Shopsin's

Awesome brunch/lunch spot in Essex Market. You scan the QR code and join the waitlist for a table, and you'll receive a text when your table is ready - I really appreciated this aspect as it allowed us to walk around the market while we waited. On a Saturday afternoon, around 2 or so, there were 5 parties ahead of us which took about 45 minutes. Since it's in the market, it's on the smaller side, and most tables sit 2-4 people with some counter space roo. Decor is retro/baseball themed. Because it's a small space, food took a little while to come out, but it was worth the wait.Very extensive menu, we had a tough time picking our order since it all looked amazing. The Bastard (eggs, pastrami hash and cheese on ciabatta) was absolutely amazing and would 100000% get again. The sausage and gravy and Mac and cheese pancake also really great. Bottomless coffee for $5.We definitely plan to come back sometime. It was a great find!

Pancakes with fried chicken? And the pancakes are crispy on the top because of the pan fried cheese layer? My fav so far.

At one point, this place blew my mind! Between the options of breakfast items and how everything tasted, it was fantastic. When we went there recently, it was good but nothing amazing, which was so sad.My egg sandwich was really good and I'm glad they had a non pork option that wasn't vegan. My bunny's pancakes were fine, nothing special and for the price, it was surprising. He got a lemon ricotta and banana pecan pancake which just had a big glob of the filling in the middle and that's about it.I like the idea of them having the bottomless coffee and that it's self serve. The water is self serve too which was interesting but slightly annoying to have to get up out of your seat and refill it yourself. Unfortunately, I think it'll be a while until we go back.

They have a breakfast dish called Blisters on My Sisters. Broiled Cheddar over Sunnies, Peppers, Beans, Collards, Onions, Tomato, Rice on Corn Tortillas. This is what you need. Get it with the optional chorizo and ask for some of their Brutal Hot Sauce. It's brutal. And brilliant.Yeah, there's probably a wait to get in. Yeah, the kitchen can be a bit slow. But it's absolutely and wonderfully worth it to sit in this comfy, quirky, and delicious little diner inside of Essex Market.

Brunch for 2. Perfect. Nice ambiance and quick service. Stop in if visiting LES and keep it short and cute

Probably the quirkiest diner-style restaurant I've ever been to. As soon as I walked up, I overheard people celebrating Trump's indictment. Definitely attracts a certain type, which I'm into. Others may not find it as welcoming though. The kitchen staff seemed friendlier than the girl at the counter. Service was average. Luckily, there was no wait when I went.The menu is ridiculously huge, which is a fun novelty, but honestly, not my favorite. I get choice overwhelm. Plus, I'd question how good everything is when you know there has to be some dishes that just aren't made very frequently. Have to give them points for creativity though. Food and flavor combos are fun, as well as the presentation. My breakfast sandwich came with a little streamer thing on it. And my husband's pancakes had faces on them. They also serve coffee and tea in quirky mugs like you'd find at someone's home. And the place is decked out in Mets memorabilia and other weird stuff. So fun.As for the food itself, it was pretty good. Not particularly memorable taste wise. But a solid, filling meal. I had the Strider. My only qualm with it was there was no dressing on the little side salad it came with. Love that they have vegan and vegetarian options, though. I was able to have veggie sausage for my sandwich, which is always appreciated. Felt a little overpriced for what it was though.I feel like you probably can't get the full experience until you've come a few times and tasted a variety of dishes. Definitely curious about their mac n' cheese stuffed pancakes. Maybe next time!

I know...I know..I should've gotten the pancakes. The menu here is gigantic!The line to be seated is long. Is it worth the wait? Indeed!My friend is a tiny tot yet she's one of my best eating friends. You always want a buddy that eats a similar amount or a smidge more. Never be deceived by her doll like silhouette, girl can put it away. We waited in line patiently as the tables were filled with hungry slow eaters and a large group ahead. When we finally made it to the counter. We took way too long still deciding. And waited patiently for our order to be made. We went for the following which reminds of the Violent Femmes song "Blister in the Sun" but that neither here nor there. "Blisters on My Sisters Broil Chedda over Sunnies, Peppers, Beans,Collards, Onions, Tomato, Rice, on Corn Tortillas 15" The kitchen was super friendly about our patience. Our skillets arrived and it was huge. But that is what is to be expected. An absolute brunch experience here. Everything was on point and married well together. I could not recommend this dish enough. I was in brunch coma. I was still trekking a long when my friend polished off the dish. The waitress exclaimed that if her mom worked there, my friend would have received a gold star for being in the "Clean Plate Club". One of the best compliments one can receive at a famous diner outside the box spot. I made a great effort but no gold star for me. Can't wait to return for another gluttonous adventure!Extra Credit: Watch the 2004 documentary "I Like Killing Flies" about the restaurant in it's first 30 years, almost 50 now. 2008 book with Carolynn Carreño entitled Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin

I missed out on dining at Shopsin's when it was located at the former Essex Market on the NE corner of Essex and Delancey. I feel like the old no-frills location probably fit their straightforward character more than their current, more sanitized spot in the new Essex Market. The menu seems largely to be the same, with a wide-ranging and novel selection of brunch and deli items with a twist. We ordered the Zackzuka and the Triple Play pancake plate (pumpkin, coconut, and mac 'n' cheese). I particularly loved the coconut pancake, which must have had both coconut milk/cream in the batter, in addition to shredded coconut. The pumpkin pancake was nicely spiced, while the mac 'n' cheese pancake was...interesting. The combination of sweet and savory was unexpected yet surprisingly worked. We took the waiter's suggestion in adding hot sauce, which certainly enhanced the flavor profile. The Zackzuka was clearly a spin on shakshuka. It came with chorizo, eggs, and peppers, which were accompanied by toasted challah bread. The sizzling plate was very flavorful. These two dishes were more than enough for my partner and me. We took home some of the leftover pancakes, which were still pretty good upon reheating. I actually didn't find the waiters to be infamously brusque. Prices are somewhat high for essentially diner food, but I would not say egregiously so for the location and somewhat creative offerings.

Delicious and creative! Portions are huge, but we had to get pancakes for the table. Love the salsa

Inventive preparations (tuna melt and brisket sandwich), and helpful staff in the pretty Essex Market