The Rubenstein Atrium, on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd, was packed on Wednesday. Air conditioning, iced coffee, and lush plants growing from the walls: what more can you ask for?
It’s Open Thread Wednesday, so tell us what’s on your minds. One question we have: what are your favorite small stores in the neighborhood? We’re launching a series of profiles on small local stores and want more ideas on who to interview.
Please remember to keep it civil. Readers have told us repeatedly that it’s a drag to read the comments when they’re filled with nasty attacks. Here are some guidelines we posted a while back. We’ll be deleting comments that don’t adhere to basic community standards.
Stationery and Toy World on 72nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam
Stoopher and Boots on Amsterdam between 78th and 79th
Book Culture on Columbus between 81st and 82nd
Basics Plus on Broadway
ooh – Peacefood Cafe and Blossom du Jour on Amsterdam near 82nd.
I still miss Avventura, the arty glass store that was on the northeast corner.
It’s a chain (gasp) but the friendly staff at Pet Health Central on 76th, just west of Broadway make my day, every time I stop in.
I second the pet store on W 76th! They have the nicest staff in NYC that I’ve encountered. They are kind, knowledgeable, and helped us through some tough times.
Ditto! They are incredibly nice and they deliver!
I once witnessed a certain celebrity who lives in the Dakota acting out with the staff there and they handled it beautifully.
Yes, you should visit Pet Health Central on 76th and not only interview their friendly staff, but some of the pet owners who stop by. It’s a cheerful spot!
Playground Pups
Anthi’s
Good Enough to Eat
Wyatt Lily
Stoopher and Boots
La Terrine
Stationery and Toy World
What’s on my mind is how many rats and mice there are in Theodore Roosevelt Park (adjacent to American Museum of Natural History). I’ve lived on 80th for over ten years and frequently sit on one of the benches in that park – I can’t recall ever seeing so many rats in broad daylight, not terribly scared of people. They scamper across the sidewalks to each side, particularly where the park is covered by plantings or low ground cover (like close to the Nobel Prize monument) instead of grass. I’m not squeamish at seeing one or two, but last Saturday at 3pm-ish, I saw many more than that.
There are a ton of rats in the Diana Ross Playground adjacent to the museum in Central Park! I got there a little early last week with my kids and was horrified to see at least 7 rats crawling all over the benches on the edges of the playground. We spend a lot of time in playgrounds and this was the worst I have seen!
Did you see they’re trying to get rid of Teddy Roosevelt park? It’s a disgrace.
https://observer.com/2015/07/natural-history-museum-expansion-plan-proves-controversial/
They’re not trying to “get rid of” it, just build on part of it. While I would prefer they didn’t, it looks to me like they will be building close to the Columbus entrance, and I sit less back there because to my observation it’s one of the more rat-prevalent areas.
Down & Quilt Shop – Amsterdam between 86th & 85th(used to be on Columbus)
Georgia’s Tiny Treats Bakery – Amsterdam and 90th Street
Old John’s – 67th Street between Broadway & Amsterdam
Hungarian Pastry Shop – Amsterdam between 110th & 111th
V & T Pizza – Amsterdam & 110
Like many UWSers, I park on the street and move the car as needed and for street cleaning. Lately I’ve noticed an increase in the number of cars taking up more than one spot. This may be due partly to how the cars end up configured when people move in after street cleaning, but I also feel as though some drivers are deliberately occupying two spots in order to save one. Curious if I’m imagining things or if others have noticed the same.
It’s all over Manhattan. I think it has to do with 2 things: 1) the proliferation of SUVs. Those suckers are hard to park you need lots of space to pull in and out. Plus because they are so high up you really can’t see well enough to figure out how far you are from the other cars and the curb.
What you often see are smaller cars in SUV spaces.
and 2) Lots of drivers who didn’t grow up in NYC and never learned to parallel park in tight spaces. I am always watching someone try to get into a huge space with a small car and fail even with “straighten up.” In fact they have no idea how to adjust the car in the space. I don’t drive much but I can still get into a parking space with a rented car.
I, too, street park and it’s quite frustrating to see an automobile taking up two spaces after you have been searching for 2 hours for a suitable space.
In many instances, I think the cars around them have left, new cars come in, and the dynamic of the space changes — they appear callous but it’s really not their fault. The initial parking was fine. I have been embarrassed to find my car in this situation before.
Sometimes it is collusion. The building on the south side of 90th at Riverside often has a Volvo or Dodge SUV taking up two spaces right at the edge of the crosswalk. When they are not taking two, there is another vehicle from the building levered in the space with it. The doormen and residents arrange to save parking for each other. Not totally cool, but I’d probably do it too.
Lately, I have seen motorcycles taking up car spaces by parking in the middle of a large space. That’s annoying. Though I often see cars then come to take up the space and the motorcycle moved — the bike is just used to hold a space.
It’s all very frustrating when you just want to get home and not get towed in the morning, but, knock on wood, it usually falls into place in the end. Even if the end is 20 blocks away and 2.5 hours later.
Is it worth having a car without a prepaid spot at that point? Who has 2 hours to drive around for a spot?
It’s the exception rather than the norm. Mean is about 30 min. But it does happen, especially when film crews are around.
Prepaid is prohibitively expensive.
some stores that I love, run by local proprietors, that i am scared as heck will close:
Andrade Show Repair: Bway at 99th (west Side)
West Side STationers: Bway at 99th (East Side)
The Jewel Boutique: Bway between 97 and 98 (east side)
… and somehow i forgot Sal and Carmine (Bway between 101 and 102, West Side)
I heard that Carmine retired in June. 🙁
yes… probably for the better. he broke his hip.
Louie and George who run the place are Sal’s sons. the sister was also in there the last time i went in.
Original Sal and Carmines was at 95th/Bwy (next to the old Symphony movie theatre, now Symphony Space). 93rd was Phils Pizza
sons and daughter of Sal, nephews and niece of Carmine.
As an old-time New Yorker (Queens), i feel that pizza by the slice has gone irrevocably downhill in NYC and most of the stuff you get is garbage. Sal and Carmine’s is true old school pizza, the only slices i have found in the neighborhood that I consider authentic and worth eating. I occasionally go to Two Boots but that is just to stuff something in my mouth. Sal and Carmine’s is true-blue pizza, especially if you get it “just out” of the oven.
Oops – Sons of Sal! Hope Carmine enjoys his retirement.
And long may the Sons of Carmine reign over their ovens. Best sausage slice I’ve ever had.
I remember when they were @ 93rd, I believe.
Mani Market Place on Columbus and 94th.
Georgia and Aliou (don’t forget the Frenchman!) Tiny Treats Bakery – Amsterdam and 90th Street.
I love these guys! I love their croissants! My French husband loves talking with Aliou, commiserating on the sad state of American bread, and watching through the little door as he and his staff make pastries, cakes, and bread. Love their coffee! Iced and hot – either way it’s great!
West Side Judaica (1 of only 2 Judaica stores left in Manhattan)
Murray’s Sturgeon Shop
Buceo 95
Grand Metro Hardware
Plant Shed
Every fruit stand, halal cart, and taco truck
City Diner (where you can join Bruce Bernstein and I for a turkey club and coleslaw)
I am pretty sure Plant Shed owns the building, so they may not be going anywhere so soon. It’s quite a setup – retail on 1st and second, plus there is an assembly area on an upper floor for arrangements, and there is a greenhouse up top. As a regular customer, I got a tour a few years ago when it was slow during the week.
… at 3 in the morning, when it is perfectly safe.
I agree on Grand Metro Hardware and also the Plant Shed.
also Steve’s book stand, 96th and Bway, northwest corner, every day but Sunday. Steve is an outstanding chess player.
Petqa @ B Way & 99th. Fabulous staff, friendly to animals and people alike. Weighing in for my dog as well..
I’m not a pet owner (though I count Bill’s amazing dog as one of my closest personal friends), but i’ve now gotta hit Petqa just to meet to tortoise. wow.
His name is George and he’s fantastic!
Agree! Plus they have an awesome wise old tortoise that lumbers around in the basement, a stone terrarium pond, and a talking parrot. This is a gem of a local place and they need our business!
It was the little bone shop — no other — long gone from its location near the Natural Museum.
I would accompany a loved-one there. With his magnifying glass, he would examine all the fossils and bone and take a few treasures home.
He, with his scientific mind, kept confirming the sacredness of life to me.
I recall that Maxilla and Mandible blamed the Columbus Ave. bike lane for their loss of business and closing in 2011– Something to consider now that a bike lane is proposed for Amsterdam Ave.
https://www.westsiderag.com/2011/08/30/maxilla-mandible-closed-its-doors-for-good-gone-digging
Maxilla and Mandible. I miss it too.
I’m fond of the shoe repair shop on the east side of Broadway between 85th and 86th.
Toscano. I’ve been going to them for years and they do a great job.
Dusty jawbones shelved
And an ostrich egg shattered
Like so many loves
few more:
Columbus Farms (bodega) on Columbus and 71st and The Muffins Cafe on Columbus and 70th make my little corner of the neighborhood extremely livable.
The Sensuous Bean on the opposite corner of the same intersection is great as well.
Love:
Harrys Kids
Plant Shed
Kosher Market (best rotisserie!)
Murrays Sturgeon
West Side Kids
WSR:
How about making it possible to post a picture along with your comment? Thank you.
Golden Sound on Broadway 79th/78th. The hours are a little eccentric, but the guy who runs it is so sweet. Basic electronic and camera needs, passport photos and that tiny little battery that you can never find at the 327-million Duane Reades in the neighborhood.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Les Hommes.
So many . . .
Playground Pups
Han’s Family Market
Joe the Art of Coffee (I know, it’s a chain, but a local one . . . )
Earth Cafe (yes, I like coffee)
Sprint Sports (the sneaker shop)
Upper 90 Soccer
I will have more ….
A shout-out for Broadway Farm, Bway at 85th. We live nearby and they’ve been a great resource since the day they opened (in what is now Victoria’s Secret).
Somehow they always seem to have what we need and the people, though sometimes harried, will always stop and help you find something. Bobby at the fish counter will steer you right every time, too.
And the deli counter makes good sandwiches.
I really appreciate having Broadway Farm nearby if I need something quickly, but their prices are insane, and checking out is often chaotic.
Gold Leaf Stationers on Amsterdam north of 89th St., Broadway Chemists south of 86th,
Murray’s Sturgeon Shop on Broadway near 89th St.
The Town Shop, Broadway near 82nd St.
Money coming to you?
You might want to check with the NYS Controller’s office, if you have never done that. I’m including the link below.
I found that I was ignorant about 3 checks that were mine. One had been waiting for *30 years* (no interest accruing, though). I even had a different name then, and the money still found me.
Suggest that you include any former names that you may have had.
There’s, of course, no charge to do this.
https://ouf.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/
Darryl’s (Amsterdam/83rd) is THE best clothing store on the UWS (maybe Manhattan?). Great selection, helpful staff, including Darryl himself. If this store ever closes I don’t know where I will buy my clothes!
wow, so many great suggestions… shops a little off my beaten path that i haven’t tried. i definitely will try Darryl’s.
Sorry I should have specified this is women’s clothing only.
lol… thank you Kathy!
Master Bike
Pricewise
Bodrum
Definitely Master Bike!!! Thanks for calling them out. These guys are the best.
Yeah — Master Bike is easily the best to work with in the area. Friendly and free last-second repairs on a Saturday morning before a planned ride sealed it for me.
Not sure if it counts as small, but definitely Pricewise on Broadway between 84 & 85.
Question for the old-timers:
Does anyone remember the big stationery store on Broadway around 93-95th st? It was on the east side of Broadway, maybe on the corner. It was there when I moved to the neighborhood in ’95 and for at least a few years after that. My ex BF and I were huge stationery geeks and this was our favorite store because the mezzanine in the back was part of the selling floor and we used to go up there and stand at the railing and survey our vast paper kingdom.
I’d like to know 1) it’s exact location; 2) when it closed; 3) is it still in business in a different, smaller spot.
Any info would be greatly appreciated. It’s been driving me nuts for years.
It’s name was Golden’s and I think it just closed–maybe ten years ago? It was right by the east side subway entrance on Broadway–maybe 92-93.
Speaking of closed stationery stores, West Side Stationerson Broaday 107-108 was great, supplies and staff, a manager named Julian in particular. It closed within the last year.
I remember the store you are speaking of…but i recall it being further south….at least in the early 00s. I wonder if I still have a bag from them….I want to say it was a branch of Paper Jam….but I don’t think that is correct.
Must ponder.
I think this was called Golden’s. It was originally on west side of Broadway, but then moved to east side – late 70s? I thing this was around 94 St.
The Box Kite on W 72nd is not only the best coffee on the UWS, it’s contender for best coffee in Manhattan. great shop. so glad to have them in the neighborhood. i’m sure they could use some increased traffic, so I’m hoping WSR will do an article.
67 Wines is also another great neighborhood shop. the staff is helpful, the selection is wide, and the prices are fair. there’s no shortage of wine shops in the neighborhood, but they’re by far the best .
Little Creatures pet supplies – Columbus & 88th St.
Georgia and Aliou’s Bakery – Amsterdam and 90th St.
Murray’s Sturgeon King – Broadway & 89th St.
Schatzie’s – butcher and (new) burger cafe – Broadway & 103rd St.
Re:M104 Bus
It continues to upset us all; we can no longer get directly to Grand Central or the Library or the UN for that matter. We have spoken to Gale brewer to No avAil. The buS drivers say thE decision was made out of
state. At present everyone must change at 7th Ave and wade thru the “ELMO” people etc to get to the 42nd St crowwtown bus. Particularly hard with luggage. Who cut thiS route? Who can bring it back? JuSt several more crosstown stopS.it was a stupiD decision
-who does it benefit?
ThAnks for adding your voices to get our route back.
The old 104 route is definitely missed.
The change was apparently made to accommodate the Bloomberg DOT plan for Times Square pedestrian plazas and related traffic changes – the left turn of the 104 in order to go east on 42nd Street was thought to interfere with the Bloomberg plan.
Similarly the elimination of the crosstown portion of the route westbound meant reduced need for bus stops around Times Square – space that again was thought to be necessary for the overall pedestrian plaza areas.
Tourists now completely swarm the area, even the streets (non-plaza area)and bus left turns would be very difficult.
Lisa:
If we could only get rid of that awful pedestrian plaza. They are now considering it. We really need to get our City back-Bloomberg gave it to the tourists. It would be so great to be able to easily get to grand central and the library and then actually be able to get home as well. Here’s hoping.
Just use UBER.
I love Magpies on Amsterdam and 84th. Great small boutique with handmade items, mostly from local artisans. They have toys, jewelry, cards, housewares. It is my go-to shop for gifts for just about anyone.
Also second the comment about Box Kite Coffee on 72nd. Great place and they also have an excellent doughnut selection, mostly from Doughnut Plant I believe.
Small Stores for Food: Mani Market and Mila Cafe (opposite sides of the Avenue at 94th & Columbus); same owners; remarkable, inexpensive food offerings and service.
Zingone Brothers Grocery on Columbus between 82nd and 83rd. Opened in 1927 and operated by three generations of the nicest family anywhere. Not a supermarket, not a bodega, not a deli — just a real old-fashioned Italian grocery store with a fine selection of produce and all the basics. Angelo, Domenick, Mary, Richie et al are unfailingly friendly, whether you are a neighbor, an officer from the nearly 20th Precinct or a celebrity from the Beresford or Dakota, to which Zingone’s regularly delivers.
As a cat lover: Manhattan Cat Specialists on West 76th. Dr.Arnold Plotnick is the cat whisperere, his staff are pleasant and helpful and they often showcase cats in their large fromt window for adoption.
And I miss Global Table.
I love Magpie on Amsterdam Ave. between 84 and 85. They have a lovely collection of sustainable, locally produced items; jewelry, children’s clothes, handbag, home goods, all unique and artfully designed, many from Brooklyn artisans. I bought my 5 year old nephew a Bansky tee shirt with chalk so he could do his own designs, and a cute handbag also made by a local artisan. The owner is so gracious as well. This is a neighborhood gem.
Since you said shops not restaurants…Pet Health in the 80s on Amsterdam, A Tempo on 74th/Col, Pour for wine on Amsterdam, Gartners Hardware on 72, Athleta, 67 wine shop on Columbus, Steven Alan, Think Closet, Tani, that new men’s shirt shop on Columbus in the low 70s…if I add food shops i could go on and on.
Lauren Vidal and Rootchi on 91st and Broadway for uniquely wonderful and wearable women’s clothing. Jackie and Agnes are more than helpful in creating great looks and a comfortable environment for their customers.
The small shop I would like to Highlight is “MAGPIE” !
It is located on Amsterdam on the West side of the street between 84th and 85th Street.
This shop is a delightful place for beautifully made and interesting gifts. There is something for everyone there!
This shop is “one of a kind” in our neighborhood! Please visit!
Himalayan Crafts! 68-69 + B’way. Sad to hear they will close in the fall. Beautiful items, great for gift-giving, and run by a sweet couple. Will miss them and their wares. Would likely be an interesting interview.
Mondel’s Home-made Chocolates on Broadway and 115th has been delighting the world since Katherine Hepburn made it her favorite in the Fifties. Though they don’t give the chocolate-making classes any more, they still maintain the high quality (and the ample line of diabetic-oriented sweets).
Hungarian Pastry Shop on Amsterdam near 112th and Barzini’s on Broadway near 91st. I’ve been going to pastry shop since I was a little kid. Great poppyseed strudel. And Barzini’s has a good selection of grocery items and quality fruit & vegetables.
1960’s – Sal and Carmines on Columbus & 93rd.
1960’s – Sal and Carmines was on Columbus & 93rd.
Two little spots come to mind:
Pier 72 on West 72nd Street (of course) and West End Ave. It’s a wonderful diner that caters to locals. Great for breakfast, lunch and early dinners. Sadly it isn’t open for those coming home from work for dinner. Large Windows on Broadway face northwest allow a lot of light to enter but none of the heat. Nice friendly staff- give it a try and say to Jimmy!!
Communal Oven & Earth 141 West 72nd St. (between Amsterdam and Columbus Aves.)
Started as a transplanted local pizza place and soon after converted to more ‘natural’ place. Great burgers, flat bread pizzas and I love the oven-baked herb-ed chicken on ciabatta bread with salad. Also, they have a very nice though small list of craft beers. Staff is friendly and helpful.