The amazing sidewalks across the street from the New York Public Library.

Offering 20% off on current “indie bestsellers” (and 10% off picks from their well-read staff), you can still get a good deal while supporting one of the city’s last independent bookstores. They also carry an impressive selection of magazines and literary journals that you can flip through in their café. McNally’s event calendar is packed with appearances and readings by authors like Zadie Smith and Chris Kraus, but they're perhaps best known for their in-store printing press and self-publishing services.

Adore is my favorite spot to carefully select a few beautiful flowers to take home or bring as a gift. I always try to pair my visit with a trip right around the corner, to Dashwood Books, for a great selection of art books.

Bluestockings Cooperative is a community-supported bookstore and activist space.

The best freshly pulled noodles. My favorite is braised pork with noodles in broth, celery and cilantro add a delicious freshness. Perfect for a cold day.