5 Rabbit Cervecería
6398 W. 74th St., Bedford Park, Illinois
What it is: A Latin-influenced craft brewery that bases its beers on Aztec culture.
Why it's cool: Located just outside Chicago, the first Latin microbrewery, or cervecería, in the US infuses its brews with ancho chili, piloncillo cane sugar, and other Latin flavors. Inspired by an Aztec myth, 5 Rabbit names all of its beers to coincide with the Aztec calendar.
Angela & Roi
Online, based in Boston, Massachusetts
What it is: A handbag company that has a unique charity donation policy.
Why it's cool: Angela & Roi handbags come in all sorts of colors, but when choosing, most customers don't just think about the color they like; they also think about the "color" they're donating to. A portion of each bag sale goes to the charity whose color coordinates with the bag — red is for HIV/AIDS, pink is for breast cancer, etc. Angela & Roi bags are also eco-conscious, made without animal products or sweatshop labor.
Arrowroot
Online, based in Denver, Colorado
What it is: A brand that believes in ethically produced clothing and dressing up every day.
Why it's cool: This online retailer based in Denver claims to make it easier to get dressed in the morning, whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or grabbing coffee with a friend. This fair-trade fashion label was created by E.A. Lepine, a designer intent on trading lazy-day yoga pants for casual, comfortable, and trendy dresses.
All items sold at Arrowroot are sewn by a group of seven women in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The women earn fair wages — about $10 to $12 an hour, enough to support a family — and healthcare benefits.
Bellwether
5126 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado
What it is: A hybrid clothing store, whiskey bar, coffee shop, and coworking space focused on building community.
Why it's cool: Because Bellwether serves as a coffee shop, clothing store, whiskey bar, and coworking space all in one, we can't think of a reason you'd ever need to leave. All are welcome, but for $10 a month members get access to the workspace, VIP events, and exclusive giveaways and drink specials. Members can also take advantage of the on-site barber for a quick haircut or shave.
Blackbelly
1606 Conestoga St. #3, Boulder, Colorado
What it is: A restaurant and butcher shop that highlights sustainable and hyper-local food.
Why it's cool: "Top Chef" winner Hosea Rosenberg started Blackbelly Catering — now a brick-and-mortar establishment by the same name — with a simple goal in mind: Source everything locally and cut out the middlemen. Blackbelly raises its own livestock and grows its own produce in its on-site farm and greenhouse, and it procures all other ingredients from local artisans.
The restaurant doesn't skimp on flavor, though. Customers can order everything from winter-squash soup with créme fraîche to roasted quail with guinea fowl confit and faro piccolo.
Bogie's Place
25 Temple Pl., Boston, Massachusetts
What it is: A tiny, speakeasy-like steakhouse hidden within a restaurant.
Why it's cool: If you enter burger joint jm Curley and go down the stairs, you'll find Bogie's Place, a steakhouse named for Humphrey Bogart, hidden behind a private curtain. It's so secretive that most people can dine at jm Curley and never know it's there. Bogie's Place is reservation-only and very small, with about 20 seats and a bar. Very intimate, it gives customers a 1940s experience with delicious food.
Bounce Milwaukee
2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What it is: A family-friendly space featuring inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, laser tag, vintage video games, and more — all in one venue.
Why it's cool: Started by husband-and-wife team Ryan Clancy and Becky Cooper-Clancy, Bounce Milwaukee promotes safe and active fun that kids and parents alike can enjoy. The indoor space features an inflatable sports area, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, air hockey, massage chairs, and a trove of vintage video games. The 21-plus crowd can stop by for a night out as well: Bounce has a full-service bar and stays open until 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
BucketFeet
266 Elizabeth St., New York, New York
What it is: A shoe company that sells unique art for your feet.
Why it's cool: With headquarters in Chicago and a pop-up shop in New York's SoHo neighborhood since 2013, BucketFeet garnered enough buzz to set up a brick-and-mortar store in Manhattan.
The footwear company has an open submission network of painters, illustrators, photographers, and graphic designers from 100 countries. Artists submit their work, and then BucketFeet selects designs, manufacturers, and distributes the shoes worldwide. Artists are paid upfront and receive royalties for every item sold.
Café Momentum
1510 Pacific Ave., Dallas, Texas
What it is: A restaurant and training center that employs teens who've spent time in juvenile-detention centers.
Why it's cool: Above all, Café Momentum's goal is to set teens up for lifelong success. The restaurant employs at-risk youth who have spent time in juvenile-detention centers, putting each through a 12-month internship where they learn life skills, social skills, and how to be a leader in their community. The interns also rotate through every aspect of running a restaurant, from washing dishes to waiting tables to working alongside the cafe's professional chefs.
Carvana
Online, based in Phoenix, Arizona
What it is: An easier, safer way to buy cars online.
Why it's cool: Carvana goes one step further than other car-purchasing websites. Browse the site for certified cars in your price range and make/model specifications, and then take a 360-degree virtual tour of the car. When you find one you like, buy it online, and either have it delivered to you or have Carvana comp you a plane ticket to go pick it up yourself.
Carvana cuts out the dealership, so you save money. There's financing available and a seven-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.
Cause A Scene
Online, based in Nashville, Tennessee
What it is: A blog-turned-booking agency that connects indie bands with the perfect venue.
Why it's cool: Larry Kloess and his team at Cause A Scene work from the heart to support and champion up-and-coming bands that need a leg up in Nashville's ever expanding music scene. What started as just a blog is now an independent booking agency.
Cause A Scene helps new and local artists host shows and build their fan base while still making a living by connecting them with perfectly sized venues and ticket prices — even when that means putting on a house show in someone's basement.
Charley Creek Inn
111 W. Market St., Wabash, Indiana
What it is: A boutique hotel that pays tribute to the '20s.
Why it's cool: Charley Creek Inn has been somewhat of a Wabash landmark since the 1920s, but in 2010 it underwent a total face lift and reopened "with 20th century décor and 21st century amenities." From the lobby to each of the 30 rooms as well as the on-site restaurant and old-fashioned chocolate and ice cream "shoppes," guests are taken back in time without sacrificing modern luxuries.
CityTins
Online in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin
What it is: A set of 20-plus city-centric coasters that can be redeemed for $10 off at each of the bars, restaurants, or performances on the coaster.
Why it's cool: CityTins offers an inventive way to promote local businesses and explore the city. After purchasing one of the five tins available ($30 each) in three categories — Bar & Lounge, Restaurant, and Performing Arts — you can redeem each of the 20 or more coasters for $10 off your tab of $25 or more (pre-tax/gratuity) at the coaster's pictured location.
Currently, the coasters are available in Milwaukee and Madison, but CityTins is planning for expansion.
Dashing Bicycles & Accessories
628 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, Louisiana
What it is: A modern bicycle boutique powered by women, for women.
Why it's cool: Inside of the Arrow Cafe in the Historic French Quarter sits Dashing, a bike shop that offers a wide selection of fashionable, handcrafted bicycles catered specifically toward women. In addition to providing women with stylish bikes and gear, the boutique aims to make biking safe and accessible to everyone in New Orleans, regardless of age or background. "We are focused on being a shop that everyone feels comfortable frequenting no matter how much money you make," says owner Marin Tockman.
Del Popolo
On wheels and at 855 Bush St., San Francisco, California
What it is: A two-and-a-half-ton pizza oven in a mobile shipping container.
Why it's cool: Chef Jon Darsky has been serving Neapolitan-style pizza from a giant, mobile wood-fired oven since 2012, earning a mass of Bay Area loyalists. Del Popolo — Italian for "of the people" — became so popular that the team behind the pies opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Bush Street this year.
While the restaurant features the food truck's signature thin-crust, natural-yeast pizza, it's added Italian appetizers, salads, and more beer and wine to the menu.
Devolve Moto
304 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, North Carolina
What it is: A motorcycle lifestyle shop, cafe, and bar.
Why it's cool: Devolve Moto is a curated retail collective of motorcycle- and adventure-influenced art, apparel, and other gear and accessories from around the world. Founded by a trio of motorcycle enthusiasts, Devolve Moto creates a social-gathering space for people to talk about their hogs and suit up with all the things they need to express their love for their two-wheeled babies. Devolve is also a bar and cafe with coffee, tea, pastries, and alcoholic drinks.
Dinner Lab
Starts online, meets all over New Orleans, Louisiana
What it is: A company that connects up-and-coming chefs with adventurous foodies, allowing them to experiment with ingredients and technique.
Why it's cool: Just as aspiring chefs appreciate constructive feedback, bold foodies love trying new, inventive dishes. And with Dinner Lab, both of those goals are achieved simultaneously. The service connects fledgling chefs with eager eaters, giving them the chance to experiment and refine their techniques while providing diners with a tasty night out.
Bonus: Dinner Lab just started delivering, making it easier than ever to get a handcrafted, gourmet meal delivered straight to your door.
Flowerboy Project
824 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, California
What it is: A neighborhood cafe, flower shop, and curated retail space.
Why it's cool: Flowerboy is as much a flower shop as it is a boutique, cafe, and place for Venetians to hang out. New and vintage items come from Los Angeles-based Alchemy Works and Apolis, and coffee comes from Vittoria's local Venice distributor. Flowerboy creates a relaxed "third place" environment where customers can get an espresso and a doughnut and either browse one-of-a-kind home decor pieces, skin-care products, and bouquets of fresh-cut flowers, or just sit and work, read, or catch up with friends.
Fried Egg I'm In Love
3207 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, Oregon
What it is: An eggs-only food truck with a rock 'n' roll theme.
Why it's cool: One of the most versatile foods out there, eggs take center stage at Fried Egg I'm In Love, an egg-sandwich-centric food truck. Not only does the truck itself take a cue from The Cure with its pun of a name, but all the sandwiches are rock-themed as well. Try the "Egg Zeppelin" topped with sausage, Tillamook cheddar, and aardvark aioli, or the "Free-Range Against The Machine" filled with fried egg, avocado, tomato, and Havarti cheese.
Glam Doll Donuts
2605 Nicollet, Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota
What it is: Handcrafted donuts with inventive flavors and a pin-up girl aesthetic.
Why it's cool: This Midwestern donut shop was named one of the best donut shops in America this year by Thrillist. The menu is filled with modern classics, like the maple and bacon donut, as well as daring new favorites, such as the spiced Mexican chocolate and cayenne pecan "Bombshell" donut. They also make a handful of vegan and cake donuts.
The pair behind Glam Doll Donuts have been friends for 25 years and were inspired to create these "radical and comforting" flavors after years of working previous restaurant jobs. For its part, the shop's signature decor was inspired by vintage clothing racks and pin-up images.
Happy Bones
394 Broome St., New York, New York
What it is: A coffee shop built in an alleyway.
Why it's cool: Minimalist and industrial, Happy Bones Cafe embodies the trendy vibe of its home in New York City's chic SoHo neighborhood. In a city where space is at a premium, the cafe cleverly transformed an unused alleyway into its cozy shop, which features whitewashed walls, simple decor, and a light, airy atmosphere.
The coffee is all ethically sourced through Counter Culture Coffee, and Happy Bones recycles and composts whenever possible.
Hopsters
292 Centre St., Newton, Massachusetts
What it is: A make-your-own-beer brewery and restaurant.
Why it's cool: This "community brewery" allows you to brew up to 10 kettles of beer in one sitting while sampling tasty cured meats and other food. Pick your barley, hops, and malt, and create a custom beer from scratch. No idea what you're doing? Consult with one of their beer experts for a tutorial on beer making.
Imperfect
Online, based in San Francisco, California
What it is: A startup that delivers "ugly" produce to fight food waste.
Why it's cool: In 2011, entrepreneurs Ben Simon and Ben Chesler launched the Food Recovery Network to fight food waste in campus dining halls. Now they're saving tons of misshapen produce from going to waste too.
According to Imperfect's website, each year 20% of produce is turned away from grocery stores based on appearance. For under $20, Imperfect customers can get a box filled with "ugly" — but completely edible — fruits and vegetables delivered to their home or office. Imperfect also has an option to donate a box of produce to a family in need for $12.
mak studio
1111 Hutchins St., Houston, Texas
What it is: An architecture-design studio focused on digital fabrication.
Why it's cool: Using digital-printing technologies and rapid prototyping tools, such as 3D printers, mak studio is able to quickly turn ideas into custom-built offices and retail spaces. The agency loves experimenting with composition and finding creative design solutions, especially when it comes to wall surfaces and furniture. "Our clients tend to [be entrepreneurs], and this allows us to test unconventional approaches to design to meet client needs and budget," says founder José Aguilar.
Mark43
Based in New York City, available wherever crime needs fighting
What it is: Management and analysis software for law enforcement to create more efficiency in crime-fighting.
Why it's cool: Named for one of Tony Stark's "Iron Man" suits, Mark43 developed a software called Cobalt that combines records management with analysis tools to make it faster and simpler for law-enforcement officers to file incident and arrest reports — a job that typically takes an hour or more, but with Cobalt takes only 30 minutes.
Cobalt keeps track of ongoing cases and traffic accidents, and it also has an analysis tool that can predict and prevent crimes. The system is already in use by the Los Angeles County Gang Taskforce and will soon be implemented by other law-enforcement departments in the country.
Moment
Online, based in Seattle, Washington
What it is: Miniature lenses that turn mobile phones into professional cameras.
Why it's cool: Funded through a Kickstarter campaign, Moment wants to make professional camera equipment both portable and available to all. The company promises the sharpest images possible so customers can capture all their adventures — but without all the bulky equipment of an SLR. Lenses start at around $100 and can be purchased with or without accessories.
Mrs. Peasy
Online, available in San Francisco, California
What it is: A dinner party in a box.
Why it's cool: This one-of-a-kind rental service makes it easy for dinner party hosts to throw the soirée of their dreams. Mrs. Peasy herself, Jennine Jacob, is a former NYC style blogger who launched the business in June to help busy people create beautifully designed settings for every occasion.
With more than two dozen party themes to choose from, clients can rent a box filled with everything from cake stands to cutlery for costs ranging from $25 to $600, depending on how many guests they're serving. Mrs. Peasy also offers a $75, one-hour-or-less set-up and styling fee for any party hosts who want to leave it all to the pros.
Neil's Bahr
2006 Walker St., Houston, Texas
What it is: A bar built just for nerds.
Why it's cool: Filled with everything from "Star Wars" paraphernalia to sci-fi novels, Neil's Bahr — likely a rif on Niels Bohr, the name of a famous Danish physicist — is a haven for nerds of all kinds. Visitors can watch "The Simpsons", play Mario Kart, or peruse the bar's extensive collection of comic books while enjoying their booze. There are plenty of opportunities to make friends as well. Join in a game of Magic: The Gathering, or participate in a Dungeons & Dragons tournament.
Pairin
Online, based in Denver, Colorado
What it is: A system that tracks and measures the skills of students and professionals.
Why it's cool: Pairin identifies strengths and skills to help determine ideal job candidates and leaders for businesses; it can also be used by teachers to help strengthen their students' skills and track their progress. Based in the cloud, it operates unlike other HR or learning software programs because it's a more interactive, strengths-based means of assessing classroom and career readiness.
Peanut Butter Jelly Time
4709 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What it is: A peanut-butter-and-jelly-centric restaurant.
Why it's cool: This PB&J outpost is serving up some truly inventive takes on the classic lunchtime sandwich. In fact, their signature style is rolled up pieces of bread layered with peanut butter, jelly, and any choice of toppings, including marshmallow spread, cream cheese, and apple butter.
One of the most popular sandwiches is the toasted white bread with crunchy or creamy peanut butter, banana slices, drizzled honey, and bacon, also known as "The Elvis" after the late rock 'n' roll legend.
PetHub
Online, based in Seattle, Washington
What it is: Personalized pet-ID tags that reduce the amount of time missing pets are lost.
Why it's cool: PetHub uses technology to return lost pets to their owners quicker and easier. Found pets can get identified in four ways: by scanning the QR code on the back of the PetHub ID, by typing in the ID's web address, by tapping the tag with a newer smartphone, or by calling PetHub’s Found Pet Hotline.
Each PetHub ID tag links to a free online profile to quickly connect those who find lost cats and dogs with their owners. Pet owners can also subscribe to an alert system that connects to local shelters and rescues that can notify them if they find their pets.
PlateJoy
Online, based in Boston, Massachusetts
What it is: An easier way to prep special-diet meals for the whole family.
Why it's cool: Cooking for an entire family is no easy feat, but when someone — or everyone — has dietary restrictions, it makes it infinitely more challenging. PlateJoy takes the challenge out of dinner almost completely. Fill out a lifestyle profile, view your menu, and PlateJoy will send you a shopping list and recipes to make enough for you and the whole family.
RadPad
Online and mobile application, based in Los Angeles, California
What it is: An app that makes it easy to both find rental apartments and pay rent.
Why it's cool: RadPad's goal is to "build the best pro-renter marketplace ever built, so that maybe one day renters will actually enjoy the process of moving and renting," according to CEO Jonathan Eppers. The app and website allow users to find rental apartments by searching through listings that show the price, location, and at least three pictures of every property. It makes paying rent a breeze: Users can pay their landlords directly through the app with a debit card or credit card.
Red Velvet
Online, based in New York City, New York
What it is: The Blue Apron of baking.
Why it's cool: Red Velvet offers a home-delivered baking kit for people who need a little help in the kitchen. Like Blue Apron but for baked goods, the startup offers specialty and locally sourced, premeasured ingredients, and detailed instructions to help you bake the perfect dessert.
Red Velvet prices range from $24 to $38, plus a $5 fee for next-day delivery and dessert options include classic cakes and cupcakes as well as fancier bread puddings and tarts.
SamplingLab
4019 N. Williams Ave., Portland, Oregon
What it is: A boutique of local products where everything's free.
Why it's cool: You don't need any cash at SamplingLab — everything's free. The caveat? It's in exchange for your opinions. Customers just sign up online, visit the store, choose a product, and fill out a survey about it before they can return to the store for another. Simple. In return, SamplingLab is able to send specific feedback to brands, helping them to capitalize on the opinions of their target audiences, which often includes the elusive millennial viewpoint.
Shadowbox
28 W. 20th St., New York, New York
What it is: The SoulCycle of boxing.
Why it's cool: This high-performance boxing studio caters mainly to women. It opened in May and comes complete with all the modern amenities — like a coffee and juice bar that takes your order when you arrive and has it ready as you leave.
Shadowbox is finding its place in the city's burgeoning boutique-fitness scene. Shadowboxing is a way for boxers to prepare mentally and physically for a total-body fight workout. A membership isn't required to jump in on a 40-person or privately scheduled shadowboxing or heavy-bag class.
SwiftCeipt
Online, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What it is: An easier way to save and organize all your receipts.
Why it's cool: Digital receipts get forwarded directly to your iPhone, sorted, and stored. There are scannable barcodes for returns, too, so you don't have to worry about returning an item without a receipt. SwiftCeipt also displays store information — including a map — so you can get directions for a repeat visit.
Sword & Plough
Online, based in Denver, Colorado
What it is: A brand that fashions products from recycled military uniforms and gear.
Why it's cool: Founded in 2013 by an Army lieutenant, Sword & Plough aims to create sturdy and sophisticated bags, hats, and accessories — which retail anywhere from $19 to $329 — using recycled and repurposed military gear. The company works with veterans at each stage from product conception to order fulfillment to "empower veteran employment, reduce waste, and strengthen civil-military understanding."
Sword & Plough's ultimate mission is to weaken the divide between military life and civilian life by creating fashionable products, employing as many veterans as possible, and donating 10% of all profits to organizations that support veterans.
Tasty 8's
121 Fayetteville St., Raleigh, North Carolina
What it is: A gourmet hot-dog shop full of unexpected toppings.
Why it's cool: The menu at Raleigh hot-dog shop Tasty 8's is one like you've never seen before. In fact, hot dog is a loose term here, and the main events also include veggie sausage and bratwurst. The topping combinations can be as simple as cheese whiz and onions and as daring as fried okra and chow-chow relish.
In total, the fast-casual restaurant offers up eight types of dogs, eight styles of beer, eight tasty shakes, and fries accompanied by eight dipping sauces.
Tattersall Distilling Company
1620 Central Ave. N.E. #150, Minneapolis, Minnesota
What it is: A cocktail room featuring innovative drinks from ingredients made on site.
Why it's cool: Due to a recent law change, Minnesota is seeing a distillery boom, bringing with it a slew of brand new cocktail rooms — spaces where distilleries can sell cocktails made only from ingredients produced on-site (as well as grocery staples, such as tonic and grapefruit).
Within the flood of new spots, Tattersall Distilling Company stands out from the crowd with its house-made spirits — which include sour cherry liqueur and white whiskey — nightly food trucks, and interesting cocktails, such as a centrifuge-clarified Bloody Mary.
The Freehand
2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach, Florida
What it is: A high-end hostel.
Why it's cool: Hostels are known for being cheap and, let's face it, dingy, as far as accommodations go. The Freehand wants you to know it doesn't have to be this way. Created "for a new generation of travelers," the high-end hostel offers the same affordable price with a more innovative and comfortable design. The Freehand also has a location in Chicago and one coming soon in LA.
The General Muir
1540 Avenue Pl., Suite B-230, Atlanta, Georgia
What it is: A southern Jewish deli.
Why it's cool: Craving deli fare down south? Look no further than The General Muir, a traditional Jewish deli in the heart of Atlanta. A two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, the restaurant serves up mouthwatering dishes like corned beef and matzoh ball soup — and don't forget the bagels and lox.
The spot's moniker carries deep meaning as well: The restaurant takes its name from the refugee transport ship that brought co-owner Jennifer Johnson's mother and grandparents to New York after surviving the Holocaust.
The Painted Pin
737 Miami Circle N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
What it is: A bar, bowling alley, and industrial event space all in one.
Why it's cool: It's not just another dingy bowling alley. In addition to 20 luxury lanes, The Painted Pin is also a boutique bar and entertainment venue. It features no shortage of games and activities, including indoor bocce ball, shuffleboard, skee ball, ping pong, and darts, as well as a full-service bar. The spot also touts its "upscale alley" food, which ranges from wood-fired pizza to tacos and sliders.
Treehouse
Online, based in Portland, Oregon
What it is: A startup that makes it easy for anyone to learn how to code.
Why it's cool: Part of the Silicon Forest, Portland's answer to Silicon Valley, the aptly named Treehouse provides an easy and affordable way for anyone to learn to code. The startup offers coding and programming courses across numerous difficulties and specialties, so users can pick the courses that best fit their level of experience.
Users learn at their own pace through hands-on projects, and Treehouse says that students with no experience can be job-ready in as little as six months at a price of about $25 per month.
unPack
Online, based in Brooklyn, New York
What it is: A travel startup that delivers everything you need to get away without a suitcase.
Why it's cool: UnPack delivers a suitcase to your hotel with everything you need for your trip so you can avoid checking a bag or having to accommodate for travel between climates or dress codes.
Choose from multiple packs in different sizes and quantities for men or women, complete with coats, suits, accessories, and toiletries. At the end of your trip you can return the pack or purchase it (and either way the toiletries are yours to keep).
Urban Putt
1096 S. Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, California
What it is: SF's only indoor mini-golf course and bar-restaurant.
Why it's cool: Urban Putt opened last year in the heart of The Mission. A lively addition to an already robust neighborhood, Urban Putt isn't a kitschy date spot — it's an expertly designed, Bay Area-inspired miniature golf course that pairs nicely with a beer or cocktail and refined bar bites.
Post-putt, head upstairs to the restaurant to try one of the chef's deep-dish pizzas. The space can also be reserved or rented out for large groups and parties.
ViewMarket
Online, based in Dallas, Texas
What it is: A video network that helps video-content creators monetize their work.
Why it's cool: ViewMarket has developed a new way of connecting major television networks like NBC, ABC, and CBS — and even YouTubers — with advertisers, consumers, retailers, and other brands.
The brands get the visibility they want from the video-content creators' audiences while the creators get to monetize their content. This spring, ViewMarket acquired CultureMap — a daily digital magazine for city-based news, events, entertainment, and other goings-on.
Village Winery Club
East Village, New York, New York (location disclosed when you join)
What it is: A winery operated out of a 550-square-foot apartment.
Why it's cool: Matt Baldassano is a third-generation urban wine maker who decided his small apartment was big enough to house a few steel and wooden barrels and about 4,000 pounds of grapes for his home wine-making venture.
Five years in, Baldassano produces 10 types of wine. More than 100 members currently pay Village Winery Club dues, which cover the wine and operating expenses, including labor — and Baldassano's monthly rent. Members also have exclusive access to tastings and events, like the twice-yearly grape-stomping.
Vromage
7988 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California
What it is: A vegan and gluten-free cheese shop.
Why it's cool: All of the dairy-free cheese at Vromage is made from nuts and seeds. The shop has a selection of 14 cheeses including Veganzola, truffle cream, and goat cheese with cranberries. The shop also has a seasonal menu that serves gluten-free and vegan salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
Zola
Online and mobile app, based in New York, New York
What it is: A wedding registry that operates like a Pinterest account.
Why it's cool: We wrote about Zola last year after it closed a round of Series A funding. The startup continues to thrive in Silicon Alley, raising another $10 million in a Series B round in November.
The Pinterest-like feed allows couples to customize their wedding registries by curating their own highly visual wish lists. Zola's most innovative pull is encouraging couples to add "experiences," like cooking classes or outdoor activities, to their registries.
Disclaimer: Kevin Ryan is a cofounder of Zola and chairman of Business Insider.
