About Screaming Mimis Vintage
NYC vintage staple for costumes and curated fashion since the 70s
At a Glance
About This Store
Screaming Mimis Vintage is a beloved New York City institution that has been offering carefully curated vintage clothing and costumes since the 1970s. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this quirky boutique stands out for its exceptional organization — clothing is neatly arranged by decade, making it easy to browse 60s mod dresses, 70s bohemian prints, 80s glam, and Y2K pieces side by side with theatrical costumes. The shop caters to a wonderfully diverse crowd: vintage fashion lovers, costume seekers for Halloween, Purim, Burning Man, themed parties, and anyone hunting for a unique statement piece with history. The staff consistently earn rave reviews for being welcoming, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful — often personally guiding shoppers through the racks and pulling exactly what they're looking for. While prices run higher than typical thrift stores (ranging from $20 into the $200s), customers feel the quality, authenticity, and curation justify the cost. The atmosphere is fun, vibrant, and creatively inspiring, with an eclectic mix that includes everything from genuine vintage designer pieces to fun accessories, wigs, masks, and even S&M gear. With a rich history — even Cyndi Lauper once worked here — Screaming Mimis is a true NYC staple and a must-visit for anyone exploring their creative side through fashion.
What Customers Love
Themes consistently mentioned across customer reviews.
- Staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable
- Clothing organized by decade for easy browsing
- Unique one-of-a-kind vintage pieces
- Amazing costume selection for themed parties
- Fun, vibrant atmosphere with NYC character
What to Know Before You Go
Things visitors commonly mention so you can plan ahead.
- Not a thrift store — expect higher prices
- Costumes mixed with genuine vintage makes browsing slower
- Best for slender women's sizing
- Items can range from $20 to over $200
- Some items may feel overpriced for their condition
💡 Pro Tip
Ask the staff for help — they know the inventory and will personally shop with you.
Specialties & Brands
What They Specialize In
Visit Planning
| Best time to visit | Weekdays during midday |
| Worst time to visit | Weekends and October |
| Restock pattern | Weekly on Wednesdays |
| Sale schedule | Occasional seasonal sales, typically January and July |
Amenities & Facilities
What Reviewers Praise
Payment Options
Follow Online
Hours of Operation
| Monday | 12–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8 PM |
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–8 PM |
| Saturday | 12–8 PM |
| Sunday | 1–7 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Screaming Mimis a thrift store?
No, it is a higher-end vintage boutique. Prices reflect the quality and curation, so do not expect thrift store bargains.
What kind of costumes do they carry?
They carry theater costumes, vintage costume pieces, and accessories for themed parties, Halloween, Burning Man, Purim, and more. Items are organized by category like '20s' or 'Y2K'.
Are the clothes organized?
Yes! Reviews consistently praise the store for being one of the best laid-out vintage shops, with clothing organized clearly by decade.
Plan Your Visit to Screaming Mimis Vintage
Stop by to browse their curated selection or get in touch with any questions.