Next.js logo

SHOPSINS

Last Updated: 22 days ago

Phone: (347) 742-7004

Address: 88 ESSEX STREET 10002

TLDR

Legendary NYC diner w/ an insane menu - think mac & cheese pancakes & 'slutty cakes'. A unique, must-try experience.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 54 Reddit comments)

50% Positive41% Neutral9% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

Next.js logo

Tags

american 25pancakes 8mac n cheese pancakes 8diner food 5View All

Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Details

This legendary New York City institution, known for its eclectic and extensive menu, offers a unique dining experience that has garnered a loyal following. While the menu has seen changes over the years, the spirit of creative American diner fare, particularly known for its breakfast and pancake dishes, remains. Diners can expect a truly one-of-a-kind meal, reflecting the legacy of its original owner and the continuation by his son.

Food Overview

The restaurant is celebrated for its highly eclectic and vast American diner-style menu, with a particular emphasis on breakfast items and creative pancake variations. The mac and cheese pancake is frequently mentioned, with opinions ranging from it being a standout dish to a decent but unusual combination. Some long-time patrons note that certain beloved dishes have been removed from the menu over time, especially after the passing of the original owner and relocation of the establishment.

Highlights / Recommended

"The mac and cheese pancake is a frequently mentioned and unique dish, often described as a standout item. Other items like 'slutty cakes' and various breakfast/diner fare are also highlighted as worth trying."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • mac and cheese pancakes(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards this restaurant, often highlighting its unique and extensive menu, especially its breakfast offerings like the mac and cheese pancakes. Some note a perceived decline from its past glory, but many still consider it a must-visit for its distinctive vibe and food.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

A highly upvoted comment praises Shopsin's, mentioning mac n cheese pancakes and recommending the documentary 'I Like Killing Flies' about the original owner. The commenter also notes that Kenny Shopsin's son now runs the shop.
A commenter lists Shopsin's as a beloved, rarely recommended spot, acknowledging a past lull but asserting it has found its stride again with a massive menu. Another user notes it was a personal favorite but has lost some shine.
This post highlights Shopsin's, with a user recounting an enjoyable experience with their mac and cheese pancakes, calling them excellent. Another user simply describes the place as 'so fun'.
Shopsin's is highly recommended by one user for an indulgent breakfast, citing a strong, long-standing preference. Another user found it to be a solid breakfast place they'd return to if more conveniently located.
Shopsin's is listed as a recommendation in this thread. One commenter recalls the original menu being much longer and notes it has shrunk over the years. Another mentions the food was worth the potential trouble with the many rules of the old menu.
Discussions here touch on Shopsin's current open status and its vibe. Some long-time residents feel there are better food options nearby, while others suggest visiting for the unique atmosphere, acknowledging it's changed since the original owner's time.
Multiple comments discuss Shopsin's pancakes, with one user calling their mac and cheese pancake their favorite due to the complementary flavors. Another simply states Shopsin's pancake is amazing.

Recent Mentions

From post: Lunch Recs

"This user clarified that the current Shopsin's is in a different location and has changed significantly since Kenny Shopsin's time, and reiterated that while worth checking for fans, there's better food nearby."

Neutral
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Recs

"This user recalled visiting Shopsin's when Kenny Shopsin ran it, describing the experience as unique with an insane menu, though the food was just fine."

Neutral
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Recs

"This user advised checking out Shopsin's if the user is interested in the "vibe," but cautioned against expecting good food or attitude, and then recommended Katz's, Russ & Daughters, and Clinton St Baking Company for food."

Negative
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Recs

"The original poster explained their interest in Shopsin's was more about the "vibe" and associated media rather than expecting great food, and asked for breakfast recommendations in the area."

Neutral
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Recs

"This user, a long-time LES resident, described Shopsin's as "whatever" and suggested there are better places in the neighborhood."

Negative
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Recs

"Replying to a query about Shopsin's, this user confirmed that Google indicates it is open and expressed hope that it is."

Neutral
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch Recs

"This user expressed surprise about Shopsin's being open again."

Neutral
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Pancakes

"This comment mentioned mac and cheese pancakes specifically from Shopsin's."

Positive
Oct 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Places With Selfserve Chili Crisp Or

"This commenter noted that Shopsin's has pretty great hot sauce."

Positive
Sep 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What

"The user recalls eating at Shopsin's with the old menu, finding it easy to get into trouble due to the many rules, but felt the food was worth it."

Neutral
Sep 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What

"The user suggests looking at the original Shopsin's menu, which was much longer, and notes it has become smaller over the years, especially after Kenny's passing."

Neutral
Sep 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What

"The user finally visited Shopsin's and found it wonderful, planning to return frequently to try more of the menu."

Positive
Sep 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What

"The user lists Shopsin's as a recommendation."

Positive
Sep 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Pancake Spot For Bday

"This user listed Clinton Street and Shopsins as potential pancake spots in NYC."

Neutral
Sep 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recommend Me Your Go To Diner Mines Jumped The

"This user personally recommends Shopsin's and EJ's."

Positive
Sep 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: A Few Days In Ny

"The commenter agreed with the sentiment that Kenny Shopsin's passing is sad."

Negative
Aug 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: A Few Days In Ny

"The commenter expressed sadness about the passing of Kenny Shopsin."

Negative
Aug 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: A Few Days In Ny

"The commenter stated that Zach, Kenny's son who runs Shopsin's, has a great sense of humor and can make people laugh intensely."

Positive
Aug 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: A Few Days In Ny

"Responding to a comment about Kenny Shopsin, the commenter expressed admiration and mentioned that Kenny's son now runs the Essex market location, recommending the cookbook."

Positive
Aug 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: A Few Days In Ny

"The commenter used to frequent Shopsin's weekly when the original owner, Kenny, was alive and shared a fond anecdote about him."

Positive
Aug 20, 2025View Comment →