Exterior of Lexington Candy Shop New York with neon luncheonette sign and street view

Lexington Candy Shop New York – A Classic Luncheonette

Lexington Candy Shop New York: A Walk into Yesterday

When you walk into Lexington Candy Shop New York, it feels like stepping straight into the 1940s. Located on the Upper East Side, this old-school luncheonette still serves milkshakes, burgers, and egg creams the way they did nearly a century ago.

The History of Lexington Candy Shop

Opened in 1925, the shop began as a combination candy maker and lunch counter. By the late 1940s, the candy side closed, but the name stuck. Three generations later, the Philis family still runs it — making it the oldest continuously family-owned luncheonette in New York City.

What to Order at Lexington Candy Shop

  • A creamy chocolate egg cream
  • A hand-mixed Coca-Cola float
  • The famous Lexington Special burger
  • Pancakes and French toast if you’re visiting in the morning
Lexington Candy Shop New York celebrating over 95 years with outdoor seating on the corner

Visiting Lexington Candy Shop New York

The shop sits just a few blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, making it a perfect stop before or after your museum visit. It’s open daily, and while there’s no reservation system, the wait is worth it for the nostalgia and the food.


Why Lexington Candy Shop Still Matters

In a city where restaurants open and close constantly, Lexington Candy Shop New York is a time capsule. The old-school counter, chrome fixtures, and Hamilton Beach milkshake mixer have outlasted countless food trends.


More Resources


Helpful Products for Travelers