Legendary LES diner w/ wild menu. Famously divisive mac & cheese pancakes & other unique brunch/diner faves. A true NYC experience.
This legendary Lower East Side establishment, known for its eclectic and often boundary-pushing menu, has been a staple for adventurous eaters for years. While the restaurant has undergone changes, including a move and menu adjustments, it continues to offer a unique dining experience, particularly celebrated for its innovative takes on breakfast dishes like the mac and cheese pancakes. Despite some nostalgia for its original iterations, many still find it a worthwhile stop for its distinctive culinary personality.
Known for its eclectic American diner fare, Shopsin's is most famous for its inventive pancakes, with the mac and cheese pancake being a standout, though divisive. While some dishes have been praised for their uniqueness and flavor, others have noted that the menu has become shorter and less adventurous than in previous years. Despite this, it remains a popular spot for breakfast and brunch.
"The mac and cheese pancake is frequently mentioned and highly recommended, often described as a unique and delicious dish. Other praised items include their pancakes in general, tortilla soup, and a croissant."
Customers express a strong sense of nostalgia and loyalty to the restaurant's unique, often eccentric, culinary style, particularly its inventive pancakes. While some lament menu changes and the loss of its original charm, many still find the food and experience memorable and worth seeking out.
Important Note
Some patrons feel the current menu is a shadow of its former self, and the restaurant's unique vibe and potentially less-than-fawning service might not appeal to everyone. Its location in Essex Market may also mean it's not a destination for those not already in the area.
"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."
Neutral"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."
Positive"Shopsin's is legendary but not destination worthy unless diner food with potentially rude service is your preference."
Neutral"Shopsin's is mentioned as a place with good food."
Neutral"Shopsin's is recommended for its Slutty Cakes (pancakes with peanut-butter/pumpkin mush and crushed pistachios) or their triple stack French toast filled with poached eggs and covered in bacon jam."
Positive"This user recommended Shopsin's, stating they have a great croissant."
Positive"This user recommended Shopsin's, stating they have a great croissant."
Positive"Shopsin's is recommended, but the commenter advises checking their operating hours due to unusual timing."
Positive"Recommends Shopsin's as the best choice for breakfast."
Positive"Shopsin's is mentioned as a place that might serve shoestring onion fries."
Neutral"Shopsins is recommended for its pancakes and also for its hearty tortilla soup, with everything from the restaurant being described as very good."
Positive"Shopsins is listed as a place to get pancakes."
Positive"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"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"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"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"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"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"This user, a long-time LES resident, described Shopsin's as "whatever" and suggested there are better places in the neighborhood."
Negative"Replying to a query about Shopsin's, this user confirmed that Google indicates it is open and expressed hope that it is."
Neutral
