Along with lighting the menorah and taking part in other historical holiday traditions, with the Festival of Lights quickly approaching, nothing sounds more comforting than biting into crispy, golden latkes!
Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots to grab a latke in NYC, and we definitely suggest you check them out for yourselves!
1. Russ & Daughters, Multiple Locations
This fourth generation, family-owned cafe has been serving up traditional Jewish dishes since 1914! Though famous for their lox and bagels, their latkes are a must-try when you visit!
Where: Multiple Locations
2. Knish Nosh, Rego Park, Queens
Forest Hills native, this shop guarantees some of the most delicious potato pancakes in the area along with their large selection of knishes.
Where: 98-104 Queens Blvd.
3. Barney Greengrass, UWS
At Barney Greengrass you can expect latkes cooked to perfection! Get your order with a side of apple sauce and you’re all set!
Where: 541 Amsterdam Ave.
4. Shelsky’s of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights
With a crispy outside and a chewy inside, the latkes at Shelsky’s of Brooklyn are not to be missed. This classic Jewish deli deserves all of the hype. They even offer gluten-free or sweet potato and celery root latkes!
Where: 141 Court St.
5. Edith’s, Greenpoint
At Edith’s you can order your typical NYC BEC but with a twist–you can get it served on a latke! That’s definitely one way to change up your normal go-to breakfast sandwich.
Where: 60 Greenpoint Ave.
6. 2nd Avenue Deli, Multiple Locations
With a rich New York history, 2nd Ave Deli has become a local favorite for anyone in the neighborhood. Though their Chanukah menu has not yet been released, last year it had alllll the latkes as you could stomach!
Where: Multiple Locations
7. Kat’z Delicatessen, LES
Known for being one of the most famous Deli’s in the country, and a notorious location for When Harry Met Sally, you can never go wrong with their expansive selection. Served crispy and golden brown, you’ll understand the fame when your order latkes here! (P.S. they also have delicious matzo ball soup!)
Where: 205 E Houston St.
8. Veselka, East Village
Order all the potato latkes and matzo ball soup for this Chanukah from Veselka. No need to stress about cooking for the family when you can simply order in!
Where: 144 2nd Ave.
9. As You Are, Boreum Hill
This Brooklyn Bakery showcases the borough’s long history of multicultural cuisine and offers some of the most delectable latkes served with celery root, pear butter, and horseradish.
Where: 252 Schermerhorn St.
10. Shalom Japan, South Williamsburg
This Jewish and Japanese restaurant brings never before seen flavor combinations to NYC. Try their Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake topped with pastrami, sauerkraut, and bonito flakes.
Where: 310 S 4th St.
11. Liebman’s Deli, The Bronx
This Kosher Jewish deli has been open since 1953, offering traditional soups, sandwiches, salads, and meats. They’ve been featured on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” show, and they serve the most delicious giant potato latkes, which are irresistibly crunchy!
Where: 552 W 235th St.
12. B&H Dairy, East Village
Running as one of the last Kosher dairy lunch counters in NYC, this shop is bringing crunchy and delectable potato pancakes right to the mouths of New Yorkers.
Where: 127 2nd Ave.
13. Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery, LES
At this Jewish bakery, the latkes are made fresh daily. Savor 100+ years of tradition while you celebrate!
Where: 137 E Houston St.
14. Mile End Deli, Boerum Hill
At Mile End Deli you can get your latke served with egg and cheese on a brioche roll, or choose the Mont Royal, which is comprised of latkes, smoked salmon, sour cream, and tobiko caviar. If you go in
Where: 97 Hoyt St.
15. Mark’s Off Madison, Rose Hill
Mark’s Off Madison, from former chef at Fred’s at Barneys, offers a deliciously cooked latke-crusted filet of sole topped with a lemon herb sauce and fall vegetables.
Where: 41 Madison Ave.
16. 12 Chairs x Sherry Herring, Multiple Locations
12 Chairs and Sherry Herring are celebrating their Jewish-Israeli heritage together by collaborating on special potato latkes for the holiday! They’ll be offering a trio of Open-Faced Potato Latkes Sandwiches, available at 12 Chairs Café locations (SoHo and Williamsburg) with a Kosher variation at Sherry Herring in UWS from December 18-26th.
Where: 12 Chairs Café (SoHo – 56 MacDougal St. / Williamsburg – 342 Wythe Ave.) & Sherry Herring (UWS – 245 W 72nd St.)