Ever smelled the irresistible aroma of challah baking? Right here on Second Avenue stands B&H Dairy. This isn’t just any eatery. It’s a New York City institution.
B&H Dairy opened its doors in 1938. The East Village was then known for its Yiddish Theatre District. The original owners Abie Bergson and Jack Heller later Sol Hausman catered to famous actors like Molly Picon and Maurice Schwartz. Bergson himself was an aspiring actor. Can you imagine sharing a pastrami on rye with a Broadway star?
The restaurant faced hardships. It went bankrupt in 1978. Bob Sherman a construction partner rescued it. Today an Egyptian Muslim and a Catholic Polish couple Fawzy and Alexandra Abdelwahed own this kosher dairy restaurant. They’ve kept the spirit of B&H alive through challenging times including a nearby gas explosion and fire in 2015. They even survived the pandemic relying on loyal customers and delivery apps.
B&H Dairy serves classic Jewish dairy cuisine. Think cheese blintzes with sour cream. Borscht matzo brei and other delicious milchik dishes fill the menu. They bake 100 loaves of challah daily. The tuna melt on challah is so popular even the FDNY orders it in bulk. Their “CHALLAH por favor” T-shirts are a testament to their multicultural staff and customer base. The restaurant’s longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal and the devotion of its owners. You can hear Arabic English Spanish and Polish shouted behind the counter. A truly New York experience.
From its humble beginnings to its present-day success B&H Dairy remains a cherished landmark. A place where history tradition and delicious food meet. A must-visit on any East Village exploration.