New York is not all Bergdorf’s and bagels, friends. Here is a guide to the people’s champion of New York’s shopping scene — cheese. Sex in the City? No thanks, I’ll have Snacks in the City. Let’s be honest, you’re buying that cocktail dress for free Hors d’oeuvres and your breakfast bagel would suck without it. Let me help you take your NYCheese game to the next level.

1. Murray’s

Murray’s history is as rich and varied as its artisanal offerings. Founded in 1940 by Jewish immigrant Murray Greenburg, the shop earned a reputation as the go-to grocer for Bleeker Street’s Italian contingency. It’s no surprise then that 30 years in to the business the Italian immigrant Louis Tudda took over as owner. In the 90’s, Murray’s changed hands to its current owner, Rob Kaufelt. Rob has made it his mission to go to the ends of the earth in search of new and interesting cheese and charcuterie. For a deeper dive into Murray’s montage of aged goodness, look no further than just below the shop. Underground, the store has 4 unique cheese caves providing the perfect environment for cheese to age and ripen before finding its way to your serving platter.

Insider Tip: Get the Greatest Hits Platter. Pairs well with a bold red, a Friday night and Best of Bruce Springsteen. Murray’s, you speak to my hungry heart.

2. Lamarca Cheese Shop

In 1974, sensing that Murray was on to something, Joseph Lamarca threw his hat in the ring and opened this cheese shop next to his already booming restaurant. Slightly more streamlined than its counterpart, this Gramercy Park haunt is all things Italian. Like Murrays, the cheese is aged on site, unlike Murray’s it’s not in caves.

Insider Tip: Lamarca is affordable. I suggest you use your savings to buy one of their homemade pasta sauces. Live a little and combine the two for a taste bud altering experience. LSD? More like LCSD.

3. Stinky

Number 3 on the list has a little less history but a lot more hipster. Evident from their active Instagram account, Stinky has found its groove in Brooklyn. Pick from a rotating and varied cheese selection or fill up your growler with a local IPA. A cheese shop with a happy hour… I dare you to tell me of anything happier. Wait, nope it gets better — they deliver.

Insider Tip: Looking to be the coolest cat at your next spoken word gathering? Gift the host with a membership to Stinky’s beer of the month, cheese of the month, or meat of the month club. Unless it’s a vegan spoken word gathering. Then I advise you to read no further.

4. East Village Cheese

All cheese shops have their charm, but this one you can’t help but love. It’s endearing. Their homepage starts off with “Are you feeling cheesy?” and uses words such as “fantabulous.” Yes, East Village, I am feeling cheesy and you make my heart melt faster than a ball of mozzarella in a wood fired oven. Their focus is all about the customer and you’ll feel like family the minute you walk in the door.

Insider Tip: Not only does East Village Cheese have the best prices in town, it has Gluten Free Cheese for all you celiac-sensitive cheese fiends. This may be the one place in the world “gluten free” and low prices coexist in the same store.

5. Bedford Cheese Shop

Disclosure: I have no financial interest but this is my favorite and I am biased. This is the spot for farm to table cheeses from around the world, bringing you international golden glory in its finest form. The small independently run shop is staffed by people just as obsessed about cheese as I am. They are not just selling the product, they are selling the story. Don’t just taste cheese, experience cheese.

Insider Tip: The best part about Bedford is undoubtedly their classes at the Manhattan location, appropriately named “The Homestead.” Want to make your own mozzerella? Can do. Want to make it and then learn which whiskies it pairs well with? Absolutely. This is a great place for a date. If they don’t enjoy it break it off immediately and see Insider Tip #1.