I always think that I have idealized their knishes but always find that they are even better than I remember. The knishes I had today with friends were perfect and exquisite. My favorites are kasha, potato, sweet potato, and cabbage. read more

My gold standard for knishes was Mrs. Stahl's in Brighton Beach. (Their cabbage knish, akin to a "Jewish eggroll" ranked within my top five favorite foods.) Since Mrs. Stahl's closed twenty years ago -- boo hoo! -- it's time to move on. Yonah Schimmel, the renowned NY knishery (!) has been in business since 1890. Hungry for a snack, we stopped in. And while decidedly good, I'm sorry. Can't compare to Brighton Beach. We bought three knishes. Asked for the mushroom/potato to be heated and cut in half. The other two -- sweet potato and blueberry cheese -- were packed to bring home. Since Schimmel's cabbage knish is mixed with potato -- Mrs. Stahl's was 'straight up' -- I knew it would fare poorly, so I didn't bother. Sweet potato, not my thing. T, a southerner wanted it and liked it. Mushroom, somewhat bland. I took a few bites and brought the rest home. When reheated and smeared with mustard, it was pretty good albeit light on mushrooms. (BTW, you can get mustard in the shop but with no place to sit I knew it would be messy to dunk-and-eat while walking.) Will I come back? I'm not often on the lower east side, but sure. In business for well over a century we've got to keep the place going! Out-of-towners can order on Goldbelly. read more

See all

A few years ago, I did a search for the best knishes in NYC and Yonah Schmimmel's was mentioned in several articles. I had tried to go a few times but didn't end up making it, but finally made it happen on this most recent trip. They have several sweet and savory knishes. We ordered classic potato and the jalapeño mozzarella. We initially wanted the jalapeño cheddar but they were out, so go early for the best variety! The potato blew me away. It was so good and garlicky. The jalapeno mozzarella that was good but honestly didn't hold a candle to the potato. This is a grab and go spot but it was a beautiful day so we headed over to the park and devoured these, and it was perfect! They do offer a cash discount, and will heat up your knish if you'd like (recommended if you're eating immediately). Absolutely will be back on my next trip! read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Potato Knish and jalapeño mozzarella knish - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

We had the mushroom knish and it was absolutely out of this world. The potato was super fluffy and fresh, and they were plenty of mushrooms inside. Can't wait to return to try some of the other incredible flavors. read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Menu - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I last went to Yonah Schimmel over 20 years ago and did not like what I found there, so I avoided the place. Today I was craving Jewish comfort food, so I gave it another try. I took the knish (red cabage, potato) home with me and heated it in my air fryer/convection oven. I intended to only eat half, but it was soooooo good. (I do think heating it this way is much better than microwave.) It had a lovely crispy outside, and a creamy, smooth melt in your mouth filling. I don't know if they changed what they were doing, but I will be returning. (I also bought a cherry cheese and am looking forward to trying it. read more

Absolutely delicious spot. The garlic potato knish was so good. And it was very hefty. It was packed with garlic and roasted to perfection. The potatoes were also very smooth. Would highly recommend. read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Happy to update this review! After reading my prior review, the owner of Yonah Schimmel (my new knish BFF!) reached out to personally apologize for my disappointing experience, and offered to ship 6 knishes of my choosing to my home in California. YES, PLEASE! They arrived yesterday, and I chose to start my knish adventure with the sweet potato knish which, wonderfully, wasn't too sweet! The perfect texture and consistency internally and the dough, when crisped up a bit in the oven, was heavenly! Am so excited about continuing my knish adventure later today with the chocolate/cheese and or the kasha knish. THANK YOU, YELP, for this communication forum and THANK YOU, YONAH SCHIMMEL, for showing you do care about your customers! Five stars! read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Mushroom, spinach, kasha, sweet potato, cherry/cheese, chocolate/cheese. Yummmm! - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

See all

We always swing by here when we visit NYC to get a couple of knishes, which are basically mashed potatoes in a baked pastry and oh so delicious. This place is a staple in NY and been here since 1910. Discovered it via a lower east side food tour. We always go for the OG potato knish or mushroom knish, but they have a variety of sweet and savory options. It's only a to-go place without any seating, but there is a park right across the street. read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Knish options - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Stepping into Lower East Side's Yonah Schimmel's Knishery is like stepping back in time, where their fresh, in-house knishes are round and baked like definitely they all should be, not fried. They are sizable, delicious, and recommended enjoying them with mustard. This Eastern European Jewish delicacy has been prepared here since 1910. Check it out! Throughout my childhood, we regularly enjoyed two different potato knishes: those baked bought from the now closed Mrs. Stahl's knishery under the turn of the elevated line in Brighton Beach and mini knishes my mom got from the supermarket she'd bake at home. With both those unavailable, I get my fix at Yonah Schimmel's! It remains one of the last truly OG makers of baked, not fried, knishes, the Eastern European Jewish most commonly potato and onion stuffed savory pastry. (Baked knishes are not greasy like those squarish fried ones.) Yonah Schimmel makes other savory varieties like Red Cabbage, Kasha, Spinach, Mushroom, and a sweet Knish range too, but for me my go-to is their totally iconic Potato. Recommend also enjoying with it a classic cold Chocolate Egg Cream, Cherry Lime Rickey, or Dr. Brown's soda, like Cel-Ray (which tastes like celery) or my favorite Black Cherry! The only thing I miss there, which used to be available, is a place to sit and enjoy your food. Wish they'd bring back seating. Other than that, Yonah Schimmel's, you're awesome! read more

See all

Unassuming front. People come here because it was in business since 1910. For nostalgia, it has its history. It has only takeout service. If you plan to eat it immediately, they will warm up the knish for you in a microwave. It maybe acceptable to some. We got 3 different favorite of knish. Our favorite is the cheese knish. It was OK. It will be so much better if one can dine in and eat one freshly baked. Our hunt for freshly baked knishes in NYC started!!! read more

See all

You just can beat a locally owned business since 1910 that sells a very unique food item.... knishes! Hubby was turned on to them a couple of years ago and now he has to have them in every visit. We dropped in at 11 and only the knash was available. The guy said "later" for the other flavors. So, back at 1pm and every option was there. Woohoo! These babies are hearty and packed with goodness. This is a must try when you are in the LES. read more

See all

They had the best knish in the city. My favorite is sweet potato and spinach, for $5.50 each. This place has been around for a long time. I can't believe this is the first time I'm here. The server are friendly and the place is clean read more

This is a surviving icon that started back to the olden days of the lower east side when you could dine on Jewish specialties galore including the long gone Ratners which was one of our faves. A few other nostalgic places of the times remain such as Katz's and Russ and Daughters. Yonah Schimmel is a grab and go knish bakery and they still make some delicious ones and have many varieties. It's worth taking some home when you're in the neighborhood. You won't be disappointed by the taste of old NYC that has continued to survive despite the gentrification and commercialization of this neighborhood. read more

See all

Listen, it was 100 degrees, and we walked several blocks to get HOT potato and spinach knishes from this place, and I'd do it again. Zero ambiance. So much YUM. read more

This establishment deserves kuddos and complete admiration for being in business since 1910 and being frequented by and applauded by so many, including some celebrities. I was not there in 1910, but by the looks of the place in 2025 it is well past it's hey day. The dining area is closed off by chairs and tables piled on top of one another and covered in cardboard. The only option to heat the knish is in a microwave which seems like a crime. We brought ours home to heat up and they were not good. Mushy center, tasteless, and just not appealing. Nostalgia and longing for the days of yore may keep others coming back, but my suggestion would be to go elsewhere and get a decent knish to enjoy. read more

See all

Delish Old World Round Knishes. We have been coming to Yonah's for 60+ yrs. Love the Potato, Kasha, & Sour Cherry Cheese, Blueberry Cheese & Chocolate Cheese Knishes. Kosher, Vegetarian , Vegan. They Freeze Well. $6.50 each Walk In & Offer Baker's Dozen. Free FedEx Delivery thru Gold Belly; $150 minimum. FYI: They Jack Up the Prices. read more

Best knishes I've tasted since I was a little boy. I've always been partial to baked knishes The bakery makes them and they are wonderful. And absolutely GREAT customer service. Really appreciate Yonah Schimmel!! read more

Ordered these on Gold Belly. I had to come post about the apple strudel. They should be ashamed calling this anything resembling an apple strudel. If smelled of old dough, there was no cinnamon or sweet smell. It was gross. The filling was just mush. Never again.. read more

This is the most stunning, traditional, authentic knish I have ever had. To be fair, this was all my first one. It was a light pastry dough filled with soft, custardy cheesecakey cheese danish filling with a fabulous chocolate center. They warmed it up. Service was pretty good. I think it was $6.50. The store itself felt very authentic. Very cute. Nice to munch on while walking around. Next time I go I will try a savory knish. Phenomenal, 10/10. read more

See all

Went in mid day, no line, quick service. Knishes are the best I've ever had, granted these are the first I've ever had. Got one Apple Strudel and one Spinach. Apple was loaded with fruit filling, and the spinach was perfectly savory. They are large and heavy. read more

Terrible... not the memories of my youth. Better out in Brighton Beach Brooklyn. And they have the nerve to charge 6.00 or 6.50 per Knish. Will never go back. read more

Popped into Yonah Schimmel's to pick up a few knishes for a family member out of state. The gentleman working behind the counter was not very friendly. When I asked about flavors, his responses were not helpful, saying things like, "I can't pick one, I like whatever I like that day". Fair, but your job is to help the customer :) he did inform me that they offered shipping via their website so I didn't need to purchase, pack, and mail the knishes myself. They were about eight dollars each in the store or $80 for six if you order online for shipping, so about $30 for shipping. I decided to try to ensure and opted for the daily special garlic and onion and a kasha. The Kasha had a good amount of buckwheat mixed in with the potato but lacked in flavor. I'm used to kasha full of buttery onion flavor so maybe my mistake for expecting something similar here? The onion and garlic was so garlicky I literally couldn't eat it. There were giant chunks of clove mixed into the potato. If you're a garlic fan, this is for you! read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

New York landmark so as a tourist I had to stop by :) Plus I've never had a knish before. Mt friend and I arrived right when the guy working there turned off the open sign. Lols We knocked on the window and kindly asked if it was too late to order something quick. His name was Ivan and he was so nice to let us in while he finished closing up. This place is a no frills kind of a hole in the wall spot. But there's something cozy and endearing about it. No place to eat in here so you order your food and take it to go. My friend and I ordered the plain potato knish and the kasha knish - made with buckwheat. Ivan asked if we wanted it warmed up, yes! Like I said, I've never had a knish before so don't know what to comparte it to. But we enjoyed both. I will say I do like the kasha knish more bc it has this savory taste to it I can't explain. I'd def get it again! read more

See all

I don't know much about Real America, but I know a lot about Real New York. Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery is definitely OG Real New York. I love coming here for the history, vibe, and obviously... the knish. I have tried everything on the menu, and it's all amazing. If you are new to the knish, you should try something from the sweet side of the menu like an apple strudel or cherry cheese. I can't imagine anyone not liking those. You might even want to buy the shirt. It could be worth something down the road. If your investment doesn't pay off, you will still have a cool shirt. read more

This is an iconic and go to spot in the Lower East Side to have a sweet or savory (or both) knish! I always make the walking trip to order a sweet potato or apple strudel knish to start my morning or have as an afternoon snack. I find comfort in getting it warmed up at the ideal temperature so I can easily bite in and enjoy while sitting at a nearby park or walking and snacking. The cashier I usually see is very kind and makes sure the knish is warmed up perfectly (I believe they ask you if you want it warmed up). [Side note, I usually order a coffee or cappuccino from a coffee shop in West 4th to pair beautifully with either my sweet potato or apple strudel knish] I highly recommend coming and spreading the word about this place. It's a historical foodie destination and should be shared one knish at a time. read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Apple Strudel Knish - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

I went once a few years ago. Hole in the wall kind of place, tragically not ironically. He put my overpriced knish in a crappy residential microwave that looked 20-30 years old- it looked like one you'd see someone put on the curb when moving out of their apartment. The knish was gross not to mention 1/2 boiling lava hot and 1/2 ice cold. Just go to Katz's they have a quality potato knish that's delicious. read more

Yonah's is the best kinish anywhere. So tasty. Always fresh. We also sent some to friends in Arizona and it only took 3 days. Amazing service! Everyone has to try it at least once. Good ol fashioned atmosphere in the store too. And very clean read more

Was in NYC to visit our daughter and knew what I had to do: get a freshly baked (never fried!) knish from Yonah Schimmel's. I've ordered many Schimmel knishes over the past couple of years and had them shipped to me in San Diego via Goldbelly. And my daughter's brought a bunch to me when she comes to visit. But I had never bought one myself at the shop. That changed this past Sunday morning. I went with a kasha, which is my personal favorite, then took it to Bar Verde up the street where my wife and daughter were having nachos and coffee for brunch. In a word, it was DELICIOUS. I don't do the mustard thing, but Bar Verde's homemade habanero salsa was the perfect accompaniment to Yonah Schimmel's homemade knish. I suspect I'll be eating these things until the day I die -- they're THAT good. read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - a woman standing in front of the counter - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Been meaning to try here. Dropped by and got the jalapeño and cheddar for the savory and also blueberry and cheese for the sweet ones. I loved the jalapeño and cheddar one. They ask if you want it hot. Definitely say yes. The blueberry one is not bad. Not overly sweet. I don't like fruits in my dessert. But it's pretty solid also. I would recommend here. When you walk in it does look run down and old. And the knish looks pretty plain. But after heating it up and eating it. Taste great. I don't care if something is ugly. As long as it tastes good. That's the most important part. Recommend if you are in the area. read more

One thing that I hope never changes is the potato knish from Yonah Shimmel. About the size of a bagel, and fluffy potato, so not heavy. It makes a satisfying side dish for a meal or a very substantial snack. Even my finicky relatives never having tried one love them. I do too. read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Except for grafitti, the store has not changed. - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

See all

The classic - & the 2nd oldest Jewish food establishment in NYC, after Katz's. No one can touch their knishes. They have sweet ones & savory ones. If you don't like knishes, tho, this place is not for you! read more

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery - Pizza knish & cheddar / jalapeño knish - Kosher Near Me - New York, New York

Went there today. Take out only. We love the knishes but wanted to sit, have some cole slaw and a cherry lime Rickey. Disappointed

Good place. No frills. No fancy decor. Just decent knishes. A bit overpriced but I guess they can be on account of being instagram famous. Items were OK. The blueberry cheesecake was to die for, but the others were meh... especially the mozzarella jalapeño, which was a huge letdown. Go once. Post it on instagram. Then move on. read more

Finally got to try this place after months of passing by, and either missing opening times, or having an appetitie. Got to the shop at around 4 pm and the potato knish ran out. We got Kasha (buckwheat), mushroom, red cabbage, and vegetable, all to-go. We got home to Heat it up first by microwave 1 minute, then toasted it for 5 minutes which worked out perfectly. First bite was into Kasha...delicious! So much better than I expected and than it looks. As were the rest. Especially with the portable cups of mustard. The red cabbage and Kasha werethe stars. Next time would try the sweet potato one. read more

DELICIOUS‼‼‼ a must to visit and enjoy. If it's your first time ask questions and they are very helpful Thank you I was visiting from CA. WHEN I RETURN to Harlem-- I will be back for more Knishs You must try with mustard read more

One of the Reddit recommended to get knish if near Katz's deli. This is my first one and was not disappointed. I got sweet ones filled with cheese, which tasted like pastry stuffed with pie filling and whipped cream cheese. It is sweeter than I would have liked but the portion is decent sized. read more

See all

I grew up going here. But the last knish or two have tasted purely like I licked a pepper mill. The potato knish is a star it doesn't need to be drowned in pepper. It takes away from it. Lots of varieties read more

Yonah Schimmel's knishes are great! I have had them to go many times and now I've had them delivered. I have had the potato, kasha, red cabbage, mushroom, vegetable, cherry cheese and blueberry cheese. To tell you the truth, I love the plain old potato with lots of mustard on top! Of course all of them are terrific. I especially like the kasha, which is kind of an acquired taste and the red cabbage which is a little unusual. I also really love the cherry cheese. I could eat one of the sweet ones for breakfast everyday! This is a classic place with a 100 year plus history...very basic, kind of old, and not at all fancy. If you really like knishes, you probably already know this place. It is legendary. If not, go buy a dozen, freeze some and enjoy the best knishes of your life! read more

This is a New York landmark. Having grown up in New York I have fond memories of this place and it really hasn't changed much over the years. The knishes are delicious and they have more variety than the kasha and potato knishes of my youth, Delicious borscht . If you are in NYC treat yourself to a fun experience. This place is not fancy, it's a small space but really authentic food. read more

Place was shabby inside. Counter attendant was curt and a little rude. Knish was microwaved??? The Knish wqs tasty but not fully heated all the way through. Expected more. Unfortunately I cannot recommend... read more

See all