
One of my favorite parts about living in New York is stumbling into shops that feel like they belong in another era. On the Upper East Side, I recently found one of those places—Spellman Gallery—and it’s quickly become one of my go-to thrifting spots when I want to browse unique treasures. Located on 87th St and 1st Ave (don’t confuse it with the other Thrift shop a couple doors down).
The gallery was founded in 2016 by Glenn Spellman, who has more than 30 years of experience in the art world. He’s not only a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America but also someone who clearly has an eye for curation. Every piece inside feels intentional, and it shows—there’s no clutter, no endless piles to dig through. Instead, it’s like walking into a little jewel box of handpicked finds.

What I love most is that the inventory is always changing, so every visit feels like a new discovery. You’ll often find Baccarat crystal (yes, the kind that sparkles like crazy) at surprisingly reasonable prices. There’s also a seriously good collection of vinyl records—all in great condition, so you don’t have to worry about scratches or warped covers. On top of that, the gallery carries an eclectic mix of antiques and art from around the world. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up a record for your weekend playlist and find a timeless piece of crystal for your bar cart. I got a Led Zeppelin, The Doors & Billy Joel records my last visit (and only $85).





The best part? Spellman Gallery feels approachable no matter where you are in your collecting journey. Whether you’re just starting to thrift and want a special piece to take home, or you’re a seasoned collector hunting for something rare, there’s always something to fall in love with.
If you ever find yourself wandering around the Upper East Side, add Spellman Gallery to your list. It’s a reminder that thrifting doesn’t always mean digging through dusty shelves—you can thrift in style, and sometimes uncover treasures that feel like they were waiting just for you.
