Shopsin's

"This NYC classic has newer digs in the relocated Essex Crossing but retains its old-school vibe in its eclectic dining room. The busy menu lists sections like “eggland,” “pancakeland,” and “Petes,” a collection of seemingly unrelated dishes with names like the Sneaky Pete and the OG Pete. There’s a named section with dishes like the So Good (triple-decker French toast grilled cheese) and the Bastard (eggs, pastrami hash, and cheddar on ciabatta. It even has its own house poem by Robert Hershon called “Party of Five.” When founder Kenny Shopsin was alive, tables larger than four-tops were famously not allowed." - Melissa McCart

"Shopsins is sort of like birdwatching or Tik Tok. You’re either obsessed with it or you have no real understanding of what it entails. For those in the former category, know that all of your favorite macaroni-stuffed pancakes and gargantuan sandwiches are available for pick-up in Essex Market. You can see their menu and place your order here." - hannah albertine

"Kenny Shopsin’s cult-favorite ’80s hangout lives on in Essex Market, and no matter what time of day you’re here, there should be some kind of pancake on your table. In the “Pancakeland” section of the menu, you’ll find more or less straightforward options like chocolate chip, blueberry, and mac and cheese (which is straightforward for Shopsin’s). Then there are the special and extra-special pancakes, the pancake sandwiches, the ebelskivers, and finally, the famous Slutty Pancakes, which are stuffed with things like hatch chile and chorizo mac and cheese." - carina finn koeppicus, kenny yang, molly fitzpatrick, sonal shah

"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

"The Essex Market breakfast staple Shopsin’s is known for its “breathtakingly long menu.” This sweatshirt features a recipe for the “Ten Commandment Sandwich” on its back — what the restaurant describes as “the most difficult sandwich our father ever invented,” referring to a sandwich no longer on the menu, from its founder, the late Kenny Shopsin. Pre-orders are available until December 1." - Emma Orlow