Shopsin's Introduce
Shopsin's stands as a true institution in the New York City dining landscape, a beloved and unique American restaurant that has been serving up comfort food with a distinctively quirky flair for decades. Tucked away in the Essex Street Market in the Lower East Side, this isn't just a place to grab a bite; it's an experience. Shopsin's has earned a cult following among locals and tourists for its incredibly vast, handwritten menu that seems to defy all logic, offering a stunning variety of dishes that range from the familiar to the wonderfully bizarre. From a wide array of pancakes—including their legendary Mac and Cheese pancakes—to hearty soups, unique sandwiches, and creative egg specials, the menu is a journey in itself. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, a perfect reflection of the neighborhood it calls home. For those who appreciate a place with character and a menu that guarantees you'll find something you've never tried before, Shopsin's is a must-visit destination. The restaurant is particularly popular for breakfast and lunch, and its reputation for offering a great solo dining experience makes it a perfect spot for anyone looking to explore the city's culinary gems on their own. While there's often a wait to get a table, the anticipation only builds the excitement for the one-of-a-kind meal that awaits inside. This is a place that celebrates creativity and flavor in equal measure, offering a true taste of New York's eclectic and vibrant food scene.
Finding Shopsin's is part of the Lower East Side adventure. Located at 88 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002, the restaurant is situated within the bustling Essex Street Market. This prime location makes it highly accessible via several New York City subway lines, including the F, J, M, and Z trains at the Delancey Street/Essex Street station. Its position within a well-known market also makes it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the area's shops and attractions. For those with mobility needs, Shopsin's offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that a wider range of diners can enjoy its unique offerings. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the city, the restaurant's central Lower East Side location and public transit accessibility make it an easy and appealing destination for a memorable meal. Its spot in the Essex Street Market also provides a dynamic and lively backdrop, adding to the overall experience.
Shopsin's goes beyond just serving food, offering a range of services designed for convenience and a welcoming experience.
Takeout: For those on the go or who prefer to enjoy their meal elsewhere, Shopsin's provides takeout options, allowing you to savor their unique dishes at home or at a nearby park.
Dine-in: The primary service, inviting guests to sit down and enjoy the full Shopsin's experience in its casual and cozy setting. This is the best way to soak in the atmosphere and a favorite for many.
Table Service: Guests are seated and their orders are taken at the table, providing a traditional restaurant service that adds to the relaxed dining experience.
Payments: The restaurant accepts debit cards and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy for modern diners.
The features and highlights of Shopsin's are what truly set it apart and make it a staple in the NYC food scene.
Fast Service: Despite the extensive menu and often busy environment, Shopsin's is known for its fast service, ensuring you won't have to wait long to get your food.
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dessert: With a wide variety of offerings, Shopsin's is a go-to spot for any meal of the day, offering a fantastic selection of dishes for morning, midday, and even a sweet finish.
Offerings: The menu includes alcohol, beer, coffee, and wine, complementing the food and catering to a variety of tastes. The inclusion of vegetarian options ensures there's something for everyone.
Comfort Food: Shopsin's excels at serving up delicious, hearty comfort food, from classic dishes to creative new takes that warm the soul.
Unique Dishes: The Mac and Cheese pancakes and other inventive items like the Chili Elbow Macaroni Tomato Soup and the "So Good" bread and breakfast plate are just some of the reasons people keep coming back for more, drawn by the promise of flavors they won't find anywhere else.
Good for Kids: The welcoming atmosphere and wide-ranging menu make it a great spot for families with children, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all ages.
For direct inquiries or to find the location, here is the contact information.
Address: 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: Information not publicly available, but the restaurant is easily found and visited in person.
Shopsin's is worth choosing for so many reasons, but what truly makes it a standout is its combination of a rich history, a quirky and unforgettable menu, and an atmosphere that feels both genuinely New York and remarkably personal. This is a place where the food is not just sustenance; it's a creative expression. The sheer variety of options, from the savory to the sweet, means every visit can be a new adventure. The famous Mac and Cheese pancakes, for example, are not just a gimmick; they are a deliciously inventive dish that embodies the spirit of the restaurant. As one customer noted, the experience is about trying "unique pancakes in NYC." The casual and cozy vibe makes it an inviting space where you can relax and feel right at home, even as a first-time visitor. The fact that it's popular for solo dining speaks to its welcoming nature, making it a perfect refuge for those looking for a quiet moment with a great meal. The fast service is a big plus in a city where time is often of the essence. While the crowd can include tourists, the place maintains a strong local feel, a testament to its authenticity. Shopsin's isn't about fitting a mold; it's about breaking it. This is why it remains a cherished gem in the Lower East Side, offering a truly unique and delicious slice of American comfort food. Whether you're a long-time fan or a curious first-timer, Shopsin's promises a meal you won't soon forget, making the often-long wait completely worthwhile.
Shopsin's Vibe
Soup
- Gumbo $9.00
Okra, collard greens, mirepoix, peppers, and file vegetarian soup
- Chili Elbow Macaroni Tomato Soup $12.00
Bread & Breakfast Name Plates
- So Good $21.00
Triple decker french toast grilled cheese with three poached eggs inside
- Bravocado $23.00
Eggs, goat cheese, pimento, and guacamole, in a chimichanga
Egg Special Plates
- Egg Special 1 $15.00
Two scrambled eggs, hash browns, two strips of bacon, and white toast
- Egg Special 2 $19.00
Two scrambled eggs, two plain pancakes, maple syrup, hash browns, two slices of bacon, and white toast
The Petes
- Sneaky Pete $19.00
Bacon, jack cheese, spicy pepper garlic bread, scallions, tomato, and three poached eggs
- Santana Pete $19.00
Chorizo, fresh hatch cili, spicy cilantro, jack cheese, garlic ciabatta, and three poached eggs
Panckes or French Toast
- Pastrami Potato Latkes $15.00
- Plain Pancakes $12.00
Three pancakes with maple syrup
Shopsin's Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Shopsin's Photos










Shopsin's Location
Shopsin's Reviews
mac and cheesehot saucebrunchmacaroni and cheese pancakesmaple syrupbananapotato pancakesmarketchorizosliders
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Had the triple play (3 pancakes of your choice for $17). Took the coconut, cinnamon, and mac & cheese. Best were the cinnamon, mac & cheese, and banana that my friend took. Cool place, friendly staff, recommend for those looking to try unique pancakes in NYC
July 28 · Robin MetzgerI love it here, I go every couple of weeks. The menu is huge but my favorite is the Mac and Cheese pancakes, I’ll usually get those plus try a side I haven’t had before or get a milkshake.
May 04 · Sara HiromiFood is pretty good, diner styled, a bit small to fit in, but still great food. Coffee is self service and the pancakes are my recommendation. I highly recommend it. It might take a while to get some seats because it's tightly packed. Worth it.
March 23 · Gilbert WuGreat food and amazing service. We tried a variety of dishes and they were all delicious. It’s a bit of a wait on weekends so be prepared to wait. We went on Sunday around 12pm and waited about 45mins for a table of 4. I would recommend going with 2 people only. But the servers were amazing and the all the food was worth the wait.
March 05 · Luis AAmazing service. Got the Bubba, cornbread was fluffy and sweet and the shrimp was perfectly fried. The eggs were perfectly soft scrambled. The star of the service was the service though, the waitress was an absolute sweetheart and had great energy.
April 23 · Jobeth Regalado
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