Lexington Candy Shop

In the Upper East Side on Lexington Ave at East 83rd Street



Hey, guess what you guys? I made an actual factual real live neon visit this past weekend to the Lexington Candy Shop. Which, despite the “luncheonette” (is that not one of the greatest words in the English language?) in the neon sign is open these days until the advanced hour of 7p (6 on Sundays). I thought they were only open until mid afternoon, but maybe that was in the past.

Anyway, the Lexington Candy Shop is a lovely blast from the past, with milkshakes, patty melts, and other diner fare, along with some choice signage all packed into a tiny corner spot well decked out with stainless steel and vinyl. I can’t speak to the candy selection, but the coffee milkshake I took to go (the place was packed with a hopping brunch crowd or I would have taken a tiny booth) was excellent and the service was very friendly. Apparently they make lemonade to order, squeezing lemons and everything, so that’s definitely on my to do list for next summer, or next late-fall heat wave.

For more on the history of the Lexington Candy Shop, check out this article by Untapped Cities on the shop’s 90th anniversary.

There are a couple of small neon signs in the windows that I should go back and photograph later this winter some time (the photo here is from a previous visit — it was broad daylight when I stopped by this weekend.) As you can see on their site, there used to be a more classic sign hanging over the corner entrance, but I’m not complaining — the Lexington Candy Shop is a gem, and well worth a visit if you’re on the Upper East Side. And it’s not far from Neil’s Coffee Shop if you want to hit up two old school Upper East Side neon eateries in one go.

Speaking of the Upper East Side some news from Project Neon headquarters: it is no longer my work hood, as I’m no longer gainfully employed. That’s right, I up and quit my job and am now busy gathering my wits and thinking hard about next moves while pinching my pennies as tightly as I can. I may do a little freelance work for a bit, I may return to grad school, or I may jump into a full time job. I’m working on a bit of a career shift into UX/interaction design, so do let me know if you have any advice or contacts in that direction!

In the mean time I hope to get in a little neoning, though maybe not right away as I’m hobbled by an incredibly painful case of, apparently, plantar fasciitis. Ow! I am diligently icing and stretching, though, so hopefully I’ll be back in stride soon, and can make a more neon visits as the nights get longer and the neon gets brighter.