New York Originals: The City's Most Original Mom & Pop Shops To Visit (PHOTOS) | HuffPost Life

Only In New York, Kids

It's hard to be an original in New York. Yet the 75 mom and pop shops profiled in New York Originals each found a way to stand out amongst the mania that is the City.

Jamie McDonald, host of "New York Originals" on NYC-TV, put together a book of the most historic, dynamic and even bizarre spots around the city--there are places in every borough--to prove that New York really is a visitor's dream.

Herewith, a selection of just a few of the spots highlighted in the book.

All photos © Jamie McDonald, New York Originals unless otherwise noted.

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Before You Go

New York Originals

Economy Candy, Lower East Side, Manhattan(01 of16)

If you're a fan of candy--or want to relocate a favorite from your child--look no further than Economy Candy, which was first established in 1937. (credit:Alamy)

De Robertis, East Village, Manhattan(02 of16)

This classic Italian pastry shop, established along First Avenue in 1904, is still run by the family of the original owner. (credit:Alamy)

The Bitter End, Greenwich Village, Manhattan(03 of16)

Established in 1961, this Greenwich Village spot is the oldest rock club in all of NYC and has welcomed performers from Bob Dylan to Bill Cosby. (credit:Alamy)

C.O.Bigelow, Greenwich Village, Manhattan(04 of16)

This apothecary, established in 1838, is located just two doors down from its original location. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Eddie's Sweet Shop, Forest Hills, Queens(05 of16)

The refrigerator at this shop--opened sometime in the 1920s--is over 75 years old; the cash register is so old that the keys only go up to $5. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Frank Bee, Throg's Neck, Bronx(06 of16)

Originally started in 1957, this five and dime store sells all manners of housewares and necessities yet their motto is "if we don't have it, you don't need it." (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Glaser's Bake Shop, Yorkville, Manhattan(07 of16)

German immigrants John and Justine Glaser first established the bakery near Bloomingdale's before moving it to the then-vibrant German community of Yorkville in 1902. Today, their descendants still bake delicious treats. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Jane Hotel, West Village, Manhattan(08 of16)

The notoriously small rooms at this West Village hotel come at a small price: $125/night. That's because the hotel, which was established in 1908, was built to accomodate sailors who were used to tight quarters. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn, Charleston, Staten Island(09 of16)

The mahogany bar here dates back to 1890; today, the restaurant serves German fare including rouladen, sausages and sauerbraten. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

The Lemon Ice King of Corona, Corona, Queens(10 of16)

There are nearly 40 flavors available at this shop, which opened in the 1940s. It sits near Citi Field, so stop by if you go to see the Mets play. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Chinatown, Manhattan(11 of16)

Nom Wah, established in 1920, is Chinatown's first and oldest dim sum restaurant. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Orwasher's, Upper East Side, Manhattan(12 of16)

An old European-style bakery, established in 1916, only left the hands of the original owning family in 2007. Today the bakery serves over 100 types of bread. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Pastosa Ravioli, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn(13 of16)

This shop, which has its flagship store in Bensonhurst, sells 35 kinds of ravioli. First established in 1967, there are now 11 stores across the area selling everything from sauces to prepared ingredients. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Bamonte's, Williamsburg, Brooklyn(14 of16)

This Williamsburg staple--opened in 1900--is not only one of NYC's first Italian restaurants, it's one of the first in the country. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Astoria, Queens(15 of16)

One of the first of its kind in America, this beer hall--opened in 1910--has more than 100 picnic benches and can serve up to 1,600 people at a time. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

Teddy's Bar and Grill, Williamsburg, Brooklyn(16 of16)

This neighborhood bar has really stood the test of time: It was established on a residential block in 1887. Much of its original interior is still the same as when it first opened; it was a meeting place for Tammany Hall politicians in the 1920s. (credit:Jamie McDonald)

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