Murray's Sturgeon Shop
| Murray's Sturgeon Shop | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Murray's Sturgeon Shop | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1945 |
| Location | New York City, New York, United States |
Murray's Sturgeon Shop is an appetizing store[1] and neighborhood fixture in Manhattan's Upper West Side. It is located on Broadway between 89th Street and 90th Street.[2][3]
History
The shop was founded by Murray Bernstein in 1945.[4] A few years later, his brother, Sam, became a co-owner.[4] The Bernsteins were born in Poland and immigrated to New York in the 1920s to escape antisemitism.[4]
The store specializes in smoked fish, especially sturgeon, and caviar.[4][5] In 1964, The New York Times described it as "one of the busiest places on Broadway" and praised its products as "first quality".[5] The store ships their fish all over the world, and in 1980 Murray's appetizers were being sold at the Neiman Marcus Epicure Shop in White Plains, New York.[6]
Show business personalities Sammy Cahn and Zero Mostel were regulars at the shop.[7]
In 1974, the shop was sold to restaurateur Artie Cutler. Artie took in a partner, Harold "Heshy" Berliner, in 1979. They sold the business to Ira Goller in 1990.[8] Goller continued to own and operate the store 34 years later in 2024 and prides himself on maintaining continuity with its origins.[9][2]
Sam Bernstein died in 1977 and Murray Bernstein died in 2000.[4][7]
See also
References
- ^ Glaser, Milton (July 22, 1968). "A Gentile's Guide to Jewish Food Part 1:The Appetizing Store". New York.
- ^ a b Ringler, Rachel (March 14, 2023). "This Upper West Side appetizing shop stands apart by standing still". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Archived from the original on August 12, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ Tannenhauser, Carol (April 17, 2018). "Small Business Focus: Murray's Sturgeon Shop". West Side Rag. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Martin, Douglas (February 23, 2000). "Murray Bernstein, West Side Sturgeon King, Dies at 87". The New York Times. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
- ^ a b Claiborne, Craig (March 10, 1964). "Food News: Smoked Fish Delicacies". The New York Times. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
- ^ Fabricant, Florence (September 6, 1980). "...Together With the Taste of New York; Chill at $5 a Pound". The New York Times. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
- ^ a b "Sam Bernstein, Founder of Murray's, the Store Specializing in Sturgeon". The New York Times. May 18, 1977. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
- ^ "MURRAY'S STURGEON SHOP, Upper West Side". Forgotten New York. July 3, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
- ^ Beck, Robert (February 15, 2024). "West Side Canvas: Murray's Sturgeon Shop". West Side Rag. Archived from the original on April 20, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2025.