Amsterdam Grocery & Tobacco

Liquor stores in Washington Heights tend to double as neighborhood hubs. Amsterdam Grocery & Tobacco keeps things simple: beer, wine, spirits, and a few basics like chips and soda. W 161st St isn’t exactly quiet, but the block has its own rhythm—bodegas, barbershops, and the occasional food cart selling mango slices dusted with chili. That’s where you’ll find this spot, just past the corner where the elevated train rumbles overhead.

No frills, no fuss. The address is W 161st St, New York, NY 10032, and if you’re calling ahead, the number is easy enough to jot down. Most people don’t bother, though—this stretch of the neighborhood doesn’t wait for anyone. For directions, the map’s here. If you’re heading home with a bottle, grab a bag; the sidewalks aren’t always kind to glass.