The Appetizing & Bagel Gold Coast

The Lower East Side’s Jewish heritage is forged in brine and smoke, and this route connects the historical dots through the neighborhood's most prestigious appetizing staples. Starting at Russ & Daughters—a shop that has defined the 'appetizing' category since 1914—sets a high bar for quality Is there anything more N…. This isn't just a bagel shop; it is a shrine to cold-smoking and tradition, where the hand-sliced lox remains the city’s gold standard STONE AND STRAND | For o…. The logic of this walk is a deliberate contrast: beginning with the refined, high-speed efficiency of a century-old institution before trekking north to find the local, unpretentious charm of Gramercy-adjacent Bagels & Schmear. The middle leg of the journey serves as a necessary digestive bridge, moving the narrative from the dense history of Houston Street to the quieter blocks of 28th Street. Bagels & Schmear represents the community-driven side of the NYC bagel scene, where the textures are softer and the spreads more varied BAGELS & CO, New York Ci…. It offers a moment of relief from the frantic pace of the Lower East Side before the route loops back down to finish at Yonah Schimmel’s. Ending at Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery provides the essential dessert to a savory morning. While the rest of the world waits in line at Katz’s around the corner, this basement-level shop preserves a slower, grittier version of New York history. The sweet-savory finish of a cheese knish anchors the entire experience, shifting the focus from the bread-and-fish obsession of the morning to the heavier, heartier world of Ashkenazi soul food. It is a route designed for those who value the cultural context of their meal as much as the schmear itself.

What to Expect

Expect high-energy interactions and virtually no seating at the primary stops. Russ & Daughters requires sharp focus; have the order ready before reaching the glass Is there anything more N…. The total route covers roughly 3.4 miles, which is significant for a morning walk, so wear professional-grade walking shoes. Budget approximately $40 to $60 for the full crawl, as premium fish at Russ & Daughters carries a price tag to match its reputation Russ & Daughters - Bagel…. Weekends will see heavy crowds at the start and finish, while Bagels & Schmear offers a calmer atmosphere for a mid-route breather.

The Route

1

Russ & Daughters

86

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity81

Infrastructure67

Terrain91

Safety82

Lighting100

Amenities95

Transit77

"Grab an everything egg bagel with their hand-sliced lox, but move fast when you hit the counter—the staff doesn't do dawdling."

30-45 min33 min

33 min · 1.7 mi86

2

Bagels & Schmear

86

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity81

Infrastructure67

Terrain91

Safety82

Lighting100

Amenities95

Transit77

"Grab an egg everything bagel with their veggie schmear and don't skip the crumb cake—it's the sleeper hit of the menu."

30-45 min31 min

31 min · 1.6 mi86

3

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery

86

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity81

Infrastructure67

Terrain91

Safety82

Lighting100

Amenities95

Transit77

"Skip the crowds and end your crawl here with the cherry cheese knish; ask them to warm it up so it’s perfect for a walk through the Lower East Side."

45 min - 1 hr11 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions