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Whether you're steeped in the world of culinary culture or an ardent hobbyist, Bridge Kitchenware is worth a trip for the best of the best in high-end pots, pans, and cutlery. Cluttered and comfortably jumbled, arranged more like a hardware store than a housewares boutique, Bridge moved up from the gritty Bowery decades ago, but never caved into the prettified, sterile retail mentality. Need a two-foot wide stew pot for family affairs? Bridge has it. How about a four-inch version, fit for one? It’s here, too. Mauviel quick-heating copper-bottom pots from France are a particular specialty, along with Paderno cookware from Italy and German Wusthof knives. Since chefs tend to be touchy-feely folks, Bridge leaves everything out on display for them to peruse and palpate. — Susan Avery

The atmosphere at this retailer can be intimidating, but the salespeople are helpful.