Russ & Daughters

"Russ & Daughters café opened on the 100th anniversary of the legendary Russ & Daughters Appetizers Shop on Houston Street. For over a century Russ & Daughters has been a cornerstone of the Lower East Side community, feeding generations of families with their authentic Jewish offerings. In 1907 Joel Russ immigrated from Poland to reside in New York and found his first job selling Schmaltz Herring to Eastern European Jews in the Lower East Side. He moved on to selling from a pushcart until he could finally open his own landmark store, which still serves hundreds of New Yorker’s today. As Joel Russ had three daughters, he made them full partners in 1935 and changed the name to Russ & Daughters. This was an extremely bold and controversial statement in the 30’s as it was the first business in the United States to have “& Daughters” in the name rather than “& Sons”. The historic family run business is now owned by the 4th generation of the Russ family who have led the way in expanding the business and opening the Russ & Daughters Café. The café is a popular breakfast spot for many locals, taking their appetizer classics and presenting them on beautiful serving boards and perfectly prepared platters including expert smoked salmon, pickled herring and caviar. Keeping inherently true to their roots, a multitude of old-fashioned classics are on the menu too. You can’t go wrong with their signature bagel and lox board and potato latkes, plus don’t forget their legendary egg cream! The dining room here is beautiful with an open kitchen and spotless counter and service which is impeccable. All the servers are dressed in the iconic Russ & Daughters white jackets and evoke the warmth, comfort and authenticity on which the business was built. One of New York’s oldest and finest, pull up a seat at the counter or in one of their retro style booths and appreciate the Jewish history that this timeless institution emulates."