TLDR
Legendary bialys and stone-baked bagels on the LES. Though famous for history, recent visitors often find them overpriced and lacking the charm of yesteryear.
Details
A historic Lower East Side institution, this bakery is renowned for its traditional bialys and specialized bagels, which are kettle-boiled and baked on stone for a signature malt-syrup sweetness [1]. However, recent sentiment has shifted sharply, with many patrons lamenting that the shop has lost its authentic, kosher roots in favor of commercialization [2]. Modern visitors frequently express frustration over high prices and what they perceive as disappointing portion sizes for lox bagels [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional Jewish bakery staples, specifically bialys and kettle-boiled bagels [1]. While some customers still highly recommend the bialys [4], others advise avoiding their bagels or lox sandwiches, suggesting superior quality can be found at alternative spots like Russ & Daughters or Apollo Bagels [3].
Customer Sentiment
Customer feedback is largely negative, with many diners expressing deep dissatisfaction regarding the high price points and declining quality [3]. While some long-time patrons maintain a nostalgic appreciation for the bialys, many feel the establishment has shifted toward a generic, commercialized experience [2].
Caveats
The establishment is no longer kosher, a shift that occurred over a decade ago when the business transitioned to operating on Saturdays and serving hot food [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About KOSSAR'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Where Would You Take Someone If They Could Only
"Argues it went downhill after changing ovens."
NegativeFrom post: Where Would You Take Someone If They Could Only
"Recommended specifically for amazing bialys."
PositiveFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Reacts to the price with a humorous comment about the item needing to be organic."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Humorously reacted to the price, suggesting the item should be organic."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Recommends the chicken salad with bacon on a sesame bagel (non-kosher) as 'pretty amazing'."
PositiveFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Recommended the chicken salad with bacon on a sesame bagel (non-kosher) as 'pretty amazing'."
PositiveFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Ironically comments 'Wow looks delicious' on the pictured item."
PositiveFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Ironically commented 'Wow looks delicious' on the pictured item."
PositiveFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Questions the origin of lox in NYC, mentioning Acme in Brooklyn. Prefers buying components separately and finds David's on First Ave convenient but not the best."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Questioned the source of NYC's lox, mentioned Acme in Brooklyn, and stated a preference for buying components separately, finding David's on First Ave convenient but not optimal."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Finds the pictured item 'awful' and states there are better local options for the price."
NegativeFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Found the pictured item 'awful' and stated better local options exist for the same price."
NegativeFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Claims New Jersey now has more good bagel places than NYC and at half the price."
NegativeFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Claimed that New Jersey now offers superior bagel options at a lower cost compared to NYC."
NegativeFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Offers to make the same sandwich for $5.00."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Offered to prepare the same sandwich for $5.00."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"States that toasting a bagel adds desirable crunch."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Responds that they would never toast a fresh bagel."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Suggests buying fresh lox separately and putting a generous amount on any bagel."
NeutralFrom post: 20 At Kossars On The Lower East Side Pure Robbery
"Suggested buying fresh lox separately and adding a generous amount to any bagel."
Neutral