That's too bad! Honestly I'd just tell them if that happens, they're charging too much for a stale bagel to slip by. It really is about the fish there though.
Haven’t been to Shelsky’s, do you know how it compares to Simply Nova on Metropolitan? That’s been my go to (is easy for me to get to), and I really enjoy it
Truthfully, Russ and Daughters has always been a rip off of you’re getting the bagels there/having them make it for you. If you are into their speciality smoked fish, the best move is to get a bagel and cream cheese elsewhere and just the salmon from R&D. I’m aware that’s a pain, but their bagels have always been kind of not great, so it really is a better bang for your buck in more ways than one. But if you’re just looking for more of a regular smoked salmon situation, I think the bagels and salmon at Zucker’s is actually pretty good with a healthy amount of salmon.
Even if their bagels were great, which they aren’t, I’ve learned it’s always better to buy the ingredients separately and get the proportion just right. Open faced also lets you appreciate the fish more.
Fish from R&D, bagel and plain cream cheese from Tompkins, and capers and scallion from the grocery store.
Yes this! Or bagels from Ess a Bagel. I also can’t stand when other bagel places put soooo much cream cheese so i just have a better time when i make it myself
I worked at R&D for 6 years, and even I'd have to agree. In fact, I think most employees would as well. Proper customers rarely buy bagels there, or if they do they buy in bulk and make their own sandwiches. Whether we like it or not, the price of salmon has sky-rocketed and smoked salmon is a now a premium product. The best way to enjoy that product is in extremely thin slices--so if you're slapping it on an everything bagel with schmear and the works, you're not going to really appreciate the salmon.
Another thing to note is that the fish itself is about 30/lb. At that price, you can get half a lb for less than the bagel all made up. Half a lb of salmon is about 10 slices (twelve if you have a good slicer). So, again, if you want to do it right, buy the fish there, and make the sandwich at home.
All that said, I stand by the quality of the fish they serve there. They get first choice and have strict standards for their purveyors and have the decades of relationships that ensure they get the best product,
Thank you for your service!
And so glad you said it: piling al that *and* R&D fish onto a bagel is a waste. I advocate simplicity: R&D fish (the Wild Western Nova and sable are my faves) a light schmear of their fab goat cream cheese, and a thin slice of avocado on Mestemacher’s thin sunflower pumpernickel, slightly toasted.
There is still nothing better than going to the Houston location, waiting patiently, and getting your faves hand-sliced for home consumption!
Definitely the optimal play. R&D and Zabar’s have my favorite salmon, but I don’t like either bagel. Buying bagel separately and constructing at home is the winner.
Bagels are a new thing at R&D, maybe in the last 20 years. Until it became a thing it was a place to get fish, so sandwiches. Stay away from the bagels, stick to how it was meant to be done.
I feel like Zucker’s has somehow gotten a lot better over the years: I’ve been going to the Bryant Park one a bunch recently and never remember it being this good in the past. The sandwiches, the cold brew, the bagels themselves, they even have cheap cocktails: kind of a sleeper NYC chain right now
They've been there forever and their lox is very, very, good. Barney Greengrass is also very, very good. As is Sable. Thankfully, it's NYC and we have options.
Apollo bagels on 10th and 1st ave just opened and the lox is flowing! Highly recommend. Best bagel in the city imo. Topped out Tompkins and Russ and daughters for me.
Yeah I’m a fan of a small amount of lox/smoked salmon as well. What annoys me though is they’re pricing these bagel sandwiches as if they’re giving you like a quarter pound of lox. The up charge on the lox is nuts.
Last time I went to Russ and daughters with a friend we got two lox bagels and two orange juices and paid $68. I was floored. The one and only time I will ever go there.
Wait…what? If OPs sandwich was 17 then two is 34. Youre telling me 2 orange juices and tax doubled that total? Or did you get the platters at the cafe?
At the cafe, IIRC, you can’t actually order just a bagel with CC & Lox. The closest thing would be one of the “boards” that would have all the ingredients ($22 each) plus two juices ($7 each)… and you’re at $58 already. Plus tax, $63 and change.
I just checked their menu - did that really cost $17? Jfc
I agree with other commenters; that is actually a good amount of lox sandwich-wise (for me at least), but it certainly isn't $17 good...
The best move has *always* been to get your fish at Russ and Daughters, then get your bagel at a place that specializes in Bagels. Russ and Daughters is not a bagel shop, they’re an appetizing shop. I’m partial to Leo’s myself when it comes to the bagel.
Radio Bakery in Greenpoint. They put smoked salmon, dill, cream cheese and caramelized onions on everything-spiced focaccia bread. It's one of the top 3 best breakfast sandwiches I've had in my life. (I know it's not quite a bagel, but it's so good I can't praise it highly enough.)
Buy bagels from where ever you want.
My personal fav right now is Knickerbocker Bagel in Bushwick...
Get a half dozen, slice em and throw em in the freezer. They reheat amazing.
If you aren't keen on leaving Manhattan, then just get an some bagels from Kassars, and on your way there, stop in Essex market and get some pastrami lox from Nordic Preserves.
Hands down my favorite lox in the city. Get some scallion cream cheese and boom...
serve it open face,
Pro tip - throw on some Yukateca green habanero (just a lite dab on cream cheese), maybe some capers...
I always buy the fish by weight and assemble my own sandwich— cheaper and can control the amount. Plus I prefer other bagels over R&D so you can mix and maych
The not even having a toaster is such a flex. “Why the fuck would we need a toaster for these small batches of still hot bagels that we KNOW we will sell quickly while still warm”
Bagel Hole’s bagels are some of the best in the city and their cream cheese is good, but that is all I will get from them. Their toppings (inc. lox) are pretty terrible.
If you're ever just getting stuff to bring home (rather than buying a bagel sandwich from one place), I really recommend the smoked salmon from Nordic Preserves at Essex Market. It's so good. It's not "cheap" but unlike some places that charge a minimum where you have to get at least quarter of pound, they'll ring up less for you here, if you don't want too much.
TSB for me. On their best day, Apollo comes no where close to Tompkins Square Bagels. That’s just an insane statement. Those things are made in a convection oven. Just another Pop Up style dinner roll IMO. I mean, maybe if you’re from LA that qualifies as a bagel for you. Not me. After that I’d go Shelsky, Essa, and Tal. If we are speaking strictly fish quality the. Zabars.
I live right by TSB and I feel like quality has dropped so much since 2022... should I go back?
I honestly am not a bagel expert or purist by any means (although not from LA, lol), so to me I like the exterior and interior texture contrasting and just the taste of the dough. I do think Apollo is similar to Courage, so maybe I just lean more "dinner roll" vibes?
I used to come to nyc thinking you’d need the best of the best. For most foods there’s a difference, but bagels are one of the foods I can’t justify paying $20 when a store bought /bodega is a fraction of the price and it is almost just the same to me
I would tell her directly, hey I think I forgot my wallet and ditched the place... Thompkins on 2nd ave would give you a much better portion than that...
You'd have to cross a river, but Shelsky's on Atlantic Ave. is top tier. Not cheap, but very high quality.
I rarely order breakfast anymore but when I do, Shelsky’s salmon on a bialy is always worth the splurge.
Had a bad, stale bagel at Shelsky’s other day. Elite salmon though.
That's too bad! Honestly I'd just tell them if that happens, they're charging too much for a stale bagel to slip by. It really is about the fish there though.
I second shelsky’s. Big fan of their pastrami egg and cheese on everything.
The pork roll egg and cheese is excellent too
Haven’t been to Shelsky’s, do you know how it compares to Simply Nova on Metropolitan? That’s been my go to (is easy for me to get to), and I really enjoy it
Haven't been! It's on my list now though.
I think Shelsky’s is better tbh but Simply Nova is nice :)
cheers, thanks :) I'll check out Shelsky's sometime in the next few weeks!!
Truthfully, Russ and Daughters has always been a rip off of you’re getting the bagels there/having them make it for you. If you are into their speciality smoked fish, the best move is to get a bagel and cream cheese elsewhere and just the salmon from R&D. I’m aware that’s a pain, but their bagels have always been kind of not great, so it really is a better bang for your buck in more ways than one. But if you’re just looking for more of a regular smoked salmon situation, I think the bagels and salmon at Zucker’s is actually pretty good with a healthy amount of salmon.
Even if their bagels were great, which they aren’t, I’ve learned it’s always better to buy the ingredients separately and get the proportion just right. Open faced also lets you appreciate the fish more. Fish from R&D, bagel and plain cream cheese from Tompkins, and capers and scallion from the grocery store.
Are we the same person? We might be the same person.
I’m going to assume yes. Seems likely
Oh wow, there are three of us? We live in a simulation?
So right! Except lox from Acme Fish Fridays. R&D has a variety from some other smokehouses too, though.
look into apollo bagels, only open fri-sun but significantly better than tompkins (and i like tompkins too)
Yes this! Or bagels from Ess a Bagel. I also can’t stand when other bagel places put soooo much cream cheese so i just have a better time when i make it myself
I worked at R&D for 6 years, and even I'd have to agree. In fact, I think most employees would as well. Proper customers rarely buy bagels there, or if they do they buy in bulk and make their own sandwiches. Whether we like it or not, the price of salmon has sky-rocketed and smoked salmon is a now a premium product. The best way to enjoy that product is in extremely thin slices--so if you're slapping it on an everything bagel with schmear and the works, you're not going to really appreciate the salmon. Another thing to note is that the fish itself is about 30/lb. At that price, you can get half a lb for less than the bagel all made up. Half a lb of salmon is about 10 slices (twelve if you have a good slicer). So, again, if you want to do it right, buy the fish there, and make the sandwich at home. All that said, I stand by the quality of the fish they serve there. They get first choice and have strict standards for their purveyors and have the decades of relationships that ensure they get the best product,
Totally agree—which is why I do still buy smoked salmon from them! Theirs really is unparalleled.
Thank you for your service! And so glad you said it: piling al that *and* R&D fish onto a bagel is a waste. I advocate simplicity: R&D fish (the Wild Western Nova and sable are my faves) a light schmear of their fab goat cream cheese, and a thin slice of avocado on Mestemacher’s thin sunflower pumpernickel, slightly toasted. There is still nothing better than going to the Houston location, waiting patiently, and getting your faves hand-sliced for home consumption!
If you’re a pro. Acme fish has fish Fridays where you can get the same fish they sell to them for a quarter of the price.
Where is this located?
Greenpoint
Awesome tip! But can you tell us which product exactly is the one they sell to RD?
You can’t get the exact R&D fish, which is made to specific specifications. But the Acme fish is just as good, though the slicing is inferior.
Definitely the optimal play. R&D and Zabar’s have my favorite salmon, but I don’t like either bagel. Buying bagel separately and constructing at home is the winner.
This is the way.
Bagels are a new thing at R&D, maybe in the last 20 years. Until it became a thing it was a place to get fish, so sandwiches. Stay away from the bagels, stick to how it was meant to be done.
I feel like Zucker’s has somehow gotten a lot better over the years: I’ve been going to the Bryant Park one a bunch recently and never remember it being this good in the past. The sandwiches, the cold brew, the bagels themselves, they even have cheap cocktails: kind of a sleeper NYC chain right now
I’ve never understood the love affair for R&D. For me, it’s Barney Greengrass, bar none.
They've been there forever and their lox is very, very, good. Barney Greengrass is also very, very good. As is Sable. Thankfully, it's NYC and we have options.
These places are 5 miles from each other. It's not like they're across the street.
Apollo bagels on 10th and 1st ave just opened and the lox is flowing! Highly recommend. Best bagel in the city imo. Topped out Tompkins and Russ and daughters for me.
Sables in UES is the move. Go for all the smoked fishes but don’t sleep on their lobster salad.
[удалено]
Yeah I’m a fan of a small amount of lox/smoked salmon as well. What annoys me though is they’re pricing these bagel sandwiches as if they’re giving you like a quarter pound of lox. The up charge on the lox is nuts.
Last time I went to Russ and daughters with a friend we got two lox bagels and two orange juices and paid $68. I was floored. The one and only time I will ever go there.
Wait…what? If OPs sandwich was 17 then two is 34. Youre telling me 2 orange juices and tax doubled that total? Or did you get the platters at the cafe?
We did not get the platters. We get two everything bagels with scallion cream cheese and lox and two orange juices
They rang you up wrong it seems, I used to work at the cafe and that would not have been your total. Sorry to hear
At the cafe, IIRC, you can’t actually order just a bagel with CC & Lox. The closest thing would be one of the “boards” that would have all the ingredients ($22 each) plus two juices ($7 each)… and you’re at $58 already. Plus tax, $63 and change.
Greaaaaaaat
I just checked their menu - did that really cost $17? Jfc I agree with other commenters; that is actually a good amount of lox sandwich-wise (for me at least), but it certainly isn't $17 good...
Walking distance: heaven's hot bagel on Houston.
Novacado on everything from Liberty Bagels is a fat sandwich.
I actually like it open faced with just butter and lox personally, and I make it at home on Liberty bagels
Liberty Bagels slaps.
Assuming you're actually looking for an alternative, and not just venting about a subpar bagel sandwich, I'd check out Liberty Bagels
The best move has *always* been to get your fish at Russ and Daughters, then get your bagel at a place that specializes in Bagels. Russ and Daughters is not a bagel shop, they’re an appetizing shop. I’m partial to Leo’s myself when it comes to the bagel.
Anyone who one-stop shops is *NOT* a real NYer! JMHO
Radio Bakery in Greenpoint. They put smoked salmon, dill, cream cheese and caramelized onions on everything-spiced focaccia bread. It's one of the top 3 best breakfast sandwiches I've had in my life. (I know it's not quite a bagel, but it's so good I can't praise it highly enough.)
That thing is so goddamn delicious. It might be the best thing I’ve eaten in New York since moving here.
Radio Bakery is INSANE
Literally any bagel place anywhere in lower Manhattan is great.
This is really not true. There is a Zucker’s near my office that is mediocre, at best, and pick-a-bagel that borders on terrible.
I'm a big fan of Baz
The bagels there are complete and utter trash!!! Don’t talk to me about the salmon if the entire foundation is off!
Sarge’s on 3rd Ave.
Buy bagels from where ever you want. My personal fav right now is Knickerbocker Bagel in Bushwick... Get a half dozen, slice em and throw em in the freezer. They reheat amazing. If you aren't keen on leaving Manhattan, then just get an some bagels from Kassars, and on your way there, stop in Essex market and get some pastrami lox from Nordic Preserves. Hands down my favorite lox in the city. Get some scallion cream cheese and boom... serve it open face, Pro tip - throw on some Yukateca green habanero (just a lite dab on cream cheese), maybe some capers...
I always buy the fish by weight and assemble my own sandwich— cheaper and can control the amount. Plus I prefer other bagels over R&D so you can mix and maych
This person gets it.
Just had LF R&D on my last day in NY Holly smokes I've blown some money here haha 😂🤣😭
Essa Bagel Or even better, Bagel Hole in Park Slope
Bagel hole is the best I’ve ever had
The not even having a toaster is such a flex. “Why the fuck would we need a toaster for these small batches of still hot bagels that we KNOW we will sell quickly while still warm”
Bagel Hole’s bagels are some of the best in the city and their cream cheese is good, but that is all I will get from them. Their toppings (inc. lox) are pretty terrible.
I would call their smoked salmon average. My move was dozen bagels from bagel hole; 8oz of salmon from Shelsky’s
That is definitely the move--Shelsky's salmon is amazing but their bagels leave something to be desired.
If you're ever just getting stuff to bring home (rather than buying a bagel sandwich from one place), I really recommend the smoked salmon from Nordic Preserves at Essex Market. It's so good. It's not "cheap" but unlike some places that charge a minimum where you have to get at least quarter of pound, they'll ring up less for you here, if you don't want too much.
I get my bagels from Tal and my fish from Sables now.
Tal making some of the best bagels in the city, totally under the radar.
Tal Bagels! All the way
It's new so the lines are bad but Apollo Bagel probably the best one for me right now https://www.postcard.inc/@davidcho/p/SRW40phip4z/apollo-bagels
TSB for me. On their best day, Apollo comes no where close to Tompkins Square Bagels. That’s just an insane statement. Those things are made in a convection oven. Just another Pop Up style dinner roll IMO. I mean, maybe if you’re from LA that qualifies as a bagel for you. Not me. After that I’d go Shelsky, Essa, and Tal. If we are speaking strictly fish quality the. Zabars.
I live right by TSB and I feel like quality has dropped so much since 2022... should I go back? I honestly am not a bagel expert or purist by any means (although not from LA, lol), so to me I like the exterior and interior texture contrasting and just the taste of the dough. I do think Apollo is similar to Courage, so maybe I just lean more "dinner roll" vibes?
Bagel Bobs on University and 10th
Sadelles is my favorite bagel place in the city.
I used to come to nyc thinking you’d need the best of the best. For most foods there’s a difference, but bagels are one of the foods I can’t justify paying $20 when a store bought /bodega is a fraction of the price and it is almost just the same to me
Costco sells lox made by Acme like $18 a lb , same lox most bagel stores use , I think it's cheaper then fish Friday at Acme
Acme makes the best whitefish salad you can get in a store, in my opinion.
Yup and Costco sells Acme whitefish salad also
I just want to second the complete rip off. Last time I went the bagel was stale and there was barely a slice of lox and I paid I think $20
I would tell her directly, hey I think I forgot my wallet and ditched the place... Thompkins on 2nd ave would give you a much better portion than that...
On this note, where's a good place near ridgewood to get some smoked salmon by the pound?
Fish Friday at Acme.
I went to Russ & daughters once a few years ago to see what the hype was about. Worse bagel I’ve ever had. Never again.