The East Village and Gramercy neighborhoods are home to many female-founded and women-owned stores, restaurants, and institutions that make up a huge part of our vibrant local community. Here are a few of our favorite businesses to support in the area.

 

Desi Galli

172 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009
www.desigalli.com

PriaVanda Chouhan is a self-taught chef who opened Desi Galli in 2012. The restaurant offers fresh Indian street food including her famous Desi Poutine, French fries topped with tikka masala gravy and grated paneer.

 

 

Boyar Gifts

383 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10010
https://boyargifts.com

Need help finding the gift for the person who has everything? Head to Boyar Gifts. The shop is full of eclectic gifts from around the world like teas from England and white porcelain diffusers from Shanghai.

 

 

S'MAC

197 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10003
www.eatsmac.com

Sarita Ekya opened S'MAC (Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese) on June 24th, 2006. It was first ever NYC restaurant to be devoted exclusively to mac & cheese.

 

 

B-Side

204 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009
www.bsidenyc.com

This woman-owned East Village institution is one of NYC’s favorite dive bars, known for its welcoming vibe, great bartenders, and unforgettable nights. With cheap drinks, top-notch cocktails, and a rotating soundtrack, it’s the perfect spot to make new friends and enjoy the best of Alphabet City.  

 

 

Permacut Salon

190 1st Ave.
New York, NY 10009
www.permacutsalon.com

Permacut Beauty Salon owner Reena Mohamed has faced plenty of setbacks in the last 20 years (including a fire that destroyed her shop), but she has remained resilient and continues to bring her clients top hair and salon services in the East Village.

 

 

Phoenix Bar

447 E 13th St.
New York, NY 10009
www.phoenixbarnyc.com

This local watering hole has been a LGBTQ+ mainstay in the East Village since it burst onto the scene back in the '90s.

 

Bedford Cheese Shop

67 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
https://bedfordcheeseshop.com

Christina Earle and Samantha Fantauzzi are proprietors of Bedford Cheese Shop, running day-to-day operations. The popular artisanal cheese shop offers a huge selection of cheeses (obviously!), charcuterie, and unique pantry items.

 

 

First Avenue Veterinary Hospital

335 First Ave.
New York, NY 10003
www.firstavenuevet.com

Owned by veterinarian Dr. Jodie L. Poller, First Avenue Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility, which provides pet owners in New York City the convenience of knowing that all their pet’s healthcare needs can be met in one place.

 

 

Twigs Hair Salon

520 E 11th St.
New York, NY 10009
hwww.twigsalon.com

More than six years ago, founders Julie, Janell and Kristiana opened the East Village hair salon, which specializes in men's & womens haircuts, balayage highlights. coloring, keratin treatments and more.

 

 

Strand Bookstore

828 Broadway  
New York, NY 10003 
https://www.strandbooks.com 
 
Not many people know that the iconic NYC bookstore is owned by Nancy Bass Wyden, who is a third-generation owner. Carrying on her family’s legacy, Wyden is leading the store into its 96th year which they’ll be celebrating in 2024. 

 

 

the ness

406 Broadway Level Three  
New York, NY 10013 
https://www.thenessnyc.com
 
Owned by Aly Giampolo & Colette Dong, the ness is NYC’s premier trampoline cardio studio. Their main goal is to welcome guests into their safe space meant for exercising your body and mind in a fun and creative way. 

 

 

 

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of the many women-owned businesses in the area and hours or status of businesses can change quickly. If there's a listing with status changes or one we haven't added to the list, feel free to email that information to stories@beamliving.com.