Biko Sleek

The stretch of Ninth Avenue between 34th and 42nd Streets is a diagonal vein of quick stops for anyone hunting coffee, snacks, or a last-minute bottle of wine after work. Biko Sleek anchors the block at 486 9th Ave, one of the few convenience stores still open past midnight on this side of Chelsea. It’s a discreet outpost where neighborhood regulars duck in for milk at 11:30 p.m. or grab a pre-rolled breakfast burrito before the 7 train pulls in.

Walk up the brownstone steps; the glass door is easy to miss between the pharmacy sign and the bodega next door. Inside, the essentials sit within arm’s reach: chilled drinks, fresh sandwiches under plastic, travel-size toiletries, local metro cards, and batteries tucked beside the register. A bank of ATMs shares counter space with stacks of disposable cameras and pocket umbrellas—all the small things that vanish from kitchens at the worst moment.

Call 212-582-1234 if you’re not sure whether the store has what you need—staff can check stock in the back cooler without leaving the counter. When you’re downtown after dark, use the map on your phone and head straight to the directions: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c259f8f287ca13:0xb5178a2964986466.