Showing all 13 venues on this page
Paul Smith
Near Roebling Street in Brooklyn, Paul Smith carries the designer's eclectic men's and women's apparel and accessories, plus gift items. The tagline 'Get on the L train, boys' hints at a playful, fashion-forward vibe. This shop is a solid stop for curated designer pieces without full price commitment. It's a short ride from Manhattan, and you can make a day of it by heading to Chelsea Market for a bite after.
Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore
Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore is the only bookstore in New York run by and for queer, trans, and sex worker communities. It doubles as an activist center, community space, and café, with a strong focus on mutual aid like harm reduction support and non-judgmental resource research. The vibe is grassroots and welcoming, with a curated selection of LGBTQ books that you won't find at chain stores. The café serves coffee, making it a comfortable spot to linger. Because it's a cooperative, the space feels communal rather than commercial. If you're exploring bookstores in the area, you might also check out the nearby Strand, but Bluestockings offers something distinctly political and supportive. Visit for the books, stay for the sense of community.
Abracadabra
Abracadabra is a trans-friendly, mixed crowd costume shop in New York's Flatiron District that's been serving the community since 1981. You'll find costumes, wigs, makeup, props, rentals, magic supplies, and unique gifts. They have in-house seamstresses for alterations and custom looks. The store has been featured in movies, TV shows, and theater productions. The shop is open seven days a week from 11am to 7pm. Their selection is huge, so give yourself time to browse. Regulars know the staff is happy to help piece together a look. If you're also exploring the neighborhood, Chelsea Market is nearby for a break.
Jonathan Adler Upper East Side
Unlike the minimal furniture showrooms nearby, this Jonathan Adler outpost brings a playful, graphic aesthetic to Upper East Side design shopping. It's a spot for modern furniture and accent pieces that add personality to any room. The store stocks his signature ceramics, pillows, and sculptural furniture with a mid-century flair.
Rubio Leather
This place is for anyone seeking custom leather gear from a top-drawer manufacturer. Jorge 'George' Rubio moved his operation from Manhattan's 30th Street to the Bronx in 2008. The appointment-only workshop produces tops, bottoms, and accessories with nods to boxers and firemen. There's no retail space, so you'll need to call ahead. Gay-friendly and run with integrity.
Coffee Project New York \| Financial District
Reviews call Coffee Project New York | Financial District a 4.5-star spot for coffee and light bites. This location is the brand's fourth, bringing their signature deconstructed latte and locally roasted beans to Lower Manhattan. The vibe is casual and mixed gay-straight, drawing local coffee enthusiasts. They roast their own coffee in Long Island City using a room-sized San Franciscan Roaster. Coffee classes are a big draw, ranging from home barista workshops to professional certificates. It's dog friendly, so you might spot a pup or two. If you're exploring the area, grabbing a cup here pairs well with a visit to Chelsea Market.
The Nonbinarian Bookstore
The vibe here is casual and family-friendly, with a focus on community. This trans-owned bookstore is entirely queer and volunteer-led. It started as a mobile aid project giving free books to underrepresented areas, then grew into a brick-and-mortar haven. You'll find a budget-friendly, all-ages space where locals gather. The space keeps things simple and welcoming. Since hours aren't listed online, check their social media before visiting. The store's mission remains central to its identity.
Toy Tokyo
Toy Tokyo stands apart from other toy stores in New York by its founder Lev, a godfather of collectible toys, and its focus on designer vinyl and Japanese Kaiju pieces. This East Village shop has been a destination for collectors since 2000. The downstairs once hosted gallery shows for artists like Shepard Fairey; today it's a Funko-focused shop-in-a-shop. The store opens daily from 12:30pm to 7pm, making it an easy stop on a weekend stroll. Regulars know to check the online shop at toytokyo.com for exclusives. It's one of the last brick-and-mortar toy stores in NYC.
Jonathan Adler West Village
In the West Village near 7th Avenue, Jonathan Adler West Village brings the iconic designer's bold, modern aesthetic to a neighborhood known for its creative energy. This LGBTQ-owned shop stocks furniture, decorative accents, and art pieces that blend mid-century inspiration with playful pops of color. The store is dog-friendly, so you can browse with your pup. The vibe here is polished but approachable, with staff who actually know design. Open daily 11am to 7pm. Note that Yelp data suggests this location may be permanently closed, so call ahead or check online before visiting.
Soulo
Soulo draws a casual, 30-something crowd that's trans-friendly and mixed-LGBTQ+. This gay-owned shop creates scented bath salts and candles for turning your bathroom into a personal spa. You'll find gift-ready items here, plus a custom app with specially crafted relaxation playlists. The vibe is low-key, and prices sit at a standard $$. If you're in Brooklyn, it's a solid stop for self-care or a thoughtful present. You can grab a candle on your way to Chelsea Market, just across the river.
The Ripped Bodice
The Ripped Bodice sits in Park Slope, Brooklyn, as the first romance-only bookstore run by sisters Leah and Bea Koch. It opened in 2016 after a Kickstarter campaign, and the shop is proudly woman-led and queer-owned. The decor is whimsical and charming, matching the steamy selection inside. You'll find a wide range of romance novels plus gifts from independent women-owned brands. The crowd leans diverse, from 20-somethings to 40-somethings, mixed gay and straight. It's a lively, romantic spot with an upscale feel. If you're browsing nearby, Macy's is worth a stop too.
Babeland
Babeland stands apart from other adult shops in New York by centering a femme-friendly, educational approach since 1993. It was founded by two women who wanted a sex-positive space for everyone, regardless of gender expression. The store offers a curated selection of toys and gifts, plus free online resources to explore sexuality. Their 'Come for a Cause' initiative donates to nonprofits year-round. Babeland started in Seattle and later opened several New York locations, including this Soho shop. It's LGBTQ-owned and welcomes a mixed crowd. Note that Yelp has flagged this venue as possibly permanently closed, so check before heading over. If you're in the area, Chelsea Market makes a good nearby stop.
QUINN (Closed Temporarily)
This Lower East Side shop is temporarily closed, but when open it's a go-to for wardrobe essentials. QUINN carries clothing and accessories you can mix into your daily rotation without breaking the bank. It's a spot for basics and accents, not a full makeover. Find hours and contact info.
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