Step back in time at this nostalgic soda shop, where retro vibes meet classic diner favorites. From hearty burgers to crispy fries, every bite feels like a trip down memory lane, especially when paired with a refreshing egg cream.

Be patient. You’re going to have to wait in a line outside. Once you get a table it’s extremely fast service though.

Amazing restaurant, they are very friendly but please note as the place is not that big you might need to wait for 5-10mins to be seated on a normal day or longer is there is line. Must try and my favourite is the old fashioned style of coke, with other options as well. One of the best sandwich I have in New York City too.

+6

When you visit this place the past is present. This store opened in 1925 (almost 100 years in business). This is one of the first stores that served the real Coca Cola. From the outside you can see all the different bottles for the past 100 years. It’s so exciting! When you get in you feel right away that this store belongs to the past. Of course we tried the Coca Cola which was made from scratch by using syrup mixing it with seltzer. The flavor was less sweet than the canned one and a little more sour. We loved it. We also picked up a club sandwich which was flavorful. The customers seemed to be coming here for years. You feel like it’s home for them. This is an authentic place and hard to find anything like this the days. Great choice of music as well. 5 stars without even thinking about it.

+5

Travel in time! A must do when in NYC Midtown Manhattan. A stone throw away from the Museum Mile. Real shakes and homemade sodas. Great stop for breakfast. This is not a place for you if you are a modern day foodie but it definitely is a place if you want superb service and this ultimate luncheonette feel. Seeing locals still coming to sit in their “own” sit and chatting to the owner (yes! Same one as in all the photos with celebs on the walls!), this was a beautifully spent hour. I recommend breakfast time to avoid queues at lunchtime.

Vibes and yummy diner food. Get a coke here where they still mix it by hand or a coke float. Great place to visit.

This an old school joint. Great for breakfast. Definitely would be a regular if I lived in the area.

Historical place and vibes , love the atmosphere. Great experience to try traditional cola soda. The cola floating soda was a bit sweet but worth to try it once a life. Place services were friendly and fast.

+4

Lexington Candy Shop is a little time capsule on Lexington and 83rd that somehow made it to 100 years old without turning into a themed Instagram lie. It opened in 1925, and it still feels like New York before everything got sanded down and rebranded. The magic trick is the soda fountain. They’ll make you a Coke the old fashioned way, syrup and seltzer, like your grandfather’s idea of a treat, plus the kind of fizz that wakes you up and tells you to stop checking your phone. And yes, get an egg cream, the drink with the dumbest name and the happiest payoff. It tastes like a clean punch in the face, in a good way. Food wise, don’t overthink it. This is a place for honest diner classics, the kind that show up hot, fast, and unpretentious. Go for a tuna melt or a club sandwich if you want lunch that behaves. If you’re in a sweeter mood, get a shake or a float and accept your fate with dignity. The vibe is shoulder to shoulder counter life, a small room full of locals, tourists, and people who look like they wandered in from 1978 and never left. It’s the rare spot where the cramped space is part of the charm, like a good Seinfeld episode where everyone’s too close and somehow it works. You sit down, the city noise drops, and for a minute you remember humans can be kind, or at least hungry in the same direction. Fun little bonus for movie nerds, this place shows up in the 1975 spy film Three Days of the Condor, with Robert Redford at the counter. Same corner, same energy, same New York stubbornness.

Visit this place was an incredible experience! We had some classic diner food — super simple but really good — and tried the Coke made with syrup and the floats, which were amazing. The whole vibe feels like stepping back in time. Just a heads up: I wouldn’t recommend using the restroom there… it might change your perception of the place a bit.

+2

Old-school diner vibes with the historic style of serving Coke, which they’re best known for. Originally wasn’t gonna stop for lunch but was very glad I did. The cheeseburger had a classic taste and the banana split sundae brought me back to an era I didn’t exist yet. The interior was lined with framed photographs of many iconic figures; you feel like you’re apart of history!

+1

Would give 4.5 experience. The food was really good, love they keep the old tradition coke making as it’s hard to find now a day. Service was horrible, but I heard it’s a NewYorker thing when they want to rush you to order and get out. For an East-coast comer would be really offended. I totally see why so many ppl give this establishment 1 start review.

+2

I had a ham egg and cheddar on a bagel and it was so delicious! Simple and filling! We sat at the counter and both got Cokes made the old fashioned way. So phenomenal

What can I say about this iconic diner other than it’s a must-visit if you want authenticity, food history and typically NY service. Extensive menu, absolutely fresh food, good prices and personal service. Celebrating their 100 year anniversary this year, please pay the Lexington Candy Shop a visit for a special experience. My birthday breakfast was a highlight of my trip to NY and I will definitely make a return visit next time I’m in town!

+6

Lexington Candy Shop serves classic Coke‑float nostalgia at its best. Old‑school vibe, creamy ice cream, and perfectly fizzy cola make it a fun, timeless treat stop.

Definitely worth the experience! I went there for breakfast, and the food was simple but great. All the staff were polite and gentle. I usually don’t have coke for breakfast, but I had to try the coca-cola floater (which was delicious, by the way). The prices were fair. So in summary, I can definitely recommend the place, it’s worth giving it a try.

+1

Ahmed B. Mahmood

During my time in New York, I stumbled upon this cozy little spot in Manhattan called Soda Candy Shop, and I’m so glad I did! It’s a beautiful, quiet place with such a warm and inviting atmosphere — the kind of place that instantly makes you feel comfortable and at home. What really stood out to me was their traditional Coke — served the old-fashioned way, and it tasted amazing. It’s not something you find everywhere, and it added a really nostalgic touch to the whole experience. I also tried their breakfast, and it was absolutely delicious. The portions were generous, everything was fresh, and you could tell a lot of care went into preparing the food. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful morning meal away from the usual Manhattan rush. Whether you're looking for a unique drink, a great breakfast, or just a quiet, beautiful place to relax for a bit, Soda Candy Shop is a hidden gem worth visiting.

Long Zong (宗龙)

Nice deli style food, fantastic hand made coke and ice creams float. A restaurant with almost a hundred year history. But if you are looking for fine dining, you may want to explore other options.

Michelle Haley

Super tiny! Crazy full of history and everyone loves RAY! get an egg cream and stuff yourself in a seat and buckle up. The real original luncheonettes are getting scarce, enjoy!

This is a old school diner that makes Coca-Cola the old fashioned way. Besides the usual coke flavors, they have chocolate and lemon. I got the cherry coke with vanilla ice cream and this was the best float I ever had.

+4

Elvijs L.

I’ve never tried a better tasting Coca-Cola than here! Besides their excellent Float, this over-century-old luncheonette offers a wide variety of other classic beverages and beloved dishes, including New York’s possibly the best burger, so it is no wonder why this venue is always packed. Tip: sit at the counter to see all the action firsthand. Another tip: bring a piece of Lexington Candy Shop home by acquiring their merch after the meal.

Walenska Florencio

The staff is very kindly and the food is very good. The cheeseburguer was better than The one that I tried on Times Square. There was a line but we are 4 and around 30 minutes our table was ready.

+1

Chiara Rizza

The Lexington Candy Shop is an absolute gem, an original spot where you can enjoy Coca-Cola served the old-fashioned way. The atmosphere is wonderfully vintage, full of charm and character, but never feels outdated or worn. It’s like stepping into a piece of New York history that’s still very much alive. The staff is fantastic: friendly, down-to-earth, and genuinely welcoming. Their warmth makes the whole experience even better. Everything we tried was excellent, and the overall vibe of the place is unforgettable. A must try if you’re looking for something authentic, nostalgic, and delicious!

John Gonsalves

Lexington Candy Shop is one of those true New York classics that still keeps its charm after all these years. It has that old-school diner feel with counter seating and friendly staff who actually remember regulars. They still make their Coca-Cola the traditional way from syrup mixed right in front of you which gives it a flavor you can’t find anywhere else. The coconut cake is a must-try, super moist with that perfect balance of sweetness. They also serve all the classic diner favorites like omelets, egg sandwiches, and pancakes, all made fresh and served hot. It’s a simple spot, but that’s part of what makes it so good just classic comfort food in a nostalgic setting. Definitely worth a visit if you want a taste of old New York.

+6

Food Soul

It was a long waiting line but totally worth it! We got babana split and cherry coke float. They all were amazing! Perfect sweet. We got the bar seats and I like to watch them making the Cola, adding the syrup and soda. The atmosphere was so warm welcoming, cozy and unique. We got good service, they all have smile on the face. Also, I enjoying watching the coke bottles in the front of the shop.

+1

Very cool vintage vibe. This place is like stepping into old world New York and I love the history here, especially since so many of these places have disappeared. The food is very good, but it's also overpriced for what you get - and they want you in and out when there's a line - but I guess that's what they need to do to keep a place like this around.

+1

Cute spot, very friendly staff. No frills little hole in the wall diner. Been here forever. This is my 2nd visit in 20 years. The French fries are surprisingly really good, thin and crispy.

Angela F.

Very nice time with my family. The recommendations and the food and drinks were really good. We tried the traditional fountain coke and also de the egg cream (amazing!!!) And so far, my favorite. We also order the mini burguers (starters) and the meat was juicy and savory. The place transport you to another time, but the popularity is more for the old way to serve the sodas than the place itself. Was good for just one time to visit, at least for us. 🥤🍔🍨

+3

Suky Bains

A wonderful and unique experience with a hint of nostalgia. Everything from the bar stools to the decor brings so much character to this historical store. Experiencing the original coke float was certainly a memorable moment for me and my kids!

+1

Cozy little place with old fashion vibes really recommend stopping here if you have time You have to try the coke at least once it's basically much sweeter version of regular coke. I enjoyed having hot, fresh French toast. As for the line it wasn't too bad on Sunday afternoon and it really depends on how many people are in your group if you are single like me you can skip the line and ask the person at the door if you could sit at the bar or you can ask for takeaway and usually they will give you what you want much faster you could also snap a video of the many cokes that are being served if that's what you are here for. The only downside is that the staff and the manager are running this like a tourist trap asking for tips in an obnoxious way.

Brought my boyfriend here for a surprise date, he absolutely loves Coke and I brought him here to taste test and try all the different kinds. The burgers were DELICIOUS, the atmosphere was so cozy and the place was definitely really well run and great with dealing with the line that is constantly outside. The only thing I will say is that the bill was placed in our table right at we were getting our burgers which bummed me out a little because I hadn’t asked for the check and was planning on ordering two more cherry coke floats and mozzarella sticks and then a brownie. I figured it was just probably protocol and a way to turn tables quickly to work on the line outside. I love this place and I will return again definitely and plan on just being more verbal next time on the fact that I plan to order more later.

An absolutely classics ~100 year old NYC eatery serving up solid food and old fashioned drinks. This place is celebrating their 99th year in business, and it’s absolutely an icon. They still serve Coca Cola mixed straight from the syrup with seltzer from the soda fountain, and can top it off with a scoop of ice cream for a float. Order breakfast all day, or try one of their Butter Burgers — literally a burger with a massive scoop of butter melting on top. Grab a seat at stools at the original counter, or squeeze into a cozy booth. There might be a bit of a line outside, the service is nothing incredible, and the prices are pretty steep, but that’s how it is for small old places like this to survive. It’s worth the trip for the experience!

+6

Apparently i saved this resto in my maps for almost a year now to have the opportunity to dine and when i finally did, was kinda disappointed with how the pricing match with the portion served. Although the food tasted good. It is not worth the price it entails, probably we are buying also the brand now, place is tight and i read that they intent to keep it the old way. Waiting time is average. Waitresses doesn’t really look and be proactive in seeing the needs of customers and they active passively ask for tip when checking out. In conclusion, it was a good experience but probably just coming back when someone wants to try and needs company. Accepts credit/debit card. No high chairs

+6

The pancakes were really good, and the Iced tea was pretty nice. The atmosphere was quite nice. Even though is know as a touristic place we didn't have to wait. The decorations make the place feel really nice. The staff was very attentive.

Fun spot. Poor kid working there was all on his own with packed house. The food was good, a bit pricey but you pay for the experience. Bathroom was closed because of stock issues. Lots of people stopping by just to take pictures. There was a line to get in but it moves fast. A long time to get my check but hardworking friendly employees.

+6

Such a cool, nostalgic feel to this place. The food isn’t anything to write home about, but the atmosphere is great. This place is an old-timey, bustling diner that takes you back in time. The cookies and cream milkshake was pretty good, thinner almost like a cookies and cream chocolate milk. The Rootbeer float is made the old fashioned way with soda syrup, carbonation and ice cream. Come if you’re interested in the experience, not for the best food in town.

Overall I liked this place. Nice and relaxed atmosphere, and the traditional Coca-Cola float with vanilla ice-cream is a must if you are nearby. Food is good, we tried three different sandwiches (one with tuna, one with chicken and one with beef), but average. Nothing special, especially if compared to its quite high price. Staff were super friendly.

Service was prompt and the elderly lady was very sweet and friendly. The French toasts were ok and the pancakes were decent, but overall the pricing of items are on the higher side. Come to see how they make the soda and try the milkshake which is quite good. But the food is average at best.

+2

I tried their Coca-Cola with vanilla ice cream and it was really good! The only downside is that the place tends to get very crowded, and sometimes it’s hard to find a seat. But overall, it’s worth a visit for the unique treats!

We saw this place on social media. I love that old timey places like this still exist. We didn't order food, but we did order a couple of floats and a banana split. They serve Bassets ice cream, which is from Philadelphia, if you know you know, it's outstanding ice cream. Lexington candy shop is known for making their own sodas, floats and ice cream related things. Their made to order cola is so tasty, I would pick that cola over Coke every time. Everything was splendid. The decor looks like a time capsule. I loved that they kept the old booths.

+6

It’s an old soda shop with cream soda and other weird sodas. Maybe it’s because I’m european but I didn’t find the sodas amazing, it was weird but fine. The waitress was really nice but the person at the counter wasn’t the nicest

This place is a historical relic and you're paying for the experience of sitting in a booth and watching coke being prepared the old fashioned way. One exceptional menu item I enjoyed to the fullest was the vanilla bean malt shake. It tasted so fresh, authentic, and the vanilla bean looked like it came straight out of a pod. Apparently they also use real malt powder- I mean, it just doesn't get better than that. The food was your typical American diner fare- good quality, not particularly out of the ordinary!

First of all be prepared to follow a line 😂 But don’t arrive close to their closing time otherwise you can only enjoy their drinks. Service was good and quick Staff is friendly. It was worth the visit

Sayat Özdemir

It is a very touristy place, but still worth seeing, especially if you are a Coca Cola fan. Definitely check it out, but is it really worth going there just to drink a Coke? I do not think so. Still, try one classic and one vanilla, just for the experience.

It's worth visiting there to enjoy the atmosphere and see how they make pop float. Their food was average. Good but not outstanding, but they are all very reasonable prices. Allow at least 30 minutes' leeway for your schedule.

It was good....some of the staff are kind and friendly, others not so much.... The food is mediocre....the Coke with the icecream and the whole old fashioned atmosphere is cool...i would come again,but maybe just for some old fashioned drinks and milkshakes at the counter...

This wonderful place is serving as New York City's oldest family-run luncheonette. Even more extraordinary is the fact that the shop has maintained its original 1940s aesthetic and traditional soda fountain methods for over nine decades. It is one of the very few places left that makes soda the old-fashioned way—using chilled carbonated water, flavored syrups, and a spoon. Tip: of ypu don.t want to stay at the table, don.t wait in line - just go in, grab a drink amd be on your way.

+6

Great historical landmark. The aesthetic of the diner is beautiful. Full of great pictures and little details. Food was ok. I had a tuna salad sandwich but it was mostly celery less tuna. Times are hard right now economically so i think this might be a solution. The staff was attentive though and i had a nice place to read.

Atmosphere and history is the primary attraction. The portions were insulting for the price. Waffle House level quality for triple the cost. The omelette was a half-assed scramble with regular toast. Left feeling hungry and disappointed. The service was fine but the addition of gratuity with nothing mentioned on the menu left me with a bad taste. I might have missed the fine print, but it still seemed unnecessary for a party of 2. Way better diners available in UES to come here again.

This place is like super old school, like way back before they even had rules about food safety and hygiene. It's not really our usual vibe, you know? It was just a little too truck stop dive for us. We went on a Saturday and apparently it's usually crazy busy with long lines, but we lucked out this time. Inside, it totally gives off that 80s diner feel, but it was a bit too old school for us. We decided to get root beer floats for a little nostalgia trip, and they were actually pretty good, even though they were pricey. We didn't end up trying any food because it just didn't feel right. But hey, with all the good reviews and being in business for almost a century, they must be doing something right, right? The staff was nice and all, but it was kinda weird seeing them handle food and money with the same hands and the overly dirty uniforms gave us pause.

+6

Firstly, the prices are super expensive. The famous coke is $17. It is very lower than my expectation.I thought the white stuff was cream, but it turned out to be ice cream. As the ice cream melts, it starts to resemble a milkshake and tastes a bit better. However, at first, it’s very sweet and has very little fizz. The place itself is nice — a classic old-school diner. The smell inside is a bit strong, but that’s understandable due to all the frying. If you’re really curious, you can try it, but it probably won’t be what you expect. We shared one between two people, which was a good option. The queue is a bit long but you do not need to wait for take away.

It’s good but not as good to comeback, the float was really good and the burguer too, the place it’s really small and always has a lane to wait

Lexington Candy Shop is definitely unique and worth experiencing once. The flavors are different and nostalgic, but the wait can be quite long. It’s fun to try, though not really a place you’d return to often.

Short take, Lexington Candy Shop looks great, super hip on socials, but on Sunday the line was massive, we didn’t go in, just admired the vintage vibe from the sidewalk, classic UES scene, fun to see, not fun to queue, maybe go early or a weekday, still on the list for next time.

Food and drinks are alright $25-$35 per person. The $10 fries you would have trouble finding anywhere else worse. I don’t hate the blubbery pancakes it’s good in shape and taste. Better to have 2 persons share one float drink; credit goes to the ice cream. Oh last but not least, the waiting line was like an hour on a holiday evening.

+1

This place is cultural heritage. It does not mean their food is special or something else. You may see the long line on weekends. You might be intrigued by this crowded brunch restaurant with all different kinds of coke bottles on the window. Food is not ‘that’ fun. Honestly, it was OK level. Server knows most of all people and everyone except me seemed like they always have same breakfast menu everyday. ( I was only one reading the menu carefully, everyone else just quickly ordered while they have a seat) And this restaurant runs the business almost 100 years, the building is very old. You can find the restroom inside of kitchen. You literally can walk by the kitchen. I recommend this place if you want to feel the New Yorkers old diner vibe, local culture, instagram, etc. But not for the tasty food. 😅

+1

This is typical business that when is announced for somebody industry tourism like a Discovery Travel or something like that...kill the business because the amount tourists that want know and of corse change everything that was tradicional for only fast and experience meaningless.

+2

Fun joint, though not really a candy shop. Feels like an old diner - and it is!- at a century old. I forgot to take a picture of my root beer float but it was by far the best part of my meal. Although pricey for a float at $12, it was delicious and the only thing I’d care to come back for (if I’m feeling rich). The burger was meh and the French fries tasted like store-bought hashbrowns. Maybe an off day for the service but we were never given water before our meal and they never came by to check up on us. They finally brought water after we asked for it twice. Overall, I’d say it’s not worth your money but if you want the experience, go right ahead.

+4

Going to see the original Coca Cola, and that’s the height of it nothing special, service was mid at best but cool to see an original candy store wouldn’t be in a rush to return!

shuxiang yang

The photos on the wall really capture the character of this place. It’s the diner from the movie, and the vibe is great. However, it’s definitely overpriced. We ordered an egg omelet, a cheeseburger, fries, and two medium Cokes. They forgot the fries but still included them on the bill. After we pointed it out, they removed the charge, but the total was still $55 before tip. For the quality and amount of food we got, that’s pretty crazy. I guess people come here for the experience, not the food.

So I seen this hyped on tictok so thought I would give it ago Staff were friendly and welcoming we got 2 seats at the bar area but realised that was a mistake we got soup and a coke a few spoonfuls in to my soup I had some one else leaning over me filming them making there old style cola which is cool to see but for me personally the taste just wasn't there the soup was awesome but overall experience was a thumbs down I'm afraid

Eddie S.

Finally got to stop here while roaming around the old neighborhood. Was a little disappointed with some of our orders. The coke floats were warm, not even the ice cream cooled them off. Should have ordered the regular soda. At least it came with ice.The Shake was cold and delicious. Only had fries and onion rings since we’ve eaten earlier and were going out to eat later on. The fries were ok and the onion rings were a little burnt. It was nice to see a little nostalgia. But probably a one and done. But give it a shot. You never know. May have been a bad day.

+6

shams

Walked in and was immediately hit by a piece of New York’s history. It’s an iconic place and a must visit at least once. On the other hand - the soda float - seeing it made was very cool. The taste on the other was ok. 7/10 and the points are for the history of the place.

+6

Bryce

Found this place from social media. A little disappointing. Was portrayed as old-school style soda, but they are using boxed syrup with high fructose corn syrup to make their soda and adding soda water in front of you. They should be making this syrup fresh with better ingredients it would taste way better like in the old days. Not to mention the soda floats are $12 each.

Eric San José

This luncheonette has been on my list of places to go for many years. Always a long line that goes around the corner, but it moves quickly. The staff inside is very nice. The food is very basic and simple. They’re known for their traditional sodas. Root beer floats. And desserts. I would definitely go here for the nostalgia factor and to have a Coca-Cola done in the traditional style. Give this place a try if you’re in the area and remember it’s like going to a luncheonette in the early 1900s. Don’t expect much from the food and you’ll have a good time. The cost of the food is on the expensive side, but that is to be expected.

+6

Dermot O'Mahony

Went out of my way to check this place out. It was “okay” - I got a coke cola ice cream float. It was actually a little warm - the ice cream cooled it slightly. Taste was normal. The service was also okay, the best thing about this place is the history. Would I go back, if I was passing, sure. But don’t go out of your way.

I'm on holiday in the US and I went there on purpose to try their famous coke which was really good. But went I arrived they invited us to sit although I just wanted the coke, as soon I said the waitress looked like annoyed by me just asking for that... I asked for 4 bottles of water and they said they don't have, and gave just regular water from the tap when next to the balcony they had a fridge with them. In the end when I wanted to pay instead of roughly 12$ we paid 15$, not justifying why... i enjoyed the coke but It was the only thing...

Very bad food, soggy chewy bacon, dry toast. All around bad experience. Unfortunate as this place has been around forever.

The long wait isn't worth it. The Coca-Cola tasted watered down, like sweetened water, and the burger was cold with a bad pickle. The only good thing was the french fries, which were crispy and delicious, likely cooked in an air fryer. Unfortunately, the cooking smells permeate the entire restaurant and are quite unpleasant. Prices are high—$50 for three slider burgers and two Cokes, one with ice cream, including tip. Service was also weak.

+6

I visited Lexington Candy Shop with high expectations, drawn in by its vintage charm and long-standing reputation. Sadly, the service was poor—staff were inattentive and lacked the warmth you'd hope for in such a historic spot. It really took away from the experience. That said, the milkshake was genuinely delicious and a highlight of the visit. A shame the service didn’t match the quality of the drink.

Terrible Place This place is absolutely awful. The food is atrocious; I’ve never had such disgusting French toast—soggy and revolting. The fries were made in an air fryer, so they weren’t fragrant or crispy. The environment was filthy and chaotic, with the entire place reeking of greasy bacon, which was nauseating. The bar area, used both for serving food and collecting dirty dishes, was managed by a man who washed used cups and plates right there, making it extremely unhygienic. While the American boy who served us was very polite, the girl handling the cash was extremely rude. Instead of asking how our meal was, she directly demanded a tip. How can you ask for a tip for such terrible food? It’s a blatant rip-off. The float was decent, but all the prices were unreasonably high. Overall, it was a regrettable choice, and we will never go back again.

I was excited to taste the original coke, but to my surprise it wasn’t anything special just the same thing as coke without the fizziness. I was disgusted to see none of the people who work in the kitchen were NOT WEARING GLOVES?!!!! Not sanitary whatsoever and will most likely not recommend unless you like your food being touched by hands who have been God knows where :) Food was basic nothing fantastic. Place was very tight. To top it off, I heard the boss rudely arguing with my friend about the tip that we wanted to leave. Maybe if we were tendered to properly with COMPETENT AND CLEAN staff I would be willing to leave a larger tip.Waitress didn’t even know what fried/ caramelized onions were…..

I went there because it is a diner famous for its colas. The diner had a nice atmosphere, just like in a movie. The coke was good, but the omelette was not. The overall price was high and I was charged a 25% tip. I think $64 for 2 coke floats, omelette and French fries is too expensive.

+1

Like many others, I heard about this place and was looking forward to it. Tbh, the disappointment was big at the end. The food was ok (a very small portion), the service was ok also, could have been a bit more friendly and the place itself - meh, they could take better care of it.

The last time I went here, there was a cockroach walking on our seat. The place is EXTREMELY squished, and the food is okay, it’s a diner, nothing special. I understand they serve coke the old fashion way but I swear it has no difference. This is a place where you just come to eat normal food and take a pic. The wait was also super long so we had to wait outside, it was summer of 2024 I believe.

Very disappointing! Apparently this establishment survives solely on the history. Wonder how many of those tourists would be willing to say, “it was truly worth the wait” in retrospect? Who can mess up a BLT? They can. The bread was soggy, the bacon barely cooked. We both ordered the same thing, but only one of us got a pickle. Neither of us got cole slaw. The interior was certainly full of nostalgia since it remained dark, dingy and imbedded grease all over the place. However, the prices did not have the slightest hint of nostalgia! Many of the vinyl seats were ripped (possibly a health code violation)? The atmosphere was not conducive to enjoying a meal at any time of the day. Too, bad.

Alex

I’ve seen this place on social media over the years with great reviews! Sadly, during my visit today I left disappointed. It was very expensive, the ice cream floats were flat and not cold, and the fries were undercooked whilst burnt at the same time, etc. Overall, I think the ambiance is great, but the food left something to be desired.

Hishaam Bin Masood

I was curious to visit this establishment as it was pretty popular on Instagram but somehow the Google rating was not promising so I decided I need to go and see it for myself. The review on Google was right. This is just hyped up to be a tourist trap. But don’t get me wrong, the vibes and ambience is spot on! Typical American diner but the rude behavior of staff and the prices are exorbitant like grilled cheese is $10 and it’s not even on sourdough bread. The only reason we went to try was the Coca Cola float as they seem to be making the Coca Cola the old school way. So in short, the ambience 10/10 as it has a pretty decent history around the upper east side, the food not so much.

+3

I have lived here nearly a decade so working through checking off some bucket list places so stopped here for a snack - Coke of course & some onion rings. Experience was fine but I have been hit with a gnarly food poisoning and pretty sure it’s from the onion rings - so would avoid at all costs!

I ordered pancakes and a Coke float for $32. The pancakes were nothing special, and the Coke didn’t taste good. You can feel the history of the place, I guess. The service was poor, and the atmosphere was uncomfortable. Despite that, they demanded an 18% tip. I couldn’t help but wonder if they’re not embarrassed to ask for that. Maybe they should learn how to write the bill properly first.

Without a doubt the worst establishment I’ve ever been to in my entire life. I don’t ever leave reviews and this is experience was so bad that I had to make sure to leave this. I’m aware it is a bit of a tourist trap, but as a life long New Yorker I thought I’d come visit a longtime New York establishment. I was truly not prepared for this experience. This place is like if you could take all the worst parts of Time Square and put it into a place that sells soda floats. The old guy that owns this place is beyond rude and acts like you’re doing him a favor for coming to get some lukewarm soda made the “old fashioned” way. When you pay, he legitimately asks you out loud how much you want to tip. The place is beyond filthy and we saw roaches crawling around, and I guarantee you will too. The bar itself is sticky, disgusting and should be shutdown by the health department We ordered two Coke floats and some fries. They were both gross and lukewarm and I felt nauseous afterwards. The fries were frozen fries from the air fryer that took like 20 minutes to get there somehow. I legitimately could not wait to get my bill and get out of here. The only positive I can give this place is the girls behind the counter are very nice. The old man has a horrible attitude and he does not deserve your business. If you’re a tourist there are a million other places you can spend your money and actually be respected as a patron.

The soft drinks were good, however if you are black beware. The old crusty man who was letting in people inside really needs to take a course on common courtesy. He was very rude to us and insinuating that we (as a group of black women) were skipping the line and being unruly. He seriously needs to work on his manners because he clearly doesn't know how to treat paying customers. Again if you are black please avoid this spot.

★☆☆☆☆ Flat soda, flat experience, flat-out waste of time Another day, another influencer trap — and yep, I fell right into it. Let me save *you* the trouble: grab a Coke, pop the lid, leave it out overnight, and enjoy it in the morning. Voilà! You’ve just recreated the "old-fashioned" soda experience at Lexington Candy Shop… without the price tag or the disappointment. They call it “old-fashioned,” but if by that they mean flat, flavorless, and stuck in the past in all the worst ways, then sure — nailed it. I ordered a Coke and honestly thought maybe they were playing a joke. Not a single bubble in sight. I’ve had more fizz from a glass of tap water. Yes, there was a line — which I assume was made up entirely of tourists or people just as duped as I was. Total waste of time and money. To top it all off, when I asked the server about lactose and carbonation, I got a blank stare like I was speaking Martian. Not exactly confidence-inspiring when you’re ordering something with milk *and* bubbles. Bottom line? Cute signage, vintage vibes, but zero substance. Stay far, far away unless you're on a quest for the world's saddest soda.

No, you don’t get to see ur soda made. No it’s not good it’s flat. Food is… well I had my frozen onion rings thrown in an air fryer and when played top was burnt and everything cold and soggy. Idk? The hype is stupid. I hope this place takes the money and actually use it to make dreams happen or close cuz you guys and the service was trash.. the older gentleman was the only nice one. I think this place should close cuz it’s straight false advertisement 🤷🏽‍♀️ “if you can’t be nice leave” is one of their signs and now I know why lmaooo

Horrible! Please refrain from taking the trip. We were very excited to try the famous cola, but the whole experience was atrocious. Service is horrendous, the grumpy server was so entitled throwing the glasses on the table and then throwing immediately after the check saying that we had to pay at the till in cash. The coke was mid, nothing special, I really don’t understand the hype and now understand why no one else in the world does sodas this way. Extortionate prices, but thank god we left as soon as possible. Definitely didn’t deserve a tip after this behavior and I was called ‘stingy’ in Spanish behind my back. Trust me when I say that in my life I have never not left a tip, but I felt so patronized that I had no choice than leave no penny over what I paid. (I had to insist as well because they took a 40% tip at first when I paid cash). People have to fly down sometimes.

This place needs to lose its hype. We went super excited after having it on our list for a few years. The service was sub par, the soda was not enjoyable at all if you like a fizzy soda, and the food wasn't worth ordering. For reference we ordered: root beer float, root beer, a cherry coke, vanilla milkshake, French fries, a cheeseburger, and a club sandwich. We spent $88, and I can honestly say I would never return for a single item. There are SO many incredible places in New York work visiting with phenomenal drinks and food... Skip past this one and save your $$.

I've seen this place on social media. The place was nice and vintage, the coke was really tasty and we really enjoyed it with my friend although it was overpriced... The service is absolutely TERRIBLE, we tried to push the door and it was locked, when the staff came to open us he sighed in front of us... He asked us in a very rude way what wanted to order. We were about to finish when the two old guys at the counter kicked us because they « leave at 6 pm » other customers were kicked out too. I don't recommend this place even if it looks cool.

Very VERY rude staff!!! They were talking about us right infront of our faces all because we didn’t want any food just drinks! Basically threw the bill at us before we had even finished our drinks! And then talked about us for going on our phone! Would never EVER recommend to go here to anyone which is such a same because the 100 year old coke we nice!!!!

I had a very disappointing experience at this place. From the moment we walked in, the staff’s attitude was unprofessional and unwelcoming. They were rude while taking the order and spoke to us in a very dismissive tone. We were told that we could not place an order under $20, and even if we did, there would be a $10 charge added. This information was not clearly posted or communicated beforehand. Since we had not even had the chance to properly review the menu before being seated, we had no way of knowing about such a policy. It felt unfair and poorly handled. When we asked simple questions — such as what items are popular or what they would recommend — the response was “I don’t know, just look at the menu.” This level of service is unacceptable. When we mentioned that customers should be informed clearly, we were told, “We can’t tell everyone one by one.” That response alone reflects a serious lack of customer care. Good food alone is not enough if the service is this unpleasant. Respectful communication and basic hospitality should be the minimum standard. Unfortunately, this experience fell far below expectations.

Sanguk “Namkoo” Ahn

Like many old establishments, this place seems to be running purely on its legacy. It’s been around for a long time, and sure, it was probably a big deal back in the day. I get the vibe of “staying the same because it’s always been that way,” but without any updates to the menu or real thought about flavor, it’s hard to praise that kind of stagnation. The ice cream soda had barely any fizz — it didn’t feel like soda at all. It just tasted like watered-down syrup with a scoop of ice cream. If you like really sweet things, you might enjoy it, but to me, it wasn’t especially tasty. Aside from trying an old-school-style soda for the sake of nostalgia, I couldn’t really find a reason to come back.