Lexington Candy SHop
 

I would give it a zero, but that would be misleading. We have eaten here before and thought the atmosphere would enough to compensate for the food but we were wrong. The roast beef must have been from the V-[J Day celebration. They served french fries directly out of plastic bags, but that is no excuse not to cook them and the plate of onion rings reminded me of the old joke, "Not only were they awful, but the portion was small." They stuck together in soggy lumps and were difficult to peel apart and did even cover the small plate. I think they were $5.95. A SIL had a burger, which looked and tasted like one of those discs who used to operate those old machines in Coney Island.

It was the most complacent and dismissive meal I have had in NYC in a long time and I grew up here. You know the old saying, you can't eat atmosphere, well that would have been better, especially if you like peeling paint.

I think the standards are definitely slipping. I haven't had lunch there for ages, but I had breakfast there a few weeks ago, and it was just ok. It's also pretty expensive for what you get, especially since they don't even include home fries or french fries with eggs and bacon in the morning. Prices are comparable to a very expensive diner, so I agree you can always do better.

I do still love the milkshakes, though.

I gave up several years ago after lackluster egg salad on dry bread.

Was this review written for those who already know the place? I wouldn't even know where to look for this place to avoid it. Post is tagged New York, as in state. Only toward the end is NYC mentioned. So somewhere in all the boroughs is some storefront which serves, according to the OP, food that isn't very good. Thanks for the meaningful post.

Well, this is a rather famous Upper East Side NYC institution and a particularly popular tourist spot for those going to the Frick or the Metropolitan Museum of Art (one that is sitting on its laurels). It's widely mentioned in posts, and most guidebooks recommend it, including this site.

Sometimes I wonder why any of us do this at all.

It is located at 1229 Lexington Ave, on the southwest corner of 83rd Street, in Manhattan, Country of New York, State of NY. The door pulls out.

You do not have to hurry as it open until 7 PM.

>>Was this review written for those who already know the place? I wouldn't even know where to look for this place to avoid it.<<

Google is your friend. http://www.lexingtoncandyshop.net/

Lee Ann

Google may indeed be my friend, but as a resident of a major city within a few hours train/bus/drive of NYC, who has visited maybe a couple of times a year over a lifetime, mostly for specific museum shows or theater, but not for any specific foodie experience, I have never read a guidebook nor heard of this place until now. With no introduction to the review in the post, I didn't know it was some special place enshrined in NYC lore (and doubt I am the only one), nor do I necessarily credit that the world revolves around that city's eating places. IMD, does the phrase "preaching to the choir" have any resonance for you?

95% of the postings here deal with NYC and the time to write and inquire where this place may be, would take more time and effort, than satisfying your curiosity by typing three words into a google search box. If there were many results, I could understand your consternation. As I googled it, there was one, none of which were in Rochester, Watertown or Water Mill.

And I am not being snide or obtuse when I write that the term "preaching to the choir" does not have any resonance to me in this particular instance.

Face it IMD someone here doesn't like your kind. It's really rather pathetic and embarrassing for them.

I've never been to the above mentioned dining establishment, but surely appreciate the heads up by you and others that it may not be the place to stop if I recognized the sign.

What's pathetic and embarrassing is that certain residents of NYC apparently think the world revolves around their city. This place doesn't make any online national list of soda fountains, or even of NYC notable restaurants, on a Google search. Maybe it's on the same list of US must-sees for Europeans that includes driving Route 66? All I would have liked to see is a better introduction telling the rest of the world why we should care, or even give the post reading time, not a bunch of assumptions.

You clearly have a personal agenda regarding this topic? Why pray tell does this thread bring you such negative passion? I found it basic and helpful. From what you have posted, you clearly do not like and have a personal vendetta against certain posters from NYC. WHY?

IMD is a toxic presence on this board who attempts to obscure his toxicity with irrelevant posts about places and events within a ten block radius of where he lives. Imagine if he lived in Buford, Wyoming. Would he still cut and paste his list of restaurants he has visited in the last ten years? Probably. This is a person for whom being banned from the Lounge was a Significant Emotional Event.

He stalks me tirelessly on every board on which I post, and I am officially over it. If Fodor's won't do something about it, I reckon turnabout is fair play.

Hi, IMD. I am so pleased to scratch this restaurant off my list. Thank you so very much. Where are you eating lunch today?

Well I imagine if I were visiting Buford, Wyoming, I would welcome his first hand knowledge just I would his dining knowledge in NYC. I see no difference other then a few of you have a very personal grudge towards this poster. I don't find many posts on fodor's 'irrelevant" Who are you to judge which posts are relevant?

I don't judge, I comment, same as you. I don't need you to agree with me, Inaka, nor do I expect anyone else to have noticed the way he refers to me by name, repeatedly, in threads I am not even participating in. I have no idea why he began doing this. But I am not going to let him pretend to be a good citizen here when he is clearly not. He was banned multiple times for this behavior in the past.

Understand that I clicked on the US forum, and then on a recent entry that seemed of interest, tagged New York state. I then got a restaurant review for a place that included no introduction. And on posting, a comment that "95% of the postings here deal with NYC". Really? "Here" on the US forum that I entered? How many restaurants might we be talking about? A personal vendetta? Boy, you guys really do think the world revolves around you and your limited Manhattan perspective.

SambaCHula

The US forum has various states I think there are 50 plus DC. You can google that.

The category is clearly TAGGED New York at the top. And 95% of the entries are about NYC.

So now you are blaming me, for your inability to both read, google, and your insecurity about NY'ers.

This is my last entry on this matter.

>>Would he still cut and paste his list of restaurants he has visited in the last ten years?<<

I've found that list very helpful when planning the short trips to NYC we've done.

Lee Ann

Who are "you guys"?

The world DOES "revolve around our city." -:)



(Whoops… forgot to say I live in NY, NY.)

"This is my last entry on this matter."

Actually, it seems you find it necessary to stalk me onto other threads and make snarky comments.
Appears my reaction to your poorly worded restaurant review has hit a nerve.

Please keep comments on point. Personal attacks violate our TOS.

Always like your take on NYC establishments...Your two recommendations for our last trip (Strip House & Cacio e Pepe) were spot on. Keep on eating!!

((H))

Thanks Tom.

Sorry Lee Ann for the oversight.

Thank you

Woo. Who knew Lexington Candy Shop could incite such passion. I have only been to NYC once and we tried the above mentioned diner. It was recommended for old fashioned malts and shakes which my family very much enjoyed. Although I will have to agree everything else was just .... Edible. Nothing special or worth writing home about.

IMD- I have always appreciated your suggestions and intend to make good use of them this summer. Any thoughts for a good dinner not far from the Vivian Beaumont, pre show? Try to avoid Daniel Boulud. He's not my favorite and fancy French inspired food is lost on my teens.

Thank you Cjar.

For a good value in that area, try the Greek Kitchen which has been there for over 15 years. I think less people know about it because it is on 10th Ave.

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/greek-kitchen/

I'm not IMD but spend a lot of time in the LC area. Do your teens like Indian or Mexican food? Sapphire is an Indian rest. on Broadway… and Rosa Mexicano is just across the street from Lincoln Center. There's the Smith right across the street also. Very youthful atmosphere (too noisy for me).. or Cafe Fiorello next to the Smith. Their menu sometimes includes decent pizza and good hamburgers. (You can check menu on line.) There's also the Atlantic Grill for fish.. or Shun Lee West for Chinese (which most people think is past its prime…but..) All these menus can be checked on line.
And there are lots of other restaurants further up Broadway and Columbus Avenue. I'm sure you'll get tons more recommendations.

P.S. Ninth AVe. has never been convenient for me but there are many good restaurants there too. Also IMD's recommendation would be an easy walk to the back of Lincoln Center which is convenient for accessing the Vivian Beaumont.

Rosa Mexicana is an old stand by, and the kids may like the guacamole made table side.

Thank you everyone. I will make note of those suggestions. I'm sure one will work for us. I really like the idea of Greek and Indian, so I'll check out their menus.

It must be karma - I'm leaving tonight for 3 nights at my brother's co-op on 83rd & Lex...and the Lexington Candy Shop Luncheonette is on that corner! I've passed it several times and noted it's old-fashioned appearance, so was planning on going there for breakfast or a burger. TA reviews are very positive but based on IMD and Doug's comments, i'll give it a pass. There are enough other spots in the immediate area that I hate to waste time & money in a so-so spot. So, thanks IMD, et al.

Have you been to the Shake Shack on 86th (between Lex and 3rd)?

I would say that 90% on TA have no idea of what they are talking about when it comes to NY and other places I know well.

There is a really fine bakery in that neighborhood-Two Little Hens

http://www.twolittleredhens.com/TLRH...lOrderMenu.pdf

Personally, I do not see the charm of Shake Shack. The burgers and fries are fine but not spectacular but the shakes are very good.
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A New York institution is on the corner of 86th and 3rd, Papaya King.

No atmosphere, no choices, just franks, fries, and drinks. It is called Papaya King because they serve fruit drinks including one with papaya. I think they just wave a papaya over some sugar water, but it is sweet and cold.

The opposite of fine dining but fun and cheap.

IMD…. now you've done it! If one has a sweet tooth the Two Little Red Hens is the end of the line. Their cupcakes are world famous -:(

My neighbor , until recently, was a frequent visitor to Papaya King. Loved the franks. She'll be 105 in a few months.

That area has so many great options you won't miss Lexington Candy Shop. You have some of the city's best pastrami at Pastrami Queen, some of the city's best bagels at Tal, Orwasher's is great (I love their cinnamon raisin loaves for French toast), and the strudel at Andre's. I haven't tried Two Little Red Hens, but I'm intrigued.

But don't skip Lexington Candy Shop if you like milkshakes. They are still great.

My neighbor , until recently, was a frequent visitor to Papaya King. Loved the franks. She'll be 105 in a few months.

I like the franks, but I did not know they were the secret to longevity.
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Have not been to Andre's, so we will try them, next time we are in the neighborhood.

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On the day before you leave, you might want to get some meats at Schaller & Weber to take home, assuming you can get them past the drug sniffing dogs.

http://www.schallerweber.com/

I wanted to report back on my NYC long weekend, since I took several of these suggestions! Two Little Red Hens was a great find. I went there Saturday morning and got a slice of chocolate pecan pie; slice of cherry pie; piece of pecan crumb coffee cake; and a mini-chocolate peanut butter cupcake. I know, that's a lot of food but truly good bakery items are hard to find these days and since I could see the baker in the back room actually mixing dough, I knew they were "home made" so splurged. About 5 people in front of me in the line and when I left, the line extended to the door.

I also sent to Orwashers since I'm always looking for good bread and bought their Swiss Health bread (grains, nuts & seeds). The pastries tempted me but I had already gone way past my limit at Red Hens.

Schaller & Weber was fun - I bought some wursts and a nice smoky ham butt.

IMD - I live in Stamford, CT so took the train and all my treats made it home safely (except the ones I ate....)

Thanks Fodorites for your suggestions - as always, a font of information.