Barney Greengrass
After 100 years in business, it’s obvious that Barney Greengrass has mastered the way to New Yorkers’ hearts through supernal plates of smoked sturgeon, lox, bagels with a side of fresh attitude. You haven’t been to a true NY Jewish deli until you wait in line to be seated at closely packed ‘historical’ formica tables and are ‘welcomed’ by fast talking, fast moving waiters in white whose shtick may make you wonder why you waited. But then you scan the long menu of fresh smoked fish, bagels, bialys, scrambled eggs & onions, and the dining experience all comes together through a gleeful feeling that you are about to experience tradition that is all too rare in a city that prides itself on being home to many of the next up-and-coming restaurants.
“The cuisine at this Upper West Side delicatessen is one of the greatest gifts Jewish Culture has brought to mankind since the ten commandments.” — The New Yorker
The Skim: Pack your bags and make another worthwhile eating excursion to the Upper West Side. Let’s hope the Sturgeon King is around for another 100 years, but just in case it’s not, you might want to make sure you get as much of this little piece of history as you can now. {541 Amsterdam, btw 86th & 87th}
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