Next.js logo

YONAH SHIMMEL'S KNISH BAKERY

Updated

Phone: (212) 477-2858

Address: 137 EAST HOUSTON STREET 10002

TLDR

Iconic, century-old bakery serving 18+ varieties of classic Eastern European knishes. Savory & sweet options, a true taste of NYC immigrant history.

Reddit Sentiment for YONAH SHIMMEL'S KNISH BAKERY(based on 9 Reddit opinions)

78% Positive11% Neutral

Tags

jewish 4knish 6View All

Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Instagram Posts References

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery, often referred to as Yonah Schimmel, is an iconic Jewish eatery located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Established in 1910, it has been a cornerstone of New York City's immigrant food culture for over a century, remaining family-owned throughout its operation. The establishment is lauded as the best place in NYC for Jewish knishes, which are described as classic Eastern European comfort food consisting of a dough pastry stuffed with various fillings. The bakery offers a wide range of knish varieties, including savory options like potato, spinach, mushroom, kasha, broccoli, red cabbage, and sweet potato, as well as sweet choices such as chocolate cheese, cherry cheese, apple cheese, blueberry cheese, cheese pretzel, and apple strudel. The venue also offers typical deli accompaniments like mustard and Dr. Brown's soda. The interior and exterior feature unique, humorous signage, adding to its charm. It has consistently maintained high sanitary standards, as indicated by an 'A' grade from the NYC Department of Health.

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
Three Perfect Days of Food Tours, Hotspots, and Global Dining in New York City
positive

Taste a piece of culinary history at Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery, which has been serving 18 varieties of knishes, including traditional potato and an NYC-centric pizza flavor, since 1910.

Not specifiedApr 29, 2026

Details

For over a century, Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery has been a culinary landmark on the Lower East Side, serving classic Eastern European comfort food [1]. This family-owned establishment is celebrated for its wide array of knishes, offering both savory options like potato and mushroom, and sweet varieties such as apple cheese [1]. Praised for their authenticity, these knishes are considered a must-try for a taste of New York City's immigrant food heritage [2].

Food Overview

Yonah Schimmel's is renowned for its knishes, considered the best in NYC. They offer a diverse range of fillings, from traditional potato and kasha to unique options like pizza-flavored knishes. While the mushroom knish is highly recommended, the broccoli and mixed vegetable varieties have been noted as somewhat flavorless [1]. The bakery also serves deli accompaniments like mustard and Dr. Brown's soda [1].

Highlights / Recommended

"The knishes are the star here, with the mushroom variety being a standout for its flavor. A wide assortment of traditional and unique fillings are available, catering to various preferences."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • knish(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers highly praise the authentic knishes, with the mushroom flavor being a particular favorite. The restaurant is also recognized as a good lunch option in the East Village.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About YONAH SHIMMEL'S KNISH BAKERY

This review highlights the authenticity of the knishes, calling them 'the real thing' and differentiating them from other types. The mushroom knish is specifically praised as the most flavorful.
This comment recommends Yonah Schimmel for knishes, noting that it is kosher dairy and therefore does not contain chicken fat.
A commenter suggests grabbing a knish of choice from Yonah Schimmel's to accompany a meal from Katz's.
Yonah Schimmel is listed as a recommendation for a to-go lunch spot in the East Village.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Bagels And Jewish Deli Bakery Food

"The original poster expressed love for the recommendations and thanked the commenter."

Positive
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Bagels And Jewish Deli Bakery Food

"This commenter listed Yonah Schimmel as a recommendation."

Positive
Jun 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Review Other Half Beer And Yonah

"The user found the knishes to be great, with the mushroom flavor being the best. They are also looking for recipes to make them at home."

Positive
May 26, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Review Other Half Beer And Yonah

"This commenter stated that Yonah's makes the 'real thing' when referring to knishes, differentiating them from 'genetic square ones'."

Positive
May 26, 2026View Comment →

From post: Anyone Have Any Rec For To Go Lunch Places In The

"Yonah Schimmel is listed as a lunch recommendation in the East Village."

Neutral
May 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Would You Go As Your Last Meal In Nyc

"The commenter suggests also grabbing a knish (of choice) from Yonah Schimmel's alongside a meal from Katz's."

Positive
Apr 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Jewish Comfort Food

"This commenter suggested Yonah Schimmel if the dish turns out to be a knish, noting it is kosher dairy and won't have chicken fat."

Positive
Jul 31, 2025View Comment →