Feb 2, 2025

Firehouse T-shirts New York

Original NYC souvenirs

"The "Firehouse T-shirts" in New York are some of the best souvenirs one can find. They're particular to every firehouse and are completely unique!"

A side of me resists the consumerism that being fashionable requires, so I have found relief from this, especially if I am shopping for souvenir or fashion gifts for friends.

I have done this two or three times: when I spot a firehouse---doesn’t matter where it is---and especially if one of its doors is ajar or there is a firefighter standing outside, I ask if I can buy one of their firehouse T-shirts. More than once, I've been told 'no'.

At every house, some firefighter has printed up some shirts that are intended just for the members of that house. It’s a way for them to make a little side money while displaying their pride. I know this because in the theatre world, union stagehands act similarly. I’ve had lots of T-shirts printed up for shows I’ve been with --- theatrical companies for which I’ve worked, or tours I’ve done --- which I sold outside the stage door.

I know that every house’s shirt is unique to that house. That alone makes these gifts special.

They usually cost around $15 and do not look like the kind you will find in Times Square or in souvenir shops elsewhere. Plus, what is cooler than telling the recipient that the shirt you are giving them (or wearing) is from an actual NYC firehouse?

Where: Any firehouse, any borough.

The NYFD is the second largest in the world, behind Tokyo.

Cost: Around $15

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

About this spot

120 West 83rd Street

T-shirt around:

US$

15

Explore New York like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

35 Times, Toby Buonagurio

Subway art 10

"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 15, 2025

The Pythian Temple

R&R Shrine

"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Rucker Park

NBA caliber street basketball

"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin

Subway art 13

"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Music Inn

Instruments, custom & stock

"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Saiguette

Vietnamese counter/takeout

I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Di Fara, Brooklyn

Pizza 1

"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt

Subway art 3

The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Subway Portraits, Chuck Close

Subway art 1

I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

The Revelers, Jane Dickson

Subway art 6

"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

The Return of Spring, Jack Beal

Subway art 7

"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?

002-building
Art & culture

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Sal & Carmine's, Upper West Side

Pizza 2

"Sal & Carmine's" makes real New York pizza. It's a small place, the pizza boxes are stacked 15 high, the lineup look like locals - all good signs.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Feb 14, 2025

Heading to New York?

299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on: