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    Barney Greengrass

    4.0 (1k reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Barney Greengrass Photos

    Business Info

    BARNEY GREENGRASS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Barney Greengrass

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    Potato pancake
    Spencer F.

    Noisy and crowded on a beautiful Sunday morning. The wait was not bad to get a table for 6 at around 11:00am. Once seated, our orders were taken and drinks brought quickly. Very efficient service. Out table started with potato pancakes. We had various scrambled eggs with nova, lox or sturgeon. Some blintzes too. By the time we left the line was significantly longer. It is. easy to see why this is so popular. I need to add one other note. Cash only!

    Sturgeon And Nova Scotia Salmon
    Linda I.

    Come hungry, wear layers, and bring cash! Wandered into Barney Greengrass "the sturgeon king" on a Sunday morning around 9am and was seated right away (for 1). Was pretty bustling and there was a short line by the time I left. I went with one of their classic/specialty items on the menu, a combo nova lox and sturgeon scrambled eggs with onion, that comes with a bagel (I got everything) and cream cheese. Super hearty, but I knew I definitely wanted to try some sturgeon and figured might as well try their lox too! My favorite bite was into a big chunk of sturgeon. The fish is folded into the scrambled eggs, and a generous amount of it. Lox was good too, but needed the bagel and cream cheese bite alongside it to neutralize the saltiness more. Bagel was good! Not super standout though. The dine in area is small, but turns over quickly with fast and friendly service. It was hot though! I was sweating in my sweater. Service was attentive, with frequent hot coffee and water refills, and I think geared towards tourists with staff patiently explaining the menu to folks. Next time I would try the sturgeon not folded into scrambled eggs! Very good. Cash only!

    Sturgeon
    Serena X.

    An honor to dine at such a classic institution - there's usually a line on the weekends, but it moves very quickly. I was with a group of 3 and we got seated within 30 minutes. I tried the sturgeon sandwich with tomato, and really enjoyed the sandwich. Pretty standard, but last minute we grabbed their black and white cookies which were AMAZING! It's great to see there are still so many regulars, and definitely a great place to meet up with friends.

    nova eggs and onions
    K S.

    If you want to experience a "New York Minute" that has lasted for over a century, you go to Barney Greengrass. Opened in 1908 (originally in Harlem before moving to its iconic Amsterdam Avenue spot in 1929), this is the undisputed temple of the "appetizing" tradition. It's loud, cramped, and stubbornly old-school, which is exactly why people have been lining up for generations. The Sturgeon Platter: There's a reason James J. Frawley nicknamed Barney "The Sturgeon King" in the 1930s. The sturgeon is firm, buttery, and remarkably delicate. Order the platter to see why it's considered the "filet mignon" of the sea. Nova, Eggs, and Onions: This is the quintessential Upper West Side breakfast. The eggs are scrambled with silky Nova Scotia salmon and caramelized onions until they're rich and savory. It's comfort food with a serious pedigree. Bourdain's Approval: The late, great Anthony Bourdain famously called this the "best breakfast in the universe." He was a regular here, and after his passing, the restaurant even set a commemorative table with his favorite order: Nova scrambled eggs, a bagel, and a side of chopped liver. cash only fyi

    Latkes
    Julia M.

    The line outside may seem long, but this place is run like a well-oiled machine. We ended up waiting about 15 minutes for a table of two and once seated, were helped pretty quickly. Very old school vibes with it being cash only and servers being no-nonsense. Latkes were incredible and the best I've had. Really crisp and good oniony flavor. Loved the applesauce. I got the Nova Scotia sandwich and the salmon was delicious! If anything I wished I tasted it a bit more through all the other toppings. Bagel was better than i expected too with nice seasoning. I typically don't like raw onion but this was a really nice sweet onion. I loved that I got a pickle on the side too. My friend enjoyed her pastrami scramble. The price ended up being more than we anticipated (close to $100 after tip) so just something to keep in mind.

    Sable on poppyseed bagel sandwiches
    Masanori D.

    When you're in Upper West Side, you must try this NYC institution. I tried a few different bagel sandwiches, but I always come back to a sandwich with sablefish on poppyseed bagel (closed, not open). See my photo. These sandwiches are not cheap ($25), but they are worth every penny. Service is very New Yorky. The waiters are professional and friendly but may come across as a bit curt. Be ready to wait to get inside the restaurant. They do takeout too if you have a place to go and eat. Go to the deli counter on the right to order bagel sandwiches to go. Cash only.

    Pastrami on rye with Russian slaw Sable And Nova Scotia Salmon on a bialy
    Megan L.

    Everything was good. I wish we'd tried the pastrami with deli mustard. The sable was good, but next time I'm getting all lox. Most NYC deli experiences, I leave feeling so full I need to be rolled out. This was a decent experience. I think both my partner and I could have ordered another menu item. It's convenient if you're walking Central Park or up on the UWS. An overall pleasant NYC deli experience.

    Barney Greengrass's absolutely amazing, delectable Sable and Whitefish Salad Platter with Capers!!!
    Mike R.

    Phenomenal! Absolutely love Barney Greengrass! Full disclaimer - I'm a native New Yorker weaned on smoked fish, like whitefish salad and lox, on a bagel or especially a bialy. This place rocks! Since moving back to the area in the late '90s when Moe Greengrass sat behind the register, this iconic Barney Greengrass is my go-to place for a special breakfast or brunch. (Always involving smoked fish, of course!) Wanted to provide my college friends visiting from Pittsburgh with that quintessential New York experience - where the old school appetizer and gourmet shop front half and dated wallpaper dining room provide the perfect setting to enjoy world-class smoked fish! This time while I waited, my Mets cap started a conversation with a friendly guy behind the smoked fish counter. After reminiscing about Nedick's (where he had been a manager early in his career) to other foodie experiences of the past, he asked if there was a smoked fish I'd like to sample. My answer: my favorite, the buttery, mild, smoked Sable, a.k.a. Black Cod. (I only discovered my go-to Sable as an adult.) As a slice came out, my friends entered, and he also offered them a small taste. Their Sable was love at first bite! Once at the table in the time-frozen dining room surrounded in patinated, romanticized New Orleans imagery wallpaper from who knows what decade, our also Mets fan, friendly waiter came, providing another round of home team baseball commiseration. Our orders: One friend shared with me a Sable and Whitefish Salad Platter with Capers, the other ordered an Omelette with Sturgeon. Of course, they had their first Bialys. We all ordered Coffee, which as a bottomless cup is not fancy diner coffee... but a meal here is really about the smoked fish! Everything, as always, remained excellent and satisfying! My friends found Barney Greengrass's various smoked fish and Bialys winners! Thanks, guys! Barney Greengrass is keeps it a quality place, frozen in time except for its prices. My only comment would be there needs to be another two bialys or bagels included with these big platters. There is more than enough fish, etc., on the platter even if you only eat one half at a time. The extra $4 each is a lot, especially given the platter price. That being said, look forward to all my future visits to Barney Greengrass, which I'm sure will be as memorable as this one!

    Latkes
    Bruce H.

    What more can I say about this fantastic classic 100+ year old New York Jewish deli, that has not already been said other than I wish there were more! I ordered a delivery order of a dozen Bialys, Scallion Cream Cheese, American Sturgeon Caviar with Blinis, Sable, Nova Lox, Whitefish Salad, Schmaltz Herring, Matjes Herring, Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce, Egg Salad, Cucumber Salad, Latkes and oh, my, the fantastic, best of my life, Rugelach! Well, I have had a LOT of Jewish deli in my life and, no doubt, Barney Greengrass can compete with the best of them! I will not even go over each and every item, because nothing was below excellent! Plus, they have perfected the art of smoking fish to its pinnacle! No one does it better, maybe equal, but not better. Delivery was by courier and carefully placed in front of me, like a Faberge egg. Packing was at its best. My highest recommendation, but you probably know that already.

    Latkes
    Christine L.

    Been wanting to try this spot for a while for their famous smoked fish options and ended up coming for brunch w a friend who was visiting! Got the latkes and the Nova bagel sandwich. Latkes are huge and super tasty with the sour cream and applesauce. Nova is incredible- really fresh. Super busy spot on a Saturday morning but the amazing staff made sure we were taken care of. Service is super friendly and funny- top notch!

    Sturgeon, Nova Scotia Salmon And Whitefish(65 dollars is a little pricey by my opinion)
    Anna P.

    When you are thinking about NYC culinary experience you are immediately thinking of bagels and lox. We decided to try a place we never been before and overall it was very good. Place is old shop with some adjacent to it and it's like diner/ delicatessen classic style. Now,fish was really good,sturgeon is relatively rare fish was beautiful and we choose Nova Scotia salmon out of probably 7 choices of salmon and it's come with bagel and bialy,high was really good.Service was professional. Price tag is not cheap,65 dollars for lunch plate for 2. So,I can't imagine how I can recommend that for casual lunch,but maybe if you are local you just can buy sliced fish for takeout.

    Everything bagel with Nova Scotia Salmon, Scallion Cream Cheese, tomato, and onion.
    Kate N.

    I wanted to like this place so badly, but it was just not worth it. Barney Greengrass gets way more hype than it deserves. I got an everything bagel (not toasted), with scallion cream cheese, onions, tomatoes, and nova. I know it's not a bagel shop, but the bagel was not good, I don't understand why their everything bagel was so sweet. The nova itself wasn't bad, but it really wasn't anything special. I've had far superior smoked salmon at other places in the city. The nova was too thick, and should have been sliced way thinner. Also they use white onions instead of red, which is just odd for a bagel with lox. They skimped on the cream cheese, so the ratio of salmon to cream cheese was really off. The service was fair and I have no opinions on the ambiance. I was there exclusively for the smoked salmon and it was a disappointment.

    Pastrami Salmon
    Alyssa C.

    A historic Jewish deli on the UWS known for their smoked fish and bagels. Cash only, line on the weekends, and not a cheap place for open bagels (~50 for two). But wow, somehow they were the best bagel and lox I've had :o An open bagels with a normal amount of cream cheese, capers, smoked fish, onions and a tomato is so so good. The latkes were also sooo good.

    The must get latkes

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    A great Jewish Deli. I get to sturgeon & lox scramble with onion. Start with the latkes.

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    2 months ago

    The entire experience was exactly what it should be. 100+ years of history, carried on by Barney's grandson Gary.

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    Page 1 of 26

    Barney Greengrass Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Barney Greengrass

    When is the best time to go with indoor seating?

    Earlier the better. Basically no later than 11. Though when the weather is good, you may not have a problem.

    Can you order a half dozen bagels and lox and cream cheese on the side to go and would it stay fresh for 24 hours?

    Menu?

    Do they have Hamentashen?

    Yes! Homemade!

    Any idea what the wait for a table is typically like on a Sunday at around 9:30 am? (We'll have a group of 6!)

    Weekend mornings are busy at this little gem but they rip thru the crowds fast. I'd say 15-30 minutes at around 9:30. Worth the wait.

    Is it all cash?

    All cash on weekends, cc during the week

    Do you have Bialys?

    Yes they do.

    Is this place kosher?

    In what sense? They are an appetizing store (dairy and fish only) so in 90% of the cases, they fit the description of being kosher. However, they are not Glatt kosher (open on Friday afternoon and Saturdays, rabbinical certification not… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Caviar - Lobster & Crab Hash

    Caviar

    4.6(44 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Visited on 2/14 after hubby made reservation at the recommendation of a friend. The open table…read morereservation did not say that it is prix fixe menu for the night. We had high expectations but when the salad and the half of a deviled egg arrived I was honestly surprised. The presentation felt cheap and the portion was super small. The salad barely had any dressing. The main dish I got was lobster - good flavor but overcooked and rubbery. Tiny portion that left me wanting more food. Hubby had the steak, they did not give option how you would like it and it arrived medium/well done. The portions were so tiny I was still hungry, for the price I honestly wish we went to omakase instead. Oh. And they automatically add 25% service. Owner is very friendly and service was polite but for the price it felt like we got robbed. Not sure we'll be back, really wanted to like it but the only memorable thing was the music and ambience. I felt compelled to review because I really wanted the owners to see this and make changes. The potential is there but with many restaurants around, there simply wasn't anything special. Pls be transparent to your guests and include info about prix fixe menu on reservation next time, and perhaps give your guests more value for the money. $150 should at least be 4-5 course for the size that was provided.. I'm so sad that we didn't like it bc we live so close :(

    Love the ambiance, the art, decor and vibe. The owner is there all the time and works hard to make…read moresure people have a good experience. The food was good. Nice menu options and good execution, for the most part. I got lamb and lobster. The lamb was well seasoned and lobster perfectly cooked. My husband had the same dish, but his was less successful than mine. Overall, I like the concept of this place with its upscale taste, and relaxed welcoming vibes. I would go there again.

    Photos
    Caviar - Shrimp & grits!

    Shrimp & grits!

    Caviar - Banana pudding strawberry Ice cream

    Banana pudding strawberry Ice cream

    Caviar - The Fluffy

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    The Fluffy

    Terravita - Avocado Thai Salad ($17) | Lemon & Ricotta Pancakes ($18)

    Terravita

    4.4(183 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Our crew of friends and family decided to host a holiday dinner party here and it was absolutely…read moreawesome. The location is amazing and chic from the moment you walk in. Usually BYOB spots struggle to create the right ambiance, but this place has something special going on. We may have had a bit too much fun because we literally closed the place down with the staff. The food was outstanding. I highly recommend ordering a few appetizers and sharing them at the table because that is what we did and everything was deliciously decadent. The burrata was packed with flavor and the basil foam was impressive. The octopus with potatoes hit perfectly. I already know I need to go back for the crab empanadas and the short rib croquettes soon. For our mains, my wife and I shared the short rib yucca gnocchi and the lobster and ricotta ravioli. Amazingly tasty across the board. This place delivered from start to finish and we will definitely be returning.

    Went in hopes of a good experience but left underwhelmed by it all. Apart from the table seating…read morethe entire experience wasn't the best. We were left ignored for over 20 minutes after seating. Finally when the waiter arrived for a drink order we had asked for a coffee to start. That didn't arrive until almost another 25 minutes and were told the bar area was busy. The food itself wasn't amazing or memorable. Ordered the cauliflower app- the sauce was too watery and didn't coat or stick to the cauliflower. If it was thickened it would glaze the cauliflower and you could actually appreciate how good it was and the dish would be so much better. For the mains we ordered the salmon burger and lemon ricotta pancakes. Both were ok but nothing amazing. The worst part was the speakers playing a happy birthday song that was extremely loud that even 2 other tables looked confused and disturbed by it. It played for well over a few minutes. I can appreciate a party being celebrated but not at the expense of the patrons in the restaurant. Also just a heads up- they add a 2.5% service charge to the bill. Only noticed this because the table seated next to us shared this and were upset by it.

    Photos
    Terravita
    Terravita - Thai Salad with Grilled Chicken

    Thai Salad with Grilled Chicken

    Terravita - Green Point ($12 mocktail)

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    Green Point ($12 mocktail)

    Zabar's - Caviar Signage

    Zabar's

    3.9(1.4k reviews)
    0.3 miUpper West Side
    $$

    Zabar is definitely a culinary experience in New York City. Plenty of prepared food, pickles, nova…read moresalmon, coffee beans, bread. The store looks cramped with products, some are unique that you can't find anywhere else. Definitely check it out when you're visiting.

    Zabar's needs some improvement when it comes to refunding items that don't make it into your bag…read more I've already been twice this week. Day 2, I only purchased 2 items, as the other items I returned to purchase weren't in stock. You can see I checked out at 7:17 & they close at 7:30. Got home and 1 of the TWO items I purchased was not in the Zabar's bag. I call tonight, explained to the manager what happened, and that I only bought two items. The manager tells me to "bring the receipt in so we can track the item". What kind of customer service is this? Your cashier is busy chatting with her colleague about store closing, doesn't put both items in the bag, and now I have to pay MORE money to get back uptown, so you can "track the ($4) item"??? NOPE. The day before this, I spent over $150, not a single item missing. I recommend that you watch them like hawks as they ring your items and make sure everything makes it in the bag. I posted a photo of both receipts, side by side, Dec 15th & Dec 16th, to verify this. It's sad that an actual manager thinks this is acceptable customer service. That said, I will say that I had such warm, friendly, and competent service from Destini L on Dec. 15th. Perhaps Destini L. would be a better candidate than the manager who took my phone call tonight (Dec 17th).

    Photos
    Zabar's - Fish counter

    Fish counter

    Zabar's - More rugelach

    More rugelach

    Zabar's - Zabarsnova Only + Iced Matcha Latte

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    Zabarsnova Only + Iced Matcha Latte

    Barney Greengrass - gourmet - Updated May 2026

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