The Ridgewood Edit
While I am a native New Yorker, I must confess that I did not always live in the Ridgewood area. I was actually raised in Brooklyn. However, I’ve been noticing that the Ridgewood/Bushwick I grew up around no longer exists in the same way. The neighborhood that once held block parties and salsa music blasting next to open fire hydrants now shares space with specialty coffee shops and curated nightlife.
And while I’ve grown to genuinely love many of these new places, I can’t ignore the shift. There’s a part of me that misses what it used to feel like… loud, warm, familiar, a little chaotic in the best way. The smell of sofrito in the air. Folding tables on the sidewalk. Music that carried down the block.
As a proud Latina, those memories aren’t just “aesthetic.” They’re part of who I am. They shaped how I see community, celebration, and even home.
But New York has always been a city in motion. People move in. People move out. Neighborhoods evolve. And while some changes are bittersweet, I don’t believe loving what Ridgewood is today means erasing what it once was.
So yes, there’s a bit of contradiction in this post as I share my favorite spots in Ridgewood, Queens. I’m both nostalgic and participating. I honor what was, and I enjoy what is. That’s New York. And that’s me.
And maybe that’s what makes Ridgewood special to me now. It holds layers. Old stories. New energy. Long-time families. First-year leases.
If you’re new here, welcome. Truly. This city has always belonged to dreamers, hustlers, creatives, and families just trying to build something better. That’s the heartbeat of New York and Ridgewood is no exception!
So when I share my perfect day here, know that it comes from love. Love for what raised me. Love for what exists now. Love for the fact that this neighborhood, like me, is still evolving.
Here’s how I’d spend a day in Ridgewood!
Your day obviously first needs to start with coffee… my all time favorite coffee shop in Ridgewood is Honey Moon Coffee Shop! I always get an Iced Latte and just add a little simple syrup and you are good to go! Honey Moon Coffee Shop is a super cozy, chill vibe, perfect for people watching coffee shop! This is actually one of the places that you can actually get some work done if you need to … write a blog post as I am doing now lol.
I love that this spot doesn’t feel like super uptight yet the aesthetic is very New York indie café energy, but it’s still comfortable and unpretentious.
Pro tip: Sit outside if the weather’s nice. It’s perfect for people-watching and lingering over that second cup.
Some honorable mentions:
Cholita Cafe - This coffee shop is the perfect mix of authentic, true-to-your-roots energy with a super neutral, modern aesthetic. The space is clean (every minimalist’s dream) which might be because it doubles as a gallery space. It feels curated without trying too hard. And yes, come for the vibe, but stay for the coffee. It’s truly so good.
Milk & Pull - One of the first coffee shops I ever went to when I moved to Ridgewood… so yes, I absolutely have a soft spot for it. Milk & Pull is a cozy neighborhood staple with great coffee and even better sit-and-stay energy. It’s one of those spots where you can meet a friend, answer a few emails, or just sit there pretending you’re about to be productive. Simple, solid, and always reliable.
Next, I hope you will start to feel hungry! But not yet full sit down meal vibes. More like grab a sandwich on the way to your next destination lol…
For this I love Normas Corner Shoppe… This place went viral a few years ago for their massive - yet delicious biscuit sandwiches! Which is exactly what I recommend getting here!
If you are feeling hungry however and would prefer to have a sit down meal. I would highly recommend Nomad Cafe! They are affordable and the cafe is super chill.
Another honorable mention would be Julia’s. I have been to Julia’s a few times and honestly feel like it is always a great vibe! They do fill up fast so there is a bit of a wait but the food is totally worth it!
One of my favorite things to do in the Ridgewood area is shop. Specifically vintage/ thrift stores and local trinket shops. Please ensure to check out these amazing places below:
Thrift Stores:
Le Point Value - Specifically the one on Linden Street! This one has amazing finds at really affordable prices. It’s actually one of my best kept secrets. I have scored plenty of amazing great finds here… the only negative it that it does take a lot of digging - but totally worth it!
Other People’s Clothes - This is one of the best thirft shops I have been in! They are a little on the pricey side but they for sure have some of the best finds!
Fade to Black Vintage - This shop is definitely a little bit more curated. They have really amazing vintage finds! Amazing band tees for sure. Some pieces date back to the 40’s! I am not someone who wears too much vintage clothing… but for sure worth checking out!
Shops:
Saint Seneca - They are an overall home and lifestyle store. I love to come in here because it inspires me to really elevate my Ridgewood apartment. They have a ton of things, from accessories to cheeseboards and candles. The staff here are always such a pleasure and I cannot go in and not leave with something!
Stay Forever - Has the cutest most random items! They are like an Etsy store IRL. Offering curated NYC related pieces like the classic paper cup in a ceramic version to funny greeting cards. I honestly can spend so much time in here just looking through all of the random things!
Pierogi Boys - This is the newest shop that I have on my list. This place is a market/ restaurant / bar! I recommend coming here to check out their amazing selection of cheeses and of course their pierogi’s! I recommend stopping here to check them out!
These photos do not do them justice! I was really distracted when I came here for the first time!
A day in Ridgewood is not complete without a visit to some book stores! Topos is my favorite option for this, the good thing? They have two locations. Their Woodward location has affordable and pre loved options as well as an awesome cafe. Their Myrtle Avenue location has brand new books and offers a full bar. Since I am sober I cannot speak to much on their bar but Topos always has events happening and they surely bring a sort of community to the neighborhood that is totally appreciated.
Finally, to end your day, you need a solid dinner option. My ultimate favorite place to grab dinner in Ridgewood is … Ltauha!
It’s one of those low-key spots that doesn’t scream for attention, but the food? Really amazing. I promise. They rotate their menu pretty often, which can be a good or bad thing depending on how attached you get to a dish, but it always gives me something new to obsess over. Luckily, they’ve kept most of my longtime favorites… for the most part.
It’s the kind of place you go when you want to sit down, order a glass of wine, and actually stay awhile. It feels elevated without being intimidating, perfect for a date night, a birthday, or even just a random Tuesday that deserves a little more intention.
Honorable mention:
Rolos- Yes, the viral one. I haven’t done a full dinner here yet, but it’s absolutely on my list. Stay tuned! I will be trying it soon and giving you my official thoughts.
Thanks for checking out some of my Ridgewood favorites. This list is only the beginning! There are so many more places I can’t wait to highlight soon. A few of these spots will definitely be getting their own posts, and don’t forget to check out my quick TikTok where I reference them too.
Check out my short TikTok Video:
Until the next edit.
xoxo
