First off, let me say that while The Lair is a "comic book store" in that they sell comics, they…read moresell many other things as well - toys, caps, accessories, and - most importantly for me - Magic The Gathering cards. I don't really buy anything but Magic cards there (and peripherals), but the comic section is up to date and they offer a subscription service - so tell them what books to pull and they'll be there waiting for you when you come in to pick them up. The Lair has recently started bringing in celebrities (from the comic and sci-fi/fantasy world) for signing events and meet and greets - for a store in the Bronx, this is a big deal! Magic the Gathering is now a big part of what The Lair does - and if you're looking to play on a Friday night or over the weekend (Standard, Modern, Constructed, Draft, etc...) this is your spot in the Bronx. For marathon sessions - caffeine and sugar filled snacks are available for purchase (most at $1 each). The owner goes out of his way to do right by his customers - all sorts of perks, give-aways, etc... And the regular customers are a pack of really great guys (I saw someone bring a girlfriend once - so females do pop in, but don't expect too many of them to be there at any given time). I wish I could give that fifth star, but the accommodations are cramped. It's not anyone's fault - the store was not set up to be a gaming space... But - as you might imagine - some people who play Magic are larger dudes who need space to spread out. And yes - there's a bathroom on site to use - but I don't recommend it if you're claustrophobic (it makes the store iteself appear spacious). Again - these are really only issues if you plan to play games (literally) at The Lair and are going to be there for multiple hours on end. As a straight store for shopping for your comic, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming needs - top notch. Highly recommended!

Everything is dusty and the place smells with lots of body order . They need to renovate their…read morestore. It would be good for business.

I would sometimes randomly grab something for the apartment at this store but for the most part, it…read morewas just a store. Then I found myself being one of the fools who did not get enough baking pans on thanksgiving. I needed a certain set of baking pans of a certain size and I was short and had gotten a couple that were to big for the purpose I needed. Thanksgiving morning, I found what everyone who waits till christmas or thanksgiving finds: shops close. This shop was open and had lots and lots of pans at a great price. I took a walk around the store with new eyes and realized they have all sorts of things that I hope I never need. There were holiday items like christmas globes and lights that would make you have to get your granny an intervention as she purchased them for all of her friends.

This place is a gem in Astoria. I always find what I'm looking for whether it's a small household…read moreitem that needs to be replaced, a gift bag and they have a fabulous selection of balloons.

Ona is a Global Imported Goods Gift Shop with a great Small Town feel. Most of the items in the…read moreshop are imported or Handmade by Artists in the Region. When I saw the handmade Mobiles I just fell in love with the detail and quality, alas I remembered my children are no longer little babies! The same person makes these great drape tassels of the same style. Everything from coasters, cups, and Finger Puppets and many other items where all fun to see and hear about, Ona herself recalls and will tell you where it was sourced. What a nice place! (Small shop not accessible )

If you are tired of the insecure, plastic posh of Manhattan/Brooklyn, embrace yourself in the…read morewonderland of Ona. A true tastemaker and visionary merchant with the heart of a child and a fountain of knowledge and humor. Her curation touches my heart without the utterance of a word. You could see her passion and curiosity poured through the meticulous selection of handcrafted goods around the world. It's really a treat and I'm sure something in Ona's store will bring a smile to your face and bring forth warm memories of the more innocent past. (Images are found images on the internet, copyright not mine)

Biggie's is great! The owners are super lovely and run it themselves. Their dog, Biggie, is super…read morecute. Often there's people playing chess outside- it's pretty rad. Inside is a vintage lovers paradise, or more specifically, a vintage smokers dream. They specialize in refurbishing old lighters, ash trays, and smoking sets. Trust me, they're awesome. If you're not a smoker, they have old magazines, game sets, and old-style soda. If you'd like to become a smoker but are scared, they have candy cigarettes. Sick! Anyway, I like to pop by whenever I'm in the neighborhood. You should pop in, too.

This is a newly opened candy store / vintage museum / nostalgic gem of a store. They sell…read moreinteresting candy that I've never heard of, flavors of soda I wasn't aware existed, and even vintage items from my childhood like candy cigarettes. They also carry a lot of lovely antiques and you can see antique smoking memorabilia, old school board games, etc.

Such a cute shop featuring local goods/artists and Filipino vendors! (Among others)…read more The owner Lyn (also at the cleaners next door) is so friendly, energetic and helpful. Some products change or take time to replenish from the local vendor/artist, so if you see something you like, I suggest you purchase it when you see it! I bought earrings for myself and a really cute/funny birthday card as a gift for a close friend. There are occasionally some events hosted here so I highly suggest following the page on Instagram for updates. I would love to attend a soundbath or purchase Filipino-themed baked goods, for example!

Hell yea!! This…read moreplace is awesome. I'm Filipina so my answer is going to be heavily swayed in supporting this business. But really, it's great. I stopped by when they had a small market for Filipino History Month, they even had a bartender making Filipino designed drinks on the house. It was so cool and also wonderful to see the store supporting other crafters and community members who had booths at the storefront. The space has Filipino crafts and goods inside with some vintage clothes in the back. Artwork, jewelry, candles, cards, etc. Cute store and hope to see it continue to thrive!

I love this place, it brings me back to what a stationery store should be. Meaning a little bit of…read moreeverything and more. I find thing that make my desk and work place a little more fun. It's also a kick to hear the kids in the store having there creative side brought out , also the games and toys bring out the kid in me. I have found stuff in the store I thought were long gone never to be seen again. So if you need a pen a pencil and a pad of paper you will definitely find it here and more Bring a BIG BAG because you will definitely leave with more then you wanted. Oh oh oh ho ho ho do I have to say it Christmas stocking stuffers. Just try to find enough wrapping paper that's right they have that to. Go and enjoy some time in a store again you won't regret it. HAPPY SHOPPING!!

NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES! I took my daughter in here to pick out a toy as a reward. She chose a…read moresmall stuffed animal. We got home and she pointed out that the animal is coming apart at the seems and has a big hole. I went back to the store to exchange and was informed of the policy. I kinda get why mom & pop stores have these policies. However, if you want to keep customers and you sell a damaged product, exchange it and take the loss. You just made Amazon look like a much better option. UPDATE: Spoke with the store owner. There seems have been a misunderstanding as damaged products can be exchanged (they then return them to the manufacturer) . Should be remedied tomorrow. Will update to more stars once its all rectified.

I'm not sure how to categorize this store but it's like a Knick Knack store. They have books,…read moresouvenirs, key chains, chachkies, etc. There's plenty of NY themed stuff like a pigeon section. Books, stickers, plushies, etc. it's located on the street level and there's is a entrance via 50th st and an entrance in the lobby of the building as well.

I absolutely adore this chain and spend too much of my monthly paycheck here. They are a seller of…read moreboth Sonny Angels and Smiskis . They are so hard to find in the city. There are 3 locations. Definitely call ahead to see if they have that you are looking for!! Customer service is excellent. Selection is generally good for most items (some are limited). Definitely my favorite spot in NYC.

Adorable bookshop and ice cream shop. Pretty small but carries an abundance of books and trinkets…read more The staff were very nice and they also have a bathroom on site for customers. Can get kid heavy at times on weekends, especially when there's a kid story time event. It's rather peaceful when there's no kids, and I prefer the store like that

This is what i consider a hidden gem. Its small but not too small. They have a great selection of…read morebooks and its two floors. The bottom floor has a cute reading nook my children love to sit and read at. They also have an Ice cream counter. They get their ice cream from a creamery upstate. (I hope I remember that right) the workers are friendly and they have pretty good patience even when it's busy at the ice cream counter. I love the Italian rainbow cookie ice cream and the Oreo coffee one. And they ice cream floats are not soda from a can/bottle type. They have syrup and then they add the fizz. Def stop by and check this place out. It's lovely and don't be rude!