The oldest family-owned luncheonette in New York is the Lexington Candy Shop Luncheonette (1925)

The oldest family-owned luncheonette in New York is the Lexington Candy Shop Luncheonette

Stepping across the threshold into The Lexington Candy Shop Luncheonette is truly like stepping onto a 1940s movie set and with good reason, since their last renovation was in 1948. Here, you will find the oldest family-owned luncheonette in New York City. John Philis, the grandson of the original owner, will most likely be there to greet you. Within these walls, tradition is a way of life from the original coffee urns that date back to 1948 to the original Hamilton Beach milkshake mixer from 1940.

The shop was first opened in 1925 as The Lexington Candy Shop, with the chocolate made in the basement. By 1948, they discontinued the candy and concentrated on the shop as strictly a luncheonette, serving milkshakes and butter burgers ever since. The vintage interior has been lovingly preserved down to the smallest details and it’s no surprise to learn that the shop has been featured in numerous movies, commercials, and TV shows including Fading Gigolo, Three Days of the Condor, and The Nanny Diaries.  Their customers have included Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Matt Dillon, Tom Brokaw, and Al Roker — just to name a few. The Lexington Candy Shop Luncheonette is located at 1226 Lexington Ave., New York, New York.