Ocean Stars International LLC

The side streets off Central Park West still surprise with oddly specific storefronts. Ocean Stars International LLC fits right in, tucked between a dry cleaner and a yoga studio on West 83rd. A narrow sign announces the only business in its building—a herb shop quietly humming with dried bundles and small ceramic jars.

The address—167 W 83rd St New York, NY 10024—is an easy stop after a walk through the park. They stock organoleptic basil, smoked paprika from La Vera, and tiny resin incense cups meant for meditation corners at home. Other shelves hold bulk cut-and-sifted teas and tisanes, countertop grinders already loaded with peppercorns, and small bundles of holy basil and mugwort tied with raffia.

Call 212-873-3660 when a recipe suddenly demands sumac that isn’t in the cupboard or when you need a three-ounce bag of lavender for sachets. They’ll pull the right jar without fanfare, wrap it in waxed paper, and hand you the receipt before the door swings shut.

Walk west one block and you’ll find the subway again, or keep heading to Riverside Drive for river light at dusk. Need the quickest route back? Grab directions from the map: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c25885c7e36329:0x5595d16d93abd713.