Ask any New Yorker where to eat a bagel, or just where to eat in general, they’ll tell you Russ & Daughters. Around for over a century, Russ & Daughters has become a New York institution, famed for their classic Jewish cuisine. Four generations of the Russ family have worked there, and continue to today. There’s even a documentary about their family! In more recent years, they’ve also expanded to open The Cafe, the sit-down sister restaurant to the original outpost. Of course, with our blog featuring New York, we have to share our own experience eating the famous bagel and lox from Russ & Daughters.
We came on a late Sunday afternoon so there wasn’t a huge crowd. I imagine on a sunny weekend morning it must be packed! Typically you grab a number then order, but we ordered straight from the counter.
So. Many. Options. I’ve never seen so much lox, smoked fish, or herring in one place. I was a little overwhelmed so I ordered something of their sandwich menu, with lox of course.
I ended up going with the Daughters’ Delight— Gaspe Nova and Wild Alaskan Salmon Roe on an everything bagel. I chose this partly because I love roe, and partly because well, if it has Daughters in the name, it’s gotta be good!
Finally, on to the bagel! The lox lived up to the expectations. Perfectly briny, slightly smoky, with a melt-in-your-mouth finish. No weird stringy tendons or chewiness, this fell apart perfectly with every single bite. Ironically, the cream cheese is actually sourced from California— nice and creamy with that hint of California sun. Ok, I’m not really sure if that’s true but all I know is that it tasted good! The bagel however, was a little more dense and not quite as chewy as I’d like.
Fortunately, for those of us who don’t live in New York, you can get a taste of Russ & Daughters as they ship nationwide. If you do make it to the shop, their candy and nut store is also worth taking a gander at. Mazel Tov!
Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston
New York, NY 10002