9 Nostalgic Photo Booths in NYC to Strike a Pose

by Ilyssa SmithJuly 29, 2023

Keep this list of the best photo booths in New York and Brooklyn where you can strike a pose with the kids, the old-fashioned way

There’s just something about an old-fashioned photo booth. Despite it feeling a little archaic in the age of the cell phone, it’s hard to pass on the opportunity to step behind the velvet curtain to snap a few fun-filled photos. Nowadays, believe it or not, there are still some traditional photo booths in New York—and a select few still use film. (What?!) For an alternative to the formal family portrait, cram into one of these little photo booth “studios” and let the magic happen! Want more nostalgic fun around New York? Head to NYC’s family-friendly arcades! Or for some old-school New York fun, try these “vanishing New York” spots!

Where to Find Classic Photo Booths in NYC

1. The Ace Hotel

The Ace Hotel is an NYC gem any time of the day. Grab a meal, a quick coffee (they serve Stumptown afterall), or enjoy its free lobby WIFI to get some work done, all while your kids enjoy the legendary photo booth. Located in the Flatiron District, this spot is also fun to go grab drinks and dinner without the kids as well!

850 Broadway
Flatiron District
Online: acehotel.com

2. DeKalb Market Hall at City Point

There are many reasons to visit the downtown Brooklyn mall of City Point (the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater, Trader Joe’s, McNally Jackson bookstore, etc.). Yet another is DeKalb Market Hall, a food hall featuring vendors selling bites and beverages of all kinds. There is also a photo booth here, found right at the foot of the escalators. It’s $5 for a strip, and you can share to your social accounts right from the booth if you want.

445 Albee Square W.
Fulton Mall
Downtown Brooklyn
Online: citypointbrooklyn.com

3. Kiehl’s

The folks at Kiehl’s want you to capture how radiant their products make your skin look right in store. Head to the brand’s Meatpacking District location to capture your picture-perfect complexions.

400 W. 14th St.
Meatpacking District
Online: kiehls.com

4. UNIQLO Fifth Ave.

Shopping and taking pictures sounds like a match made in heaven, especially when you have the kids with you. (It’s a good way to keep them from getting bored.) We guess that’s what UNIQLO had in mind when it installed a photo booth inside its massive 89,000-square-foot flagship store on Fifth Ave. Take note!: It’s free for a strip of four pictures. (You will no doubt “pay” for the snaps with the purchase of some of the brand’s duds.) Also good to know: there’s a Starbucks inside the store and cell phone charging stations, so you could stay a while…

666 5th Ave.
Midtown
Online: uniqlo.com

5. 7B Horseshoe Bar

This spot goes by three names: “The Horseshoe Bar”, “Vazac’s”, and “7B”. On the outside it looks like a classic Lower East Side dive bar, because, well, it is. But it’s got more than that going for it on the inside. With a bar that’s actually shaped like a horseshoe, major LES cred and grittiness, this place has also made cameos in major films like the The Godfather II, Crocodile Dundee, and The Verdict. Its latest star turn? In the incredible, dimension-bending Netflix series, Russian Doll.

108 Avenue B (at E 7th St.)
Lower East Side
Online: facebook.com/7bHorseshoeBarAkaVazacs

6. The Smith

Getting your kids ready to enjoy brunch at The Smith is as easy as “1, 2, cheese!” the restaurant’s Midtown, East Village, Lincoln Square, and NoMad locations all have photo booths for you to enjoy, with some located in the basement by the restrooms, and some, like in NoMad, actually in the restroom.

Various Locations
Online: thesmithrestaurant.com

7. Joe & The Juice

Is your face photo-ready thanks to kale and beet smoothies? If so, stop by Joe & The Juice to grab some healthy grub and snap a few photos in its photo booth (near the back of the shop). This is one of the more spacious juice/café spots in NYC, so feel free to bring the kids and stay a while.

67 Spring St. (btwn Crosby & Lafayette St.)
Soho
Online: joejuice.com

8. M&M World New York Store

The M&M store is the ideal spot for kids to explore the magical world of chocolate and document it all with a photo booth keepsake. The three floors of M&M themed candy and gifts is sure to keep both adults and children occupied, but after you’ve got your chocolate fix be sure to head to the photo booth on the 2nd floor and take home some snaps to remember the outing!

1600 Broadway
Times Square
Online: mmsworld.com

9. Bubby’s Tribeca

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and pies! Oh my! More than two decades ago Bubby’s started off by baking pies, and now it’s a full-fledged restaurant with a couple of locations around the city. (Note: they serve some of the best pancakes in the city.) But head to the one on Hudson Street for a little bit of top model action to take some pics.

120 Hudson St.
Tribeca
Online: bubbys.com

The First-Ever Butterbeer Bar Opens June 3 & It Sounds Absolutely Magical

by Sarah ShebekMay 13, 2021

Say it with us: Butterbeer Bar. If your travel plans include New York this summer, you’re in luck, because the first official Butterbeer Bar is scheduled to open soon at the flagship Harry Potter Store.

Just as it sounds, this bar features only one product in all its glory, butterbeer. You can drink it on draft, in bottles, or even enjoy it in ice cream form. Your frothy, butterscotch beverage comes poured in a souvenir tankard or in a bottle with an exclusive collectible label. The bottle is only available in-store and the label is designed by MinaLima, the duo behind the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series.

There’s much more to love about your trip to the Butterbeer Bar. Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a giant cascade of glowing Butterbeer bottles. As you walk to the bar, the bottles will appear to ‘float’ as Butterbeer transports magically through copper pipes. And the bar is part of Harry Potter New York, the world’s only official Harry Potter flagship store.

The store and bar open on June 3 and are sure to be must-stops for the wizards and Muggles in your life. You’ll find exclusive products, interactive elements and an eye-catching design from top to bottom—three floors, to be exact. At over 21,000 square feet, the store will hold the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast products anywhere. Start plotting your trip now, because what’s life without a little magic!

—Sarah Shebek

All photos: Courtesy of Harry Potter Flagship Store New York

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Harry Potter New York Flagship Store Will Finally Open This Summer

by Erica LoopApril 24, 2021

The Wizarding World is coming to the Big Apple! The Harry Potter New York flagship store is opening Jun. 3—and this is a must-visit destination for Wizards and muggles alike.

The 21,000 square foot store will feature 15 different themed areas, all based on one magical aspect of the Wizarding World. With three floors of magical merch and interactive experiences, this new retail adventure houses an impressively awesome collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts-themed products.

To enter the store you’ll need to pass under an oversized 220-pound model of Fawkes the Phoenix. Along with this super-structure, you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy pic opportunities.

If your fam is into all things tech, download the Harry Potter Fan Club app to find interactive store adventures throughout the flagship retailer.

The new store also features two multiplayer virtual reality experiences, giving your kiddos the chance to interact with the Wizarding World in an imaginative way. The “Chaos at Hogwarts” and “Wizards Take Flight” VR adventures include magical creatures, broom-filled battles and so much more.

Along with the interactive experiences, you can also shop, shop and shop some more at this Potter-themed store. Not only can you pick up plenty of Potter products, you can also gift the Wizarding World fan with the ultimate present from the Personalization Area.

Sarah Roots, EVP Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours and Retail, said in a press release, “The level of artistic detail and quality of the design inspired by the movies means Harry Potter New York will bring a completely new shopping experience to the city. With over 1,000 Wizarding World props on display (including some authentic items which featured in the movies), the incredible theming, along with experiences such as photo opportunities and the fantastic range of products, there will be something special for every fan.”

The Harry Potter New York flagship store opens Jun. 3 next to the historic Flatiron building at 935 Broadway.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Harry Potter New York

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Warner Bros. Is Opening a Flagship “Harry Potter” Store in NYC

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 14, 2020

Get your floo powder ready for a trip to New York where Warner Bros. is opening a massive flagship Harry Potter store.

Warner Bros. has just announced that it will be opening the first official Harry Potter flagship store this summer in New York City. The store will be the very first of its kind and will feature the largest collection of Harry Potter merchandise anywhere.

The sprawling store will take up three floors and 20,000 square feet in the famous Flatiron at 935 Broadway. Fans will find everything from personalized robes to an exclusive line of wands.

“This will be the largest dedicated Harry Potter store in the world and will become a must-visit fan destination where Harry Potter enthusiasts can engage with interactive experiences and numerous photo opportunities as they step into the magic,” said Sarah Roots, SVP Worldwide Tours and Retail, Warner Bros in a press statement.

More details will be revealed as the store gets closer to its opening in Summer 2020.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Warner. Bros via PR Newswire

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The Isaac Mizrahi Loves Sesame Street Collab Is Here!

by Erica LoopNovember 11, 2019

In honor of the iconic children’s show 50th anniversary, Sesame Workshop recently announced a collab with designer Isaac Mizrahi—and the fab fashions are all for the kiddos!

The Isaac Mizrahi Loves Sesame Street collection features infant and toddler apparel, backpacks, outerwear, cold weather hats and plush toys. Look for fave characters such as Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and other beloved Sesame Street friends.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isaac Mizrahi (@isaacmizrahiny)

Gabriela Arenas, Vice President of Licensing, North America, Sesame Workshop, said in a press release, “For our 50th anniversary, we knew we wanted to collaborate with a world-class designer whose work would reflect the exuberance and vitality of Sesame Street.” Arenas continued, “Isaac was the perfect choice. His instincts are spot-on, and we’re excited about the smart, happy and colorful collection that he will introduce.”

The epic designer, Isaac Mizrahi, also added, “Sesame Street is all about embracing your individuality and appreciating diversity in all its forms. Sesame Street is joy, and I’ve been so inspired by the characters and the messaging, and they’ve impacted my life and designs for this collection.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isaac Mizrahi (@isaacmizrahiny)

The cute collab is available right now at Bloomingdale’s (online and in stores), Statebags.com, Macy’s and Zappos.com. Along with carrying the collection, Bloomingdale’s will host special launch events on Nov. 16 at the NYC 59th Street Flagship store as well as stores in Aventura, Florida and Century City, California.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Sesame Workshop/Isaac Mizrahi

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American Girl Adds Doll Hospitals, a ’70s Experience & Salon Services to NYC & Chicago Stores

by Erica LoopOctober 17, 2019

American Girl recently announced the addition of new in-store experiences at its New York City and Chicago flagship locations. These include full-service doll hospitals, an immersive space in the NYC location that brings the classic character from the ’70s, Julie, to life and a Chicago salon for dolls and their real-life owners.

So what can you expect from American Girl’s new spaces? To start with, the doll hospitals will offer everything from wellness exams to specialist repair appointments. Kiddos can also get a complimentary Certificate of Good Health after their dolls’ check-ups.

NYC store visitors can also visit a fan fave (and the 1970s) in Julie’s Groovy World. The interactive space, which is based on the doll Julie Albright, features a ’70s-style living area, play Pop-A-Shot basketball and take selfies with a classic VW Beetle.

Chicago American Girl doll owners and enthusiasts can visit the store’s newly renovated salon. Available services include hairstyling, ear piercing and manicures—for girls and dolls! These services are already available in the existing NYC salon location.

Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl, said in a press release, “For more than twenty years, since we opened our first American Girl flagship store, we’ve been creating engaging, interactive retail experiences for kids and their families.” Cygielman added, “These experiences are a key part of what connects American Girl doll owners with the brand, and the new doll hospitals, salon and Julie’s Groovy World take that to the next level.”

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of American Girl

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Run, Donut Walk, to This Krispy Kreme Grand Opening

by Erica LoopJune 12, 2019

The Big Apple is about to get sweeter! Krispy Kreme is opening its flagship store in Times Square in 2020, and we’ve got all the ooey gooey details.

The 4,500-square-foot space will include a glaze waterfall, stadium style seating in the world’s largest Krispy Kreme box and, of course, plenty of the brand’s sweet, sweet doughnuts.

photo: Courtesy of Business Wire

Michael Tattersfield, CEO and President of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation, said in a press statement, “Our direction is to be the most loved sweet treat brand in the world. In the most iconic city in the world, the Krispy Kreme Times Square Flagship will showcase our brand on the global stage and inspire customer wonder. We love making awesome doughnuts—and New Yorkers deserve hot and fresh doughnuts!”

Along with the glaze waterfall and mega doughnut box seating area the flagship store will have the globe’s largest Hot Light outside—signaling when the hot, fresh doughnuts are ready. Krispy Kreme Doughnut enthusiasts can get their glaze fix inside the store at the grab-and-go counter (which features pre-packed doughnuts) or try the walk-up window outside!

—Erica Loop

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This New Rent the Runway Location Is a Working Mom’s Dream Come True

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 9, 2019

Working moms understand the value of multitasking better than anyone and are bound to be excited about the latest Rent the Runway location opening in San Francisco.

Part dream closet, part co-working space and part coffee shop, the newest addition to the Rent the Runway family gives women a space where they can literally get it all done. The new location is the largest space yet and goes beyond the clothing retail space to include stylists, a beauty bar, a coffee cart, a desk space for co-working and even space for networking and evening events.

Hey SF – our new flagship store at 228 Grant Avenue between Post and Sutter is officially open today!

Drop by for a visit to find double the inventory, a fully-equipped beauty bar, a bright coworking space, unlimited coffee from @BluestoneLane and so much more. See you there! pic.twitter.com/AAMo1takk8

— Rent the Runway (@RenttheRunway) May 8, 2019

The only downside to this amazing spot is that you’ll never want to leave. “Think of it like your gym or your Starbucks; it’s part of what you do on a daily basis,” Rent the Runway chief operating officer Maureen Sullivan told TechCrunch.

photo: Courtesy of Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway was previously an online-only retailer, but in the past year it has opened five brick-and-mortar locations, including this space which will be it’s largest. The other stores are located in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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See How They Stack Up: 8 Spots for Building Block Play

by alina adamsFebruary 9, 2015

Once upon a time, playing with blocks was considered mere child’s play. Now it has officially been deemed vital to the successful construction of children’s cognitive, spatial and mathematical skills. Drop by one of the many play-spaces in NYC that boasts a bevy of building blocks. Here’s the exclusive scoop on eight spots that feature all kinds of build ’em up and knock ’em down fun.

Image via Children's Museum of the Arts

Big Blocks for Little Hands

In theChildren’s Museum of the Arts' WEE Arts Studio dedicated to children ages 1-5, even diaper-wearing artists can explore a variety of stations and materials, including flubber, play dough, dot markers, collage, painting, and, best of all, an ample building-block corner. Semester-long workshops are available, as are individual drop-in sessions.

Children’s Museum of the Arts
Tickets: $11/Ages 1-65
103 Charlton St.
West Village
212-274-0986
Online: cmany.org

Still looking for more building block fun? You may already know (because you read it here, first) about Imagination Playground, the Creative Dream Playhouse, and, of course, not only the LEGO flagship store, but also its outposts at Toys ‘R’ Us and FAO Shawarz. If not, click through to read all about them!

Where does your kid like to build towers in the city?

–Alina Adams

Just Opened: The LEGO Store Flatiron District

by Mimi O'ConnorOctober 8, 2014

Got a little LEGO maniac in the house? Good news! The Danish company recently unveiled its newest flagship store, and it’s smack dab in the middle of Manhattan’s Flatiron district. (That’s right — you won’t have to head to tourist magnet Rock Center anymore to get your mega LEGO on.) The shop’s grand opening is this weekend — see what LEGO has planned and take a look inside!

The Brick Basics

Located at 200 5th Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets, the LEGO Store Flatiron District is a whopping 3,500 square feet. (The store’s impressive footprint is what earns it the label of “flagship”; LEGO’s other properties dubbed as such can be found in Minnesota’s Mall of America and at Disney’s Florida and California parks.)

The Flatiron store reflects its home in both the macro and micro sense. The front windows along 23rd St. feature multiple New York scenes rendered in oversized LEGO murals. Inside, LEGO sculptures depicting the evolution of the Flatiron District itself — from farmland to circus site to current day business and residential area — preside over the colorful sales floor. (Fast fact to impress your kids/friends: many of the more elaborate LEGO creations were designed and built by LEGO Master Builders — that’s a thing? — in a Czechoslovakian shop and shipped over by boat.)

Only in New York

Other unique features of this LEGO Mecca include an eight-foot-tall LEGO model of the Statue of Liberty (she lights up!); a striking LEGO sculpture of the flagship store’s mascot, Brickley the Dragon, which weaves throughout the space, and a miniature replica of the store and surrounding neighborhood for kids to build upon. Is your little builder seeking a LEGO in a transparent lime hue? You’re in luck!: the store is also outfitted with a “Pick-a-Brick” wall, where shoppers can load up on individual LEGOs by the cupful. The majority of the store’s inventory is a dizzying number of LEGO kits, which can be assembled to create everything from superhero and space scenes to castles, architectural monuments, and sushi.

The store will also include the first-ever LEGO Lounge. With the mini LEGO store replica as its centerpiece, the lounge will be outfitted with comfortable seating and charging stations for presumably weary parents, as well as a Library of LEGO books, a LEGO carpet, and even Duplo LEGOS in a preschool building area.

Grand Opening Plans

The LEGO Store Flatiron District will host its grand opening on Columbus Day weekend, with festivities kicking off on Friday from 4-6 p.m. As part of the celebration, LEGO Master Builders will be constructing a 20-foot-tall LEGO model of the Statue of Liberty in nearby Madison Square Park throughout the holiday weekend, and everyone is invited to help. (All participants will receive a “Certificate of Achievement” for taking part.) The statue will remain on display in the park after its completion for several days. (In store, LEGO will be rewarding customers who make minimum purchases with a different LEGO premium each day of the grand opening festivities.)

Beyond the opening weekend events, you can expect monthly Mini Model Builds for kids ages six to 14 on the first Tuesday of every month, during which children can make a seasonally-themed model and take it home — for free! The store will also host LEGO Club Meetings.

The LEGO Store Flatiron District
200 5th Avenue between 23rd and 24th St.
Flatiron
212-245-5973
Online: stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/flatiron-district

What’s your favorite LEGO store? Tell us in the comments below!

— Mimi O’Connor

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