As Hanukkah lights brighten the New York City skyline, latkes—crispy potato pancakes associated with the eight-day celebration—offer a traditional holiday treat. The dish commemorates the Jewish festival marking the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where a small jar of oil, enough for one day, miraculously lasted eight. Media sources have highlighted some of the city's popular spots for these festive offerings.
With a history dating back to 1953, Liebman's Deli has been a staple for latkes in the Bronx, serving them with a selection of spiced applesauce toppings. Now, with the added convenience of nationwide shipping, their family-friendly offerings are accessible to a wider audience, according to Gothamist.
On the Lower East Side, Russ & Daughters serves classic potato latkes, backed by over a century of family history. The establishment continues to be a popular destination for those seeking traditional Hanukkah meals, as reported by NY Eater.
For those looking beyond the traditional, Kubeh in Greenwich Village brings a Middle Eastern twist to the latke game, with their prix fixe menu featuring standout selections like crudo latkes with sea bass and harissa yogurt until January 1—cited by Gothamist for their intriguing flavors.
Further uptown, the storied B&H Dairy, in operation since 1938 as reported by NY Eater, masters the quintessential latke paired simply with applesauce and sour cream, or for a sweetness curveball, maple syrup.
Across the boroughs, creative variations of latkes can be found, such as the latka, egg, and cheese sandwich and "latkes benedict" at Sandwich and Pickle Modern Delicatessen in Staten Island, as reported by Gothamist. Breads Bakery, with multiple locations, is preparing for high demand by offering packages of their golden-brown latkes.
Additionally, 2nd Ave Deli is serving its well-known dense pancakes and the 'Instant Heart Attack' sandwich, where latkes are used as the bread, as highlighted by NY Eater.
New York City's wide range of restaurants offers both traditional and modern takes on latkes during Hanukkah, catering to diverse tastes. Latke enthusiasts can find numerous options to enjoy as they celebrate the holiday.
