From music to restaurants to politics, women in NYC have made immense waves. NYC wouldn't be the same if not for the strongest and often overlooked members of our society, so we've decided to highlight some of our favorite across the boroughs of New York!
Food & Drink
Various Locations
Photo: Cafe Grumpy
Celebrating 20 years, this woman-owned coffee shop serves up delicious coffee across multiple boroughs (maybe you've spotted them in your local Whole Foods!). With expertly crafted blends and single-origin offerings, they also offer convenient delivery subscriptions—bringing fresh beans straight to your door.
Want a $25 gift card to Cafe Grumpy?
319 Lafayette St | SoHo
PHOTO: FUNNY FACE BAKERY
In 2016, Sarah Silverman transformed her bestselling Swiss meringue buttercream cupcakes into a pop culture bakery empire. Within months, she introduced the Custom Portrait Cookie, starting with POTUS candidates and expanding to Kim K and beloved brands. Stop by this neighborhood gem and start by grabbing a gooey chocolate chip cookie!
Enter our IG giveaway!
190 Beach 69th St | Rockaway
Photo: CLAUDETTE's
This women-owned eatery has been a staple in Rockaway Beach for years! Claudette has curated a beautiful menu of beverages, smoothies, bowls, and pitas using Moroccan-inspired flavors for her dishes.
68-38 Forest Ave | Ridgewood
Photo: Pizzeria Panina
Nina Brondmo, an artisanal baker from New York, founded Pizzeria Panina which serves classic Italian dishes in Ridgewood. Their specialty is their homemade pizza, but they also offer a wide variety of beer from different brewing companies to wash down a slice.
515 E 12th St | East Village
PHOTO: THE PASTRY BOX
The Pastry Box, founded by New York native Chef Tiara Bennett, started outside her Bed-Stuy apartment during the pandemic and quickly took off! With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and a passion for food, art, and culture, Bennett has made The Pastry Box a go-to for handcrafted pastries like her Yuzu Olive Oil Loaf Cake and signature Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie.
11 E 13th St | Union Square
Photo: REYNA
We can never say no to delicious Mediterranean tapas. Nicki Laborie founded Reyna, which is a top-tier experience in Manhattan. The vibe and ambiance are perfect for a meal with friends or a dinner date with a partner. Make sure to check out the sick cocktail bar within the eatery.
13 E 1st St | East Village
Photo: Baar Baar
This modern Indian gastropub keeps an innovative consistent theme for its food and cocktails. Payal Sharma is the founder of this establishment, which was helmed by Sujan Sarkar. It's hard not to swoon over the bold flavors in both their beverages and tapas.
Want a $100 gift card to Baar Baar?
309 W 50th St | Hell's Kitchen
PHOTO: DON ANTONIO
Don Antonio, a women-owned gem in Hell’s Kitchen, serves authentic Neapolitan pizza, including the famous pizza fritta. Led by award-winning pizzaiola Giorgia Caporuscio, it’s one of only two Neapolitan pizzerias in NYC recognized in the MICHELIN Guide 2024. Enjoy wood-fired classics, gluten-free options, and Italian craft drinks.
HAAM234 Union Ave | Williamsburg
Photo: HAAM
Making plant-based food delicious has never been a struggle for Yesenia Ramdass. HAAM, which stands for 'Healthy As A Motha', is a vegan hotspot in the heart of Brooklyn. All the food is Caribbean and an absolute must-try when in the area, or looking to venture for new food.
1222 Nostrand Ave | Prospect Lefferts Garden
Photo: Prospect Lefferts Garden
This is the perfect place for brunch when in the mood for seafood. Kawana Jefferson founded this eatery in Brooklyn, showing a passion for 'seafood made with soul' within each plate created. You must start with crab dip, and enjoy their cornbread avocado toast, served with fried oysters when eating here.
Multiple Locations
Photo: BAKERI
Also founded by the iconic Nina Brondmo, located across Brooklyn and Queens, Bakeri serves delicious breakfast and lunch options, all curated and made by women. If you are ever in Williamsburg, you need to stop in for their Smoked Salmon with Dill & Caper Labneh Sandwich!
Multiple Locations
Photo: Talea Beer
Tara and LeAnn bonded over their love of brewing and are the creators of TALEA. TALEA is a beer-crafting company, created by women, breaking down many borders in the brewing industry. They have taprooms in Manhattan and Brooklyn so there's no excuse not to check them out.
47 Withers St | Williamsburg
PHOTO: BABA on Withers
BABA on Withers is a female-owned and operated wine bar in Williamsburg, serving great drinks, fresh French food, and an occasional dance party. Owner Gabriella Mann brings warmth and charm to the space, which started as a Fort Greene cafe 10 years ago. Whether it’s brunch in the backyard or drinks under the disco ball, BABA invites you to stay, connect, and keep it cool.
315 Meserole St | Williamsburg
Photo: Wandering Barman
Wandering Barman is creating hand-crafted cocktail bottles and liquor right in New York and practicing smart and sustainable business. All their cocktails are on tap and made in-house and you can even purchase a bottle of their elixirs at liquor stores around NYC. This business was cofounded by Roxane Mollichi, Julian Mohamed, and Darren Grenia and is perfect for any occasion.
80 Franklin St | Greenpoint
Photo:CECILY
This Brooklyn staple began serving the Greenpoint neighborhood during the pandemic and continues to thrive. Kristin Ma founded Cecily and curated an incredible wine list and beautifully crafted cocktails to go with their seasonal food menus.
Multiple Locations
Photo:TIPSY SCOOP
Melissa Tavs started Tipsy Scoop from her family traditions and is now franchising nationwide. Offering boozy ice cream-making classes and serving alcohol-infused ice cream that is scooped before your eyes, Tipsy Scoop promises a unique experience from the second you enter one of their stores in Manhattan or Brooklyn!
Retail Sores
119 Grand St | Williamsburg
Photo: Antoinette
Antoinette in Brooklyn is the perfect place to shop sustainable, vintage fashion. Owned by Lexi Oliveri and named after her mother, this shop offers new and second-hand apparel. Antoinette is the place to check out if you're into fashion and looking for pieces that will get people talking.
Online Only
Photo: Dawang
Daisy Wang, founded DAWANG in New York and is always on top of the trends with the clothes she designs. This is the best brand to shop for stylish, but comfortable sweatshirts. This shop is currently on the front of the new fashion frontier.
269 Elizabeth St | SoHo
Photo: Love Adorned
Love Adorned is a women-owned fine jewelry and lifestyle shop curated by Lori Leven, offering designer, vintage, and home pieces. With a focus on quality and aesthetics, their pieces make perfect gifts for someone special. Plus, enjoy 15% off during your birthday month when you sign up for their newsletter!
Beauty and Health
75 Varick St | SoHo
Photo: Chillhouse
Focusing on nails and body care, Chillhouse is the best place to purchase press-on nails from a small business in New York! Shop in person or online for some of the best quality press-on and skin care products by Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton.
Various Locations
Photo:QQ NAILS & SPA
QQ Nails & Spa has grown tremendously in New York, and we completely understand why! Every single service done at each location is done with quality and care. If you need a mani-pedi, we highly recommend QQ Nails & Spa.
27-01 41st Ave | LIC
Photo: FORM + FLOW
This Yoga Studio in Long Island City is the perfect place to unwind after a long week. Go on a journey within yourself, and practice mindfulness during a yoga class. Many instructors teach at different paces, so if you are a beginner or more advanced, Form + Flow has a class for you!
406 Broadway | Soho
Photo: The Ness
Are you interested in trying a different form of exercise? The Ness practices a dance-based form of exercise that focuses on movement. This is in the extraordinary form of working out done on mini trampolines. You can do a class in person or even online.
Experiences
115 Plymouth St | Dumbo
Photo: A.I.R. Gallery
A.I.R Gallery is a women-owned art gallery located in Dumbo with amazing exhibits to check out. This gallery works with hundreds of women artists annually and displays their work in their space. You will find some of the most unique art in this space with different backgrounds represented.
200 Hudson St | Tribeca
Photo: crickets candy creations
This is the perfect place to take your family for a multi-sensory experience in New York! At Crickets Candy Creations, you can make candy while tasting multiple sweet treats during your journey. If you cannot make it in person, you can get a candy kit delivered to the comfort of your home!
Looking for more ways to celebrate women? Check out our list of Women's History Month events.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Email us at [email protected].
Updated March 2025
