6. Aeon Books, 151 E Broadway

Aeon hidden bookstore
Photo Courtesy of Aeon Books

Aeon Books was founded with a mission to shed light upon works and authorial viewpoints that are often overshadowed or not given their due. One owner, Josiah, phrased it “reclaiming some element of New York City’s cultural landscape which has been covered by reckless development and cookie-cutter productions.” The store was born from the convergence of the ideas of two local booksellers who wanted to make a difference doing what they love. Aeon itself is tucked away down a flight of stairs near the Manhattan Bridge, but inside is a wide space, as well as a room in the back dedicated to events, talks, and readings in the same conceptual vein.