The Upper East Side is known for luxury department stores like Barney’s, but there are also quite a few smaller shops that offer unique experiences. Here are six of the best.
A sublime reading nook at Albertine. (Photo: John Bartelstone)
Albertine
Housed in a renaissance era landmark mansion designed by famed architect Stanford White, Albertine is the ultimate retreat for literary Francophiles. The store stocks a wide range of books by French authors in their native language as well as English and features cozy reading nooks with leather chairs to let shoppers preview volumes before buying.
972 5th Ave
Zitomer
Walking into this retro pharmacy is like stepping back in time to the Mad Men area. The three-level space has been around since 1950 and uses soft red florescent lighting throughout. In addition to being a visual site to see, the family-run store is well stocked with an extensive selection of beauty products.
969 Madison Ave
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Dylan’s Candy Bar has become a bit of a chain by this tri-level location is their flagship store and the perfect place to load up on artisanal treats to satisfy a sweet tooth of any size. Tours can be booked which include a ton of store history along with fudge tastings and a pound of candy to take home.
1011 3rd Ave
The extensive array of bottles at Sherry-Lehmann. (Photo: Sherry-Lehmann Wine and Spirits)
Sherry-Lehmann Wine and Spirits
This old-school wine shop has been around since 1934 and offers an extensive collection of bottles to fit any price range. With just about as many varietals for under $30 as over $100 and a knowledgeable staff to find one that suits your taste, Sherry-Lehmann makes for a great stop before a visit to nearby Central Park.
505 Park Ave
Fivestory
What if Bergdorf Goodman was the size of a brownstone and solely stocked by one fashionable New Yorker’s singular tastes? This is Fivestory, which provides a shopping experience as personal and intimate as it is high end. Prices are not for the thrifty but rather those looking to splurge on something fabulous.
18 E 69th St
Ciel Bicycle
This compact store is the flagship retail shop of German-designed Biria bikes that emphasize comfort and sleek style that echoes a past era while remaining undeniably hip. They’ll also fix your bike or rent you one to explore the nearby bike lane on the East River.
360 E 65th St
By Christopher Kompanek