Russ &Daughters is a superb gathering place for friends in search for the ideal New York bite. Watch how your food is prepared and you’ll see why this place has been around for so long. They focus on perfection, and the employees take their time to make sure the bagels are prepared impeccably. As much as you may want to catch up with your friends, this eatery offers so much to savor that it will be hard to get in a word in between bites. Forget your diet for a few hours and indulge in some cream cheese, lox, and good conversation. There’s no seating, but on a sunny day you can take your food to Peretz Square, a park across the street, and enjoy it there.