Lexington Candy Shop New York
Period 1925 Luncheonette
Geoffrey from New York
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.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
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
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Paris Cinema
Last single screen cinema in NYC
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 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:
