Little Banchan Shop

Little Banchan Shop is to banchan lovers what Graceland is to Elvis fans. The space in Long Island City is lined with fridges framed by slats of blonde wood, inside of which you’ll see small pouches of dried squid, spicy fish cakes, marinated eggs, and countless other Korean sides. Mostly in the $6-$10 range, the banchan is slightly pricey by grocery store standards, but once you try it, you’ll forget any grievances. Don't leave without at least one container of the creamy, mustard-forward potato salad. You can also grab some prepared meals or a jjajangmyeon kit to take home, and there’s a small counter up front where you can sit down and eat. For a more upscale experience, try the restaurant, Meju, hidden behind the shop. It's open Thursday through Sunday and serves a seven-course tasting menu for $185.