Russ & Daughters

- 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

For more than a century, Russ & Daughters has been an institution in New York City, a testament to enduring quality and tradition. Founded in 1914, this iconic bagel shop and appetizing store has become a historical landmark and a cornerstone of the Lower East Side's Jewish culinary heritage. It’s more than just a place to grab a bagel; it's a living museum where the art of "appetizing" is preserved. In Jewish food tradition, an appetizing store is where one buys smoked and cured fish, salads, and spreads, distinguishing it from a delicatessen that sells meats. Russ & Daughters is one of the last remaining examples of this tradition, and its continued success is a tribute to its unwavering commitment to excellence. As a women-owned business, it also holds a special place in history, being the first American business to have "& Daughters" in its name. For locals and visitors alike, a trip to this shop is a step back in time, offering a taste of authentic New York culture and a delicious meal you'll never forget.

The original and most famous location of Russ & Daughters is at 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002. Situated in the heart of the Lower East Side, the shop is a vibrant hub of activity. The neighborhood is a mix of old-world charm and modern energy, making the shop a perfect stop during a day of exploring. The area is well-connected by subway and bus lines, making it easy to access from all corners of the city. While parking in this busy neighborhood can be a challenge, both free and paid street parking are available nearby. The shop is also committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance to ensure everyone can experience this historic destination.

Russ & Daughters has adapted over the years to provide a range of services to its loyal customers, while keeping its core traditions intact.

• In-Store Pickup & Takeout: The original shop operates as a counter-service establishment. Customers take a number upon entering and wait for their turn to be served by a knowledgeable and friendly staff member behind the iconic counter. This is the classic, quick visit experience that many locals cherish.
• Delivery: For those who can’t make it to the shop, Russ & Daughters offers delivery services. You can get their classic bagels, lox, and other appetizing essentials delivered right to your door.
• Onsite Services: The store's primary service is providing high-quality food to be taken and enjoyed elsewhere. However, there are also dedicated seating areas at their other locations, such as the nearby cafe, for a full dine-in experience.
• Catering: Russ & Daughters offers catering platters, perfect for office events, family gatherings, or special occasions, allowing you to share their famous smoked fish and bagels with a crowd.

What makes Russ & Daughters truly special is a combination of its historical significance and its unwavering dedication to quality.

• Historical Landmark: The store at 179 E Houston St has been in the same location since 1920. It is recognized as a historical landmark and serves as a living piece of New York’s immigrant and Jewish history.
• Women-Owned Legacy: The business was famously renamed "Russ & Daughters" in 1935 when Joel Russ made his three daughters—Hattie, Ida, and Anne—full partners. This was a bold and progressive move at the time, making it a pioneer in women's business ownership.
• Quick Visit: Despite the long lines that can form, especially on weekends, the line moves fast. The staff are efficient and attentive, ensuring that even during peak hours, your wait is manageable and the experience is worthwhile.
• Gourmet Offerings: Beyond just bagels, Russ & Daughters is a treasure trove of gourmet products. The menu includes a wide variety of smoked and cured fish, from classic lox to caviar, as well as an assortment of Jewish baked goods, salads, and spreads.
• Quintessential New York Experience: Visiting the shop and ordering a bagel and lox is a quintessential New York experience that embodies the city's rich history and diverse culture. It’s a place that feels authentic and timeless.
• Quality Staff: As noted by customers, the staff are knowledgeable, efficient, and provide an excellent level of service, often making the experience feel personal and cared for.

To plan your visit or place an order, you can use the following information:

• Address: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA
• Phone: (212) 475-4880

When you walk into Russ & Daughters, you are faced with a stunning display of appetizing foods, but a few things stand out as must-tries. The most iconic choice is, without a doubt, the classic bagel with lox. Customers describe it as the "best bagel I have ever had in my life," praising the soft, chewy, and perfectly toasted bagels paired with the freshest lox. The experience of choosing your smoked fish—like the Gaspe Nova smoked salmon or the rich, salty belly lox—and pairing it with a schmear of their fresh, all-natural cream cheese and traditional toppings like capers, onions, and tomatoes, is what makes it so legendary.

Beyond the classic, the shop offers a variety of other delicious items worth exploring. The "Super Heebster" sandwich on a toasted bialy with horseradish-dill cream cheese is a customer favorite. For something different, their variety of herring, including the pickled herring in cream sauce, is highly recommended. The bakery items, like the delectable babka and rugelach, also draw crowds, with many considering them among the best in the city. Their potato latkes, often described as crispy on the outside and soft inside, are also a popular choice. The quality of ingredients is what truly shines, whether it’s a simple bagel with cream cheese or a complex smoked fish platter.

Ultimately, what is worth choosing is not just one specific item but the entire experience. It’s the feeling of being part of a century-old tradition, of watching the skilled staff meticulously slice the smoked salmon, and of enjoying a breakfast that is deeply rooted in New York's history. Russ & Daughters offers a taste of the past that feels incredibly fresh and relevant today, making it an essential destination for anyone looking to eat and experience the very best of New York.

Russ & Daughters

179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA