Last Updated: 4 days ago
Phone: (646) 795-6211
Address: 502 WEST 34 STREET 10001
Iconic Jewish appetizing store. Divine lox & smoked fish; bagels divisive but fish is king. A true taste of NYC heritage.
Russ & Daughters is a renowned Jewish appetizing store and cafe, celebrated for its exceptional smoked fish and classic deli offerings. While some find the bagels to be average, the quality of the lox and other smoked fish preparations is consistently praised, making it a must-visit for an authentic New York deli experience. The establishment also offers unique items like exceptional Bloody Marys and Egg Creams.
The star of the show at Russ & Daughters is undoubtedly their selection of smoked and cured fish, with lox, sablefish, and pastrami-cured salmon receiving consistent accolades. While many rave about these offerings, some commenters note that the bagels themselves are not as exceptional. Other recommended items include their chocolate halva, babka, matzo ball soup, and blintzes. The establishment also offers unique drinks like Bloody Marys and Egg Creams.
"The smoked fish, particularly the lox and sablefish, is overwhelmingly recommended. Other highlights include their babka, chocolate halva, matzo ball soup, blintzes, Bloody Marys, and Egg Creams."
Overall, customer sentiment is highly positive, with many praising the unparalleled quality of their smoked fish and classic deli items, although opinions on the bagels are more divided.
Important Note
Some customers find the bagels to be mediocre or even subpar, and a few consider the establishment an overrated tourist trap. The price point for some items, like the $20 bagel and lox, is noted.
"Russ & Daughters is suggested as a place to get lox and bagels."
Neutral"The Hudson Yards location of Russ and Daughter's offers no wait and seating, with elite lox and cream cheese, although the bagels themselves are reportedly not as good."
Neutral"This user suggests trying the beet & lemon shrub at Russ and Daughters."
Positive"This user recommends Russ and Daughters Cafe, noting that most menu items include pickled or brined elements and their shrub drinks contain vinegar."
Positive"Russ and Daughters is mentioned as a fast-casual option in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca, East Village, or LES areas that is suitable for takeout."
Neutral"Russ & Daughters is listed as a recommended restaurant."
Neutral"Russ and Daughter's in Manhattan is recommended for its matzo ball soup and blintzes."
Positive"This user suggested checking Rus & Daughters for spoons."
Positive"Russ & Daughters is presented as a grounding institution that connects people to New York's history and past generations, offering a sense of stability in a rapidly changing city."
Positive"Russ & Daughters, along with Katz's, has endured by owning its building since the 70s. It also benefits from being one of the last traditional Jewish appetizing stores and cultivating deep generational customer relationships."
Positive"Like Katz's, Russ & Daughters has remained a stable institution by maintaining its core product offerings and generational appeal, unlike businesses focused on fleeting trends."
Positive"The author praised Russ & Daughters for its exceptional pastrami cured salmon and other outstanding smoked salmon varieties, calling them the best they've ever had. They also noted the staff's efficiency despite the busy atmosphere."
Positive"This commenter stated that while Russ & Daughters is an institution, they are not known for their bagels, suggesting it's not the right place to judge bagel quality."
Negative"This commenter argued that Russ & Daughters should not be used to judge a NYC bagel because it is an appetizing shop, not a dedicated bagel shop."
Negative"The author mentioned having a salmon and scallion cream cheese bagel from Russ & Daughters in NYC, stating it was as good as any bagel they had eaten."
Positive"Russ & Daughters received a 9.7/10, with the author expressing immense love for the lox, scallion cream cheese, and sliced tomato combination. They felt it epitomised good NYC food culture, heritage, and pride, calling it possibly the perfect NYC bite."
Positive"The author recommends Russ & Daughters for their honey cake and homemade gefilte fish, stating the gefilte fish is the best."
Positive"The author's favorite honey cake has a texture and density similar to banana bread but with the flavor of gingerbread."
Positive"This user recommends Russ and Daughters for caviar and offers a tip to politely ask for assistance to potentially avoid waiting in line."
Positive"Russ & Daughters is mentioned as a potential lunch spot."
Neutral
