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SHOPSINS

Last Updated: ~1 month ago

Phone: (347) 742-7004

Address: 88 ESSEX STREET 10002

TLDR

Legendary LES diner w/ an insane, ever-changing menu. A truly unique culinary adventure.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 63 Reddit comments)

56% Positive37% Neutral8% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 26pancakes 12mac n cheese pancakes 8diner food 5View All

Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Details

A legendary Lower East Side institution, Shopsin's offers an eclectic American menu with a cult following. Known for its inventive dishes and a vibe that's uniquely its own, it's a must-try for those seeking a memorable dining experience. While the menu has evolved, the spirit of culinary adventure remains, making it a place that continues to spark conversation and delight adventurous eaters.

Food Overview

Shopsin's is an American diner known for its vast and often surprising menu, with a particular reputation for its pancakes, including a notable mac and cheese pancake. While many dishes are highly recommended, some diners have noted that certain favorites have been removed from the menu after the passing of the original owner and the restaurant's relocation. The mac and cheese pancakes, in particular, receive mixed but generally positive reviews, with some finding them to be an excellent balance of flavors.

Highlights / Recommended

"The mac and cheese pancake is frequently mentioned and often recommended, with some diners describing it as a must-try. Other recommended items include pancakes in general and a hearty tortilla soup."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • mac and cheese pancakes(2)
  • croissant(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards Shopsin's, often describing it as a legendary and unique spot. While some note menu changes over time, the overall feedback points to a beloved establishment with a distinctive character.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread discusses Shopsin's as a beloved, albeit less recommended, spot. There's a discussion about its legendary status, menu changes, and the resurgence of its popularity under the younger Shopsin.
A user recounts a highly positive experience at Shopsin's, specifically praising the mac and cheese pancakes with hot sauce and maple syrup as a dish that lived up to the hype.
Shopsin's is recommended here for its pancakes, with one commenter noting its unique experience and high ranking, second only to Clinton Street Bakery.
This post features a strong recommendation for Shopsin's, including a mention of the mac and cheese pancakes and a recommendation to watch the documentary 'I Like Killing Flies' about its late owner.
Shopsin's is listed and highly recommended as a go-to breakfast spot by a user who clearly has a long-standing preference for the restaurant.

Recent Mentions

From post: French People In Nyc Where Has Best Croissants In

"This user recommended Shopsin's, stating they have a great croissant."

Positive
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: French People In Nyc Where Has Best Croissants In

"This user recommended Shopsin's, stating they have a great croissant."

Positive
Jan 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Fun Sit Down Meal Les Under 75 A Person

"Shopsin's is recommended, but the commenter advises checking their operating hours due to unusual timing."

Positive
Jan 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Breakfast Near Tenement Museum

"Recommends Shopsin's as the best choice for breakfast."

Positive
Dec 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Find Shoestring Onion Fries

"Shopsin's is mentioned as a place that might serve shoestring onion fries."

Neutral
Dec 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Very Good Pancakes Recommendation

"Shopsins is recommended for its pancakes and also for its hearty tortilla soup, with everything from the restaurant being described as very good."

Positive
Dec 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Very Good Pancakes Recommendation

"Shopsins is listed as a place to get pancakes."

Positive
Dec 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Very Good Pancakes Recommendation

"Shopsins is considered a very unique experience that might not be for everyone, and advises looking into it before visiting. It's ranked highly, second only to Clinton Street Bakery."

Positive
Dec 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Very Good Pancakes Recommendation

"Shopsins in Essex Market is suggested as an option that can sometimes accommodate walk-ins due to reduced foot traffic after changes to the market."

Positive
Dec 12, 2025View Comment →

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 →