Lexington Candy Shop- A Vintage Luncheonette In Manhattan
Established in 1925 as an ice cream parlor and candy store, Lexington Candy Shop truly takes you to a bygone era when Soda Fountains and Luncheonettes used to dot the urban landscape of New York. The oldest family owned luncheonette in NYC is run by John Philis, the 61-year-old grandson of the original owner who came from Greece with the aim of making the American Dream come true.
With an epic collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia and an enthralling vintage flair, this classic, old-timey diner is the best place to satisfy your love for vintage along with fresh-made sodas, malted milkshakes, stellar egg creams, burgers, classic sandwiches, and breakfast all day.
Interestingly, the treasured luncheonette on the corner of 83rd Street and Lexington avenue has been used many times for location shoots for commercials, movies, TV shows and magazines including Fading Gigolo, Three Days Of The Condor and The Nanny Diaries.
Savoring the welcoming aura of nostalgia
Stepping into this neighborhood institution is like swinging back in time to the 1940s. Upon entering, we grabbed a green-topped swivel stool at the counter, had a small talk with the friendly waitress, and sank gratefully into the cozy booths. After a while, I realized I was in the same seat as Woody Allen. Along the walls, original menus, ads, newspapers and shots from films that had used the retro restaurant as backdrop to the Big Apple document the long-running history of the shop.
Apparently, the menu hasn’t changed much since the shop opened. My mouth was watering just looking at the heavenly chocolate chip pancakes and omelets around. The syrup for our Coca-Cola came from a pump, just the way it was done in the 40s. As the extremely attentive waitress told us, everything here is done in an old fashioned way. While devouring our decades-old Butter Burgers (a griddle burger topped with a melting pat of butter), my eyes laid on an original price list dating to when a milkshake only cost 20 cents!
With a lovely malted container and matching 1940 seafoam- green milkshake shaker sitting on the pink counter, classic coffee urns, and the nostalgic soda fountain, Lexington Candy Shop is definitely a throwback to the past.
1226 Lexington Avenue
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