Zabar's
The Upper West Side food emporium since 1934, a temple of smoked fish, cheese, coffee and housewares upstairs.
Example
The classic run is a bagel, whitefish salad and a chocolate babka from the counters, then a ten minute walk west to eat it in Riverside Park.
Related terms
Bagels and delis
Barney Greengrass
The Upper West Side sturgeon king since 1908, an unchanged Jewish appetizing restaurant with weekend lines to match.
Bagels and delis
H&H Bagels
The famous Upper West Side bagel brand from 1972, revived and expanding, known for sweet-tinged plain bagels.
Parks
Central Park
The 843-acre engineered wilderness at Manhattan's heart, designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1858.
Bagels and delis
Katz's Delicatessen
The 1888 Lower East Side deli famous for hand-carved pastrami on rye and the ticket system every visitor fumbles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zabar's a store or a place to eat?
Primarily a store. Use the next-door cafe or take your haul to Riverside or Central Park for the proper picnic move.
What is the one thing to buy at Zabar's?
The chocolate babka is the classic answer. The smoked fish counter is the deeper reason the store matters.
Is Zabar's a good souvenir stop?
One of the best. Coffee, babka and the discounted kitchen gear on the mezzanine all travel home well, and none of it reads as an airport gift shop.
