Russ & Daughters

In the narrative of New York City’s culinary history, few names carry as much weight or nostalgia as Russ & Daughters. For over a century, this family-owned institution has been the gold standard for "appetizing"—a traditional Jewish food category centered on fish and dairy, as opposed to the meat-heavy delicatessen. While its roots are firmly planted in the Lower East Side, the 2023 opening of Russ & Daughters at 502 W 34th St. brings this legendary experience to the modern skyline of Hudson Yards. This location represents a harmonious blend of the old-world charm that made the original Orchard Street pushcart a success in 1914 and the sleek, innovative energy of 21st-century Manhattan. For local New Yorkers, it is a vital bridge between the city’s immigrant past and its bustling present.

The Hudson Yards outpost is a sprawling 4,500-square-foot space designed to be an "immersive appetizing experience." Unlike a standard bagel shop, it serves as a retail counter, a seat-yourself dining area, and a functional bakery all in one. The atmosphere is vibrant and casual, characterized by the iconic white lab coats worn by the staff and the rhythmic sound of expert slicers at work. For those living or working in the 10001 zip code, Russ & Daughters isn't just a place to eat; it is a cultural touchstone where the quality of the smoked salmon is treated with the same reverence as fine art. Whether you are catching the morning rush or looking for a leisurely weekend brunch, this West Side flagship offers a professional, friendly, and deeply authentic slice of New York life.

Location and Accessibility

Russ & Daughters Hudson Yards is situated at 502 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA, at the base of the Foster + Partners-designed 50 Hudson Yards building. This strategic location places the shop at the corner of 10th Avenue and 34th Street, serving as a gateway to the city’s newest neighborhood. It is perfectly positioned for office workers at nearby tech and finance giants, visitors to the Javits Center, and locals strolling along the High Line or visiting the Vessel. The shop’s presence here has transformed the West 34th Street corridor into a destination for serious food enthusiasts.

Accessibility is a standout feature of this location, making it one of the most convenient branches for commuters. It is just a short walk from the 34 St - Hudson Yards station, serviced by the 7 train, which provides a direct link to Grand Central Terminal and Queens. Furthermore, its proximity to Penn Station—a major hub for the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 subway lines, as well as LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak—means that the shop is easily reachable from almost anywhere in the tri-state area. For those navigating the city by foot or bike, the wide sidewalks of Hudson Yards and the nearby entrance to the High Line make for a scenic commute to one of the city's best breakfasts.

Services Offered

• Traditional Hand-Slicing: A dedicated "appetizing counter" where expert slicers prepare smoked fish to order by the pound or for individual sandwiches.
• Glass-Encased Bagel Bakery: An on-site production facility where visitors can watch the traditional boiling and baking of New York-style bagels and bialys through a public viewing window.
• Seat-Yourself Dining: A casual, no-reservation dining area that allows patrons to enjoy their meals on-site with a "take-a-number" efficiency.
• Full-Service Caviar Bar: A specialized counter offering high-grade Malossol caviars, champagne, and traditional accompaniments for an elevated tasting experience.
• Catering and Events: Professional catering services for corporate meetings, shivas, and private parties, featuring beautifully arranged platters of smoked fish, bagels, and sweets.
• Private Event Space: The 34th Street location features flexible floor plans and private event capabilities for cocktail parties, seated dinners, or caviar classes.
• Local Delivery and Pickup: Streamlined online ordering for Manhattan residents and office workers looking for a reliable breakfast or lunch solution.

Features / Highlights

• Bagel Magic on Display: The unique glass-walled bakery provides a behind-the-scenes look at the labor-intensive process of crafting authentic NYC bagels.
• Heritage Design: The space features hand-painted lightboxes, neon signs, and original artwork that pay homage to the original 1914 Lower East Side shop.
• Legendary Slicing Technique: Slicers are trained to cut fish so thin you can read a newspaper through it, ensuring the perfect texture for every bagel.
• Diverse Smoked Fish Selection: From the buttery Gaspe Nova smoked salmon to the savory and salty Sable, the variety is unmatched in the Midtown area.
• Casual yet Iconic Vibe: The self-serve, seat-yourself model allows for a quintessentially New York "noshing" experience that is both efficient and high-quality.
• Champagne and Caviar Pairings: A modern addition that elevates the traditional appetizing shop into a sophisticated happy hour destination.

Contact Information

Address: 502 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

Phone: (212) 475-4880

Mobile Phone: +1 212-475-4880

What is worth choosing

When you find yourself at the counter of Russ & Daughters, the most iconic choice is the Classic: a fresh bagel (choose Everything or Poppy) with Gaspe Nova smoked salmon and scallion cream cheese. For many locals, this isn't just a meal; it’s a rite of passage. The salmon is famously rich and fatty, described by patrons as "melting in your mouth." If you are feeling adventurous or want a deeper dive into Jewish comfort food, the Metz Ball soup (Matzo Ball) and the Mushroom Barley soup are highly recommended. Reviewers often find themselves buying extra to take home because the flavors are so evocative of traditional home cooking.

For those looking to sample the finest the shop has to offer, it is worth choosing the 1/4 lb portions of their specialty fish. The Sable is a local favorite—rich, buttery, and perfectly smoked—though be prepared for its signature saltiness, which pairs perfectly with a plain bagel and a heavy "schmear" of cream cheese. If you are visiting Hudson Yards specifically for a celebratory moment, the Caviar and Champagne bar is the way to go. Pairing a fresh-baked bagel with a glass of bubbles and a side of Salmon Roe or Osetra caviar provides a modern New York luxury that is uniquely Russ & Daughters. Whether you are a "newbie" receiving recommendations from the friendly staff or a lifelong regular, choosing this 34th Street gem ensures you are participating in a century-old tradition that remains as fresh and delicious as the day it began.

Russ & Daughters

502 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA