Bridge Kitchenware

Midtown
711 Third Ave.
Enter on E.45th St.
between E.44th/45th Sts.

P: 212.688.4220

In business since 1946, Bridge Kitchenware is an excellent resource for the home cook offering just about every tool you need to equip a kitchen in the city or anywhere.

What's great:

This store's inventory is both deep and wide. Prices are very competitive, especially if you keep in mind that these are top quality tools that will last you forever.

What to avoid:

If you're looking for certain brands, such as All-Clad, you won't find them here. Even though they don't have the brand caché, don't automatically rule out the lines that Bridge does offer in their stead, including Paderno's stainless steel pots and pans.

What's to know:

Their web site offers a handy list of what Bridge thinks every kitchen should have. It may be more than you want or need but it's a helpful guide, especially for a less experienced city cook. Their web site also gives you a preview of the store's prices and inventory but give yourself the treat of actually visiting the store, even if you're only shopping for a vegetable peeler -- it's like William-Sonoma without the gloss and with better prices.