Rec | NYC RESTAURANT + THRIFTING RECCS FOR FIRST TIMERS

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Rec'd on 🗽 fun bday surprises/eats for a friend in ny?

nyc restaurant + thrifting reccs for first timers

Not a native New Yorker but have lived here since 2011. I’m an actor + antique lover. Here are my top reccs for newcomers (restaurants + thrifting only) lmk if you want more! 🍔Restaurants with unique atmosphere + great food: 1. Freeman’s Alley - lower east side. Unmatched vibes. hidden at the end of an alley. Amazing roasted Brussels sprouts. great cocktails and wine selection. Dark and moody and cozy. 2. Tea & Sympathy - west village authentic spot for British high tea and pub fare. as tiny as a matchbox. Ridiculously charming. The staff are lovely. There’s a british import store next door. 3. Buvette - west village worth the hype. Incredible spot for brunch (or anytime meal). Unbelievably cute. 4. Lucali - Carroll gardens, Brooklyn possibly the best pizza in the city. Beyonce and Taylor swift apparently love it too if that helps sway you at all. No reservations, you need to line up by 4p to get a table. Otherwise order a pie to go for $40 and walk around the historic neighborhood eating your pizza and admiring the brownstones. 5. Sake Bar Decibel - east 9th street Hip underground sake joint with amazing food. Often crowded but the service is very quick. 👗For thrifting clothes: Manhattan: 1. Beacon’s Closet on 13th street (near the new school) 2.Housing Works on West 10th 3.Housing Works on 74th 4.Cobblestones on E 9th 5.East Village Vintage collection on east 12th 6. Crossroads Trading on 2nd ave Brooklyn 1. Beacon’s Closet on Guernsey (it’s MASSIVE) 2. Awoke vintage 3. Monk Vintage 4. Buffalo Exchange on Driggs 5. Unearth Vintage on Smith street 6. Life Boutique thrift on 5th ave 7. The attic brooklyn

@ellynhere

Jan 28, 2025

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@nicoledominique

THANK YOU!! we’re probably staying in brooklyn during our trip so all those spots are especially appreciated since i haven’t been out this way much!

Jan 28, 2025

@ellynhere

nicoledominique ohhh fun! Where in BK will you be?

Jan 28, 2025

@nicoledominique

ellynheald we haven’t figured that out yet! we have like started flight/airbnb planning just now haha

Jan 29, 2025

@ellynhere

For antiquing/home decor/furniture, I’m sorry to say there are literally no good deals anywhere in the city. even the ones that get their stuff for free have the audacity to charge outrageous prices. i’ve had more luck finding stuff at stoop sales or for free on the street. if you have the resources to get to new jersey or upstate New York, that’s where all the good stuff is.

Jan 28, 2025

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a few…

lockwood in greenpoint - super cute little gift shop, has lots of cards and other knick-knacks like fun claw clips or incense matches, plus a little nyc-themed section greenwich letterpress in greenwich village - card shop with tons of small business and handmade cards, plus stickers and some other things bluestockings in the lower east side - amazing leftist bookstore with lots of events. check out their instagram or eventbrite page! strand bookstore in east village - i don’t go there much but it’s a must for any book lover visiting, it’s huge and has a mix of used and new books. front general store in dumbo - super interesting little shop with lots of gifts and clothing! housing works bookstore in nolita - mostly used bookstore with some thrifted clothing and a cafe! & very cozy vibes. nypl shop in midtown - underrated gift shop imo, great to stop by after seeing the nypl polonsky exhibit! beacon’s closet in lots of places - thrift store, is a pain to go through on weekends because they get so crowded but you’re likely to get some good finds peace & riot in bed-stuy - unique home goods and gifts! min & mon in soho - pricey but very cute bags and they’re made more ethically than typical designer bags!

@marxinista

May 12, 2024

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Cool nyc vintage/Resale/Thrift

This is a Google maps list I made of my favorite places to shop vintage, thrift, and resale. Shopping second hand is the way!

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Beacons closet!

But also check my pinned post about this. I have a lil Google list of NYC thrift stores :)

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Feb 15, 2024

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