Russ and Daughters.

179 East Houston Street, Lower East Side. Russ and Daughters has been selling smoked fish since 1914, and it’s not technically a deli in the pastrami sense. It’s an appetizing store, which is the traditional Jewish term for a shop that sells fish, cream cheese, and bagels (as opposed to a deli, which sells meat). Yes, there’s a distinction, and yes, it matters to people.

The Classic board ($42 for two) is the thing to get. It comes with Nova Scotia smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, tomatoes, onions, and bagels. Every component is perfect. The salmon is silky. The cream cheese is house-made. The bagels are from Shelsky’s and they’re excellent.

They also have a sit-down cafe around the corner at 127 Orchard Street (Russ and Daughters Cafe) if you want table service. Same food, more comfortable, slightly higher prices. Either way, you’re eating some of the best smoked fish in the world. This is not an overstatement.

179 East Houston Street. Take the F to 2nd Avenue.

I know. Putting Russ and Daughters at the top of a bagel list feels almost too predictable. But here’s the thing. They’ve been open since 1914 and they’re still the best, and that’s not nostalgia talking. Their lox is hand-sliced to order. Their cream cheese is made in-house. The bagels themselves come from Shelsky’s and they’re perfectly chewy with just enough crunch on the outside. The classic order is the bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon, and it’s one of the most perfect food experiences in this city.

Yes, there will be a line on weekends. Yes, it’s worth the wait. I’ve eaten here more times than I can count and it has never once disappointed me. The whitefish salad is also unreasonably good if you want to branch out.

Offering some of the best bagels and lox in New York City for more than 100 years, Russ & Daughters is a beloved NYC Jewish spot with an impressive selection of fish, schmears, and appetizers. After a century, the shop continues its legacy through four generations of the Russ family.

Despite the long history, this iconic NYC Jewish institution remains immensely popular among both locals and tourists. Hour-long lines are the norm, especially during the summer season. In addition to the flagship store on the Lower East Side, Russ & Daughters has recently expanded. Currently, there are four locations of cafes spread throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. But between you and me, nothing beats the quality of the original.

Russ & Daughters is a beloved Jewish Deli that dates back to 1914. A family-run business spanning four generations, this place embodies the age-old story of resilience and the immigrant experience for Jewish Americans.

Know for high-quality lox, herring, and other delicacies, this deli typically has a line that wraps the block. It’s not uncommon for folks to wait more than an hour for the best bagels and lox in NYC.

It seems that Russ & Daughters attracts mostly tourists these days (the lines are too long for locals), but not without reason. This iconic New York City bagel shop is worth a detour. If you feel like splurging, add caviar to your bagel or opt for the caviar spread.

Local’s Tip. Russ & Daughters has expanded over the years but I suggest visiting the original store on the Lower East Side for the quintessential New York experience.

Russ & Daughters is a beloved Jewish deli that’s been serving the Lower East Side for more than a century. A family-run business spanning four generations, this place embodies the age-old story of resilience for many Jewish Americans.

Unparalleled for traditional Jewish fare, you’ll find premium hand-sliced lox, herring, and other delicacies, but the bagel and lox is the biggest draw (folks wait up to an hour to get their hands on it). If you feel like indulging, add a scoop of caviar to the party, or opt for some caviar schmear instead.

It seems that Russ & Daughters attracts mostly tourists these days (the lines are too long for locals), but it’s still worth a detour. I consider this a place you need to try destination for anyone visiting NYC for the first time.

Russ & Daughters is arguably the most iconic bagel shop in NYC; the Lower East Side institution has been a local favorite for more than 100 years! As expected, the bagels at Russ & Daughters are exceptional, but the smoked fish is where they truly shine. They have an impressive selection of smoked fish, cream cheese, and appetizers.

Moreover, they’re one of the few bagel shops in NYC that offers caviar, which is all the more reason to visit. Russ & Daughters has two locations in LES. Their flagship on Houston Street doesn’t offer any seating, but their cafe three blocks south on Orchard Street does.

Start your day the true New York way – grab a bagel and lox (smoked salmon) from Russ and Daughters in the Lower East Side. This beloved Jewish deli, serving New Yorkers since 1914 (more than 110 years!), is a must on any list of the best things to do in Manhattan.

The exceptional bagels paired with their renowned smoked fish make for an unforgettable experience. Though the popular combo may set you back $25-30, it’s a true taste of NYC that simply can’t be missed.

Famous for churning out some of the best bagels in New York City, Russ & Daughters may not be your first. Thought for a black and white cookie in NYC, but adding one to your order is a choice you won’t regret. Differing from the soft texture of Orwashers’ cookie, Russ & Daughters’ version tends to be firmer.

With subtle hints of almond and vanilla, accompanied by just a touch of lemon, this cookie distinguishes itself with a unique flavor profile. Breaking it in half reveals a satisfying snap, creating the ideal complement to their incredible bagels.

Start your day the true New York way – grab bagel and lox (smoked salmon) from Russ and Daughters in the Lower East Side. This beloved Jewish deli has been serving New Yorkers since 1914 (more than 110 years!).

The bagels are exceptional, as you would expect, but the smoked fish is where they shine. Some of the best in NYC, this popular combo will set you back $25-30, but it’s a true NYC experience that can’t be missed.

Russ & Daughters is arguably the most iconic bagel shop in NYC,. Therefore – it’s not surprising it’s one of the best restaurants in the Lower East Side!

The bagels at Russ & Daughters are exceptional, as you would expect, but the smoked fish is where they shine. That’s why I strongly recommend. The lox bagel here (it’d be a shame to pass it up, seriously). They have an impressive selection of smoked fish, cream cheese and appetizers. What’s more, they’re one of the few bagel spots that offers caviar, which my husband always orders.

Offering some of the best bagels and lox in New York City for more than 100 years, Russ & Daughters is an institution. This beloved Jewish deli has an impressive selection of fish, schmears and appetizers. Russ & Daughters stands a mile above the rest and is worth a detour, I suggest visiting the original location the Lower East Side!