5. A.I. Friedman // 44 W. 18th Street
This is the second best stationary store (out of three) on the street. I don’t know why this street has so many paper stores, but I’m not complaining. I think this store is for more serious artists, as I often get stink eyes from the security guards for loitering.
4. Cupcake Cafe // 18 W. 18th Street
I’m over cupcakes too, but this is a nice place to drink Cherry Coke and read Amelia Bedelia books since it shares space with a children’s bookstore. I don’t think many people think highly of the actual cupcakes, considering they were shut down by the Health Department recently.
3. Academy Records // 12 W. 18th Street
I first went here expecting it to be like its Williamsburg outpost, but it actually specializes in classical music, jazz, movie soundtracks, and DVDs. There’s an obese cat that rules over the small space, and sometimes I’d like to see whether or not it would fare well in a non-heated bodega.
2. Paper Presentation // 23 W. 18th Street
This is the best stationary store on the street. (The worst one is right beside it.) It’s the kind of store Martha Stewart would be overwhelmed by. Best of all, if you exit through their back entrance, you’ll find yourself on 19th Street, right next to Muji and Idlewild Books.
1. City Bakery // 3 W. 18th Street
There’s the Hot Chocolate Festival in February, but they also have tasty, if slightly overpriced, things on a daily basis. Since I’m a creature of base desires, I’m just satisfied by the fact that they have good mac and cheese, and on Valentines day, they don’t put up any decorations.
