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

Kossar's, Lower East Side, Manhattan

Two sweet words when seen together in a shop window! Yes, hot bagels. As in they make them there! Once you’ve had a fresh bagel out of the oven and still warm, you may never have another standard deli bagel again.

Kossar’s has been around since 1936 and apparently they are the oldest Bialy shop in the US! I haven’t tried their bialy but the bagels are fabulous. They are located in the lower Lower East Side. It’s a very cool neighborhood and they are next door to not one, but two pickle shops. Stay tuned for the posts about them.

Kossar’s - 367 Grand Street near Essex Street

Specialty StoresLeanne StaplesAugust 23, 2022Lower East Side, Manhattan

Discover NYC – Your Guide to Indie Businesses

Neighborhoods

Business Type

Kossar's, Lower East Side, Manhattan