New York Daily Photo Analytics

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Gem Spa

Gem Spa is one of those real classic New York places. In business 70 years, located at St. Marks Place and 2nd Ave. in the East Village, this place would certainly not stand out as anything special to the visitor or non-resident (an online search will bring up numerous articles and reviews). It is a newspaper stand/magazine shop/soda fountain - and at one time, before the spate of magazine cafes and super bookstores, it's extensive selection was a rarity. And they are renowned as the last place serving an authentic New York egg cream soda, the origins of which are still debated. If you haven't had one, go there and have an unpolished NYC experience. Here's a peek inside ...

8 comments:

Felicia said...

Thanks for sharing this hidden gem. ;)
The neighbors look interesting too. I guess like most NYC real estate there's a lot packed into this place.

Sam said...

What a great place!!
We get NY egg creams WAYyyyy upstate in the Adirondacks - but I bet it's not as nice as in Here!

Kris said...

would love to try the NY eggs cream,,sounds yummy!

Mark said...

And long may they stay in business. I love your virtual tours by the way.

Lisi said...

interesting post and truly a hidden gem, it even has a money machine!

Anonymous said...

best regards, nice info » » »

Anonymous said...

Interesting to look at the store I used to work at as a child (in the 50's). My family (The Goldfeders) owned "Gem Spa" for over 50 years and claim to be the true "inventors" of the egg cream, Louis Auster's claim notwithstanding. Thanks for the memories ...

Timmybear said...

And, of course, the New York Dolls had a picture on the back of their first album with them posing here. :)