New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [151]
Screaming Mimi’s.
Browse through racks bulging with vintage finds from the 1950s through ’80s. Retro wear includes everything from dresses to soccer shirts and prom dresses. Although most of the nondesigner finds are affordable, Screaming Mimi’s also carries vintage designer duds from Valentino, Chloe, and Gaultier. | 382 Lafayette St., between 4th and Great Jones Sts., East Village | 10003 | 212/677–6464 | Subway: B, D, F, M to Broadway–Lafayette St.
Tokio 7.
Even fashion designers like Alexander Wang have been known to pop into this high-end consignment store to browse. Racks are loaded with goodies from A-list designers such as Gucci, Stella McCartney, DVF, and Philip Lim. | 83 E. 7th St.,, between 1st and 2nd Aves., East Village | 10003 | 212/353–8443 | Subway: 4, 6 to Astor Pl.–8th St.
Trash and Vaudeville.
This punk mecca is famous for dressing stars like Debbie Harry and the Ramones back in the ’70s, and its rock-and-roll vibe lives on. Goths, punks, and pro wrestlers shop here for bondage-inspired pants and skirts, as well as vinyl corsets and mini-kilts. | 4 St. Marks Pl., between 2nd and 3rd Aves., East Village | 10003 | 212/982–3590 | Subway: 6 to Astor Pl.
Food and Treats
Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man.
This Aussie arrival is all about a Wonka-ish sense of entertainment. The cafés encourage the messy enjoyment of gooey creations like chocolate fondues and chocolate burgers for kids. Take-away treats include caramelized pralines and tins of hot-chocolate powder. | 841 Broadway, between E. 13th and E. 14th Sts., East Village | 10003 | 212/388–0030 | Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
Home Decor
White Trash.
Looking for a midcentury modern Danish desk? This is your place. Owner Stuart Zamsky crams his store with surprisingly affordable pieces that are mostly from the ’40s through ’70s, including tables, lamps, and chairs. Some pieces you might find include paper mobiles from the ’70s, old fondue sets, and antique medical-office cabinets. | 304 E. 5th St., between 1st and 2nd Aves., East Village | 10003 | 212/598–5956 | Subway: 4, 6 to Astor Pl./8th St.
Music Stores
Other Music.
DJs and musicians flock to this antidote to music megastores for hard-to-find genres on CD and vinyl, from Japanese electronica and Krautrock to acid folk and Americana. You can buy concert tickets at the in-house box office. TIP There’s also a great selection of used CDs, including seminal punk classics from the Clash and the Stooges. | 15 E. 4th St., between Lafayette St. and Broadway, East Village | 10003 | 212/477–8150 | Subway: 6 to Astor Pl.
Toys
Dinosaur Hill.
Forget about Elmo. This little shop stocks quirky gifts for kids like hand puppets and marionettes from Asia, mini-bongos, and wooden rattles. A small selection of children’s clothing is also for sale. | 306 E. 9th St., between 1st and 2nd Aves., East Village | 10003 | 212/473–5850 | Subway: R to 8th St.; 6 to Astor Pl.
Wine
Astor Wines & Spirits.
Stock up on wine, spirits, and sake at this beautiful shop. For unwinding, and learning more about food and wine, there’s also a wine library and kitchen for cooking classes. | 399 Lafayette St., at E. 4th St., East Village | 10003 | 212/674–7500 | Subway: 6 to Astor Pl.
Union Square Wine & Spirits.
Tastings are easy at this well-stocked store, thanks to Enomatic machines. These card-operated contraptions let you sample dozens of wines. If machines don’t do it for you, generous tastings are held most Fridays and Saturdays. | 140 4th Ave., at 13th St., East Village | 10003 | 212/675–8100 | Subway: L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
LOWER EAST SIDE
Antiques and Collectibles
Las Venus.
Step into this kitsch palace and you