When you first set foot in New York City, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building may be at the top of your must-see list. However, for me, truly experiencing the essence of the city involved a visit to its corner bodegas – local convenience stores intertwined with delis that have become essential fixtures of NYC.
While a small corner shop stocking everyday essentials may not initially pique your interest, in many New York neighborhoods, the local bodega serves as a vital community hub. These bodegas have also played starring roles on the silver screen, serving as backdrops for numerous TV shows and films shot in New York, including popular comedies like Broad City and Master of None.
Exploring a new destination can often be best achieved by delving into its supermarkets, observing how a community prioritizes snack choices, discovering local meal deals, and noting any peculiar scents that linger in the air. During my stay in NYC, I lodged at Moxy Lower East Side, situated in Downtown, with the renowned Don Juan Grocery and Deli, a prominent bodega, just a brief four-minute stroll away.
Upon entering the compact store for a refreshing bottle of water amid the city’s summer heat, I was greeted by vibrant Latin music that instantly transported me to a lively cocktail bar atmosphere. A rustic lottery ticket booth caught my eye, while chocolate snacks were securely displayed above the counter rather than on shelves. The store’s neatly arranged shelves stocked a variety of goods, not just for a casual lunch or picnic in Central Park, but also for unforeseen emergencies, highlighting the preparedness even amidst the bustling streets of New York.
A sudden appearance by a man emerging from a ground-level metal hatch startled me momentarily, but it turned out he was innocently coming up from the shop’s storage room. One distinguishing feature that has brought NYC bodegas into the limelight is their deli sections.
Don Juan store, for instance, offered a range of fresh meats, cheeses, and fish, with a small kitchen area adjacent to the counter. Renowned for their delectable sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast items, Don Juan has earned a reputation for its signature bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich.
The popularity of their food has led many to forego cafes and restaurants in favor of grabbing a traditional deli sandwich. Additionally, Don Juan collaborates with food brands across the city to host seasonal pop-up food events, adding a unique touch to their operations.
With approximately 13,000 bodegas scattered throughout the city, these local spots, initially catering to essential needs and quick bites, are steadily gaining popularity. Sky Deli in Harlem, formerly known as Haji’s Deli, gained national recognition as the birthplace of the chopped cheese sandwich, a beloved NYC delicacy featuring chopped ground beef, onions, American cheese, and lettuce on a hero roll.
Another well-known bodega, Datz Deli in Queens, stands out for its unconventional menu offerings, such as pancakes paired with hot sauce. Boasting a significant Instagram following, Datz Deli is famous for its “macpatty,” a unique blend of macaroni cheese, beef, and oxtail in a burger, which has even been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
In the East Village, Sunny and Annie’s Deli has become a community staple known for its welcoming ambiance. Operating round-the-clock, the store serves as a go-to spot for locals to socialize, grab a meal, or stock up on essentials.
As TikTok gains popularity, influencers and food enthusiasts are increasingly exploring bodegas across the city for content creation, transforming these once-local spots into trendy foodie destinations for tourists.
I recommend not overlooking the opportunity to grab a breakfast or lunch fix from a local bodega – while it may not boast glamour, it could become your new favorite haunt.
