In 2018 chef Kyo Pang opened Kopitiam, introducing New Yorkers to the cuisine her family has been serving at their restaurant in Malaysia for the past 50 years. With co-owner Moonlyn Tsai, Pang has created a space resembling the kopitiams, or coffeeshops, of Penang, where she offers snacks, small plates, and sweets inspired by the Chinese and Malay flavors of Nyonya cuisine.

Owned by Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon, Lambda Lounge is one of two Black-owned gay bars in NYC. The upscale bar can be recognized by neon lights and its own signature vodka. Enjoy your time by making a bottle service reservation, cozying up at the bar, or lounging on one of their sofas. Lambda Lounge opened immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic but was able to keep its doors open thanks to neighborhood support. Bonus: BOGO drinks on Tuesday through Friday!

When Khane Kutzwell heard from other LGBQTIA friends about the hateful encounters they experienced at barbershops, Khane was determined to create a more inclusive space. In direct response to the hyper-masculine pressure at play in traditional barbershops, Camera Ready Kutz is a loving space where people from all walks of life can comfortably enjoy their haircut experience!

Two words: Mexican brunch. At this relaxed restaurant in Chelsea, Roberto Santibañez is serving contemporary Mexican fare a la Mexico City. Visit Fonda to enjoy hand-pressed tortillas, made-to-order guacamole, and specially crafted margaritas in a comfortable environment. You'll enjoy your visit whether you stop in during brunch for a plate of mouth-watering chilaquiles or make a dinner reservation to taste the zarape de pato (braised duck between warm tortillas).

If you love an astrology theme, cheers to mercury in retrograde! No, really, that's one of the drinks you can order at this hip NYC bar! Mood Ring opened in 2017 and is truly the kind of laid-back bar where you'll want to be a regular. The service is great, the drinks are creative, and the atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for your latest film photoshoot. Owners Vanessa Li and Bowen Goh built the space to be warm and inviting, especially for QTPOC in their community.

There's no shortage of bagels in NYC, but Baz Bagel has developed a cult following for its incredible tie-dye bagels and all-day breakfast offerings. The restaurant is inspired by owner Bari Musacchio's half-Jewish, half-Italian roots and she leans heavily into Jewish culinary traditions. When you come in for your bagel-of-choice, don't neglect their awesome smoked fish, latkes, matzoh ball soup, or blintzes.

When your plates arrive, steaming at your table — you'll see why Via Carota prides itself on being a culinary labor of love. Owned by Jody Williams and Rita Sodi, this Italian gastroteca opened in 2014 and has since received much critical acclaim. The food is seasonal, locally sourced, and beautifully presented. Rita still owns part of her family's farm north of Florence and the bright green extra-virgin oil from the farm's olives can be seen in the restaurant's dishes!

This gift shop is a treasure trove tucked away in Astoria. Owner Mackenzi Farquer opened Lockwood Shop in 2013 and continues to fill its shelves with thoughtfully sourced decor, clothing, gifts, homegoods, and more. With a focus on local makers and small brands, you might just pick up a goodie that was handmade by a nearby NYC neighbor. Oh, and Mackenzi has a little one, so of course the shop also boasts the cutest selection of children's toys, books, and clothes!

For over 20 years, Delphinium Home has been helping Hell's Kitchen locals find the perfect gift for their loved ones. Owners John Soroka, Michael Quinn and Gary Alaimo are former musical theatre performers who came together to embrace a new art — curating delightful goodies and gifts for their store! You'll find that the shop is overflowing with colorful and unusual treasures including cards, books, homegoods, accessories, and more.