Review: Balloon Saloon

Let’s start with scale. Where are we between global flagship and neighborhood boutique?
If you're walking down West Broadway, the array of gigantic pool floats—shaped like doughnuts, stacks of dollar bills, slices of pizza, and emojis—hanging from the awning make the aptly named Balloon Saloon impossible to miss. Inside, the shop is stocked floor-to-ceiling with gifts, fun toys, wildly original party supplies, and lots of silly gags.

What can we find here, or what should we look for?
Balloons are but the beginning of the story. Inside, it's a fever dream of festivity, with ladybug-shaped piñatas, candy cigarettes, Groucho Marx glasses, jokey picture books, Spiderman toys, raffia party hats, and silly birthday cards. It's just as fun for adults as it is for kids, and it's a great place to go if you need to jazz up your party decorations or cheer someone up.

If money’s no object, what goes in the cart?
A set of giant pool floats shaped like fried eggs and bacon.

And … what if we’re on a strict budget?
Look through the bins under the registers for pint-sized gags and old-school candy.

Who else shops here?
Local parents putting in orders for their kids' birthday parties; people of all ages searching for a non-boring birthday card; tourists who got lured in by the sidewalk display.

Any secret tips?
The place is so packed with stuff that it can feel like an assault to the senses. When in doubt, check out the card section, which is to your left as you walk in.