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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

 

Swallow Cafe, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Update - they appear to have closed for good

In the very hip neighborhood of Cobble Hill is Swallow Cafe. It's in an old Middle Eastern restaurant space. I've been there a few times now and the latte is good and the atmosphere is nice. It's typically filled with regulars with laptops. They have some tables that are laptop-less though so I always find a seat. I wasn't aware that they also have locations in Bushwick and Williamsburg. There are many cafes in NYC and not all of them are good. This one is worthy of mention.

Swallow Cafe, 156 Atlantic Avenue

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Cafes, Vanishing NYCLeanne StaplesCobble Hill, Brooklyn