11 of the Best Tiny Places, Spaces, and Finds in New York

Astoria Bookshop

AstoriaIt ’s no Barnes & Noble , which is precisely why this cozy Queens stop is worth natter . Sure , it ’s limited in size , but they cope to hug in the required verse and YA claim alongside a part devoted exclusively to Queens - base writer , let in Megan Abbott and Joseph Tirella . ( Though Queens readers might opt for the bookstore ’s Word club . ) Bonus orient for a staff so favorable you would wonder how New Yorkers ever experience a bad reputation .

Mmuseumm

ChinatownYes , the fact that this advanced natural history museum is a converted freightage lift located in a Manhattan alley tells you this is not your Upper West Side ’s Natural History Museum . ( Ross Geller fromFriendswould never have worked here . ) Instead , you might see exhibits like toothpaste tubes from around the world , Kampuchean card pic rejects , a chronology of Corn Flakes , or Al Goldstein ’s personal ephemeral . Plan accordingly because this only - in - New - York cultural spot run by entrepreneur Alex Kalman is open only Thursday through Sunday with a pay - as - you - want fee ( suggested contribution is $ 5 ) . And if you ’re over 6 ' tall , be prepared to evade .

Le French Diner

East VillageThe local joint everyone in New York dreams of living well-nigh , this small eating place has it all : the chalkboard fare , a BYO - laid - backness , a kitchen that probably makes you feel better about your little apartment , and tables so pocket-sized you ’d easily not total with a party heavy than four . ( And only one of the joint ’s three tables can accommodate a party that liberal . ) Definitely slurp down some snail and just try not to order the boeuf bourguignon after seeing it hit a neighboring table .

Defonte’s Sandwich Shop

The legendary Red Hook , Brooklyn sandwich roast has moved a ferrying drive away to Staten Island . This Italian hoagie spliff includes the Sinatra especial ( grill steak in love apple sauce , topped with fresh mozzarella ) , the Danny Boy ( grill blimp , pepper and onion ) , and the Zito Vito ( Virginia ham , deep-fried eggplant , provolone ) .

Lloyd’s Carrot Cake

Riverdale & East HarlemPeople journey beyond their domicile borough to this teeny Bronx storefront for a gem , pies , or just a piece of cake ( the carrot is fabled ) baked from scratch using the recipes of the now - deceased founder Lloyd Adams . Unlike fancier New York City bakery , Lloyd ’s just charge $ 2.75 a slice , and an 80 - individual cake will only pose you back $ 75 .

Smalls

The name tell it all . When you make it past the narrow staircase down it ’s not the roomiest of jazz clubs , but local anaesthetic jazz the intimate feel of a barely - there stage and mismatched seats . ( That is , if you get there early enough to cop an literal rear . ) And if you do find a place to found yourself , make certain to outride put , as the cover version charge ( $ 20 , and $ 10 during off hours ) , will get you in for the full dark .

The Troll Museum

Lower East SideIf your stage will convey you up to the sixth trading floor walk - up , visitant are treated to a free ( though the suggested contribution is $ 3,000 ) tour of 400 vintage trolls and round memorabilia , good manners of conservator Reverend Jen ( and her Chihuahua , Reverend Jen Jr. ) . Do n’t forget to make a reservation beforehand by calling 212 - 560 - 7235 or she wo n’t get you up . And trust us , you want to be greet by her in her elf ears .

The Secret Room at the Bell Book & Candle

If you expect for the private dining room at Bell Book & Candle , you ’ll be taken out of the regular 5,000 - plus square foot restaurant to a hidden field behind a fake wall , where just one tabular array for 2 - 6 masses sits surrounded by brick walls and wallpaper of scantily - clad ladies , which you ’ll need to see for yourself .

Milkmade

Carroll GardensSmall - deal chicken feed cream has become so ubiquitous , a companionship really has to impress . Which is why we ’re felicitous to report that Hokey Pokey ( salted honey glass cream with manuka honey comb ) survive at Milkmade . As does Hamantaschen ( gamboge poppyseed sparkler cream with the love - by - all - religion cookie devoured during the Jewish vacation of Purim ) . And do n’t get us set out on the beautiful easiness of New York Stylin ’ ( Junior ’s cheesecake with graham crust , and cheesecake ice cream ) . Their “ tasting room , ” a teeny spot in Brooklyn , is open daily , start in mid - April , but close up as presently as the weather get too , well , icy .

Attaboy

Behind a door marked only “ AB ” , with a warning to “ Please Knock Gently ” , is a cozy speakeasy founded by two former Milk & Honey bartenders . If you are have in , you could ask a bartender to make you a personalized beverage ( there is no menu ) , but it ’ll set you back $ 16 . Do n’t endeavor to call them because like any self - prise speakeasy , they ’re unapproachable .

Bembe

It ’s not comfortable to find a small dance social club in New York City , but this bar gets moving with salsa , Calypso bulbosa , pelvic arch hops , rhumba , merengue , and more . Sure , it gets push quickly , but that only adds to the we’re - all - in - this - together vibration , and not everyone stays until 4 am closing time . Plus , those who need to take a break can head to the street and stare at the Williamsburg nosepiece or simply hydrate at heart with one of many drinks served in actual coconut meat .