Russ & Daughters

The 1914 'appetizing' shop on Houston Street — four generations of the Russ family selling hand-sliced smoked salmon, whitefish, bagels, and babka from a gleaming vintage counter. This is the real Lower East Side, not a recreation of it. Note: the shop is takeout only (open daily 8am-4pm); there's no seating inside.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How does the line work on weekends?

Take a number from the ticket dispenser when you walk in, then browse until you're called — weekend waits can hit 30-45 minutes. Weekday mornings you'll often walk straight up to the counter.

What should I order at Russ & Daughters?

The classic: a bagel with Gaspe Nova smoked salmon and cream cheese, hand-sliced to order. If you're exploring, add a piece of chocolate babka and try the whitefish salad — both have devoted followings.

Is there seating at Russ & Daughters?

Not at the Houston Street shop — it's a takeout counter, so plan to eat in a nearby park or standing on the sidewalk like generations before you. The separate Russ & Daughters Cafe on Orchard Street offers sit-down service; check current hours before counting on it.

Is Russ & Daughters expensive?

Premium fish costs premium money — a loaded bagel runs roughly what a fancy sandwich does elsewhere, and smoked salmon by the pound is an investment. For the quality and the hand-slicing, most people leave feeling it was fair.

Can Russ & Daughters ship or pack for travel?

Yes — they vacuum-pack fish for travel and ship nationwide via their online shop and Goldbelly. Picking up a travel-packed quarter pound of Nova on your way to the airport is a veteran move.

What does 'appetizing' mean, anyway?

It's the Jewish culinary category of fish and dairy you eat with bagels — smoked salmon, herring, whitefish, cream cheese — historically kept separate from meat delis under kosher tradition. Russ & Daughters is the city's definitive appetizing shop; Katz's up the street handles the meat side.

Why is it called Russ & Daughters?

Joel Russ put his three daughters' names on the sign in 1935 — reportedly the first US business named '& Daughters.' The family's fourth generation runs it today, which is a big part of why it feels unchanged.

What are Russ & Daughters' hours?

Daily 8am to 4pm at the Houston Street shop. Mornings are the classic time anyway — this is breakfast-and-brunch food at heart.

Nearby in Ask New York City

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