As if Thanksgiving didn’t ruin our vacation diets already, Chanukah snuck up on us early this year.
Jelly Doughnuts, lots of Chocolate (or as us fellow Jews call it, Gelt), and of course, the star of the show: Latkes.
Oy vey. We hope our pants still fit.
Although the holiday has much more symbolic significance, Chanukah is the perfect excuse to stuff your face with pure fried goodness.
Honestly kinda lit. Pun very much intended.
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And if your Bubbie serves them with both applesauce and sour cream, she’s a real one.
While homemade latkes are the superior choice, we’ve rounded up the most delectable latkes in New York City.
Jewish or not, potato latkes are the perfect dish if you need a little nosh.
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127 2nd Ave, Manhattan
This old-school, Kosher diner is one of New York City’s most cherished hidden gems. If your Zayde’s real name is Seymour, Morton, or Harvey, they’ve definitely eaten at B&H circa 1940. Many people come here for the Challah French Toast and Matzo Ball Soup, but we come here for the Latkes. The deeply-browned crust perfectly complements the creamy, almost mashed-potato-like center.
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205 E Houston St, Manhattan/Website
Mazel tov for having some of the tastiest latkes in New York City. We don’t know the owner personally—shoutout Jake Dell—but odds are he’s a mensch. No Mom, we don't know if he's single. The Potato Pancakes at Katz’s are perfectly crispy and golden brown, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with potatoes, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and onion, these fried treasures are simple, yet spectacular.
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541 Amsterdam Ave, Manhattan/Website
A Jewish deli institution since 1908, Barney’s has mastered the art of the Potato Latke by now. The key to a perfect Latke is simplicity, and this New York City landmark has achieved just that. Prepared with traditional ingredients and a side of homemade Applesauce, these Latkes truly do honor the Chanukah tradition. They are super easy to recreate at home, but not for us. We’re a total Klutz in the kitchen.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Described as an “authentic Jewish culinary experience,” 2nd Ave Deli can prepare Potato Latkes in their sleep. With two locations in Manhattan, this New York City establishment is convenient (enough) for everybody. Come on, stop kvetching about having to take the subway. These latkes are prepared with special Corn Oil that adds a layer of crispiness we didn’t know existed.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Everything at Breads Bakery is genuinely amazing, so naturally, the Latkes are nothing short of that. Made with breadcrumbs, a slightly less popular ingredient, these Latkes have an extra coating of breading that takes the dish from great to excellent. The bakery is called Breads after all. How bad could it possibly be?!
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Multiple Locations/Website
These out-of-this-world latkes are a great dish to compliment your bagel with lox and schmear. This fourth-generation, family-owned eatery knows what to do with potatoes, oil, and a frying pan. We respect that Russ And Daughters doesn’t try to do anything fancy with their Latke recipe. It’s traditional, authentic, and oh so good.
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144 2nd Ave, Manhattan/Website
This no-frills Ukrainian shop may be known for Pierogi and Borscht, but the Latkes are undoubtedly the best thing on the menu. While we’re typically a fan of the classic recipe, Veselka’s Smothered Latke is a true masterpiece. Their golden Potato Pancakes are topped with Beef Stroganoff or Veal Goulash with a dollop of sour cream. *Mouth Waters*
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463 W Broadway, Manhattan/Website
Although Sadelles is super trendy right now, they actually serve some of the most authentic Latkes on the entire island. The Bagel Tower and Mini Hot Dogs are a must, but if you don’t order the Latkes, we’re blacklisting you from our Chanukah party next year. This vintage hotspot is a great place to bring your Nana while she tells you “he was a Schmuck anyways,” over a plate of fried deliciousness.
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495 Lorimer St, Brooklyn/Website
The Latkes from this famed sandwich counter are worth the schlep to Brooklyn. Trust us on this one. If you’re feeling adventurous, indulge in Potato Latkes stuffed into a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Sounds delicious, but definitely sacrilegious. If you’re like us, we prefer the classic Potato Pancakes with a heaping of trout roe. Simple, with a sprinkle of something lavish.
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548 3rd Ave, Manhattan/Website
The pastrami from Sarge’s is a cult favorite, but the Latkes are truly life-changing. These Potato Pancakes are large and thick, which honestly sounds exactly like us during the Holiday season. *Sobs* In all seriousness, the Latkes are huge, dense, and delicious, so you really get more bang for your buck.
Photography by: Courtesy Pixabay
