While the big names and tourist hotspots get plenty of love, it’s the small, independently owned businesses that truly make New York feel like New York. If you want to experience the city like a local, here are some of the best small businesses that ...
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3
Bookstores
Food Spots
Local Businesses
Bookstores
My favourite independent bookstores to buy from in New York!
An independent bookstore in Brooklyn that's really worth a visit!
WORD
My favourite independent bookstore in Cobble Hill with a great mural on the outside.
Books Are Magic
I'm a bit of a magazine addict so this is easily one of my favourite stores in New York
Casa Magazines
A bookstore completely dedicated to the romance genre! I could happily spend hours in here.
The Ripped Bodice
Probably the most iconic bookstore in New York, but surprisingly independent and only local to New York.
Strand Book Store
Come to Sweet Pickle Bookstore on the Lower East Side to get your favourite book with a jar of pickles.
Sweet Pickle Books
A community hub in NYC offering a bookstore, event space, coffee shop, working space, podcast studio and so much more!
P&t Knitwear Bookstore Coffee & Podcast Studio
Food Spots
Independent foodie spots that I can't get enough of.
the best donuts in new york!! if you go, make sure to get the sour cream and thank me later
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
An independent deli in Greenpoint serving up a strong pastrami on rye
Frankel's Delicatessen
An iconic family-run bagel shop in the Lower East Side of Manhattan
Russ & Daughters
Come to Ray's for the deep fried oreos, but to also see 80+ year old Ray in action behind the counter! A true New York institution.
Ray's Candy Store
If you have a craving for something pickled, you're bound to find it in this unique independent store in lower Manhattan.
The Pickle Guys
The BEST spicy wontons in New York that I will happily travel over an hour to Flushing for to then stand on the street and eat.
White Bear
My favourite momos in Jackson Heights, Queens
Nepali Bhanchha Ghar
A Lower East Side institution. You'll find their Instagram feed is mostly reposts of my photos because I don't seem to eat anywhere else!
Cafe Himalaya
You'll find this very popular dosa food truck in Washington Square Park - a local secret!
NY Dosas
A Bronx institution known to serve the best carrot cake in the city.
Lloyd's Carrot Cake
Local Businesses
Great local businesses, shops and more to support in NYC.
I've been on two Like A Local tours in New York and love everything they do. From incredible food to giving back to local businesses in the city.
Like A Local Tours
A small curated vintage shop that I seem to always find something to buy in! I love it!
Awoke Vintage
A great spot to shop local in DUMBO!
Brooklyn Flea
A boutique in the West Village that always makes for a nice browse.
