Russ & Daughters Cafe

We accidentally showed up to the café side vs. the to go side. but I wasn’t mad about it. Ordered the Yum Kippered and I was not disappointed. On the pricer side ($ 60 Breakfast) but it was delicious nonetheless.

Nothing makes me happier to be Jewish than this place. I’ve had multiple things here but my favorites are the latkes and the yum kippered board with a toasted poppy seed bagel. It’s hurts to say this but the latkes are better than my Jewish grandma’s! Sorry gma still love ya. I love love love the décor! What don’t I love? The tear jerking long waits.

Usually, when a place is as hyped up as Russ & Daughters, it fails to deliver. You go there and you think, «yeah, this is good… but is it so much better than three other places I can think of?» Russ & Daughters represents one of the rare instances where a restaurant actually lives up to the hype. Their fish in particular is just in a different league. Your first time, you have to get The Classic board. Until you do, you’ve never really had a bagel with lox.
Oh yeah, and the Bloody Mary’s are excellent also.
(But be prepared to wait a long time on the weekends. We went on a Sunday at 12:30 and it was an estimated 2 — 2:15 hour wait for two people, although it ended up being a little under two hours in actuality.)

What better way to say goodbye to NYC than with a classic breakfast at Russ and Daughters. With a décor out of the 1920’s, soft jazz vocals piped out if the speaker, soft lighting equals a romantic breakfast. Then there is the hand carved nova with bagel, cream cheese, capers, onion marrying beautifully into an elegant bite. And don’t forget the potato latke. Crunchy on the outside, with a potato oniony center. Pair it with applesauce and sour cream and prepare to be transcended. Make this your final memory of NYC and prepare to leave with a smile.

The ambiance is great, if you’re going for lunch, get there early because it fills up quickly. My boyfriend and I got there around 10:05 AM, and by 10:15– it was PACKED.
Once we were seated we ordered the classic plate (bagel and lox), and the eggs benedict with challah, both were bland, and the fish tasted overly smoked– kinda like it was out of the grocery store. The eggs benedict didn’t have much flavor, and to my taste– were a little bitter.
On the other hand, the service was great. The waiters were attentive and friendly, it definately gives an extra star to the resturant.
I would come back again for the ambiance, maybe order something else, but it really is overhyped– as most brunch places are in NYC.

DO come here and DO eat everything! This place serves the delicious goods from Russ & Daughters but in a nice sit down environment. I am head over heels in love with the décor — feels like an escape back in time!
Started the meal with matzo ball soup, which is perfect on a cold day (or any day actually). I had the lower sunny side which includes eggs, lox and potato latkes. The lox is very good and the potato latkes are out of this world — probably some of the best latkes I have ever tried! Also tried their cucumber soda which I highly recommend — it’s house made and very refreshing!
Service is good, a little slow but overall friendly and accommodating. Be warned — this place is really popular and there is a guaranteed wait if you come during peak times. Luckily, they will text you when your table is ready so you can wander around to kill the time (or empty your wallet at economy candy just two blocks away). Definitely worth the wait!

Sissy and I ventured out the day after #jonas2016 and we were still quoted an hour wait although we arrived a few minutes after opening. Nothing keeps New Yorkers from flocking for their bagels! We ended up waiting about 45 minutes before getting a text that our table was ready.
The café is warm and bright with a very old school charm. Service was pretty shoddy but whatever. We ordered a classic board each and some latkes and babka french toast to share. The food came out quick enough.
The classic board is DIY with the bagel, onions, tomatoes, cream cheese and 3 slices of nova smoked salmon. The bagel is really nothing special — I’ve had better at many other spots. The salmon, however, is so, so good. A solid sandwich but very expensive at that.
The latkes, three per order, were incredible. Definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. These patties were thick and crunchy on the outside while encompassing a piping hot, soft and flavorful inside. I cut it up into small pieces to make it last as long as possible.
The babka french toast was the most disappointing dish of all. I was expecting fluffy and soft but it was more like dry and sad. Very chocolatey, yes, but dry, dry, dry.
Overall, I had a good meal and would come back to try some of their other items.

Expensive prices aside ($ 17 for a gluten free bagel w/​trimmings), I really enjoyed what we ate at R&D café. I ordered the Super Heebster twice because the first one didn’t really fill me up and our server didn’t charge me $ 20 (it’s $ 10 per order) but instead charged me $ 17 for the two half-​bagels. Still pricey but at least I got $ 3 off. My bf had the cold smoked Yum Kippered and a bowl of the chilled borscht both of which he found tasty and filling. To wash it all down, we shared a refreshing homemade lime and basil soda.
We waited roughly ten minutes for a table on Friday evening (at around 6:30) without a reservation. The place was already packed when we got there so plan accordingly. Overall, it was a good dining experience but will probably come back only when I’m feeling rich enough to pay $ 17 for a bagel.

I’ve been wanting to try this New York classic since forever. My friend from out of town was visiting, and we were both craving lox so this was the perfect opportunity. We arrived around 2pm, and were given an hours wait time. We weren’t starving and grabbed bubble tea down the street so it wasn’t too terrible a wait time. But they do underestimate the wait because we waited for an hour and a half. By that time, we were thinking that this better be the best lox bagel I will have in my life!
We both ordered the classic board ($ 16), which included smoked nova salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, capers and a bagel of your choice. The lox bagel was so good! The everything bagel was the best I’ve ever had. It was so nicely flavored and toasted perfectly. The salmon was so fresh! It didn’t have that fishy taste that a lot of smoked salmons have, which immediately made me rate this as one of the best and top notch salmons. The tomatoes were kind of tasteless and sandy, so that kind of chipped away from the overall taste. But overall, this is a quality plate! You must try this at least once!

A truly great breakfast /​lunch spot (also known as brunch).
A huge plus is that they have gluten free bagels as well as gluten free bread!
However, as a gluten eater, I was not blow away by their bagels. They were not up to my expectations, and I almost preferred my mom’s gluten free bagel.
Luckily, regardless of taste, this is a very instagramable meal. The likes on my photo make up for the lackluster bagel.

There’s nothing else like Russ & Daughters in Manhattan. Barely two years old, it feels like it has been an Orchard Street presence since the days the street epitomized the Jewish Lower East Side, with its shops and peddlers. This café uses a décor that evokes that time by borrowing details from the original and busier than ever retail store on Houston Street. The porcelain cabinets and trim, the graphics and even the signage look like they were installed in 1900. But you come here for what is fresh – the smoked baked and pickled seafood. I recommend the herring and kippered salmon. The beet borscht is the best I’ve ever had. It’s not watery, but almost a purée. I’ve never had a better Bloody Mary. They have several variations, I recommend the one with caraway seeds. I haven’t tried it, but my dining guests have raved about the chopped chicken liver. There was a time when every Jewish neighborhood had a restaurant that served what was called «appetizing» dishes. They were mainly dairy and fish places, no meat, because they were kosher. This café takes some dietary liberties, and the result is better than what you could get from the era it evokes.
A couple of practical points. Don’t think you can stop in on a weekend for lunch. Unless you get there well before noon, expect a two hour wait to be seated. They don’t take reservations for lunch, except (and I’m sure about this) you’re a large group. I know we were able to make reservations for dinner. That’s when you should come here. The food is the same, and the place is pretty empty after 6. Check their hours before you go, but they’re open until 10 on weekends.
Service also gets five stars as do the egg-​creams.

Remarquable ville que New-​York pour sa diversité culturelle et gastronomique. Né pas passer d’un style de cuisine à un autre serait vraiment dommage et né pas découvrir des cuisines presque introuvables ailleurs serait presque un crime de lèse-​majesté… Aujourd’hui c’est une cuisine probablement mal connue en dehors de la grosse pomme, celle que l’on pourrait qualifier de juive Ashkenaze, celle d’Europe centrale, Alsace, Allemagne de l’ouest et du sud. C’est une cuisine de pays froids, nourrissante, à base de produits simples et que l’on peut trouver en toutes saisons: pommes-​de-​terre, oignons, choux et betteraves, poissons farcis, ragoût de bœuf, poulet.
C’est donc chez «Russ & Daughters «que nous nous sommes rendus aujourd’hui pour déjeuner. A l’origine un traiteur ouvert en 1914 et qui existe encore au 179 East Houston St dans le Lowe East side où vous pourrez acheter des produits comme dans une épicerie, mais là c’est au restaurant qu’il faudra vous rendre au 127 Orchard St non loin de l’épicerie.
A l’origine un immigrant juif polonais au nom de Joel Russ qui arriva à Manhattan en 1905 et qui ouvrit cette épicerie où l’on pouvait trouver des harengs en tonneau et autres produits de la mer. Aujourd’hui toujours en activité cette épicerie mérite une visite après votre repas à l’autre adresse.
En fait le restaurant né semblerait avoir été ouvert qu’en mai 2014, plus d’un siècle après le succès de son épicerie. Un lieu absolument fantastique que le tout New-​York souhaite visiter; probablement un peu un côté mode mais indéniablement cet endroit est une vraie réussite. On né peut pas réserver et il est recommandé de venir y déjeuner tôt en espérant avoir une table dans les prochaines 45 minutes. Que cela né tienne, le quartier est un joyau d’architecture et une balade né sera pas du temps perdu.
On y trouvera donc les produits de l’épicerie mais évidemment servis à votre table. Les divers harengs, les saumons et l’esturgeon tant appréciés de la clientèle. Si vous êtes allés à l’épicerie au préalable, vous comprendrez que le décor intérieur que j’ai trouvé magnifique est inspiré de l’épicerie. Tout le long des murs, des alcôves avec le nom des produits en gros caractères noirs avec un éclairage derrière, une structure en même temps moderne mais aussi un peu art déco avec ces demis-​angles muraux, les tables comme dans un «Diner «, le bar blanc et métal. Tout est décoré méticuleusement, la clientèle plutôt branchée apprécie comme nous d’ailleurs ce lieu presque en même temps moderne et d’un autre temps. Un peu difficile de qualifier l’ambiance mais il y a quelque chose de vraiment magique ici. Peut-​être le côté de l’histoire juive new-​yorkaise qui a été transformée en un lieu actuel et design.
Si vous observez avec plus de détail ces alcôves au-​dessus de chaque table vous apprendrez probablement un peu de cette cuisine juive avec des termes probablement peu connus des européens comme «gaspenova «qui qualifie l’origine d’un saumon, «kapchunkas «qui sont des poissons non éviscérés conservés dans le sel et qui sèchent, considérés comme une délicatesse, ou encore «Schmaltz Herring «un terme yiddish qui signifie que le hareng a été péché juste avant de pondre des œufs car ils sont plus gros et gras; généralement ceux-​ci sont conservés en saumure. En dessous une série d’impressionnantes photos noires et blanches du début du siècle.
La possibilité de manger le long du bar si vous le souhaitez mais le fond de salle nous a semblé plus agréable que l’on atteint en passant tout d’abord devant la vitrine des poissons qui seront servis et ensuite la cuisine ouverte qui donne sur cette salle.
Vous y trouverez un ensemble de banquettes comme dans un «Diner «avec des tables de marbres au centre. Ce fond de salle est vraiment beau avec un côté presqu’un peu marin lorsque l’on regarde l’enfilade des tables, ces couleurs blanches, bleues et le coté métallique.
Comme boisson, je vous suggère de faire votre repas avec l’un des «Bloody Mary «car je né me rappelle pas d’en avoir vu de meilleurs. Il se déclinent d’ailleurs en quatre version différentes, les unes plus excitantes que les autres. Celui a la vodka infusée au fenugrec et cèleri est un pur délice.
L’autre à la vodka infusée au poivre fumé et complété par du sel fumé est encore plus bouleversant en saveur et accompagnera parfaitement ce repas.
La carte est en fait votre napperon en papier et le choix sera cornélien. Une série de «Noshes «qui peuvent être considérés comme étant des snacks ou repas léger. Des «Boards «planches avec diverses sortes de sandwichs et bagels. Du caviar si cela vous tente. Soupes, salades, plateaux à partager, divers harengs er des œufs sous toutes leurs formes.

Picked by some food critics as one of the best new restaurants in NYC this year.
Easy to get a seat by the bar.
Enjoyed the lunch today: Potato latkes with wild salmon roe & crème fraîche and Herring plate.
They also make unique sodas (tried the coffee soda and cranberry soda).
: B+

Weekday morning was about a 45 minute wait, which was well worth it. Potato latkes were awesome but the best part is the smoked fish! The boards are the stars of the show!

Near impossible to get in, but when you do, it’s so worth it!
Your best bet is to try and go during the week or super early on the weekend. They open at 10 and one time I called to see what the wait was like at 10:30 and they told me 2 hours. However, last weekend, we went around 10:15 — 10:30 and only had a 15 minutes wait.
The restaurant is a lovely, old school, dressed up Jewish deli. The menus are your placemats so you’re immediately smacked in the face with all the delicious breakfast options. The classic option is naturally called The Classic, which is a bagel and lox platter. The lox is the best you will ever eat, thinly sliced and perfectly salty.
Last week I tried the eggs benny, which is eggs benedict with lox and spinach on challah. WOAH. I could’ve done without the spinach but everything else about this dish was spot on. I’ve also had the babka french toast and the noodle kugel. Both were delicious, but I’m definitely sticking with the babka french toast.
I would love to come back all the time, but it’s so hard to get in and it’s pricey. If you want to treat yourself for a nice, delicious, classic brunch, Russ & Daughters is the way to go.

What is there to not love about Russ & Daughters Café? It’s history from their first store incorporated in every detail of the restaurant. Amazing.
So, yes, I’m a vegetarian and this is the Mecca of smoked fish. There is so much more to love!
We started with the bread basket because we all know NYC has these scrumptious carbs on point. There was no exception here, all the Jewish varieties were included like rye, bagel, bialy, pumpernickel, and challah. Perfect way to start while waiting for your entrees.
The potato pancakes were insanely fresh, crunchy on the outside and delicate and soft in the inside. Served with sour cream and apple sauce to counterbalance the salty bites. So good!
Do not leave without trying the bobka french toast. It’s a relatively small portion, and due to the decadence, it was appreciated. It was chocolately and flakey and warm. The fresh strawberries went perfectly with the sweet flavor of the main attraction.
We arrived shortly after they opened on a Saturday morning and were seated right away. If you are impatient with the long, well deserved wait times for a table, get there early!

Gotta get the LOX!
This great little old school café based off the Russ and Daughters Appetizers deli on E. houston street makes you feel like you are going back in time to a diner.
When I got here it was a short wait only 30 minutes which is lucky for a Saturday. The table we got was directly across from the bar which was very cool the bar area. I knew what I wanted right away something with LOX!
We got the Lower Sunny Side which was sunny side up eggs, gaspe nova smoked salmon, potato latkes and the Eggs Benny — poached eggs, scottish smoked salmon, sauteed spinach, hollandaise over challah bread. Both dishes were amazing the latkes were so crispy yet moist and the lox was the best I have ever had it was so smooth, salty, and straight up delicious.
After eating all that it was time to split a desert which we decided on the Babka French toast which taste exactly like it sounds. The sweetness of the syrup with a mix the chocolate was delectable.
In short the food here was amazing and the service was superb. I will be back here many times over.
In short:
— Great for Brunch
— Great Service
— Best Lox I have ever had
— No reservations

Tip: Grab a ticket number right when you enter!
Everything bagel with king salmon, scallion cream cheese, tomato, and onions.
For my first time having a NYC bagel I really didn’t notice anything different. Maybe it’s just me. Anyways the bagel I had was super tough to chew, and made my jaws hurt. Regardless the salmon and cream cheese was delicious, I would definitely come back.

I’ve been wanting to try Russ & Daughters ever since I saw a special on Sturgeon Queens, a movie about their shop. We went back and forth on whether we wanted to try the café, or try the original store, but decided we wanted to sit down, sample, and take our time.
We absolutely pigged out. Ordered the Classic Board, Hot smoke/​Cold smoke, Pickled Herring Trio, Smoked Whitefish chowder, and a plate of sours. The lox on the classic was incredible. Best I’ve ever had. I’m used to lox being stringy and fatty and hard to chew. Not the case here. It was perfectly smooth and not the least bit chewy. The smoked salmon spread in the hot smoke was my favorite and my fiancé loved the Herring.
The entire place is very cute. I wish I could return for more meals here.

My first experience at Russ and Daughters and what a success. First I have to say service was extremely welcoming. We walked in on Sunday night at 9:35, with closing at 10, and they seated has in their best booth with smiles on their face.
We shared the matzoh ball soup which they graciously separated into two bowls. It was delicious despite all the celery (hate celery!). Could have used some more carrots but very good size portion.
We both had the classic, one with poppy and another with everything bagel. I was blown away by how delicious this was. I’m not the biggest lox fan but I couldn’t stop eating this meal!!! I thought the bagel was on the small size and maybe there is a reason for that but come on, we’re New Yorkers and we like our bagels a certain size, thankyouverymuch. The lox and cream cheese combination though — wow!!! It’s a must!
One star off as always because $ 16 is steep, but I suppose you have to look at this as a very fancy (and filling!) sandwich. I am curious if the shop has the same prices because I noticed it was $ 8 for a knish which seems unheard of. In any case I will be back!!!

I came here for lunch; However, I’m not a fish eater, so the salmon on almost every dish eliminated almost everything for me.
RESTAURANT OVERVIEW:
–Trendy diner vibe.
FOOD:
–Potato Latke with sour cream and applesauce: these were good, but a bit too fried for me. Came with 3 big latkes. Very very filling and heavy.
–Matzo Ball Soup: This was good! no complaints
SERVICE:
–Good, no complaints.