ABC Pharmacy

The neighborhood corner store just down from the subway turnstile is still ABC Pharmacy, dispensing more than prescriptions. Over the counter and behind the counter, it carries cold remedies, pain relievers, stomach aids, allergy treatments, pediatric liquids, bandages, even small first-aid kits for weekend jaunts. In the East Village grid between Houston and Canal you’ll find it tucked between the bodega lights and the subway grating, practical as the iron fire escapes.

The doorway at 53 Elizabeth Street, locked only for the night, stays open after the 8 a.m. crowd thins out—no appointment needed for the usual suspects. If the label says “sold here,” locals drop in with dog-eared scripts and leave with a brown paper bag. Around lunchtime the counter clears, and again at dusk when the shift workers refill inhalers and eye drops.

Behind the mirrored shelves a rotating menu of seasonal items appears: lip balm in winter, sunscreen by May, bug repellent by June. Pharmacy staples share space with travel-size shampoos and travel-size toothpastes for the 6 train commuters heading to JFK. Bulk sizes sit on the bottom shelf in case anyone needs a 16-ounce bottle of ibuprofen before the weekend.

Print the directions ahead of time—map works offline—or call (212) 966-7588 before you leave: the line stays short, and they answer after the second ring most days.