NYC Storefronts: Illustrations of the Big Apple's Best-Loved Spots

When the COVID-19 crisis hit in 2020, illustrator Joel Holland began drawing the storefronts near his home to preserve a memory of an aspect of city life that had suddenly become precarious. He posted them on Instagram, where they quickly gained a devoted following. Eventually, Holland’s collection grew to include shops recommended by friends and people he met online. He depicted the city’s unique character and vibrant streets with vivid detail.

This whimsical love letter to the Big Apple’s most cherished and intriguing shops is a timeless celebration of New York’s diversity, energy, resilience, and weirdness.

Every New Yorker has a favorite place to shop—whether it’s for pizza or flowers, to grab a beer, or slurp down soup dumplings.

When the coronavirus crisis hit in 2020, illustrator Joel Holland began drawing storefronts near his apartment as a way of memorializing an element of city life that seemed suddenly precarious. He posted them on Instagram and they quickly drew an avid following. Eventually, Holland’s collection grew to include shops recommended by friends or strangers online.

This book showcases 225 of his delightful illustrations and runs the gamut, from delis and bodegas to dive bars, bookstores, bakeries, newsstands, cafe´s, restaurants and more. Each image is paired with engaging text written by journalist David Dodge and filled with the historical, cultural, and architectural details that have earned these stores a place in people’s hearts. Also included is a foreword by beloved Instagrammer New York Nico, who is known for chronicling the city’s independent businesses.

The perfect gift for New Yorkers of all ages—as well as an insider’s guide to everything from dim sum to late-night jazz—this treasury of iconic shops belongs in the library of anyone who loves NYC.