Giant Robot New York (CLOSED)

Although the white-washed decor is sparse, the energetic staff at this eclectic Japanese toy shop helps kick up the vibe. Expect to find everything from Uglydoll monsters to weird knickknacks like the Otomatone musical instruments (glorified electronic squeak toys, with a variable pitch, straight from Japan). The store’s 15-year-old Asian-pop-culture mag, Giant Robot, offers offbeat articles that include reviews of instant ramen packs, historical pieces on Asian gangsters, travel journals and more.