Oxford Newz & Smoke

New York runs on newsstands and corner shops, but not all of them double as smoke shops. Oxford Newz & Smoke sits at 500 3rd Ave, right where Murray Hill meets Kips Bay, offering a quiet alternative to the big-box chains. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a pack of cigarettes, a lottery ticket, and the latest issue of a magazine without stepping into a fluorescent-lit convenience store. The neighborhood has a mix of pre-war walk-ups and mid-rise offices, so foot traffic swings between commuters and locals who’ve lived here for decades. That blend keeps the shelves stocked with both basics and a few surprises—think rolling papers, disposable vapes, and the odd international newspaper. If you’re heading over, the address is 500 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016. They don’t list a phone, but you can call 212-685-4200 if you need to check something before you walk in. For directions, pull up the map here. It’s the kind of spot you stumble upon while running errands and end up remembering for the next time you need a quick purchase.