The Pet Store

Tucked into the fabric of its New York City neighborhood, The Pet Store carries on a tradition that locals remember from its Petland days on Broadway. This is a multi-animal shop — fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals — but it's the aquatics section that draws repeat visitors, some traveling from as far as Queens just to browse the freshwater fish selection. Reviewers specifically mention buying guppies and other freshwater species here, and the store stocks live plants for planted tank setups alongside the usual aquarium products and supplies.

The staff is the real draw. Multiple reviewers single out employees by name or description — John, who'll let you hold a chameleon, or the man with the dreads who makes every visit memorable. When one customer walked in ready to set up their very first tank, staff walked them through the entire process, from equipment to live plants, turning a daunting project into an approachable one.

That kind of hands-on consultation is a hallmark of the store's old-school neighborhood pet shop ethos. Live feeders get a specific recommendation from customers, and the shop carries pet food at prices reviewers consistently call fair and honest. Beyond fish, the store serves dog owners (leashes, anti-itch sprays, new-puppy supply runs), reptile enthusiasts, and hamster keepers with a solid inventory of bedding and basics.

The space itself is clean and well-lit, a detail that comes up repeatedly. It's not a sprawling big-box retailer — it's a community institution where the owner has built relationships over years and the staff genuinely keeps and loves animals themselves. A handful of reviewers note occasional issues with fish health and inconsistent customer service, so it's worth visiting on a good stocking day.

But for New Yorkers who miss the era of neighborhood pet stores where everyone knew your name, The Pet Store on Broadway is carrying that torch forward with a solid freshwater fish selection, knowledgeable guidance, and a personal touch that's increasingly rare in the city.