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Steinway Thrift (Astoria)

Steinway Thrift (Astoria)

32-36 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103

Steinway Thrift Shop, nestled in Astoria, offers a unique variety of items, making it a worthwhile stop for thrifty shoppers. This shop carries various clothing items, from everyday basics like jeans and T-shirts to suits and more specialized items. The store is primarily filled with mass-market brands like Gap, New Balance, Nike, Lands’ End, and Brooks Brothers.

Despite its strengths, Steinway Thrift’s prices are slightly higher than you might expect for a thrift store. This might make you think twice, especially if you’re used to lower thrift store prices. The store is laid out with a main floor dedicated to clothing and jewelry, while the basement offers books, black records, and coats—each section neatly arranged, making it easy to browse through.

What truly sets Steinway Thrift apart is its occasional rare finds. Imagine stumbling upon a pair of Made in USA Levi’s 511 jeans, crafted from the now-defunct Cone Mills’ White Oak fabric, priced at just $14—a true gem for denim enthusiasts. This element of surprise and possibility is what makes a visit to Steinway Thrift so exciting.

The store isn’t just about clothing; it has a decent selection of accessories, shoes, and housewares. Although the shop doesn’t provide fitting rooms and has only a few small mirrors, the layout is open.

Overall, while Steinway Thrift may not be the cheapest option around, it’s definitely a worthwhile visit if you’re in the area. With its variety and the chance to find both everyday wear and unique items, a trip to Steinway Thrift is a decision you won’t regret. I would confidently rate Steinway Thrift a 6/10.

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Housing Works (E 23rd)

Housing Works (E 23rd)

153 E 23rd St, NY, NY 10010

Tucked away on East 23rd Street in Manhattan, Housing Works might just change your mind about where to thrift in New York City. This branch of the popular second-hand chain offers more than your average thrift store finds, specializing in an often-overlooked, high-quality selection of home decor and furniture that could give any living space a new lease on life.

Stepping into Housing Works, you’re greeted by an expansive layout that feels more like a boutique than a thrift store. While clothing is available, the store truly shines with its array of home goods, from stylish sofas and plain rugs to minimalist jewelry and single-colored shirts. The spacious store layout ensures that it never feels crowded, making for a relaxed browsing experience.

For book lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike, Housing Works boasts a substantial collection of books alongside a modest but finely curated clothing section. Their selection of shoes and jewelry might not be the largest, but each piece is chosen with care, reflecting the store’s commitment to quality over quantity.

With three fitting rooms and plenty of mirrors, trying on finds is a breeze, and you’re unlikely to feel rushed or cramped. The staff at Housing Works respects your space, allowing for a personal shopping experience that is as uninterrupted as it is enjoyable.

Overall, Housing Works offers a solid thrifting experience with its well-organized, clean environment and a focus on simplicity and practicality in its offerings. Whether you’re furnishing a home or updating your wardrobe, this store is worth a visit. I give Housing Works a commendable 7/10 for its unique approach to thrift shopping, making it a must-visit when you’re in the area.

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Buffalo Exchange (GV)

Buffalo Exchange (GV)

714 Broadway, NY, NY 10003

Buffalo Exchange is a known hotspot for thrift enthusiasts in New York City, but the branch near Washington Square Park might not be the top pick for everyone. Tucked between bustling retail spaces, this store is surprisingly narrow, making it a bit tricky to navigate.

The selection offers variety but often feels more crowded than curated. With about 30% men’s clothing and 70% women’s, options for men might seem sparse unless they’re looking for pants, shirts, and jackets of variable quality. However, the store truly excels in its range of accessories, boasting an impressive array of boots, sandals, heels, belts, jewelry, and scarves.

Navigating the store can be challenging. You’ll need to carefully move around both staff and fellow shoppers while exploring the tightly packed racks. Fortunately, there are enough mirrors and a good number of fitting rooms to try on potential finds.

Pricing here leans towards the higher side, which might make you think twice given the mixed quality of the items. For those searching for brand names, finding the occasional True Religion and Levi’s pieces requires patience among the general stock.

In summary, while the store has its strengths, particularly in accessories, it’s not quite the idyllic thrift spot one might hope for in such a vibrant area. It’s a place to find unique accessories and perhaps enjoy some casual browsing. Overall, I’d rate this Buffalo Exchange a fair 5/10.

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Best Fashion (Chinatown)

Best Fashion (Chinatown)

297 Grand, NY, NY 10002

Best Fashion NYC might just be one of the city’s best-kept secrets, nestled down a flight of stairs in a basement right above Chinatown. This quaint thrift store, while modest in size, offers a selection that is simple yet surprisingly effective, especially catering to women’s fashion needs.

As you venture inside, you’ll find a well-organized space with separate racks for shirts, pants, jackets, sweaters, women’s blouses, and an assortment of other items. The store is equipped with a couple of mirrors and three fitting rooms, making it easy to try on different styles without feeling cramped.


The staff here strikes a perfect balance between helpful and discreet. They’re friendly and open to engaging in a great conversation, but they won’t hover or pressure you into purchases, which is a refreshing change from the norm. Price-wise, Best Fashion NYC stands out in the thrift universe. Unlike some stores that slap the “vintage” tag on just about anything to justify a steep price, this shop offers genuinely fair pricing. You’ll find some true vintage pieces that are priced a bit higher, but the basic items are both cheap and chic.

Don’t expect to find big brand names here; instead, you’ll discover cool, unbranded clothing with interesting prints and fabrics that promise a unique style statement. Due to its somewhat hidden entrance, keep your eyes peeled when you visit—Best Fashion NYC is a must-stop for any thrifting enthusiast looking to explore the treasures that lie within this tiny basement gem. My rating – 8.5/10!

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ReShop (Soho)

ReShop (Soho)

423 Broadway, NY, NY

ReShop, located in Soho, is a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for streetwear mixed with a retro flair. As you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by vintage records placed near the entrance, setting a playful tone and offering a delightful distraction for those who might initially be more interested in memorabilia than attire.

This stylish shop excels in its variety of clothing options. Just past the front displays, you’ll find yourself amidst an impressive selection of jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, fleeces, and jackets. With sought-after brands like Carhartt, Patagonia, and North Face readily available, every fashion-savvy shopper is bound to find something appealing. The store’s layout is praiseworthy; its clear labels and organized shelves make it effortless to navigate through the sea of potential additions to your wardrobe.

One minor caveat is the absence of fitting rooms, although there are a couple of mirrors available to at least get a glimpse of how the clothes might fit. This setup, while not ideal, doesn’t detract significantly from the shopping experience given the store’s open and accessible arrangement. Pricing at Reshop is a balanced mix of affordability and premium, catering to diverse budgets without compromising on the uniqueness of its offerings. The store features several custom pieces, such as patchwork pants and denim sling bags, which showcase creativity and offer a unique style without a hefty price tag.


The atmosphere in Reshop is as remarkable as its collection. The staff are consistently described as kind and helpful, contributing to a welcoming vibe that complements the well-organized space and popular brands offered at competitive prices. Given all these elements, Reshop earns a well-deserved 9/10 for creating a shopping environment that combines the allure of vintage with the trends of today, making it a standout destination in Soho for discovering unique streetwear pieces.

 

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