Barney Greengrass

541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, United States
+1 212-724-4707
$$$ Breakfast restaurant
(1438 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you're looking for an authentic New York breakfast experience, look no further than Barney Greengrass, a cherished institution nestled at 541 Amsterdam Ave. Since its establishment in 1908, it has captivated locals and tourists alike with its delightful array of smoked fish and classic Jewish deli fare.

The atmosphere inside Barney Greengrass is a charming blend of history and hustle, perfectly capturing the essence of the Upper West Side. As you step in, the aroma of smoked fish envelops you, sending your taste buds into a frenzy. The cozy, albeit bustling environment creates a sense of community, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a meal with friends or to cozy up with a newspaper on your own.

The menu at Barney Greengrass is a delectable homage to traditional Jewish appetizing shops, featuring an impressive selection of breakfast dishes. Begin your morning with crowd favorites like the Nova Scotia Salmon for just $21, perfectly cured and paired with a fresh, chewy bagel. Or try the Pastrami Reuben, a hearty delight priced at $24, bursting with layers of flavor that will leave you yearning for more. Don't overlook the Hot Pastrami Sandwich, an iconic offering at $19.75, or the Whitefish Salad, known to be incredibly satisfying and a must-try according to loyal patrons.

If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to the New York Cheesecake or the delightful Chocolate Babka Muffin, both showcasing the culinary artistry that has made Barney Greengrass a beloved breakfast destination. Each bite will not only please your palate but also transport you to a world of nostalgia that only a historic eatery can provide.

As many reviews highlight, service at Barney Greengrass can be straightforward, with a no-frills approach typical of cherished local gems. Don’t forget that it’s cash-only on weekends, which adds to the charm—you’ll want to come prepared! Customers rave about the fantastic smoked fish selection and the pleasing ambiance. The lively chatter and friendly staff make every visit worthwhile.

Join the ranks of satisfied diners who have proclaimed this spot as among the best breakfast locales in NYC—just ask the likes of Anthony Bourdain! Whether you're a local or merely passing through, Barney Greengrass promises an unforgettable start to your day. The flavors, the history, and the ambiance all converge to create a genuine New York treasure.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Family friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

Closed

Tuesday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

1438 Reviews
Matt B

23 Sep 2025

An old New York classic breakfast spot with a variety of breakfast cured fishes, prepared either as a breakfast sandwich, platter, or with eggs. I’d recommend a breakfast sandwich, which is the most economical, and the white fish salad as the fish. There’s often a line to get in, but it moves at a decent speed.

Theresa

18 Sep 2025

Cash only on weekends; cards accepted on weekdays. Classic Jewish appetizing shop full of history and delicious bagels! The Nova Scotia salmon was top notch and the latkes were crispy and huge. Service is no frills and mildly abrasive. Prices are steep but where aren’t prices steep in Manhattan?

Max Ortiz

31 Aug 2025

Historical place, Anthony Bourdain was said that this is the best breakfast in the universe. Price is fine, service ok, and the food is well done. At least to pass by time to time

G C

20 Aug 2025

An old New York gem—Barney Greengrass is the real deal. Charming dining room, incredibly welcoming and engaging staff, and the best smoked fish in the city. Bagels, pastries, and fresh-squeezed OJ are all top-notch. A true institution and a joy every time.

Elizabeth Hadden

03 Jul 2025

Cash only historical fish spot with a pretty extensive menu. Really good bites and no frills setting. Got the nova with an everything bagel appetizer as my main and it was honestly the best nova I’ve ever had. Bright, flavorful, but not too fishy. Plenty of cream cheese and extras to dress my bites with. TBH it was so good that it may have ruined all other nova for me. My husband got the scrambled eggs and sturgeon and he loved it too. Perfect amount of saltiness. The everything bagels were also solid. Definitely get the potato pancakes, they’re puffy and crispy with plenty of sour cream and applesauce. It’s pricier than some other spots but for me, the quality of the fish was markedly better which made it worth it to me.

Francesca Rascati

23 Jun 2025

Amazing smoked fish! Loved the sable. Overall very satisfying breakfast/lunch. I did feel that the bagels could’ve been better, but that could be personal preference. Still a good breakfast

Jean Du

21 Jun 2025

No doubt this is an institution been around since early 1908 and they moved from original Harlem to Upper west. You walk in and it’s just a quintessential hustle bustle NYC fish focused deli. **it’s cash ONLY They feature mainly salted fish from sturgeon to salmon etc.. pair that with a bagel and you are set for a solid breakfast. The potato puffers are good even having come from Germany. They are crisp on the outside golden and softy and doughy with the balanced acidity it needs. As far as value for what it is it’s terrible and priced up there. 2 bagel combos, 1 potato puffer, 2x OJ you’re looking at 109$ without tip.

R S

31 May 2025

Authentic and cozy place. Incredible dishes. White fish salad is amazing. Sturgeon is a must try.

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