approximately 20 minutes.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Cage in West Village
Hoops & handball
The Cage in West Village is a chain link fenced, bagel-sized basketball court in New York. Here you can also find handball, a citywide spectacle...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Seasoned Vegan
Food you love, veganized
"The Seasoned Vegan" in New York is crowded (in a good way), energizing and really fun. I got the Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger, and I'd order it again...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
TAP - NYC
Brazilian tapioca's 'home base'
"TAP - NYC" makes Brazilian tapioca from yuca! I really love their Pão de Queijo, tangerine-sized, feather-weight bread-puffs with molten cheese...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Bethesda Terrace
Central Park
"Bethesda Terrace" in New York's Central Park is home to Bethesda Fountains, sculptural balustrades and breathtaking magical depictions of wild animals...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Bodegas
NYC convenience stores
"Bodegas" are NYC convenience stores that are as much an essential part of urban culture as are chippies in Whitley Bay or curry shops in London, England...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Johannes Vermeer
At the Met & Frick
You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
35 Times, Toby Buonagurio
Subway art 10
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
