City Guide: New York
Barney Greengrass
For more than a century Barney Greengrass has been the spot to get a bagel and a schmear— just don't skip their signature smoked fish.
Known as the “Sturgeon King of NYC”, emblazoned on the storefront’s signage, founder Barney Greengrass created this legendary institution in 1902 and his family has continued his tradition of serving house-smoked whitefish, sable, nova, lox, gravlax, herring, and of course sturgeon, over the last century and beyond.
Their silky hand cut slices of fish are served up as platters with bagel and cream cheese or cooked up in dishes like the classic lox, onions, and eggs. Though they moved to the “new” Amsterdam Avenue location in 1929, the interior remains the same and as evident in the yellowed wallpaper, the Linoleum flooring and the waiters sporting nostalgic white lab coat-like uniforms. Greengrass, who was known to have shipped his smoked fish to celebrities around the country, and at his passing in 1956 Groucho Marx remarked, “He may not have ruled any kingdoms or written any great symphonies, but he did a monumental job with sturgeon.” Take Marx’s lead and visit this temple of stellar bagels and supreme smoked fish.
Note: These days you will find the third generation, grandson Gary Greengrass, at the register where you settle your tab. Just don’t forget to go back to your table to tip the hard-working waiters.
Nova Scotia Salmon and Whitefish Salad Platter
- Subway: 1 to 86th Street and Broadway
Ideal for:
You Might Also Like
-
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
For those who value farm-to-fork eating, Blue Hill Stone Barns is a must-visit destination. -
Shopsin’s General Store
A 600 item menu is offered at this shoebox-sized restaurant tucked inside the Essex Street Market. -
Via Carota
This West Village retreat is an ode to the chef's own 17th century Tuscan home and the rustic fare of the region. -
Crif Dogs
New York City hot dog vendors have nothing on this creative hot dog temple with a semi-secret cocktail lounge. -
Mission Chinese
This lively, modern Chinese eatery serves a menu of unabashedly fiery Sichuan fare. -
by Chloe.
A vegan eatery with a cult following due to damn good cupcakes and veggie burgers. -
Shake Shack
Visit the original location of this serious burger and fries empire in scenic Madison Square Park. -
Dizengoff
Israeli chef Michael Solomonov brings his celebrated Philadelphia hummus joint to Chelsea Market.