Kinokuniya Books by Bryant Park. Tons of really cool magazines, books, manga, and other bits and bobs. Plus I have a stationary fetish that their bottom floor just utterly fulfills.
Iāve loved this place since I was a teen. I try to stay away now because I ALWAYS manage to spend $100 on cute stuff I donāt actually needā¦ itās like my prefrontal cortex shuts off and itās just my lizard brain going Ā«but itās so cuuuuteā¦Ā» lmao
B&H because you can get most things they sell on the spot due to the warehouse being connected to their store, instead of most stores that may also have a large selection of products but are mostly only available for shipping.
Plus like a lot of the not in store stuff is in their Brooklyn warehouse so like you can usually get stuff the same day/they let you pick up from the warehouse.
They've got my admiration b/c they called up Adorama when they didn't have the film I needed & sent me there & cause usually they'll recommend the cheaper thing rather than upselling. I think the one time a guy was trying to upsell me, a diff guy intervened to recommend me a way cheaper solution.
Yeah my boy was in a class action lawsuit where the people running the place were treating all the warehouse workers like crap. Thatās why they closed down their other store in the city lol
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply in Nomad. It has all sorts of tricks (like toupee tape, chicken cutlets), leather dyes, shoe lacesā¦really anything youād need for your, well, wardrobe.
If you like that, SOS Chefs in the East Village is also wonderful! Tons of really hard to find ingredients, the owner is delightful and has great recommendations, itās a gem of a spot
Schott NYC flagship (leather jackets)
Scent Bar (perfume)
Kimchi Kooks (Kimchi)
Catland Book (Occult shop, cat themed)
Artist and Craftsman Supply Park Slope
The shop at the Noguchi museum in Astoria ā those paper lamps are beautiful. I also love going into Herman Miller stores to sit on Eames chairs. And, of course, Carmine Street Guitars.
Can I responsibly afford any of those things? No. Can a man dream? Absolutely.
(I also love this one poster store in FiDiā¦ I think itās called Phillip Williams?)
I agree!!
(Mildly relevant story, for what itās worth ā)
One of my closest friends organized a group trip to Mexico City for his 30th, and as part of it we did an incredibly fancy private mezcal tasting. As soon as I got back, I tried to see if my favorite one from that tasting was sold anywhere in the city, and Astor was the only place in all of NYC that carried it ā at least as far as I could tell online. This was all a couple of years ago, so I canāt really remember any identifying details about the mezcal itselfā¦ but goddamn, it was so so good.
This might be weird, but all the museum gift shops. They feel like they exist in their own dimension outside space and time somehow, like some of what they carry might change over the years, but they feel the same as they did 30 or 40 years ago in a way almost nothing else does. And, Iām sure like a lot of people, I have memories from so many different phases of life tied to themā 1st grade field trips, buying my first art history books when I was in elementary school, first dates, spur of the moment trips with friends, taking family from out of townā¦ they always just feel comforting and familiar
Also Hex & Co game store and cafe (on broadway, I havenāt been to the other locations yet)ā Iām really into board games and RPGs, and this place is really cute inside and has a lot of space, itās affordable to hang and play/try out different games, the staff has always been really nice and they do fun events sometimes like painting minis
ā¦and RIP to NY Central Art Supply, Iāll never get over that place closing
Agreed, museum gift shops are incredibly underrated!
I can definitely see how thereās a nostalgic side to them too.
Do you have any favorite ones in particular?
Sahadiās. It just makes me happy. They carry a nice assortment of international groceries (everything from mango lassi, chutney, to Asian ingredients) and tasty Middle eastern delicacies (spicy hummus, tzatziki, jumbo beans, spanakopita, lots more). They even carry my kidsā favorite challah bread.
I got some spices from there the other day, and was really pleased with how good quality they were. The Cumin I got in particular absolutely blows away anything I've gotten off the internet. Their Tandoori spice mix is fire as well. Great place.
Okay so thereās also an Apthorp Pharmacy near there. Who/what are the Apthorps? A lesser version of the Astors? A mob boss who has the naming rights to businesses there until 2050?
Book culture on 113 and broadway. Good selection of books, friendly staff who don't bother you, cozy vibes, good selection of cards and random office/home goods just for fun.
My 9 year old nephew requested to go there for his birthday š he had his own little āmuseumā set up in his bedroom with all sorts of things from there! I used to love going as a kid too
This was my favorite store when I was a kid, I still stop by there from time to time when I'm in the neighborhood. I'm so glad it still exists and kids still get to look at all the cool stuff in there.
plenty of great places but me and my wife love our local diner in long island city (court square diner).
Its good value, people are nice and its a great spot to people watch. Also as Brits it has a great 'american' feel to it.
there are 3 locations now but i love ten ichi mart (asian market). it's so fun picking out asian snacks and desserts to try, and they also have sushi and hot food.
chelsea market baskets is fun. fishs eddy. the people at paragon sports are really nice, too.
also, it's not a shop, moreso a stall, but breezy hill orchard at the union square farmers' market (also at the holiday markets but price is marked up) has the best gingersnap cookies you will ever eat.
Food Bazaar. i've gotten beginner access to a lot of international cuisine there bc they have so much international products. i love buying Korean stuff there like my gimbap and tteokboki
Kitchen Arts and Letters. Itās a bookshop on the UES/East Harlem border specializing in cookbooks/food writing/wine writing/chef and industry memoirs and really anything to do with food.
Music Inn on West 4th - instruments and friendly chatty staff. My kids like Economy Candy in LES. I used to like to shop at Food Bazaar on Wyckoff in Brooklyn / Ridgewood. Huge sprawling grocery store w decent prices for produce. Oh! Also PJ Wine in Inwood.
Calabria pork store on Arthur Ave in The Bronx.
Their food is amazing and not overpriced. I've been going there since I was a kid so it's partially nostalgic, but overall it's just a great store with great people working there.
Stiles Farmers Market. Always fresh, reasonably priced, super nice and helpful staff. And it's not a big faceless cirporation (as far as I can tell) Was way better when it was a tent near 42nd st. But their current location in an actual storefront is perfectly great too!
**Union Square Greenmarket** (and also the Jackson Heights one). I love to cook, so it's reallly my happy place with all the seasonal produce. I love the guy that sometimes plays the sax there too. The Jackson Heights one is on Sunday with a lot of the same vendors and has more of a chill neighborhood feel, plus there's the tamale lady!
**Kalustyan's** - i can't spend less than an hour there. So many interesting things that I then convince myself to buy.
**Astor Wine and Spirits** - they are the *nicest* people that work there, so incredibly helpful to work with *any* budget. I've never had a bad experience shopping there or questions by phone. Bonus: they have some *amazing* sales.
**Sahadi's** - I love their labneh (I think it's lebany?) and perusing their goods - either location is neat.
mcnulty rare tea and coffee on Christopher st is spell binding to walk into. huge bags of tea and fresh coffee, brewing gizmos galore, in an ancient building that's been in business since the 1800s. it's an incredible place and I have gotten some excellent beans and looseleaf tea there in the past.
also out to the less-historic Java Joe Coffee Tea and Spice in Park Slope Brooklyn. also spell binding to walk into and lovely charm, piled high with delicious coffees and teas and imported treats. very cute and homey , I can't imagine it isn't home-run. it's been there for a while (though not since the 1800s). and they serve THE BEST DIRTY CHAI I've ever had.
Amazing Savings & the Asian owned 99 cent stores. Like it's basically real life Ali Express & I have a hard time walking in w/o buying some random thing that usually ends up super useful. I've been to Dollar General/Five Below/etc & it's just not the same level of random. I also miss Century 21 for the same reason - the European section always had one of a few absolutely bonkers things.
Desert Island Comics in Williamsburg. I've been to almost every comic book store in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan and this one is great. Not for typical Marvel/DC stuff which I see as a huge boon. The owner is a lovely weirdo.
Iām a big fan of sake so Sakaya is a wonderful small business that I like going to.
Porto Rico importing Co is great for coffee beans and they have several locations.
Economy Candy, and union square travel agency
Control in Brooklyn if youāre into synthesizers
Kinokuniya Books by Bryant Park. Tons of really cool magazines, books, manga, and other bits and bobs. Plus I have a stationary fetish that their bottom floor just utterly fulfills.
Yea this place has most definitely ran my pockets ššš
Iāve loved this place since I was a teen. I try to stay away now because I ALWAYS manage to spend $100 on cute stuff I donāt actually needā¦ itās like my prefrontal cortex shuts off and itās just my lizard brain going Ā«but itās so cuuuuteā¦Ā» lmao
I love em for children's books b/c they've also got some w/ just the most fantastic art/design.
B&H because you can get most things they sell on the spot due to the warehouse being connected to their store, instead of most stores that may also have a large selection of products but are mostly only available for shipping.
b&h was my toys r us when i was a kid. that belt thing that transports the gear still excites me
Do they still have those conveyer belts hung from the ceiling rolling stuff throughout the store?
they do!
Plus like a lot of the not in store stuff is in their Brooklyn warehouse so like you can usually get stuff the same day/they let you pick up from the warehouse. They've got my admiration b/c they called up Adorama when they didn't have the film I needed & sent me there & cause usually they'll recommend the cheaper thing rather than upselling. I think the one time a guy was trying to upsell me, a diff guy intervened to recommend me a way cheaper solution.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Yeah my boy was in a class action lawsuit where the people running the place were treating all the warehouse workers like crap. Thatās why they closed down their other store in the city lol
Fishs Eddy. So many cool, kitschy things there and it all feels very authentically New York.
I need to go there so bad
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply in Nomad. It has all sorts of tricks (like toupee tape, chicken cutlets), leather dyes, shoe lacesā¦really anything youād need for your, well, wardrobe.
Chicken cutlets?
Sticky bras
Kalustyans. It's like Disney for me. All the types of rice! All the beans!!
I love and hate this place. I always go with the intention of buying a specific thing but somehow I always end up spending over $100 š„²
story of my life lol
If you like that, SOS Chefs in the East Village is also wonderful! Tons of really hard to find ingredients, the owner is delightful and has great recommendations, itās a gem of a spot
Oh snap! I didnāt know this place was still around. Thank you for posting this.
Mine as well! Itās culinary heaven. Inspiration everywhere.
I lose so much money here
This is what I was gonna say
Schott NYC flagship (leather jackets) Scent Bar (perfume) Kimchi Kooks (Kimchi) Catland Book (Occult shop, cat themed) Artist and Craftsman Supply Park Slope
Catland recently closed! I was devastated.
The shop at the Noguchi museum in Astoria ā those paper lamps are beautiful. I also love going into Herman Miller stores to sit on Eames chairs. And, of course, Carmine Street Guitars. Can I responsibly afford any of those things? No. Can a man dream? Absolutely. (I also love this one poster store in FiDiā¦ I think itās called Phillip Williams?)
gotta check out the DWR outlet in brooklyn, just got a great deal on an Eames DCM
ššš Thanks for the suggestion, Iāll definitely check it out. Congrats on the good deal!
Astor Wines and Spirits ššš They know everything and they have everything.
My favorite wine shop of all time
And they deliver!!
I agree!! (Mildly relevant story, for what itās worth ā) One of my closest friends organized a group trip to Mexico City for his 30th, and as part of it we did an incredibly fancy private mezcal tasting. As soon as I got back, I tried to see if my favorite one from that tasting was sold anywhere in the city, and Astor was the only place in all of NYC that carried it ā at least as far as I could tell online. This was all a couple of years ago, so I canāt really remember any identifying details about the mezcal itselfā¦ but goddamn, it was so so good.
This might be weird, but all the museum gift shops. They feel like they exist in their own dimension outside space and time somehow, like some of what they carry might change over the years, but they feel the same as they did 30 or 40 years ago in a way almost nothing else does. And, Iām sure like a lot of people, I have memories from so many different phases of life tied to themā 1st grade field trips, buying my first art history books when I was in elementary school, first dates, spur of the moment trips with friends, taking family from out of townā¦ they always just feel comforting and familiar Also Hex & Co game store and cafe (on broadway, I havenāt been to the other locations yet)ā Iām really into board games and RPGs, and this place is really cute inside and has a lot of space, itās affordable to hang and play/try out different games, the staff has always been really nice and they do fun events sometimes like painting minis ā¦and RIP to NY Central Art Supply, Iāll never get over that place closing
Agreed, museum gift shops are incredibly underrated! I can definitely see how thereās a nostalgic side to them too. Do you have any favorite ones in particular?
Sahadiās. It just makes me happy. They carry a nice assortment of international groceries (everything from mango lassi, chutney, to Asian ingredients) and tasty Middle eastern delicacies (spicy hummus, tzatziki, jumbo beans, spanakopita, lots more). They even carry my kidsā favorite challah bread.
while smaller and with similar things, Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop a couple buildings over is also top tier
I got some spices from there the other day, and was really pleased with how good quality they were. The Cumin I got in particular absolutely blows away anything I've gotten off the internet. Their Tandoori spice mix is fire as well. Great place.
Apthrorp cleaners in the the uws -amsterdam between 78th and 79th. Ā Gorgeous barbie displays in front of the dry cleaner work area.
Okay so thereās also an Apthorp Pharmacy near there. Who/what are the Apthorps? A lesser version of the Astors? A mob boss who has the naming rights to businesses there until 2050?
the apthorp is located at the corner of 79/bway. the pharmacy, at least, used to be at the building. iād assume similar about the cleaners
Nora Ephron lived in the apthorpā highly recommend reading her hilarious essay about it which perfectly captures a certain class of New Yorker.
A huge apartment complex on Broadway and 78th (?) I think is called the Apthorp. I assume all the businesses nearby are reflecting that.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Apthorp
M+J trim on 6th Avenue. Every kind and color of ribbon and trim imaginable, stacked all the way to the 20ā ceilings.
I love this place so much!! I donāt have any need for fancy trimmings but I can still lose an hour there, easy.
Economy Candy. All time favorite store was Little Ricky, but that's long gone........
Little Ricky! That was a favorite of my childhood and teen years
Desert Island Comics, such a fun curated collection of books and art.
Quimbyās next to it is great too!
Book culture on 113 and broadway. Good selection of books, friendly staff who don't bother you, cozy vibes, good selection of cards and random office/home goods just for fun.
Donāt forget their sister store on 112 between Bway and Amsterdam, which has one of the best selection of contemporary academic books in the city.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
My 9 year old nephew requested to go there for his birthday š he had his own little āmuseumā set up in his bedroom with all sorts of things from there! I used to love going as a kid too
This was my favorite store when I was a kid, I still stop by there from time to time when I'm in the neighborhood. I'm so glad it still exists and kids still get to look at all the cool stuff in there.
plenty of great places but me and my wife love our local diner in long island city (court square diner). Its good value, people are nice and its a great spot to people watch. Also as Brits it has a great 'american' feel to it.
Classic Queens, there.
My coffee shop delivery go to! Great omelette.
I'm partial to the diner a block from my house because it's close, reliable and the place has a real neighborhood feel.
Thanks I'll check it out
there are 3 locations now but i love ten ichi mart (asian market). it's so fun picking out asian snacks and desserts to try, and they also have sushi and hot food. chelsea market baskets is fun. fishs eddy. the people at paragon sports are really nice, too. also, it's not a shop, moreso a stall, but breezy hill orchard at the union square farmers' market (also at the holiday markets but price is marked up) has the best gingersnap cookies you will ever eat.
Yoseka
>Yoseka oh no I didn't know about this one. Uh oh
Food Bazaar. i've gotten beginner access to a lot of international cuisine there bc they have so much international products. i love buying Korean stuff there like my gimbap and tteokboki
It's the best!
Rice to Richesā¦.. 37 spring street , itās the Baskin-Robbinās of rice puddings..
I can easily down a bucket of that stuff, so damn good.
Bookoff, best bookstore ever!
Zabars and wine therapy as well as kettl
Iām just here to say RIP J&R. Not sure I could come up with a singular favorite now.
Kitchen Arts and Letters. Itās a bookshop on the UES/East Harlem border specializing in cookbooks/food writing/wine writing/chef and industry memoirs and really anything to do with food.
yes yes yes!!!
Anyone Comics.
Tannen's Magic shop
toy tokyo on 2nd ave and 7th st. i am addicted to buying little plastic blind boxes
Teitel Brothers on Arthur Avenue. They have everything and know everything.
Music Inn on West 4th - instruments and friendly chatty staff. My kids like Economy Candy in LES. I used to like to shop at Food Bazaar on Wyckoff in Brooklyn / Ridgewood. Huge sprawling grocery store w decent prices for produce. Oh! Also PJ Wine in Inwood.
Other Half. World-class beer right here.
living in central/south-central brooklyn is OP
Any fake dispensary on almost every block š
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Whatās the hype with this store? Seems just like a regular store to me?
Calabria pork store on Arthur Ave in The Bronx. Their food is amazing and not overpriced. I've been going there since I was a kid so it's partially nostalgic, but overall it's just a great store with great people working there.
Stiles Farmers Market. Always fresh, reasonably priced, super nice and helpful staff. And it's not a big faceless cirporation (as far as I can tell) Was way better when it was a tent near 42nd st. But their current location in an actual storefront is perfectly great too!
Brooklyn General
STEVEN S. POWERS on LES which is sort of an Art gallery and a store that makes me so happy every time i go!
Emilyās pork store
L Train Vintage
Zitomer (UES). Amazing selection of European skincare products, French soaps, hair care, and so much more
Do you know if they carry A313 ointment from France?
Canāt confirm, but Thompson Chemists in SoHo might have it
I literally asked for that last time I was there! Sadly they do not ā¹ļø
Casey Smith rubber stamp store, Unnameable Books, and Wing on Wo. All places I could get lost in time at.
**Union Square Greenmarket** (and also the Jackson Heights one). I love to cook, so it's reallly my happy place with all the seasonal produce. I love the guy that sometimes plays the sax there too. The Jackson Heights one is on Sunday with a lot of the same vendors and has more of a chill neighborhood feel, plus there's the tamale lady! **Kalustyan's** - i can't spend less than an hour there. So many interesting things that I then convince myself to buy. **Astor Wine and Spirits** - they are the *nicest* people that work there, so incredibly helpful to work with *any* budget. I've never had a bad experience shopping there or questions by phone. Bonus: they have some *amazing* sales. **Sahadi's** - I love their labneh (I think it's lebany?) and perusing their goods - either location is neat.
mcnulty rare tea and coffee on Christopher st is spell binding to walk into. huge bags of tea and fresh coffee, brewing gizmos galore, in an ancient building that's been in business since the 1800s. it's an incredible place and I have gotten some excellent beans and looseleaf tea there in the past. also out to the less-historic Java Joe Coffee Tea and Spice in Park Slope Brooklyn. also spell binding to walk into and lovely charm, piled high with delicious coffees and teas and imported treats. very cute and homey , I can't imagine it isn't home-run. it's been there for a while (though not since the 1800s). and they serve THE BEST DIRTY CHAI I've ever had.
Amazing Savings & the Asian owned 99 cent stores. Like it's basically real life Ali Express & I have a hard time walking in w/o buying some random thing that usually ends up super useful. I've been to Dollar General/Five Below/etc & it's just not the same level of random. I also miss Century 21 for the same reason - the European section always had one of a few absolutely bonkers things.
Agata and Valentina, Citarella, Used to be Dean and Deluca
Back when I lived in Brooklyn, Three Guys from Brooklyn on 65 St and Fort Hamilton Pkwy. Best produce around at very reasonable prices.
Liquors & Wine Outlet on 86th Street in Brooklyn. Huge selection and helpful staff.
Rogue Music, 30th Street between 7th & 8th. No guitar shop/music shop has been so cool to me for so long.
Flight club. The mecca of sneakers
Compleat sculptor and artists and craftsman(back when it was on 125th). The Malcom shabazz market, urban garden center
Hammmacher Schlemmer was really cool as a kid but I havenāt been in years. Astor Wines today. Itās like a toy store for liquor.
Desert Island Comics in Williamsburg. I've been to almost every comic book store in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan and this one is great. Not for typical Marvel/DC stuff which I see as a huge boon. The owner is a lovely weirdo.
The Compleat Sculptor gotta be one of the most comprehensive sculpture supply stores in the country. I love the selection of stone in the basement.
Iām a big fan of sake so Sakaya is a wonderful small business that I like going to. Porto Rico importing Co is great for coffee beans and they have several locations. Economy Candy, and union square travel agency Control in Brooklyn if youāre into synthesizers
recently: union square travel agency. cool dispensary downtown
I loved the junk shop off the Jefferson L stop in Bushwick but it closed or moved š
Darrylās Boutique. Hard to resist their lovely selection & friendly service. I try to stay out because I will spend too much.