Costco
Members-only warehouse offering bulk groceries, electronics, and services at unbeatable prices. A NYC staple for savvy shoppers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Costco
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Members-only warehouse offering bulk groceries, electronics, and services at unbeatable prices. A NYC staple for savvy shoppers.
"Amazing service! They have employees pre-scanning items now, which cuts waiting time by a lot. [^Review]"
🎯 Membership Required
You need a membership to shop. Consider if bulk savings outweigh the annual fee.
🚗 Parking Strategy
NYC garages can be tricky. Use the QR code payment system and be aware of potential fees. [^Review]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Costco Food Court
Food Court Area
Iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, plus pizzas and other affordable treats. A must-try for budget-conscious shoppers.
Kirkland Signature Products
Throughout the store
Costco's in-house brand offers quality goods from groceries to apparel at unbeatable prices. Look for their famous cheesecake!
Bulk Grocery Deals
Grocery Aisles
Stock up on essentials like snacks, frozen foods, and pantry staples. Great for families looking to save on groceries.
Costco Optical Services
Optical Department
Affordable eye exams and eyeglasses with modern equipment and professional staff. A surprising quality service. [^Review]
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership is Key
Navigating NYC Locations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Membership Required
You need a membership to shop. Consider if bulk savings outweigh the annual fee.
🚗 Parking Strategy
NYC garages can be tricky. Use the QR code payment system and be aware of potential fees. [^Review]
🛒 Scan & Go Efficiency
Employees pre-scan items to speed up checkout. A great time-saver! [^Review]
🍰 Don't Miss the Bakery
Costco's bakery items, like the cheesecake, are a fan favorite and great value.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Membership Required
You need a membership to shop. Consider if bulk savings outweigh the annual fee.
🚗 Parking Strategy
NYC garages can be tricky. Use the QR code payment system and be aware of potential fees. [^Review]
🛒 Scan & Go Efficiency
Employees pre-scan items to speed up checkout. A great time-saver! [^Review]
🍰 Don't Miss the Bakery
Costco's bakery items, like the cheesecake, are a fan favorite and great value.
💡 Look for Deals
Check for weekly sales and special offers to maximize your savings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Costco in NYC offers a unique shopping experience, often praised for its value and efficient checkout systems like pre-scanning. While some locations are smaller and parking can be a challenge, the food court and Kirkland Signature products remain major draws. Members appreciate the quality services like optical exams, though some wish for stricter self-checkout rules. [^Review]
"Had a great shopping experience at Costco last week and was also able to have a long overdue eye exam the same day. The excellent optician, Tomasz, explained things to me and booked my appointment when I arrived. After shopping I went into the modern and pristine exam room. Dr. Jing and his assistant were stellar in all aspects. The various tests were carried out with the utmost in detail, communication, professionalism, and care. The equipment being used was the most modern and technologically advanced I've ever seen. Yet another example of the many quality services Costco provides its Members."
Reid G.
"Small compared to other Costcos but will still have the popular items.
I went here for an eye exam with the optometrist. Everyone was friendly and the exam didn’t take too long. Everything is covered for if you bring your insurance.
Parking is a little difficult to navigate if you’re a first timer. The garage automatically takes your license plate and will charge you when you’re on your way out. There’s no pay booth and you’ll have to scan a QR code to pay for your parking. The parking is quite expensive so be aware of that."
Emilia Watson
"Amazing service! I went to Costco yesterday and like usual, it was very busy. I can’t complain about the number of people there because it’s wholesale. But I noticed that now they have employees pre-scanning the items now?! This means that they will scan all your items from your cart and when you reach the register, when they scan your costco card, all of your pre-scanned items show up and then you can pay. This is a much faster method, and cuts waiting time by a lot. Great sales and efficiency."
Alexa c
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Costco locations in NYC, like the one in Rego Park, Queens, are accessible by public transport and car. Be prepared for potential traffic and parking challenges. Some TikToks show driving to Yonkers for a larger store. +1
Parking at NYC Costcos can be paid and sometimes requires using a QR code for payment. Be sure to check the specific location's policy as fees can add up. [^Review]
Yes, Costco operates Business Centers which may offer different inventory and purchasing options for businesses. Search for 'business center costco near me' for locations. [^SEO]
Yes, Instacart offers delivery from Costco, which can be a convenient option if you don't have a membership or can't make it to the store. [^SEO]
Public transportation is often recommended for NYC, but driving is also an option. Consider the specific location and your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Costco membership is required to make purchases. You can apply for one online or at the membership desk in-store.
Costco store hours vary by location and day. It's best to check the official Costco website or app for the most up-to-date 'Costco hours today' or 'Costco store hours today'. [^SEO]
Absolutely! Many New Yorkers are members and find value in bulk purchases, even with limited space. +2
While most items are available in bulk, some products may have purchase limits. Non-bulk options for basics like chicken and seltzer are sometimes available.
Costco generally has a generous return policy, but it's always good to check specific item exclusions on their website. [^SEO]
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
Popular items include Kirkland Signature products, bulk groceries, rotisserie chicken, cheesecake, and electronics. TikTok creators often highlight unique finds. +2
Yes, families can save significantly on groceries and household items. Bulk purchases can be great for larger households. +2
Executive members can shop during special early or extended hours at some locations, offering a less crowded experience. [^Review]
Yes, self-checkout lanes are available, but some shoppers wish for a stricter '15 items or less' rule to improve efficiency. [^Review]
Costco offers services like optical exams, hearing aid centers, tire centers, and travel booking. [^Review] [^SEO]
🍽️ 🍕 Food & Dining
The $1.50 hot dog and soda combo is legendary. Pizza, chicken bakes, and cold brew mocha lattes are also popular choices.
While some locations may offer online ordering for their food court items, it's not universally available. Check your local store's options. [^SEO]
The Costco cheesecake is a highly recommended treat, offering great value for its size. Other popular items include cookies and cakes.
Yes, Costco offers a variety of healthy options including salads, fresh produce, lean meats, and organic products.
Absolutely! The food court is known for its speed and affordability, making it a great spot for a quick and budget-friendly meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial purposes. However, it's always best to be discreet and avoid disrupting other shoppers or employees.
Capture the sheer scale of bulk items, the iconic food court, unique seasonal displays, and the vibrant atmosphere of shoppers. +1
The massive cakes, colorful displays of produce, and the sheer volume of products like toilet paper or snacks can make for visually interesting shots.
POV (Point of View) shots, haul videos, and candid moments of shopping experiences are popular on platforms like TikTok. +1
Commercial photography usually requires prior permission from Costco management. It's best to inquire directly with the store. [^SEO]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the storage space you have available in your NYC apartment before making large purchases. Some families opt for Costco Business Centers if they need access to non-bulk items or specific business supplies. [^SEO] The Kirkland Signature brand is a reliable choice for quality family products.
💰 Budget Travelers & Shoppers
Remember that a membership is required, so factor that into your budget if you're a short-term visitor. However, if you plan to buy a significant amount of items, the savings can quickly offset the membership cost. [^SEO]
💍 Couples & Individuals
Consider the Costco Optical department for affordable eye exams and eyeglasses, a service that many members rave about for its quality and price. [^Review] If you're looking for specific items like electronics or home goods, Costco often has competitive deals. [^SEO]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Saving Money at Costco
Beyond groceries, Costco offers deals on electronics, furniture, and even services like car buying and travel. The Costco Visa card can also provide additional cashback rewards on purchases, further enhancing savings. [^SEO] While the membership fee is an initial investment, for many, the accumulated savings over the year make it well worth the cost. Redditors often discuss whether the membership makes financial sense for their household size and consumption habits.
Pro-tip: Keep an eye on weekly sales and special promotions, as these can offer even deeper discounts on already competitive prices. [^SEO]
The Costco Food Court Experience
Even in smaller NYC locations, the food court typically offers these beloved items. While lines can form, especially during peak hours, the efficiency of the service often means a short wait. [^Review] The food court is a testament to Costco's commitment to providing value to its members, proving that delicious and filling meals don't have to break the bank. It's a simple yet highly effective way for Costco to add value to the membership.
Don't forget: The food court is usually accessible without a membership, making it a great way to sample Costco's offerings before committing to a membership. [^SEO]
Navigating NYC Costco Stores
Parking is another major consideration. NYC Costcos often have multi-level parking garages that can be challenging to navigate, especially for first-time visitors. The automated license plate recognition system and QR code payment method are common, so be prepared for this modern approach. [^Review] Traffic congestion around these stores is also a factor, so planning your visit during off-peak hours is highly recommended.
Despite these challenges, many New Yorkers find the value of Costco compelling enough to make the trip. The pre-scanning system at checkout has been implemented to improve efficiency and reduce wait times, a welcome innovation for busy shoppers. [^Review] For families living in the city, the ability to buy in bulk can still lead to significant savings, even if storage space is limited.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit