There’s a wealth of great Jewish deli merchandise out there, and I’d say I own a solid 10% of it. Wherever I travel, I make a point of finding a decent (which often means passable) cup of coffee, a bowl of matzo ball soup, and a bagel—whether it’s at Canter’s Deli in LA’s Fairfax district, Schwartz’s in Paris’s Le Marais, or Beauty’s Luncheonette in Montreal’s Jewish Quarter.
Yet it’s not just the food I’m after—though I’ve discovered that a pile of crispy latkes can fix almost anything, from a cold to jet lag to heartbreak. In these complicated times, I feel most connected to my heritage when I’m savoring the same cabbage soup or tsimmes that my Russian Jewish forebears likely ate in their shtetls generations ago.
After finishing a meal at these beloved spots, always stuffed and reluctantly boxing up leftovers I don’t really need—more afraid of the server’s judgment than of bagels going stale in my hotel—I’ve made it a habit to browse the merchandise. I’ve collected so many Jewish deli baseball caps from around the globe that Larry David would be impressed, but my favorite is one I bought just 20 blocks from where I grew up: at Zabar’s, naturally.
Zabar’s—which was in the news this week after its longtime owner, “smoked fish czar” Saul Zabar, passed away at 97, having run his parents’ store since 1934 for over 70 years—stands out among Jewish delis in many ways. (For starters, they break the “consistently mediocre coffee” rule with brews that can power you through a long Passover seder.) But their signature orange merch has become a true fashion statement over the last decade, adored by figures like frum-meets-high-fashion designer Batsheva Hay (who’s been spotted in a Zabar’s cap) and even featured on a $500 Coach sweater in 2022.
To understand how Zabar’s hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and aprons rose to the top, I consulted an expert on both style and Jewish charm: Noah Rinsky, founder of Old Jewish Men of New York and husband of former Vogue staffer Liana Satenstein. “The Zabar’s logo is one of a kind. It’s brilliant,” he says. “There’s nothing else like it, which is why they probably send out more cease-and-desist letters than anyone. Just kidding!”
Rinsky is especially impressed by how Zabar’s merch gives wearers a sense of old New York warmth—a rarity in an era of rapid gentrification and impersonal Postmates deliveries. “A nice font really makes a difference, doesn’t it? Show up with a Zabar’s bag, and people think you’re cultured. Amazing. They hit the jackpot with that vibrant orange and thought, why stop at T-shirts when we can put it on socks, rugalach, aprons, book covers, sweatshirts, tote bags, and mugs too!”
I’ll probably never part with my collection of Jewish deli merch (mild hoarding is in my blood), but if I ever do, my beige-and-orange Zabar’s cap—which my partner and I shared across states early in our long-distance relationship, living out the gay tradition that all hats are communal—will be the last to go. If I need a new one, I know just where to find it, and I might grab a bialy and some whitefish while I’m there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about Zabars orange merchandise
General Questions
Q What exactly is Zabars orange merchandise
A Its a collection of kitchen gear and apparel like aprons oven mitts and tote bags all in Zabars signature bright orange color and featuring their classic logo
Q Why is the merchandise orange
A The bright orange is Zabars iconic brand color Its been a part of their storefront and identity for decades making it instantly recognizable
Q Is this stuff just for show or is it actually good quality
A Its designed to be both The items are functional wellmade and durable but they also serve as a proud badge of honor for fans of the iconic deli
Product Purchasing
Q What kind of items are available
A You can find a range of items including durable canvas tote bags protective aprons heatresistant oven mitts and tshirts
Q Where can I buy Zabars merchandise
A You can buy it directly at their store on the Upper West Side in NYC or through their official website for online shopping
Q Is the merchandise only available in New York
A While the store is in NYC their online shop ships across the United States so you can get your deli gear no matter where you live
Q Are the tote bags sturdy enough for heavy groceries
A Yes they are famously strong and spacious designed to handle the weight of a classic Zabars shopping haul
Usage Care
Q How do I clean the orange apron
A Most aprons are made of cotton canvas and can be machine washed in cold water Its best to air dry it to help preserve the vibrant color
Q Are the oven mitts actually heatproof
A Absolutely They are lined with heatresistant material to safely handle hot pots pans and baking sheets straight from the oven
Q Will the bright orange color fade after washing
A The color is quite resilient but to keep it as bright as possible washing in cold water and avoiding highheat drying is recommended
For the Super Fans