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

Birdbath, Midtown, Manhattan

Update - they have closed

Birdbath is a fabulous bakery and they have a few locations in New York City including the Soho location which kept the hand-painted signs in the windows and awning from Vesuvio’s bakery. I get a little confused about the naming of their shops as they also go by the name The City Bakery. Either way they have very yummy baked goods like cookies and in this Midtown location I had a sandwich.

They love being bakers and they write about it on their website. Definitely worth going there and in Midtown Manhattan there are oh so many chains restaurants or very expensive restaurants and not much in-between. This location is open Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:00pm

Birdbath, 140 East 45th Street near Lexington Avenue

Specialty Stores, Vanishing NYCLeanne StaplesSeptember 24, 2016Midtown, Midtown East, Manhattan

Discover NYC – Your Guide to Indie Businesses

Neighborhoods

Business Type

Birdbath, Midtown, Manhattan