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Though New York is often dubbed as the “city that never sleeps”, only a handful of shops can truly pride themselves as a 24 hour destination — that is, a business that stays open for a consecutive 24 hours during the week. While there are countless eateries, food stands, and diners that always keep their lights on (like our favorites Wo Hop and Halal Guys), here are a few others you might want to explore on your next late-night odyssey.
Museum on Cortlandt Alley — While the Museum does close it’s freight elevator doors every night like its much larger NYC museum counterparts, a conveniently located window allows passerbys to gaze at the art collection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check out a post from the last time we visited.
Staten Island Ferry — There aren’t many places in the world where you can go on a 40 minute boat ride at any hour for free. Take advantage of the NYC skyline at night by riding the Staten Island Ferry roundtrip.
The Music Building, Midtown — Built in 1979, this 24/7 music rehearsal building right near Times Square has hosted some of the most successful artists of our generation, including Madonna, Billy Idol, Interpol, and Joey Ramone. If you rent a space or have the opportunity to tour this private building, you’ll be immediately confronted with the same graffitied stairwells and gritty hallways that have graced the Music Building since its inception.
Space Billiards, Midtown — Through an unassuming door in the heart of Koreatown and up a very rickety 12-story elevator ride, you’ll stumble right into Space Billiards, a 24 hour billiard hall known for its high quality tables and very low prices. The place can get packed at peak hours, but don’t be surprised if you’re the only one playing when 5am rolls around.
Whitestone Lanes, Flushing Queens — If you find yourself in Flushing, Queens at an odd hour with the urge to bowl, then we suggest Whitestone Lanes as your calling. And for only $12 a month, you can become a VIP member and receive perks like $5 games, free shoes, and 15% off the snack bar and pro shop!
Nuthouse Hardware, Midtown East — We’ve all been there: it’s 4am and you forgot to pick up the special energy efficient light bulbs your roommate asked for that no late-night deli seems to have. What do you do? The answer is to head over to the family owned Nuthouse Hardware in Murray Hill, which carries all of your home improvement and repair goods.
Best Buy, Union Square (weekdays only) — While it might not be open on weekends (we wouldn’t want groups of inebriated shoppers tossing around the digital cameras), the Best Buy located at Union Square is your go-to for any late night tech purchases to help motivate you for the work days ahead.
Mr. Locks, Tribeca — You locked yourself out of your apartment in the middle of the night again? No sweat. Mr. Locks works around the clock to fulfill your locksmith needs so you don’t end up trying to do it yourself (and getting arrested in the process for suspected burglary or grand theft auto).
The After Hour Flowers, East Village — Looking to impress your date with a midnight bouquet? The After Hour Flowers store has you covered as they deliver floral arrangements any time of day in any borough — how’s that for romantic?
Juvenex Spa, Midtown — After a stressful day at work that ran well into the night, you’re probably in need of some rest and relaxation. At Juvenex Spa in Koreatown, you can do just that with their spa and massage packages for any hour you walk in.
Hair Party 24 hours, Midtown — Late night broken nail and split ends getting you down? Not to worry as Hair Party 24 hours in Koreatown lives up to their name by providing you hair and spa services well before any of your friends will be awake to notice.
Zuccotti Park, Financial District — Best known for its role in the Occupy Wall Street movement, this privately owned, but publicly accessible park was built under the condition that it stay open 24 hours to serve the financial district community. This private control allowed the Occupy movement to remain in the park as long as the owners approved, which is the only reason the NYC police department didn’t remove the gathering sooner.
Empire Biscuit, Alphabet City — In its short time around these parts, Empire Biscuit has piqued our interest before in our coverage of stores that sell only one thing. Where else could you order a “Snuggah Boo” from a “Made for Each Other Menu?”
Olio Pizza e Piu, West Village — Never before has your love for authentic Neapolitan pizza meshed so wonderfully with your love for the West Village. Don’t just settle for anything, as this eatery claims to have “the true richness and character of pizzas, antipasti and pasta, conjuring the smells and tastes that fill the streets of southern Italy.”
Know any more we should check out? Write to us on twitter and use the hashtag #untappedcities. Get in touch with the author @uptownvoice.
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