Having lunch — or even just grabbing a drink — at the Lexington Candy Shop, in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, feels like stepping back in time and straight into the world of Happy Days or many other classic American movies. You almost expect to see Richie walk in at any moment, wearing his plaid shirts and sweater, Fonzie with his black leather jacket, jeans, and white T-shirt — or even the girls with their wide skirts, colorful sweaters, and hairbands.
Founded in 1925, the Lexington Candy Shop remains one of the few true examples in New York of an era when soda fountains and luncheonettes could be found in every neighborhood.
Even after 100 years, everything from the décor to the coffee pots and utensils, the paintings on the walls, and the display case full of vintage soda and Coca-Cola bottles has become iconic. Just as iconic are the dishes they serve — tall glasses of frothy milkshakes topped with a cherry, and mile-high stacks of pancakes dripping with corn syrup.
