Barney Greengrass
New York
At a glance
Barney Greengrass, located at 541 Amsterdam Avenue in New York, is an enduring landmark specializing in traditional smoked fish and delicacies. Known for its authentic style, the establishment offers a wide array of smoked fish, including selections often enjoyed on hearty bagels or breads. Beyond this signature offering, patrons will find an assortment of spreadables, pickled goods, meats, and caviar, making it a hub for those nostalgic or curious about classic New York deli cuisine.
The atmosphere at Barney Greengrass is steeped in tradition, with elements reminiscent of old-world delis. It is a place where patrons can savor both the history and flavors that define a quintessential New York dining experience. Its cozy and simple setting makes it a fitting backdrop for casual dining, whether people come alone or in small groups.
While smoked fish is a central feature, the menu provides a diverse range of choices that extend beyond fish, including salads, sweets, and various edible gifts. These options make it well-suited to different tastes and dietary preferences, accommodating both regulars and first-time visitors.
With its doors open from Tuesday through Sunday, Barney Greengrass presents a consistent opportunity to explore a piece of New York’s culinary tapestry. This establishment offers catering services as well, making it a versatile choice for those seeking either a meal on-site or at home. As a family-friendly venue, it welcomes a varied clientele looking to enjoy its unique offerings.
Reviews
Barney Greengrass was packed when we visited, so be prepared for a bit of a wait for your food during peak times. Trust me, it is absolutely worth it. We got two of the Sturgeon King bagels alongside their famous latkes, and the meal was spectacular. The fish was top-tier and the latkes were perfectly fried. We left wishing we had also ordered a Nova bagel to try, but we'll definitely fix that mistake on our next visit. Highly recommend!
Barney Greengrass is a classic New York institution that’s well worth a visit for a traditional Jewish breakfast or brunch. The sturgeon omelette is a highlight, featuring generously smoked fish and perfectly cooked eggs, while the crisp potato latkes and bagels make for an excellent accompaniment. The old-school atmosphere and no-frills service are part of the charm, and the menu has remained largely unchanged for good reason. A great place to experience one of New York’s longstanding culinary traditions.
Staff all don white coats while serving delicious deli favorites. A New York staple that keeps it as real as it gets. Fresh fish and deli meats served at a cash only establishment. It gives that NYC nostalgic feel fans crave when trekking from borough to borough. The bagel with lox is outstanding and the staff will refill your coffee as frequently as the 1 Train passes through the city. Limited hours at this landmark so wake up early and enjoy some authentic breakfast in the city that never sleeps.
A very well known Jewish deli that offers all of the Ashkenazi Jewish food staples. We were a couple that came here for breakfast, not too early on a weekday, and we immediately were seated without even having to wait in line which was quite surprising. We had the cheese omelette with horseradish cheddar with a side of nova scotia salmon, their famous latkes (served with a side of sour cream & applesauce) and an everything bagel with a side of scallion cream cheese. Everything was very delicious, but the most surprising of them all was definitely the latkes, so if you plan on eating here, make sure to not miss out on this one! The place itself is quite small, and although they have seating option both inside the shop and outside of it, the tables are quite small and cramped, so I wouldn't recommend it for larger groups, probably 4 people max.
Beautiful restaurant in Manhattan, very mystical and typical of the block ! The food was DELICIOUS and feeds very well maybe too much because I wanted to try everything !!! Very quick service and welcome. The ambiance inside is so cozy and social ! Great experience Small issue: when we wanted to pay the waiter made a mistake on our check (+31$)and it didn’t feel accidental … but he apologized so no worries but still suspicious haha.
