Russ & Daughters Cafe

For longtime fans of Russ & Daughters—and they are legion—the opening of its Orchard Street cafe was cause for celebration in 2014. Finally, a place other than an outdoor bench to sit and enjoy your bagel and lox immediately. The great-grandfather of Josh Russ Tupper and Niki Russ Federman opened his first business on this street in 1914, and one can only imagine his pride at seeing this bustling operation. Pickled herring, caviar, hot-and cold-smoked salmon, potato latkes, blintzes, babka, cocktails, homemade sodas and shrubs, sturgeon and eggs are all so good you might weep from nostalgia, whether or not you had a Jewish grandparent. The rye bread, whitefish chowder and hand-stirred egg creams are also reasons to visit regularly. Everyone from kids in untucked shirts to hard-to-please Calvin Trillin types looks happy to be here. The most authentic appetizing shop - owned and operated by the 4th generation of the Russ family.