"Perhaps no place is as synonymous with Essex Market as Shopsin’s, the enigmatic breakfast and brunch spot. Opened by Kenny Shopsin back in the ’80s, the restaurant became a destination for creative dishes like mac and cheese pancakes, and more sandwiches varieties than you can imagine. In addition, people came to interact with and experience Kenny and his family’s vocal personalities (check out Kenny’s documentary, I Like Killing Flies). Although Kenny passed away in 2018, the restaurant lives on, with its large menu, tremendous breakfast food, and a strict no-substitutions policy. Make sure you get the ebelskivers, Danish stuffed pancakes that come with jam." - carlo mantuano, will hartman