Seneca Avenue (M)
Friendly, arty, justice-forward, community energy, like if Bushwick had yin yoga vibes.
The people who work here tend to live here, store owners can be found behind the counter, and it feels like the people of Ridgewood actually know each other. The area is historically German and immigration-forward, so you get the Afro braiding salon next to Nepalese cuisine next to a Latinx-oriented payday loan business next to my new favorite German bakery, all cohering along Seneca avenue.
A cool cafe off this stop: is Milk & Pull. It’s got a gender expansive, community-promoting vibe. The baristas will treat you like a bestie—yes, even if you just came off the train straight from Manhattan. If you want to know what’s happening in Ridgewood, order your bagel n’ drink and browse Milk & Pull’s poster section to find your next rave, experimental theater piece, cat to adopt, etc.
If you’re into yoga that’s less about Lululemon and more about, you know, the spirit of yoga, Everyone Yoga comes highly recommended. Their pricing model is sliding scale, they give off all-body-inclusive vibes, and they even have classes for kiddos as young as three. Like many places around here, it seems Everyone Yoga came to be for all people of Ridgewood.
If you’re looking for cannabis, but—hear me out—even if you’re not, go to Late Bloomers, which the owners lovingly refer to as “an art gallery hiding out in a dispensary.” Ridgewood is full of artists, and Late Bloomers selects one at a time to showcase their work throughout the store. On view when I was visited was Peter Schenk. Also, if you’ve ever wondered, “how can I support justice and social reform while hitting a bong,” Late Bloomers might be your answer. Entrance-greeter Fernando is open about his experiences with incarceration, the store is woman-owned (by Fernando’s wife, Suzanne!), the pair are advocates for equity, and Late Bloomers is a CAURD licensee.
Around the corner from Late Bloomer’s is Rudy’s, a 90-year-old German bakery. The owner, Tony, has been behind the counter for 44 years. When I asked her what she thinks of the area, she fired back, “What do you think?” I, uh, wasn’t sure. The answer? “I’ve been here 44 years, of course I love it.” Tony says that Ridgewood doesn’t adapt to you. You adapt to Ridgewood. And, I guess, that’s how a young teen fresh from southern Naples in the 1970s ends up with full New Yorker attitude, complete with a big New Yorker heart, owning a German bakery and serving some of the most delicious treats in Queens.
What did I miss? Scroll past the pics and let me know in the comments.
Louie, the store manager at Milk & Pull.
Rudy's is 90 years old, and its current owner, Tony, has been running it for 44 years. If you ever need a historian on Ridgewood, start at Rudy's with Tony.
Late Bloomer's is thoughtfully curated. The art isn't just on the walls, but for sale behind the glass, too. Like, this bong is also a flower vase, and I really hope you click this link to learn about Doreen Sullivan, the creator behind it. Look, I didn't think I'd be posting pictures of bongs on this blog but that's New York for you - you didn't think you would, and then you did.
A taste of the street vibe along Seneca Ave.
Bye for now, Ridgewood! I'll be back soon for your other stations, Forest Ave (M) and Halsey Street (J).
