What to Order at Lexington Candy Shop

Have you been to Lexington Candy Shop? It’s an institution on the Upper East Side that dates back to 1925 and has been continuously owned through three generations of family.

The atmosphere here is authentically retro with a soda fountain and counter, along with booths for larger groups (or a twosome). The 97-year-old luncheonette feels as if you’re stepping back in time and they still make cokes the old-fashioned way with coca-cola syrup and soda water, and the lemonade is made on order; the lemon squeezed on the spot and stirred with a sugar syrup and crushed ice.

But my absolute favorite thing to get at Lexington Candy Shop is the strawberry egg cream. Sure, I love a chocolate egg cream and even a vanilla egg cream, but the strawberry is extra special, with real pieces of fresh berry. Pair that with the tuna melt and it’s one of my favorite lunches on the UES.

Lexington Candy Shop is located at 1226 Lexington Avenue, at 83d Street.