"This Upper West Side institution is known for its smoked fish. When you walk in the door, you’ll have to make your way through the chaotic fish counter, weaving through stacks of sturgeon, before you get to the dining room. Settle in at a table and you'll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with servers cracking wise and unlimited coffee refills. Smoked fish platters are the thing to order here (we recommend the controversial bialy over a bagel), but we also love their matzo ball soup, borscht, and chopped liver." - will hartman, carina finn koeppicus, kenny yang