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Top picks in New York

Bathrooms and bookstores

Made for those who get lost in a good book for hours and need the peace of mind that a reliable restroom is always nearby.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Specializing in romance novels, the store offers a well-organized selection with LGBTQ+ and historical subgenres. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, decorated with themed merchandise like candles and pins that create a playful vibe. Small size and photo-friendly setups make it feel intimate and charming.

Restroom features stocked tampons and pads and walls covered in post-it notes with positive messages. The bathroom creates a memorable and thoughtful experience.

A curated bookstore focused on romance offers a great selection of titles. The shop feels quirky and cute, making it a dream spot for book lovers.

People are saying

"This romance bookstore has awesome displays and cute merchandise."

"It's got a great queer romance section with tons of variety."

"The bathroom is covered in Post-it notes from visitors."

Good to know

1

The bookstore hosts various events throughout the year.

2

The book signing event process is usually very smooth.

3

Expect a great selection of romance novels, including LGBTQ+ options.

02
The Twisted Spine image 1

Bookstore combines horror themes with dark academia vibe in a cozy setting featuring an indoor fireplace and patio. Quiet atmosphere suits remote work, with a café offering skull mugs and a bar serving treats and wine. Diverse horror and sci-fi selections complement a unique, spooky aesthetic throughout.

Spacious and clean, the bathroom keeps a spooky appeal that fits the theme well. The public restroom stays nice and well maintained.

Specializes in horror genre books with a wide selection. Combines a bookstore with a cafe featuring great drinks and a standout barista known for engaging conversations.

People are saying

"This reading spot has an amazing, well-curated horror selection."

"This bookstore has an amazing, huge selection of horror books."

"The bathroom was really clean and nice."

Good to know

1

A book signing event is scheduled for Monday, the 13th.

2

The Twisted Spine hosts several events each week, fostering a sense of community.

3

The horror books are organized by sub-genre for easy browsing.

03
Books of Wonder image 1
Book store

Bookstore filled with high-stacked bookcases and original art creates a cozy, charming atmosphere. Quiet music plays, inviting browsing and reading on ample seating. Focus on children's and rare books sets it apart from typical shops.

Two clean bathrooms are available inside the store. Both restrooms are well kept and easy to access while browsing.

A vibrant and alive space with a wide selection of books directly geared toward young readers. The bookstore offers a curated collection that makes it feel special for kids.

People are saying

"This place is so kid friendly, young readers will find something great."

"The bookstore staff are so helpful and give great recommendations."

"The bathrooms here are nice and clean."

Good to know

1

The bookstore hosts many author events throughout the year.

2

Story time events are available for young children.

3

The bookstore has a great selection of signed books.

04
The Drama Book Shop image 1

Ceiling displays of suspended books create a magical, imaginative atmosphere. Warm, cozy vibe blends bookstore, café, and library elements with comfortable seating. The space draws those interested in drama and theater with its theatrical artefacts and extensive script collection.

Bathrooms stay very clean and well maintained throughout visits.

A theater-focused bookstore with a unique and niche collection dedicated to all things drama. It offers a great atmosphere and serves as a one-of-a-kind resource for theater lovers.

People are saying

"This bookstore has a warm, creative atmosphere and a unique design."

"It's such a cozy and beautiful space."

"The bathrooms here are very clean."

Good to know

1

The bookstore hosts in-store scene readings on weekends.

2

Visitors may see authors signing books during special events.

3

You need to present your vaccine card to enter the bookstore.

05
Strand Book Store image 1

Tall shelves packed with books create a dense, literary maze across three floors. Dim lighting and a musty scent set a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere that feels like a time capsule of printed words. The space draws avid readers who appreciate rare finds and a vibrant, book-filled environment.

Public bathrooms sit on the second floor and do not require a purchase to use. They offer cleanliness and accessibility uncommon for the area.

Massive selection of books fills every corner, making it a book lover's paradise. Shelves stretch high with diverse genres and rare finds, creating a truly immersive browsing experience.

People are saying

"This bookstore has an insane selection of new, used, and rare books."

"I found rare and antique books, plus unique gifts and stationery."

"The bathrooms here are surprisingly clean and accessible."

Good to know

1

The Strand hosts regular author readings, book signings, and literary discussions.

2

Look out for frequent events at the bookstore, including author signings.

3

The Rare Book Room hosts special author events.

06
McNally Jackson Books Seaport image 1

Bookstore combines historic architecture with modern design, featuring hardwood floors, leather couches, and exposed beams. Atmosphere stays cozy and tranquil, ideal for reading, working, or relaxing with coffee from an on-site café. Several comfortable seating areas and a curated book selection create a welcoming space amid a busy urban setting.

Bathrooms stay clean and include an accessible option. Staff greet visitors with a smile.

Cozy atmosphere with an ample selection of books organized by a great system for finding books by categories. A small coffee shop sits below, offering quick drinks and bites alongside the bookstore.

People are saying

"This reading spot is so quiet, cute, and cozy."

"I found a great range of books and authors here."

"The bathrooms here are clean and accessible."

Good to know

1

The bookstore often holds book signings for authors to talk about their books.

2

The bookstore, cafe, and winebar hosts events for upcoming book launches and author introductions.

3

The cafe does not have wifi, so you usually have to use a hotspot if you want to do work.

07
Barnes & Noble image 1
Book store

Six floors of books, toys, and games create a spacious, organized environment with a cozy café on the top level. The atmosphere feels elegant and nostalgic, welcoming readers of all ages, especially families with children. The store combines a vast collection with areas for relaxation and work, making it more than just a bookstore.

Well maintained restrooms are available without any access codes or buzzers. Public toilets sit alongside a cafe with tables, offering a spot to relax and browse books.

Three stories hold a good selection of books in a clean, spacious setting. This bookstore stands out as a die-hard favorite for many who appreciate a quality browsing experience.

People are saying

"This bookstore has four floors and a huge selection of books."

"It's incredibly kid friendly with the largest children's section I've seen."

"The bathroom attendant here is so helpful and keeps it clean."

Good to know

1

All tickets for events sell out quickly, often in under two minutes.

2

Visitors should arrive early to secure good seating for events.

3

The bookstore has a large collection of books spread over four floors.

08
Kinokuniya New York image 1

Three floors showcase Japanese books, manga, and anime merchandise in a large, well-organized space. Crowds create a busy, overstimulating atmosphere, but cozy reading corners and a small cafe offer places to rest. The store blends Japanese culture and collectibles with a clean, inviting environment.

Restrooms sit on the ground floor, making them easy to access during long visits. Toilets are near the snack bar, adding to the convenience.

Three floors hold a carefully curated selection of books, manga, and unique gifts focused on anime and Japanese culture. It serves as a cultural crossroads where literature, art, and storytelling converge.

People are saying

"I found the store to be really cool with lots of anime and manga merchandise."

"This bookstore has an insane selection of manga."

"I found the bathroom on the first floor very convenient."

Good to know

1

The store hosts events and book signings throughout the year.

2

You need to dispose of all food and drink before entering the bookstore.

3

There are absolutely no refunds, only store credit.

09
Chelsea Market image 1

Large covered market inside a restored industrial factory blends historic architecture with modern culinary culture. Vibrant atmosphere fills the space with diverse shops and food stalls, attracting many visitors. Outdoor heated booths offer comfortable spots to eat despite the busy, sometimes warm environment.

B1 toilets stay clean, comfortable, and spacious. An employee restroom is accessible through Big Tings.

A bookstore full of particular objects sits near the end of the market. It offers a wide variety of unique items alongside books, making browsing enjoyable.

People are saying

"This market has endless food options and great shopping."

"The bathrooms here are really nice and clean."

"I loved the bookstore because it was full of particular objects."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half price on oysters and beers/wine.

2

Chelsea Market hosts various events, including cooking classes and pop-up shops.

3

Expect a 20-minute queue outside every restaurant during peak hours.

10
Book Club Bar image 1
Book store

Hybrid space combining bookstore, café, and bar with literary-themed cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. Music volume varies, sometimes making reading difficult, while outdoor seating offers a pleasant garden area. Seating is limited and often fills quickly, creating an intimate setting for socializing or quiet moments.

Bathrooms feature book pages wallpaper that creates a unique, themed look. They stay clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall atmosphere.

A bookstore/bar fusion creates a cozy and charming vibe with a full-service bar and coffee shop. The book selection is excellent, and the ambiance feels smart and inviting.

People are saying

"It's a cozy reading spot with a charming atmosphere."

"It's a cozy bookstore with a bar and cafe."

"I loved how the bathrooms were beautifully decorated and on theme."

Good to know

1

Tables fill up fast, so arrive early for a good seat.

2

The venue gets crowded quickly, especially later in the day.

3

No laptops are allowed after 7 PM, so plan accordingly.

11
New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building image 1

Historic library building showcases stunning architecture with a breathtaking ceiling and beautiful murals. Quiet reading rooms with laptop sockets offer a calm space for study and reflection. Free admission invites visitors to explore rich collections and enjoy a small cafe and gift shop.

Entrance is free with public restrooms available. Toilets stay clean and lifts reach all floors.

A cute bookstore sits on the ground floor with a nice gift shop nearby. The space feels magnificent and pairs well with the nearby park.

People are saying

"The Public Library's architecture is monumental and breathtaking."

"The architecture inside and out was incredibly intricate."

"The architecture of this bookstore is stunning and beautiful."

Good to know

1

Entry to the library is free for all visitors.

2

Guided tours of the Rose Main Reading Room are available multiple times a day.

3

A free tour starts at 11am and 2pm, lasting one hour.

12
Japan Village image 1
Hypermarket

Outdoor courtyard features Japanese-themed artwork and paper lanterns, creating an authentic village marketplace vibe. Indoor spaces include a small supermarket, sake bar, and diverse shops with arcade games and collectibles upstairs. Atmosphere blends warmth and coolness with open seating and detailed design, attracting those interested in Japanese culture and cuisine.

Bathrooms stay clean and plentiful across indoor and outdoor areas. Toilets on the 3rd floor have paper available and there is a spot for refillable filtered water.

Second floor hosts a bookstore with manga and toys. BookOff offers a wide range of used manga, novels, and anime-related products. The comic book store appeals strongly to anime fans.

People are saying

"I loved this grocery store for its unique Japanese items and food."

"The bathrooms here are clean and plentiful."

"You'll find a great bookstore with anime and vintage video games."

Good to know

1

The food hall opens at 12 PM daily.

2

An exhibition and sale of foods from Japan runs from February 23rd to 26th.

3

Free sake tasting is available on Saturdays.

13
Dekalb Market Hall image 1

Market hall in a basement offers a maze-like layout with decentralized seating spread across cozy corners. Atmosphere is noisy and crowded, buzzing with life and loud music around 80 decibels. Variety of food stalls and vintage clothing add to the vibrant, eclectic vibe.

Bathrooms stay consistently clean and well stocked. Restrooms offer spacious layouts and maintain good upkeep.

Upstairs in the mall, a beautiful bookstore offers a calm spot to browse. It sits alongside shops like Target and Trader Joe's, making it easy to combine shopping with book hunting.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of food options here."

"I loved the cool bookstore here."

"The bathrooms here are always clean and stocked."

Good to know

1

During the Soul Summit dance event, you can eat, drink, and dance until midnight.

2

The Friday night market hosts vendors and has a DJ.

3

Free salsa dancing lessons are offered during the Soul Summit event.

14
SPYSCAPE image 1
Event venue

Sleek, high-tech design sets a spy-themed atmosphere filled with interactive games and cutting-edge technology. The space feels chaotic and loud at times, especially with children, but offers an engaging, full-body experience that blends exhibits with active participation.

Hallway to the bathroom features a heat tech monitor that tracks movement, adding a fun touch. Bathrooms stay very clean and the hall itself has a cool vibe.

An awesome bookstore with a wide selection of interesting tools and many good books to choose from. The gift shop adds fun and unique items alongside the books.

People are saying

"It's a ton of fun and interactive for everyone."

"I loved the spy games and interactive puzzles here."

"The bathrooms here were very, very clean."

Good to know

1

The spy games activity lasts for 50 minutes and involves going room to room to compete on different challenges.

2

Kids need to be around 8 years old to enjoy and understand most of the activities.

3

It is recommended to purchase tickets online beforehand because the activity is popular and may be sold out if you try to buy in person.

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