Coca-Cola’s Vintage Experience at Lexington Candy Shop: A Century of Tradition
Coca-Cola is often regarded as one of the most consumed beverages globally; however, there was a time when it was crafted fresh by combining syrup with carbonated water. One iconic establishment in New York City is preserving this historical method, ensuring that patrons experience Coca-Cola in its traditional form.
Located in Manhattan, Lexington Candy Shop has become a sensation after a viral video surfaced in August 2022, showcasing the diner’s unique approach to serving Coca-Cola. This family-run establishment has welcomed customers since its inception in 1925 and is gearing up to celebrate an impressive 100-year milestone, as highlighted by @PopBase on X on March 26, 2025. The diner’s nostalgic way of preparing and serving Coca-Cola has garnered positive attention from fans and newcomers alike.
Reacting to the celebratory tweet, many users on X took a moment to acknowledge both the diner’s historic significance and its commitment to traditional Coca-Cola preparation.
“A century of fizzy goodness! 🥤🎉,”shared one enthusiastic user.
“100 years of classic coke vibes — Cheers to that 🥂,”commented another.
“100 years of tradition and still serving Coke the right way! 🍦🥤 That old-school vibe is timeless,”noted a third user.
Several other social media users expressed excitement over experiencing the hand-mixed Coca-Cola at the Lexington Candy Shop, planning to include it in their New York travel itineraries.
“Would love to try it sometime 👀,”wrote one netizen.
“100 years and still serving soda the OG way—def gotta hit this place next NYC trip 🍨🥤,”added another.
“This would be one of my go-to places if I visited New York. A total 1950s classic!”commented a user, sharing the viral video from 2022.
The Art of Crafting Coca-Cola the ‘Old-Fashioned Way’
Since 1925, Lexington Candy Shop has been a cherished local fixture, located conveniently at the intersection of 83rd Street and Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side. According to their website, this diner is one of the last remaining ‘luncheonettes’ in New York City, situated just three blocks from the renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art, making it a prime destination for both locals and tourists. The diner offers classic American dishes, including an all-day breakfast menu. For convenience, customers can enjoy local delivery, takeout, or call ahead for quick pickup. Operating hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays, and 8 AM to 4 PM on Sundays.
The extensive menu at Lexington Candy Shop, listed on its website and on GrubHub, features delectable options such as pancakes, homemade soups, salad platters, sandwiches, burgers, sundaes, and a variety of soda and float selections, including the beloved Coke Float and root beer float.
At Lexington Candy Shop, Coca-Cola is served in a manner reminiscent of its roots, even as pre-mixed bottled versions dominate the market. The diner adheres to a ‘traditional’ preparation method where syrup is poured first, followed by sparkling water, and then mixed by hand to create the perfect blend.
The viral video, shared by @newyorknico on Instagram in August 2022, showcased a diner employee skillfully mixing a glass of Coca-Cola from scratch, igniting curiosity among viewers who were eager to experience the taste of ‘real’ Coca-Cola.
Lexington Candy Shop remains a beloved establishment among both locals and visitors, providing a nostalgic journey into the past as it celebrates a century of operation. Featured in various films and magazines, including British Traveler and Travel + Leisure Family, the diner continues to hold its status as a time-honored piece of New York’s rich cultural tapestry.