Bodegas are an NYC institution and an essential amenity for the city’s 8.5 million residents.
These small, family-run stores are ideal for getting a last-minute toothbrush or buying eggs for less than $5 per dozen.
But for me, it was the delicious food that made me fall in love with my Washington Heights bodega.
Here are 10 of the best NYC bodegas that offer tasty sandwiches, decent coffee, and service with a smile.
10 Best NYC Bodegas
Locals love these 10 classic NYC bodegas, that are great for late-night groceries and a delicious sub while leaving some change from your hard-earned dollars:
10. Blue Sky Deli (Hajji’s), East Harlem
Hajji’s is fast becoming a world-famous culinary destination because of its legendary Chop-cheese and Philly Cheese Steak.
The wraps are phenomenal with prices that are much cheaper than your typical deli. The food is fresh and tastes great, well worth the schlep to East Harlem!
Address: 2135 1st Ave., New York, NY 10029
9. Bushwick Deli, Brooklyn
Brooklynites love the sandwiches and groceries at this Brooklyn landmark.
Some folks are complaining that prices have gotten a little high, but you have inflation to thank for that!
Address: 1449 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
8. Yafa Deli and Grocery, Brooklyn
This Fulton bodega is all about comfort foods.
If you’re nursing a hangover or going through a breakup, you can nurse yourself with some of the delicious fried chicken, wedges, mozzarella sticks served hot and fresh all day long.
Address: 907 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
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7. Punjabi Grocery & Deli, East Village
Punjabi Grocery and Deli is an amazing NYC bodega that serves authentic fresh Indian food with great prices for everything.
This media-savvy bodega has been featured in films and has a strong social media presence. You’ll find some unusual groceries including imported Indian spices and cooking ingredients to add to your pantry.
Address: 114 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009
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6. Phil-Am Food Mart, Queens
This is the oldest Filipino bodega in NYC, and boy, does it have good eats.
You can expect all sorts of interesting Asian ingredients including Pinoy favorites like ligo, ube, fresh banana leaves.
This expansive grocery store also has a mouthwatering selection of baked goods, and ready-made dishes prepared and served Filly style.
Address: 4003 70th St, Queens, NY 11377
5. Flor Azteca Deli & Grocery, Queens
This Mexican bodega has a comprehensive range of goods including fresh flowers, at affordable prices.
Customers love the cheerful and helpful staff who make the effort to get to know you and also prepare delicious deli sandwiches.
Address: 4812 104th St, Flushing, NY 11368
4. Othello Deli, Queens
This Astoria gem is known for its expansive menu of hot and cold food and great sandwiches.
It’s easy to pick up something to go and the options are so vast that you will walk away with exactly what you want. Some locals find it pricey, but the delicious burgers are worth it!
Address: 26-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102
3. Koufuku Mart, Queens
This smart Japanese bodega is popular for its wide range of Asian groceries and impressive range of Japanese and Korean cosmetics (BB creams).
It is very futuristic with an iPad checkout and color-coordinated shelves.
Address: 28-02 42nd Rd, Queens, NY 11101
2. Sunny & Annie’s, East Village
Sunny & Annie’s is a great stop if you’re in and around Alphabet City.
The sandwiches at this bodega are simply amazing, drawing from world cuisine to create exotic and satisfying fillings for their deep-filled subs and wraps.
The bodega is also fully equipped with grocery essentials like fresh flowers and a wide range of beverages.
Address: 94 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
1. Best Deli & Grill, The Bronx
This Bronx bodega throws down the gauntlet with its name but actually manages to live up to it.
The breakfast wraps are excellent, choose the turkey bacon and egg with lettuce, tomato, and avocado in a fresh spinach wrap. Salads, sandwiches, and hot food are generously served!
Address: 201-203 W 242nd St, Bronx, NY 10471
Best NYC Bodegas FAQs
Why do New Yorkers call stores bodegas?
New Yorkers have adopted the word bodega for their small independent grocery stores, from Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican residents.
Bodega is Spanish for ‘warehouse’ or ‘storeroom’, with meanings in regional forms of Spanish that can vary from a boutique to a ‘wine cellar’.
What is the difference between a bodega and a convenience store?
A bodega is much less sophisticated than a convenience store. It is often owner-operated, small, and crammed to the rafters with all sorts of useful things. Plus there will be a hot plate for cooking foods to order.
How many bodegas are in NYC?
New York City has more than 13,000 bodegas across the five boroughs but the exact number is not known.
What is the difference between a bodega and a deli in NYC?
Delis are primarily food outlets with more fresh ingredients like refrigerated cold cuts. A bodega is firstly a grocery store, with food as an additional option.
How do I find a good bodega in NYC?
If you’re new to NYC and staying for a while, you’ve got time for trial and error. Simply try your local bodegas out and get to know the staff and owners. For me, it’s all about the hot food they serve.
Can you get a decent breakfast at 5:30 am? Are they fancy and expensive or down to earth? Alternatively, try the bodegas I’ve shared and eat and drink like a native New Yorker!
What are the most popular bodega foods?
New York City’s most popular bodega foods include heros, hogies, grilled cheese, wraps, fried chicken, and tacos. Freshly grilled hanger steak sandwiches like the ones I love to eat at Hilltop Perk Deli / Grocery in Washington Heights are great too!
What is so special about bodegas?
A visit to a bodega is an authentic New York experience, where you can pick up regular convenience store goods along with hot fresh food like the steak and onion subs I used to eat almost daily working at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in the Upper West Side.
I loved that these small family-run stores managed to thrive in the midst of a metropolis like NYC. In such a big and anonymizing city you could feel known at your local bodega which would be open day and night.
Rounding Up
Bodegas do an amazing job of keeping NYC fed every single day, with food that is perfect for a snatched breakfast on the way to a museum or a late-night bite on the way back from an evening at the theater or a bar.
They are a great stop for anyone who is new to the city and wants to get a sense of their neighborhood and strike up a conversation with locals. Try any of these legendary bodegas and take a bit out of the big apple!
