Zabar's

Zabar's Rugelach

Zabar’s is a specialty food store, Jewish deli, and well-known establishment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

It is full of all kinds of fun and curious goodies, from chocolate rugelach and babka to beluga and lox.

Just as impressive as the food is the housewares section, located on the second floor. The whole floor is crammed with an outstanding assortment of kitchen items and a pretty good selection of cutlery too.

Jewish Cuisine and So Much More

The store offers plenty of items to please the Jewish palate, with smoked fish, borscht, pastrami, and whitefish salad among the main features.

Besides a large selection of characteristically Jewish foods, Zabar’s also has plenty of items to entice the New York City foodie like imported cheeses and fresh coffee beans.

Cheese Counter at Zabar's

Various counters are set up to showcase an extensive variety of cheeses, deli meats, fish, breads, and prepared meals and side dishes. A whole corner of the bakery is just for strudel and knishes and a friendly sign says, “No Number Necessary…Just Ask For Service".

Bakery Counter at Zabar's

The narrow aisles wander and turn through the store in a seemingly senseless fashion, but it does give a nice feeling of constantly turning a corner to find something new. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere of the place remains homey and inviting.

5 Things to Do at Zabar’s

Navigate the crowded aisles and sample cheese and rye bread.
Order a classic New York deli sandwich at the deli counter: corned beef and pastrami on rye with coleslaw and Russian dressing.
Try the chocolate or cinnamon rugelach from the bakery counter, which some say is the best in New York City.
Take a break in the adjoining café and talk to a local as you drink a cup of coffee or eat matzo ball soup.
Admire the housewares collection on the second floor and dream creating a registry there.

If this place looks familiar...

Zabar's

Zabar’s appeared in the movie You’ve Got Mail and in episodes of many TV shows, including Seinfeld, Will & Grace, and Sex and the City.

The store was founded by Louis and Lillian Zabar, both Ukrainian Jewish immigrants. It began as a stand at a market and later became a full store.

The business has expanded greatly since it's humble beginnings, but there is still only one location. The store is still family-run and makes the claim that “there is always a Zabar in the store.”