TLDR
Historic Jewish appetizing legend serving the city's finest smoked fish. An essential, old-school NYC breakfast experience.
Reddit Sentiment for BARNEY GREENGRASS(based on 105 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
A classic Upper West Side establishment that has been serving Jewish deli favorites since 1908. It is renowned for its bagels, lox, and smoked fish, making it an ideal spot for a traditional New York City breakfast.
Will Hartman reviews Barney Greengrass, a New York institution on the Upper West Side famed for its "Sturgeon King" title and classic Jewish appetizing fare. Experience the bustling atmosphere and delicious smoked fish.
Details
Established in 1908, this Upper West Side institution—affectionately known as the "Sturgeon King"—remains a quintessential destination for classic Jewish appetizing fare [1]. The bustling, old-school atmosphere is defined by efficient service and a historic setting complete with vinyl seating and murals [1], [3]. While diners should expect a wait on weekends [1], the experience of enjoying high-quality smoked fish is widely considered a rite of passage in New York City [2], [3].
Food Overview
This deli is celebrated for its superior smoked fish, including standout sturgeon, whitefish salad, and nova [1], [4]. Recommended items include the sturgeon scrambled with eggs and onions, crispy latkes, and indulgent black and white cookies [1], [3], [4]. While the smoked fish is consistently praised as excellent, some feedback suggests that superior bagels can be found elsewhere in the city [3], [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The sturgeon scrambled with eggs and onions, smoked fish platters, and off-menu latkes are widely considered the best items to order [1], [3], [4]. Many also recommend the black and white cookies as an exceptional treat [1], [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •latkes(6)
- •bagel(5)
- •matzo ball soup(2)
- •smoked fish(2)
- •sturgeon & eggs(2)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons frequently laud the establishment as an authentic, high-quality New York institution, often citing it as a personal favorite for its traditional deli experience [1], [2]. While many emphasize that the food quality justifies the cost, some customers express sticker shock regarding premium pricing, particularly for bagels [1], [4].
Caveats
The restaurant is known for being pricey and operates on a cash-only basis [1], [3], [4]. Diners should also be prepared for potential weekend wait times [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BARNEY GREENGRASS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The commenter suggests that for a similar experience, one could buy lox from Zabar's, get fresh bagels, and assemble the sandwich at home, implying it's a more cost-effective approach for those not seeking the full 'tourist' experience."
NegativeFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The commenter believes a $27 breakfast bagel is never worth the cost."
NegativeFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The sturgeon and egg sandwich is considered worth the price."
PositiveFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The sturgeon is highlighted as a fantastic option, though expensive."
PositiveFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The high price is attributed to the establishment's status as an institution, even if it's not necessarily better than a homemade version."
NeutralFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"While acknowledging the high price, the commenter suggests it's better to make a lox bagel at home using ingredients from Acme."
NegativeFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The commenter notes that many NYC delis use Acme for lox and standard bagels/cream cheese. They suggest ordering items not easily replicated at home, like wings and tails, or the chopped liver corned beef sandwich, to justify the cost."
NegativeFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The commenter finds the price outrageous and also states that Barney Greengrass's bagels are terrible."
NegativeFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The commenter found the bagel and lox good but felt the price point was high, noting it wasn't significantly better than what could be found elsewhere for $15."
NeutralFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"Barney Greengrass is generally considered worth it by this commenter."
PositiveFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The question is posed whether the meal was worth it, with the implication that one pays a premium for the establishment's status as an old-school institution."
NeutralFrom post: Barney Greengrass 27 Lox Bagel Is It Worth
"The price of a pastrami lox bagel at Barney Greengrass is considered normal."
NeutralFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter suggested a potato latke from Barney Greengrass."
PositiveFrom post: Bagels And Jewish Deli Bakery Food
"The original poster expressed love for the recommendations and thanked the commenter."
PositiveFrom post: Bagels And Jewish Deli Bakery Food
"This commenter listed Barney Greengrass as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Would You Recommend Zuckers Or Utopia Bagels In
"This user suggests going to Barney Greengrass for the 'full experience' and also advises buying museum tickets in advance."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Food That Transports Well For 6 Hour Roadtrip
"This user stated that the Black and White cookies from Barney Greengrass are unparalleled."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Food That Transports Well For 6 Hour Roadtrip
"This user recommended Black and Whites from Barney Greengrass, noting their friends in LA ask for them."
PositiveFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"Barney Greengrass on the Upper West Side is recommended for bagels and smoked fish, and it is a cash-only establishment."
PositiveFrom post: Can Someone Explain The Difference Between A
"Barney Greengrass is described as the commenter's favorite Jewish deli in New York."
Positive