Is Lexington Candy Shop a TOURIST TRAP NYC's TikTok Famous Diner and Soda Fountain

Introduction

Welcome back to another episode of UA Eats! I’m UA, and today we’re exploring the historical Upper East Side of New York City, specifically the Lexington Candy Shop. This quaint diner has gained popularity on TikTok and is known for being one of the last remaining soda fountains where soda is still made by hand. As we dive into this culinary adventure, we'll see if it lives up to the hype.

After experiencing a quiet period during the pandemic, the Upper East Side appears to be bouncing back, and even on a blustery day, this neighborhood is showing signs of life. However, upon arriving at Lexington Candy Shop, I found there wasn't much of a queue—likely attributed to the dreary weather.

The Lexington Candy Shop Experience

Stepping inside, the atmosphere is what you'd expect from an old-fashioned diner—a simple yet nostalgic charm filled with memories of the past. The diner has been around for almost 100 years, and they’re particularly known for their hand-mixed drinks. Today, I'll be trying the iconic hand-stirred Coca-Cola along with some breakfast options.

The menu includes typical diner fare, featuring breakfast items, burgers, and a selection of classic fountain drinks. Upon browsing the breakfast section, I noticed that prices seemed steep—$ 18 for pancakes and $ 15 for French toast. The burger selection seemed more reasonably priced, and I opted for the famous butter burger after my pancake curiosity was piqued.

First Impressions

I ordered the hand-mixed Coca-Cola and a plate of French toast. The preparation of the soda was fascinating—instead of being dispensed from a fountain, they mixed it by hand using syrup and seltzer water. But, I have to admit: the soda tasted surprisingly flat, lacking the effervescence one would expect from a Coca-Cola.

As for the French toast, it came piping hot but was disappointingly bland. Despite the pleasant texture of the bread, the absence of flavor rendered it an unremarkable dish. The only saving grace was the delicious syrup, which I suspected might be real maple syrup.

The Butter Burger

Next up was the butter burger. While I hoped for a satisfying bite, I found it to appear rather sad and small for the price tag of $ 13. Still, the patty showcased good flavor and seemed to be freshly made rather than pre-frozen, though it still lacked seasoning.

Final Thoughts

As I headed outside to share my final impressions, the weather took a turn for the worse, making it difficult to film. I ultimately found refuge in the Oculus Center, where I reflected on my experience. Unfortunately, I would categorize Lexington Candy Shop as a tourist trap. The combination of overpriced, mediocre food and the allure of social media hype ultimately left me underwhelmed.

I encourage food enthusiasts to think twice before seeking out these viral attractions. True dining enjoyment should prioritize taste and value, not just what looks good on camera.

In conclusion, while the friendliness of the staff was a redeeming quality, the food and beverages left much to be desired. If you've visited Lexington Candy Shop, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Keywords

Keywords: Lexington Candy Shop, TikTok, diner, soda fountain, hand-mixed Coca-Cola, breakfast, French toast, butter burger, tourist trap, New York City, viral food trends.

FAQ

Q1: What is Lexington Candy Shop known for?
A1: Lexington Candy Shop is famous for being one of the last soda fountains in New York City where soda is made by hand.

Q2: How does the hand-stirred Coca-Cola taste?
A2: The hand-stirred Coca-Cola tasted surprisingly flat and lacked the carbonation that modern fountain drinks typically have.

Q3: Is the food at Lexington Candy Shop worth the price?
A3: Many diners find the food to be overpriced and bland, with limited redeeming qualities.

Q4: Should I visit Lexington Candy Shop based on social media hype?
A4: It's advisable to be cautious of social media trends; the experience may not match the visual presentation often seen online.

Q5: What was the overall impression of the butter burger?
A5: The butter burger had a decent flavor, but the portion size and lack of seasoning left much to be desired for the price.