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Discover NYC – Your Guide to Indie Businesses

Discover the local, independent businesses that are the heart and soul of NYC in Shoot New York City’s guide to the best of indie New York!

Discover the real NYC in Shoot New York City’s Discover Guide

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the businesses listed are temporarily or permanently closed. I do suggest that you verify if they are open before visiting them. With many of them, it is probably best to call them as they may not have had the opportunity to update the information on their website.

I love the independent businesses in New York, they are the heart and soul of the city! In this section you will find bookstores, cafés, restaurants, arts & crafts markets and more. This is an ongoing project to list the best of indie New York so visit often to discover the real New York City. Experience the hidden gems and places that New Yorkers frequent. For more information on many of NYC’s vibrant neighborhoods, have a read of my Neighborhood Guides. I am not compensated for writing these reviews and I'm only writing about the places that I like.

Sadly, far too many of these unique, independent businesses close every year. When I learn of one closing I will move it to the category Vanishing NYC. They may be gone but they’ll never be forgotten!

Neighborhoods

Business Type

 

Essex Market, Lower East Side, Manhattan

Good News - The majority of the shops and food stands at the Essex Market are open and it’s very cool. It’s been around since 1888 serving the community of the Lower East Side with goods supplied by little independent vendors. It recently moved down the street a block into a new space. While the new space has a nice modern look to it, the market has not lost it’s independent spirit.

You can find a bakery, produce markets, butcher and fish market as well as dining and much more. There is a nice open space feel for eating and clean restrooms as well.

The Essex Market is a definite must if you plan on being in the Lower East Side and the International Center of Photography will be opening across the street from it in 2020. It’s also very close to the Williamsburg Bridge which has a pedestrian path.

Essex Market - 88 Essex Street at Delancey

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Dining MarketsLeanne StaplesLower East Side, Manhattan