Last Updated: 18 days ago
Phone: (212) 475-4881
Address: 127 ORCHARD STREET 10002
Classic Jewish deli w/ innovative brunch & expertly cured fish. An NY institution for lox, latkes & egg creams.
Will Hartman reviews Russ & Daughters Cafe, a classic Jewish-American diner offering delicious brunch items like latkes and babka French toast, perfect for any morning meal.
This iconic Lower East Side cafe, an offshoot of a renowned appetizing store, offers a refined yet classic Jewish-American dining experience. Known for its expertly prepared cured fish and creative twists on traditional dishes, it's a must-visit for brunch or breakfast. Signature items like latkes with roe and babka French toast, alongside expertly made egg creams and cocktails, make it a true New York institution.
The cafe excels in Jewish-American cuisine, particularly its cured fish like lox, and traditional items such as latkes and bagels. While the fish and latkes are frequently praised, some diners have found the bagels to be dry or the lox portions skimpy, with suggestions to opt for a bialy instead. Dishes like the babka French toast and Eggs Benedict on challah are also highly recommended.
"Highly recommended dishes include the latkes with crème fraîche and trout roe, Eggs Benedict on challah with lox, and the caramelized chocolate babka French toast. The egg cream and bagel with lox are also frequently mentioned as must-tries."
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment, highlighting the quality of the fish and creative brunch dishes. Some minor critiques exist regarding bagel dryness and presentation, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile splurge.
Important Note
The cafe is walk-in only and can experience significant wait times, especially during peak hours. Some patrons find it to be pricey.
"The Russ & Daughters Cafe is mentioned as a possible 'interesting' restaurant choice that could be suitable for the user's needs."
Positive"Russ and Daughters Cafe is an institution in NYC that is pricey but considered a splurge meal."
Neutral"Katz's Deli is the highest-priced item suggested, but worth considering."
Neutral"Katz's is expensive but can be a quick option on weekdays if you avoid peak times, suitable for sitting with a podcast and pastrami."
Neutral"While not explicitly stating they have the flavor, Russ & Daughters Cafe is mentioned as a place with excellent bagels and is included in a list of Manhattan options for the original poster's request."
Positive"Russ and Daughters is recommended for breakfast, either takeaway or at their cafe, especially for those who enjoy cured fish."
Positive"This user suggests that Russ & Daughters is good for the fish, but one should get bagels elsewhere."
Neutral"The user suggests ordering the Nova at Russ & Daughters instead of the belly lox."
Neutral"The user noted that while some find the belly lox at Russ & Daughters salty, they also thought it was skimpy."
Negative"The user agreed that the bagels at Russ & Daughters are not great and recommended using a bialy instead, which they felt improved the salmon-to-bread ratio."
Neutral"This user suggested ordering the belly lox on a bialy instead of a bagel at Russ & Daughters."
Neutral"This user expressed that Russ & Daughters bagels are overrated."
Negative"This user stated that the bagels at Russ & Daughters are bad."
Negative"A user commented that the belly lox on a bagel at Russ & Daughters looked a bit skimpy."
Negative"Russ and Daughters Cafe is recommended as a dining option in the LES."
Neutral"The user suggests Russ & Daughters Cafe as an 'exotic' breakfast option, understanding that many highly-rated places might also attract tourists."
Neutral"Russ & Daughters Cafe is included as a brunch option in the user's proposed NYC itinerary for which they are seeking feedback."
Neutral"Russ and Daughters Cafe is suggested as a breakfast option for Day 2, noting it has lighter choices available."
Positive"Russ and Daughters Cafe is recommended for its Egg Cream and Bagel with Lox."
Positive"Russ and Daughters Cafe is recommended as a place to try before leaving NYC, implying a positive experience with this classic New York deli."
Positive
