Founded by Rony Vardi, Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s Catbird is exactly what any Millennial or Gen-Z-er would want in a jewelry store. Ethically sourced diamonds and gold. Pieces hand-crafted in the shop’s Brooklyn studio. Unique, delicate, and subtle styling you won’t find in a national chain. And while Catbird may not be the least expensive option in the city, the jewelry is beautiful, timeless, and worth every penny. —Jocelyn C.

The Lit. Bar, which opened its doors in 2017, is the only bookstore currently serving the Bronx. Founded by Noëlle Santos, the cozy establishment encourages you to stay awhile. At this local gem, you’ll find community-wide gatherings for those who love to get lost in a good book. If you’re visiting alone, feel free to have a read while sipping on your vino of choice. —Katherine S.

Founded and owned by Natalie Cosby, Stacked Yoga is a yoga studio in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, on Tompkins Avenue, a stretch dubbed “Black Girl Magic Street” because so many Black women have opened businesses there. The studio celebrates people of all sizes, shapes, colors, and abilities. It’s a small and intimate studio where everyone is like family… and people love it. —Endi P.

Mil Mundos, founded by Maria Herron, is a bookstore on a mission to keep and build the community in Bushwick, where gentrification becomes more apparent every day. It provides a space for those seeking empowerment through literature, offers events, and celebrates Black, Latinx and Indigenous heritage. Maria volunteers for Bushwick Ayuda Mutua, a local charity born out of the lackluster government response to COVID-19, and has made Mil Mundos a hub for the organization. —Bitna K.

Tattoo shops can be intimidating. Nice Tattoo Parlor aims to change that. A quiet, inviting space, this women-owned-and-operated parlor feels more like a friend’s chill apartment. The shop and artists-in-residence are as unique as their styles, kind, and about their business in a way that eases first-timers into the process and spoils long-time tattoo fans. COVID has changed things, so when you find the right one, plan accordingly, pack a snack, and enjoy the experience. —Olga E.

Even during a pandemic, Sunshine Foss, the owner of Happy Cork, is passionate about providing her customers with an amazing experience in her Brooklyn shop—which carries the largest selection of Black- and minority-owned wine and spirit brands I've ever seen, alongside a range of accessories made by POC. Follow Happy Cork’s Instagram, too—it hosts great virtual tastings with wine producers. It's impossible to leave this store without a case or a smile. —Tiffany T.

The comfort food at Brooklyn’s Pies ‘n’ Thighs—which includes some of the best chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese you’ll find—is everything it should be: warm, heavy, filling. The spot’s owners, Sarah Sanneh and Carolyn Bane, have mastered the art of savory and sweet, and have been doing it for 15 years. Support, share, and enjoy this wonderful spot! —Shirley L.

If you’re looking for a spot to cool down this summer or are in the mood for something sweet, this is it. La Newyorkina is a woman- and Latinx-owned company specializing in natural and handmade paletas (Mexican-style ice lollies), ice cream, and baked goods. Founder Fany Gerson celebrates Mexico’s vibrant culture through bold paleta flavors such as mango chile, hibiscus, passion fruit, and coconut. This gem of a place will have you going back for more. —Lariza Q.

Elegant and unexpected. Mociun is a fine jewelry brand known for its one-of-a-kind and custom-made pieces. Founder Caitlin Mociun designs clean, geometric forms inspired by the principles of the Bauhaus movement. Mociun also carries an array of well-curated home treasures that are as playful and whimsical as her jewelry. —Jessica S.

Candace Witherspoon founded her eponymous salon—located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood— to help every client embrace their curls from a place of love. Candace has mastered the art of dry cutting to create the best shape for every client, and carefully handpicks the best haircare products so that your curls may come alive. —Momo Y.

Anybody who can name more than one bookstore in NYC will undoubtedly have McNally Jackson on their list. A true New York staple, McNally Jackson Books is an independent shop owned and operated by Sarah McNally. It goes toe to toe with the mailorder giants through curated events, an enthusiastic neighborhood that shares a love of books, and a strong belief in going above and beyond to attract lifetime customers. It's the McNally magic. —Aia A.

"Sisters Juliet and Justine Masters are New York natives who have lived in Harlem for 20 years. Their restaurant, The Edge Harlem, is an ode to the community and pays homage to the neighborhood’s spirit by honoring those who came before. The building that the restaurant resides in was a meeting place for key figures of the Harlem Renaissance, including Langston Hughes. Its creative menu reflects the siblings’ British and Jamaican heritage, spiced up with a healthy dose of NYC. —Krystle D. "