Russ & Daughters Cafe, a New York City institution, has been a staple for bagel enthusiasts and foodies alike since its inception in 1914. This iconic cafe, located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to indulge in the city's best bagels. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, Russ & Daughters Cafe has solidified its position as a leading purveyor of traditional Jewish appetizing foods, including its renowned bagels.
A Brief History of Russ & Daughters Cafe
The story of Russ & Daughters Cafe began over a century ago, when Joel Russ, a Jewish immigrant from Poland, started selling pickled herring and other traditional Jewish foods from a pushcart on the Lower East Side. As the business grew, Russ’s daughters, Hattie, Ida, and Anne, joined the fold, and the name “Russ & Daughters” was born. In 2014, the cafe expanded to its current location, offering a wide range of traditional dishes, including its famous bagels, smoked fish, and other classic Jewish appetizing foods. Today, Russ & Daughters Cafe is still family-owned and operated, with fourth-generation members Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper at the helm.
The Bagel-Making Process
So, what sets Russ & Daughters Cafe’s bagels apart from the rest? The answer lies in the traditional bagel-making process, which involves hand-rolling and kettle-boiling the dough before baking it in a wood-fired oven. This labor-intensive process results in a crispy crust and a chewy interior, giving the bagels a distinctive texture and flavor. The cafe offers a variety of bagel flavors, including classic everything, sesame, poppy, and salt, as well as more innovative options like cinnamon raisin and whole wheat everything.
| Bagel Flavor | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Everything | Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, salt |
| Sesame | Sesame seeds |
| Poppy | Poppy seeds |
| Cinnamon Raisin | Cinnamon, raisins |
Menu Highlights
Russ & Daughters Cafe’s menu is a love letter to traditional Jewish appetizing foods, with a range of dishes that showcase the cafe’s commitment to quality and flavor. Some highlights include the Classic Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese, the Knish (a crispy potato and pastrami-filled pastry), and the Challah French Toast (thick slices of challah bread dipped in egg batter and grilled to perfection). The cafe also offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Specialty Items
One of the unique aspects of Russ & Daughters Cafe is its range of specialty items, including caviar, smoked fish, and pickled vegetables. The cafe’s caviar selection is particularly noteworthy, with options ranging from affordable, sustainably sourced varieties to luxurious, high-end options. For those looking to try something new, the cafe’s pickled vegetables, such as pickled beets or pickled carrots, make a great accompaniment to a bagel or sandwich.
- Caviar: sustainably sourced, affordably priced options
- Smoked Fish: house-smoked salmon, sturgeon, and whitefish
- Pickled Vegetables: pickled beets, pickled carrots, and pickled cucumbers
Conclusion
Russ & Daughters Cafe is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of New York City’s bagel scene. With its rich history, traditional bagel-making process, and commitment to quality, this iconic cafe is a true gem. Whether you’re a longtime fan of bagels or just discovering the joy of this classic food, Russ & Daughters Cafe is sure to delight.
What is the best way to order a bagel at Russ & Daughters Cafe?
+The best way to order a bagel at Russ & Daughters Cafe is to specify the type of bagel you want, the spread or topping you’d like, and any additional items, such as lox or capers. For example, you might say, “I’ll have an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, lox, and capers, please.”
Does Russ & Daughters Cafe offer any vegan or gluten-free options?
+Yes, Russ & Daughters Cafe offers a range of vegan and gluten-free options, including vegan cream cheese, gluten-free bagels, and a variety of salads and soups. Be sure to ask your server for recommendations and to confirm any dietary restrictions.
Can I purchase Russ & Daughters Cafe’s bagels and other products online?
+Yes, Russ & Daughters Cafe offers online ordering and shipping for many of its products, including bagels, smoked fish, and caviar. Simply visit the cafe’s website and follow the prompts to place your order and arrange for shipping.
