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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

 

Joe Junior Restaurant, Gramercy Park, Manhattan

Good News - they have outdoor dining. I have eaten here quite a few times recently. They’re fabulous. Updated 10 July 2021

Joe Junior is your basic greasy spoon diner style restaurant. They boast that they make the best burgers in town. So far I've only had breakfast there and it was really good. But many people will back up their claim of making the best burger. The decor is traditional old school with a counter, tables and booths. I am unable to determine at this point how long they've been in business. But it's easily been 40 years. They've had to fight to keep their lease in the past and I hope that they stick around. The crowd at Joe Junior's is mostly locals and the atmosphere is cozy. This is a real gem in a city overrun with trendy expensive and chain restaurants. Sorry, no website.

Joe Junior Restaurant, 167 Third Avenue at 16th Street.

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RestaurantsLeanne StaplesManhattan, Gramercy Park