TLDR
Legendary 'gonzo' breakfast destination serving wild, stuffed pancakes and eccentric American comfort food in a quirky counter setting.
Instagram Posts References
Shopsin's offers a unique and hearty savory pancake creation, combining pancakes with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and what looks like a cheese crisp, presenting a robust and unconventional breakfast meal.
Details
A quirky counter spot in Essex Market known for its 'gonzo' breakfast creations, including dozens of inventive pancake varieties [1]. While the restaurant has evolved since the era of its legendary original owner, it remains a beloved, albeit unconventional, destination for hearty American comfort food [2], [3]. Prospective diners should note a strict policy that prohibits groups larger than four people [1], [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on imaginative American breakfast fare, featuring standouts like mac and cheese pancakes [3], [7], 'Blisters On My Sisters' [4], and hearty avocado chicken tortilla soup [8]. While some diners enjoy unique offerings like the Slutty Cakes and specialized French toast [9], others note that the menu has become smaller over the years [5].
Caveats
The restaurant maintains a strict policy prohibiting parties larger than four people [1], [2]. Additionally, the service style is often described as blunt or eccentric, and the menu can be overwhelming for those not prepared [5], [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SHOPSIN'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Every Sunday Is Soup Sunday Im Running Out Of
"The commenter says their favorite is the avocado chicken tortilla soup here."
PositiveFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"The commenter mentions that everything at Shopsin's is good, it's family-run and consistent. Great pancakes, and mentions 'Pete Moss' and mac n cheese pancakes as classics. They also recommend the cookbook 'Eat Me - The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin'."
PositiveFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"This commenter reaffirms Shopsin's as the best breakfast spot, always consistent. They also mention liking the 'Pete Moss' and mac n cheese pancakes."
PositiveFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"The user ordered 'Blisters On My Sisters' with added bacon and found it to be great."
PositiveFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"This user recalls going to the original Shopsin's and was unaware there was a new location."
NeutralFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"Shopsin's in Essex Market is highly recommended for serious breakfast eaters, with 'Blisters On My Sisters' being a favorite dish."
PositiveFrom post: Any Typical Americanstyle Breakfast Recommendation
"Shopsin's opens at 9 AM and is easily accessible by subway, offering a very interesting breakfast menu."
PositiveFrom post: Bringing My Dad To Get Stoned At Mercer Labs And
"Shopsin's is recommended, but with a caution to read the menu beforehand and have a plan, as it can be overwhelming even when sober."
NeutralFrom post: Bringing My Dad To Get Stoned At Mercer Labs And
"Shopsin's is suggested as a go-to spot for when someone is stoned."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now
"This user recommended Shopsin's in Essex Market, also noting that Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is right next door for comparison."
PositiveFrom post: Where Are The Best Milkshakes In Nyc Right Now
"This user specifically mentioned liking the malted avocado shake at Shopsin's."
PositiveFrom post: Which Nyc Food Place Has The Rudest Staff But
"Shopsin's is mentioned as a place where the owner, Kenny, was known for being 'nuts,' suggesting a potentially difficult or eccentric service experience."
NeutralFrom post: Which Nyc Food Place Has The Rudest Staff But
"This comment suggests that Shopsin's might have been the inspiration for the 'Soup Nazi' character on Seinfeld, known for strict and rude service."
NeutralFrom post: Whats The Nontouristy Cheesecake Factory Of Nyc
"This commenter agreed that Shopsin's breakfasts are insane and wondered if they allowed ordering dessert after an entree, speculating it might have been frowned upon in Kenny Shopsin's time."
PositiveFrom post: Whats The Nontouristy Cheesecake Factory Of Nyc
"This user clarified that most of Shopsin's breakfast items, like bread pudding French toast, could be considered dessert. They also mentioned the availability of shakes/malts but noted the lack of cocktails and late hours."
PositiveFrom post: Whats The Nontouristy Cheesecake Factory Of Nyc
"This commenter inquired if Shopsin's had desserts, noting that its breakfasts could be considered dessert-like. They also pondered if Kenny (presumably Kenny Shopsin) would have allowed ordering an entree and then pancakes as a second course."
NeutralFrom post: Whats The Nontouristy Cheesecake Factory Of Nyc
"This user recommended Shopsin's. They later elaborated that while it has an insane breakfast menu, it lacks cocktails and doesn't stay open late, unlike the Cheesecake Factory."
PositiveFrom post: Is Essex Hall A Good Food Destination
"This current location is not as good as the old Essex Market location, which itself wasn't as good as the original Village locations. The menu is significantly shorter now, but I still enjoy visiting a few times a year as it satisfies a specific craving. It's also quite small."
NeutralFrom post: Is Essex Hall A Good Food Destination
"I have a fondness for Shopsin's, but I don't think this particular food hall location is a must-go. It's a nice place to stop in if you happen to be in the area."
PositiveFrom post: Is Essex Hall A Good Food Destination
"Shopsin's is legendary but not destination worthy unless diner food with potentially rude service is your preference."
Neutral